Containerized Membrane Module for CO2 Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation processes for carbon dioxide removal from flue gas in power plants require numerous small, error-prone, maintenance-intensive, and expensive membrane modules, which are difficult to transport and handle due to their large volume and weight, limiting the use of larger modules.
Innovation Solution
A membrane module with a large membrane area is designed using a standardized, cuboid container with membrane pocket stacks and permeate tubes, allowing for efficient separation of fluid feed streams into permeate and retentate streams, featuring spacers for flow management and seals to prevent fluid contact with permeate tubes, facilitating easy handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large membrane modules are used to reduce the number of modules needed, then productivity and cost efficiency improve, but handling and transportation become more difficult due to increased volume and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane module is divided into multiple standardized container units (20ft, 40ft, 45ft HC/PW versions) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each container houses a specific membrane area, allowing flexible configuration to achieve large total membrane areas without requiring excessively large individual modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple membrane pockets are nested within standardized shipping containers, with membrane pockets further containing spacers and sealing structures. This nested arrangement maximizes the membrane area within the constrained container volume while maintaining standard external dimensions for easy handling.
2Ease of operation
If numerous small membrane modules are used, then handling and transportation become easier, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple membrane pockets and their associated piping systems are merged into single standardized container units. Each container integrates its own complete separation system with unified inlet/outlet connections, reducing the total number of external control valves and piping connections needed compared to using many separate small modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized container design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the module boundary, houses the membrane pockets, integrates piping and control systems, and enables standardized transportation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If membrane pockets are stacked to increase membrane area, then separation performance improves, but free flow cross-section for fluid feed stream may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Membrane pockets are arranged in vertical stacks within the container rather than horizontal layouts. This vertical stacking utilizes the height dimension of the container to maximize membrane area while maintaining adequate horizontal spacing between pockets for fluid flow. Spacers positioned at multiple heights maintain this dimensional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container interior is divided into distinct zones: regions with densely stacked membrane pockets for maximum separation area, and regions with larger spacing for optimal fluid flow. First spacers create local flow channels between pockets, while second spacers within pockets create local permeate flow paths, optimizing both separation and flow characteristics in different local regions.
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 solution reduces the number of membrane modules needed, decreases maintenance and transportation costs, and enhances handling and transportation efficiency by utilizing fewer, larger modules, while maintaining high separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
membrane separation processes, in which the substance mixture to be separated, e.g. the flue gas of a power plant, is separated into a retentate and a permeate stream with the help of a membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a novel membrane module for separation of a fluid input flow into a permeate flow and a retentate flow. The membrane module according to the invention is characterized in that all components are housed in a 20', 40', 45' HC, 45' PW or 53' HC container, by means of which the membrane module can be very easily and cost-effectively transported and handled, despite the comparatively large volume and high weight thereof. In comparison to conventionally used membrane modules, the membrane module is furthermore characterized by the large membrane area thereof, by means of which the number of individual membrane modules required in practical application can be reduced by many times. The invention further relates to a method for separation of a fluid input flow into a permeate flow and a retentate flow, using the membrane module according to the invention.