Contactor Module with Angled Membrane Arrays for Compact Mass Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactors face challenges in large-scale applications due to space constraints, servicing issues, and efficiency constraints, particularly when arranged in complex configurations, leading to longer mass or heat transfer times and implementation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A contactor module design featuring a frame member with membrane arrays of hollow fibers arranged at perpendicular axes, forming a continuous membrane array with a defined inclination angle, supported by structural elements to prevent unfolding and enhance surface contact area, allowing for compact and efficient fluid interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple contactors are used to meet large scale application requirements, then the system capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple membrane arrays (first and second membrane arrays with different fiber orientations) into a single integrated contactor module. This merging approach achieves the capacity of multiple separate contactors while reducing overall device complexity and simplifying the arrangement within the contactor panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional arrangement by configuring membrane arrays with hollow fibers extending along different fiber axes (first fiber axis and second fiber axis) that are not parallel to each other. This dimensional diversification allows multiple contactor functions to be packed into a single module, increasing system capacity without proportionally increasing space requirements or complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If contactors are arranged in complex configurations to fit space constraints, then space utilization is improved, but the mass and heat transfer efficiency decreases due to longer transfer paths
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring hollow fibers to extend along different non-parallel fiber axes, the patent creates three-dimensional contactor arrangements that maximize surface area within limited space. This dimensional approach increases contact surface area without extending transfer paths, maintaining efficiency while improving space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different fiber orientations (first fiber axis and second fiber axis) to different membrane arrays within the same contactor module. This local differentiation optimizes fluid distribution and contact patterns in specific regions, ensuring efficient mass and heat transfer while maximizing space utilization throughout the entire contactor panel.
3Device complexity
If conventional membrane arrays with parallel fiber axes are used, then the structure is simple, but the contact surface area to volume ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional parallel fiber arrangements to three-dimensional configurations with hollow fibers extending along different non-parallel axes. This dimensional escalation dramatically increases the contact surface area to volume ratio while adding only moderate structural complexity through the defined angular relationship between fiber axes.
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 design increases the contact surface area to volume ratio, improving efficiency and reducing system size while maintaining structural integrity, enabling effective mass and heat transfer in applications like evaporative cooling, heating, and dehumidification systems.
Implementation Method 1
The contactor may be used to bring two immiscible fluid phases (such as gas/gas, liquid/liquid, gas/liquid) in contact with each other to cause mass transfer or heat transfer from one fluid to another
Implementation Method 2
The contactor may be used to bring two immiscible fluid phases (such as gas/gas, liquid/liquid, gas/liquid) in contact with each other to cause mass transfer or heat transfer from one fluid to another
Data Source
AI summary
A contactor module for a contactor panel includes a frame member and a contactor media coupled to the frame member. The contractor module defines a first side and a second side. The contactor media includes at least one first membrane array including a plurality of first hollow fibers extending along a first fiber axis. The at least one first membrane array defines a first axis. Further, the contactor module includes at least one second membrane array including a plurality of second hollow fibers extending along a second fiber axis. The at least one second membrane array defines a second axis. The at least one first membrane array and the at least one second membrane array is disposed such that a first inclination angle is defined between the first axis and the second axis. Moreover, the first inclination angle is greater than zero degree and less than 180 degrees.