Cross-flow filtration with particulate settling zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation systems for particulate matter from liquids face challenges in balancing size, energy efficiency, and separation effectiveness, with hydroclones being energy-intensive and less effective for small particles, while cross-flow filtration systems are prone to fouling and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cross-flow filtration system combining a filtration zone with a particulate settling zone within a pressurized recirculation loop, utilizing a membrane filter and a recirculation pump to drive pressurized fluid through the system, which includes a cleaning assembly to maintain membrane integrity and enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cross-flow filtration systems are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but fouling increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the separation process into two distinct zones: a cross-flow filtration zone for removing fine particles and a particulate settling zone for removing larger particles. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, reducing fouling in the filtration zone while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The particulate settling zone acts as an intermediary between the feed stream and the cross-flow filtration zone. By pre-settling larger particles in this intermediate zone, the filtration zone is protected from fouling by large particles, extending membrane life and maintaining separation efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydroclones are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but separation effectiveness for small particles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the separation function between a hydroclone-like settling zone for large particles (energy efficient) and a cross-flow filtration zone for small particles (high precision). This allows the system to achieve both low energy consumption and high separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the advantages of hydroclone settling and cross-flow filtration into a single integrated system. The settling zone provides energy-efficient removal of large particles, while the filtration zone provides effective removal of small particles, achieving both energy efficiency and separation effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If cross-flow filtration systems are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the separation process into settling and filtration zones, the system reduces the energy burden on the filtration zone. The settling zone handles the energy-intensive removal of large particles, while the filtration zone focuses on efficient removal of small particles, overall reducing energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The particulate settling zone performs preliminary separation of large particles before the feed enters the cross-flow filtration zone. This preliminary action reduces the load on the filtration zone, allowing it to operate more efficiently with lower energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency for small particles.
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 superior separation efficiency with reduced energy consumption and fouling, allowing for effective removal of both large and small particulate matter, suitable for various industrial applications including pulp effluent, oil and gas process water, and municipal wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28)
Implementation Method 2
A recirculation pump (Z) is in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and the fluid inlet (14). A pressurizable recirculation loop (A) comprises the fluid treatment pathway (28) and recirculation pump (Z), and the recirculation pump (Z) is adapted for driving pressurized through the recirculation loop (A)
Implementation Method 3
The invention includes a cross-flow filtration zone in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone
Data Source
AI summary
Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14). A pressurizable recirculation loop (A) comprises the fluid treatment pathway (28) and recirculation pump (Z) and the recirculation pump (Z) is adapted for driving pressurized through the recirculation loop (A). A feed pump (Y) is adapted to introduce feed liquid into the system (10); and an effluent outlet (18) in fluid communication with the particulate settling zone (30). The feed pump (Y), effluent outlet (18) and filtered fluid outlet (16) reside outside of the recirculation loop (A).