Cross-Flow Filtration Cassette for Viscous Biomass Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation technologies face challenges in efficiently isolating target molecules from viscous and complex hydrocarbon-containing materials, such as biomass, due to issues like clogging, high viscosity, and costly dilution processes, leading to inefficient and costly separation operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cross-flow filtration system with a specific cassette design comprising alternating retentate and filter sheets allows for the separation of target molecules based on molecular weight and viscosity, utilizing a sequence of sheet members with inlet and outlet openings, enabling effective separation of target products from both viscous and non-viscous media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtration methods are used to separate target molecules from viscous hydrocarbon materials, then separation can be achieved, but the process suffers from clogging and requires costly dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple filter sheets arranged in a stack, creating multiple filtration stages. Each sheet handles a portion of the flow, preventing any single filter from becoming overloaded and clogged. This segmentation allows the system to process viscous materials without requiring dilution, directly resolving the contradiction between separation effectiveness and process cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-plane filtration to three-dimensional stacked filtration. Multiple filter sheets are arranged vertically with flow distributors that direct fluid horizontally across each sheet. This dimensional change increases the total filtration area and distributes the load, enabling effective separation of viscous hydrocarbon materials without clogging or costly dilution steps.
2Reliability
If cross-flow filtration is used to handle viscous materials, then clogging is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-flow filtration system is segmented into multiple discrete filter sheets, each with its own flow distribution zone. This segmentation allows the complex cross-flow mechanism to be replicated in a modular fashion, where each sheet independently handles viscous material without clogging while the overall system remains manageable through repetition of the same structural unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked filter sheet assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cross-flow filtration to prevent clogging, acts as a structural framework, and integrates flow distribution and collection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving reliable clogging resistance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation steps are used to purify target molecules, then purity is improved, but the process time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtration stages are merged into a single stacked assembly where viscous material passes through successive filter sheets in one continuous operation. This combines what would traditionally require multiple separate purification steps into one integrated process, achieving high purity target molecule separation without extending process time or increasing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked filter sheet system enables continuous filtration of viscous materials through multiple stages without interruption. The cross-flow mechanism maintains continuous movement of material across each filter surface, preventing stagnation and enabling uninterrupted separation, thereby achieving high purity output without time loss between steps.
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
This method effectively separates target molecules from complex hydrocarbon materials, reducing costs and simplifying the separation process by minimizing the need for dilution and additional purification steps, while maintaining high yield and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
cross-flow filtration system with a specific cassette design comprising alternating retentate and filter sheets allows for the separation of target molecules based on molecular weight and viscosity
Implementation Method 2
solids or high-molecular-weight species of diameter larger than the filter sheet's pore size, are retained in the retentate flow, and at least a portion of the liquid medium with any permeate species diffuse through the filter sheets
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the liquid medium with any permeate species diffuse through the filter sheets and enter the permeate sheet and permeate flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to separation of desired target products from biological, plant, and waste-type material, wherein the desired target products include renewable fuels such as ethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel, wherein the separation is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to separate desired products from both non-viscous and viscous medium.