Deflector Disc Structure for High-Pressure Membrane Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc tube reverse osmosis modules face challenges in withstanding high pressures and maintaining effective sealing and turbulence to prevent fouling, especially when operating at pressures exceeding 16.0 MPa, which is required for near zero liquid discharge applications.
Innovation Solution
A deflector disc design featuring annularly distributed bulges on both sides, radial water distribution ribs, an inner support ring with a sawtooth-shaped seal ring groove, and an outer support ring, which enhances turbulence and sealing performance by creating a forced turbulence effect and absorbing deformation under high pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operation pressure is increased to 16.0 MPa or higher to achieve near zero liquid discharge, then the concentration recovery ratio is improved, but the sealing effect and structural strength of the deflector disc deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector disc structure is pre-designed with reinforced ribs and optimized geometry before operation to preemptively withstand high pressure loads. The ribbed structure and thickened regions are prepared in advance to prevent deformation when pressure reaches 16.0 MPa or higher, ensuring both high recovery ratio and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector disc incorporates curved and rounded structural features rather than sharp corners, distributing stress more evenly across the disc surface. This curvature design prevents stress concentration points that would compromise sealing under high pressure, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for near zero liquid discharge operation.
2Productivity
If the operation pressure is increased to 16.0 MPa or higher to achieve near zero liquid discharge, then the concentration recovery ratio is improved, but the turbulence effect on the membrane surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector disc design creates dynamic turbulence patterns that adapt to high pressure conditions. The ribbed structure and geometric features are configured to generate rotational and chaotic flow patterns that intensify under 16.0 MPa pressure, enhancing the scouring effect on the membrane surface and improving anti-fouling performance rather than deteriorating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector disc structure is designed to induce mechanical vibration and rotational movement in the feed stream under high pressure. This vibration effect creates continuous disturbance on the membrane surface, preventing fouling accumulation even at operation pressures of 16.0 MPa or higher, thereby maintaining anti-fouling performance while achieving high concentration recovery.
3Ease of manufacture
If the structure of the deflector disc is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the strength and sealing effect under high pressure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector disc is segmented into functional zones with ribs and structural reinforcements positioned only where needed to withstand pressure. This segmented approach concentrates manufacturing complexity in critical areas while leaving other regions simpler, balancing manufacturing cost with the strength required for high pressure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector disc features local quality variations with thickened regions, ribbed structures, and reinforced areas positioned specifically at high-stress locations. This allows the disc to have enhanced strength where needed while maintaining simpler and more cost-effective construction in less critical areas, achieving pressure resistance without excessive manufacturing cost.
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 significantly improves anti-fouling performance and allows the module to operate at pressures exceeding 25.0 MPa, ensuring reliable sealing and prolonged membrane life under severe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a forced turbulence function and improves anti-fouling performance of the membrane module
Implementation Method 2
an outer side groove wall of the seal ring groove is sawtooth-shaped... absorbing deformation under high pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a deflector disc of a disc tube membrane module, including a deflector disc body, radial water distribution ribs, an inner support ring and an outer support ring. Bulges are arranged on the front and back sides of the deflector disc body; first and second ends of the radial water distribution rib are respectively fixedly connected with an inner edge of the deflector disc body and an outer edge of the inner support ring, an annular boss is arranged on the front side of the inner support ring, a seal ring groove is respectively arranged at corresponding positions of the front and back sides of the inner support ring, multiple yielding water collecting grooves are annularly and uniformly distributed on the inner surface of the inner support ring; an inner edge of the outer support ring is fixedly connected with an outer edge of the deflector disc body.