Composite Membrane for Edible Oil Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating low-molecular substances from organic solutions, such as edible oil production, are energy-intensive and require large amounts of water and chemicals, with membranes lacking high separation power and long-term stability, especially for oil/n-hexane mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A composite membrane with a separation-active layer hardened by electromagnetic radiation (wavelength < 800 nm) or electron beams, preferably using silicone acrylate and a supporting membrane like polyacrylnitrile or polyvinylidene fluoride, providing high retention power and long-term stability for low-molecular substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional separation methods (distillation, filtration, precipitation) are used for separating low-molecular substances from organic solutions, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption and water/chemical usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal separation methods (distillation at 150-200°C) with membrane-based separation. The membrane module physically separates components based on molecular size and properties without requiring high temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous membranes with specific pore sizes and structures to separate low-molecular substances from organic solutions. The porous structure allows selective passage of molecules based on size exclusion and adsorption mechanisms, achieving efficient separation without energy-intensive thermal processes.
2Loss of substance
If conventional separation methods are used, then separation can be achieved, but large amounts of water and chemicals must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical separation methods (precipitation with phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide, washing with water) with physical membrane separation. The membrane selectively retains or passes components based on molecular characteristics, eliminating the need for large amounts of water and chemicals while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane structure enables size-based and property-based separation without requiring chemical reagents or excessive water for washing and precipitation steps, thereby reducing substance consumption while achieving reliable separation.
3Reliability
If existing membranes are used for separating oil/n-hexane mixtures, then some separation can be achieved, but long-term stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite membranes combining different materials (e.g., polyacrylonitrile support layer with silicone acrylate separation layer) to achieve both high separation power for low-molecular substances and long-term stability in oil/n-hexane mixtures. The composite structure leverages the strengths of each material: mechanical strength from the support and selective separation from the functional layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specifically designed porous membranes with optimized pore structures that provide both high separation capability for low-molecular substances and enhanced chemical resistance for long-term stability in organic solvent environments.
4Temperature
If high temperatures are used in conventional processes, then separation can be achieved, but oil quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal processing (distillation at 150-200°C, deodorization at 200°C) with membrane separation operating at ambient or mild temperatures. This physical separation method preserves heat-sensitive oil quality while achieving effective separation of solvents and impurities.
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 composite membrane significantly reduces energy and water consumption, improves oil quality, and decreases n-hexane emissions by 95%, achieving efficient separation and purification of edible oils and other organic solutions with minimal thermal treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The separation limits specified in these steps lie between 1,500 and 200,000 in regard to the molecular weight. Preferred is a range from 10,000 to 50,000 mw
Implementation Method 2
Through the addition of activated carbon, dyes, such as chlorophyll and beta carotine, are removed
Implementation Method 3
the separation-active membrane layer comprises a polymer which can be hardened by electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams
Implementation Method 4
The cross-linking is done by hydrosylilation with the aid of a platinum catalyst and a cross-linking agent which consists of short-chain PDMS with hydride groups
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite with a separation-active membrane layer and a supporting membrane, a process for the production of the same and a process for using the same. The composite membrane according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the separation-active membrane layer comprises a polymer hardened by electromagnetic radiation with wave length that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams. The process according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that a layer of a solution of a polymer that can be hardened by electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams and an initiator substance is applied to a supporting membrane and subsequently is hardened by electromagnetic radiation and/or by electron beams. The use according to the invention serves to retain low molecular weight substances from organic solutions.