Ceramic Membrane Module External Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic membrane modules are prone to mechanical damage due to the sensitivity of face end seals and require additional support, making routine inspections challenging due to their weight, and there is a need for a method to seal the module within a housing without blocking the channels with potting material.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an external frame assembly that allows for the recessing of the ceramic membrane module within a housing, using a compression assembly to apply uniform pressure and seal the channels without blocking them, and applying potting material to secure the module while preventing channel obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ceramic membrane module is supported by recessing it inside the housing, then the mechanical support and protection of the ceramic is improved, but the process complexity increases due to the need for potting material application and channel sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the membrane element with end caps and sealing the channels before recessing the assembly into the housing. This pre-preparation simplifies the final installation process, as the element is ready for quick insertion without requiring complex in-situ sealing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the membrane system into modular components: the membrane element, end caps, and housing. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared and sealed independently, then assembled together, reducing the overall complexity of the potting process while maintaining mechanical support.
2Ease of operation
If the face end seal is left at the end of the housing for access, then inspection and maintenance are improved, but the seal is more susceptible to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a buffer zone or protective structure around the face end seal within the housing. This protective feature is built in advance to absorb mechanical impacts and protect the seal from damage while still allowing access for inspection and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nesting by placing the face end seal within a protective housing structure that provides both protection and access. The seal is nested within the housing in a way that allows it to be protected from external mechanical damage while remaining accessible for routine inspections.
3Strength
If potting material is applied to seal the element to the housing, then the mechanical bonding is improved, but there is a risk of blocking the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sealing the channels with end caps before applying the potting material. This pre-sealing ensures that the potting material cannot enter and block the channels, allowing the bonding process to proceed without precision concerns about channel obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the channel sealing function from the potting process by using separate end caps to seal the channels. This separation of functions allows the potting material to be applied for bonding without the risk of it entering and blocking the channels, as the channel sealing is already completed by the end caps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a ceramic membrane module system includes disposing at least one membrane (118) within a housing (120), the membrane (118) having capillaries therein. The method includes sealing the first housing end (122) and capillaries, applying force to the removable gasket with an external frame assembly (200), and disposing potting material into the housing (120) without plugging the capillaries with the potting.