CAPS Gas-Permeable Membrane for Sealed Hazardous Material Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for shipping and storing hazardous materials, such as radioactive materials, face challenges in safely and efficiently permeating gases from sealed containers without continuous venting, which is prohibited by regulations, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A compact augmented permeation system (CAPS) assembly with a gas-permeable membrane and support structure that accelerates gas permeation while preventing the transfer of liquids and solids, allowing gases to exit through a controlled membrane system without venting, and can be removably coupled to storage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous venting is used to remove gases from sealed containers, then gas removal efficiency is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates (continuous venting is prohibited for Type A Fissile/Type B shipping containers)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical venting system (continuous venting) with a permeation-based system using gas-permeable membranes. The membranes allow gases to pass through via diffusion and permeation mechanisms, eliminating the need for mechanical venting components while achieving gas removal without violating regulatory prohibitions on continuous venting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas-permeable membranes with specific porosity characteristics to enable selective gas transmission. These porous or semi-permeable materials allow hazardous gases to permeate through while maintaining the sealed container structure, providing a compliant alternative to conventional venting systems.
2Reliability
If permeation occurs slowly through packaging materials, then container seal integrity is improved, but gas removal efficiency deteriorates (especially at low temperatures)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the container system. The main container body uses impermeable materials for seal integrity, while specific localized regions incorporate gas-permeable membranes with optimized properties. This allows slow permeation in general packaging materials to be enhanced at critical locations where gas accumulation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining impermeable container materials with permeable membrane materials. The gas-permeable membranes are integrated as separate layers or components within the container assembly, creating a hybrid system that maintains overall seal integrity while providing enhanced gas removal pathways through the permeable sections.
3Productivity
If gas-permeable membrane surface area is increased to enhance permeation, then gas removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat membrane configurations to three-dimensional structured membranes with increased surface area. The membranes are formed with corrugated, pleated, or porous three-dimensional structures that provide significantly larger permeation surface area within the same footprint, enhancing gas removal without requiring larger or more complex membrane assemblies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The CAPS system effectively enhances gas permeation rates, preventing flammable gas accumulation and pressure increases, ensuring safe storage and transportation of hazardous materials by allowing gases to permeate without venting, thus adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
gas received within the interior cavity via the gas inlet permeates through the gas-permeable membrane before being expelled from the interior cavity via the gas outlet
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a compact augmented permeation system (CAPS) assembly includes a housing defining an interior cavity. The housing further defines a gas inlet for receiving gas within the interior cavity and a gas outlet for expelling the gas from the interior cavity. Additionally, the CAPS assembly includes a gas-permeable membrane positioned within the housing and defining a system boundary across the interior cavity such that gas received within the interior cavity via the gas inlet permeates through the gas-permeable membrane before being expelled from the interior cavity via the gas outlet.