Ceramic Membrane Filtration for Dissolved Solid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid purification systems are inefficient and require multiple steps and components, often relying on chemicals or microorganisms that can create more problems than they solve, and existing filtration systems fail to effectively remove contaminants based on size and charge.
Innovation Solution
A fluid purification system utilizing elongate ceramic membrane elements that separate contaminants by size and charge, with the ability to selectively remove polar and ionized contaminants through charged ceramic elements, reducing the number of operational units and steps required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate purification units are used to remove different contaminants, then removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines size-based filtration and charge-based separation functions into a single ceramic membrane element. The membrane simultaneously performs physical filtration of particles and electrostatic separation of polar/ionized contaminants, eliminating the need for multiple separate purification units while maintaining effective contaminant removal across different categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic membrane element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a physical filter for size-based separation and as a charged surface for electrostatic attraction of polar and ionized contaminants. This universal component handles multiple types of contamination removal within a single operational unit.
2Device complexity
If traditional filtration systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but they fail to remove charged contaminants effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite ceramic membrane material that combines porous structural properties for physical filtration with charged surface properties for electrostatic attraction. This composite material enables the membrane to simultaneously achieve size-based filtration of particles and charge-based separation of polar/ionized contaminants within a single component.
3Reliability
If chemicals or microorganisms are used for purification, then decontamination capability is improved, but harmful side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and biological purification methods with a physical-mechanical system based on size-based filtration and electrostatic attraction. The charged ceramic membrane elements use electrical forces to attract and retain polar and ionized contaminants without requiring chemical reactions or microorganisms, thereby avoiding harmful chemical byproducts and biological waste.
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 system achieves efficient removal of contaminants by size and charge, reducing operational costs and fouling, with ceramic elements capable of long-term use and high surface area for effective charge removal, producing a concentrated permeate with less waste.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the elongate ceramic membrane elements is configured to separate, exclude, and/or remove contaminants (e.g., particles) on the basis of their size
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the elongate ceramic membrane elements is configured to separate, exclude, and/or remove contaminants (e.g., polar, ionized, and ionizable contaminants) on the basis of their charge (e.g., total charge, net charge)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to systems, apparatus, and methods for fluid purification (e.g., water) with a ceramic elements configured to remove solids (e.g., particles) and charged particles (e.g., dissolved salts). For example, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a cross-flow fluid ceramic element comprising (a) an elongate ceramic membrane filter having a first filter end, a second filter end, at least one filter side, and at least one interior channel spanning the length of the filter, (b) a first ion removal unit comprising a first substrate having a first net polarity (e.g., innately or upon application of a current) configured to reversibly bind ions of opposite polarity, and (c) a second ion removal unit comprising a second substrate having a second net polarity (e.g., innately or upon application of a current) configured to reversibly bind ions of opposite polarity, wherein the first and second polarity are opposite of each other.