Crystallization Apparatus with Membrane Wall and Segmented Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crystallization systems face issues with flow passages being blocked by crystals or crystal growth through the membrane wall, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, especially when using microporous membranes and narrow flow passages for heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A crystallization apparatus with flow passages separated by a steam-impermeable and liquid-impermeable wall and a solvent-permeable membrane wall, where the solution is boiled to concentrate the solvent, reducing crystal adhesion and allowing solvent removal through the membrane, with wider flow passages to minimize blockages and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the flow passage width is minimized to achieve high heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the flow passage becomes prone to blockage by crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is segmented into multiple smaller channels by spacing grids, which maintain narrow effective flow paths for high heat transfer while preventing crystal blockage through the grid structure. The spacing grids act as physical barriers that segment the continuous flow passage into discrete channels.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film heating element is used instead of conventional heating coils or jackets, providing uniform heat distribution across the flow passage without occupying significant space. This allows maintenance of narrow flow passage width for high heat transfer efficiency while preventing crystal accumulation and blockage.
2Quantity of substance
If microporous membrane walls are used for solvent removal, then solvent permeability is improved, but crystals can grow through the membrane wall
Solution Approach 1:
The microporous membrane wall is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced when crystal growth occurs. This disposable approach is more economical than attempting to clean or repair the membrane, ensuring continuous operation without compromising membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Crystals are removed from the flow passage and membrane surface before they can grow large enough to penetrate through the microporous structure. Regular maintenance cycles include cleaning operations that prevent crystal accumulation and potential membrane penetration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spacing grids are used to hold open flow passages, then flow passage stability is improved, but crystals can deposit in the grids and block the passage
Solution Approach 1:
A flow of inert gas or liquid is passed through the spacing grids to prevent crystal deposition and maintain passage openness. The hydraulic or pneumatic flow keeps the grid channels clear by preventing crystal accumulation and removing any crystals that do deposit.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing grids are periodically cleaned or replaced to remove accumulated crystals. This periodic maintenance restores the original flow passage geometry and prevents progressive blockage that would occur without regular intervention.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional evaporation methods are used for solution concentration, then solvent removal is achieved, but high energy expenditure is required
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional thermal evaporation is replaced with a membrane-based separation process. The microporous membrane wall enables solvent removal through selective permeation driven by pressure or concentration gradients, eliminating the need for high-temperature evaporation and significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent is removed through phase transition from liquid to vapor through the microporous membrane wall, but this occurs at lower temperatures than conventional evaporation. The membrane facilitates vapor transmission while retaining the solution, enabling concentration with minimal energy input compared to bulk evaporation.
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 configuration ensures reliable and efficient crystallization by preventing crystal blockages, maintaining high heat transfer rates, and allowing for effective solvent removal, while reducing crystal adhesion and growth issues, thus improving the overall crystallization process.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane wall permeable to the vaporous solvent, but not to the liquid solvent
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred during the operation of the crystallization apparatus through the steam-impermeable and liquid-impermeable wall from the heating steam or the heating liquid to the solution to be concentrated
Implementation Method 3
the solution to be concentrated is boiled in the respective flow passage conducting the solution to be concentrated. The vaporous solvent produced during boiling moves through the membrane wall
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the crystallization of a substance to be crystallized which is dissolved in a solvent, comprising a crystallization apparatus which is flowed through by a solution to be concentrated which has the substance to be crystallized dissolved therein, and by a heating steam or a heating liquid, wherein the crystallization apparatus has at least one flow passage conducting the solution to be concentrated, at least one flow passage conducting the heating steam or the heating liquid, and at least one flow passage conducting vaporous solvent, wherein a respective flow passage conducting the solution to be concentrated is at least partly separated from a respective flow passage conducting the heating steam or the heating liquid by a steam-impermeable and liquid-impermeable wall and wherein a respective flow passage conducting the solution to be concentrated is at least partly separated from a respective flow passage conducting the vaporous solvent by a membrane wall permeable to the vaporous solvent, but not to the liquid solvent, wherein the crystallization apparatus is configured such that the solution to be concentrated is boiled in the respective flow passage conducting the solution to be concentrated and vaporous solvent produced during the boiling moves through the membrane wall into the adjacent flow passage conducting the vaporous solvent.