Dual-Layer Zeolite Membrane for High Water Permeation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dehydration methods using zeolite membranes do not effectively increase the water permeation amount from mixtures containing water.
Innovation Solution
A dehydration method employing a separation membrane configuration with a first zeolite membrane facing the permeation side and a second zeolite membrane facing the supply side, where the second zeolite has a lower Si/Al atom ratio than the first zeolite, and a pressure difference is maintained between the two sides to enhance water permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional zeolite membrane is used for dehydration, then the membrane has good acid resistance, but the water permeation amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the zeolite membrane into multiple layers with different Si/Al ratios. The first zeolite membrane layer has a higher Si/Al ratio (5-20) providing acid resistance, while the second zeolite membrane layer has a lower Si/Al ratio (1-5) providing high water permeation. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between durability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane have different compositions optimized for their specific functions. The first layer (facing permeation side) uses high Si/Al ratio material for chemical stability, while the second layer (facing supply side) uses low Si/Al ratio material for water transport efficiency. This local quality differentiation enables simultaneous achievement of acid resistance and high water permeation.
2Productivity
If the Si/Al atom ratio of zeolite is reduced to increase water permeation, then water permeation amount increases, but acid resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the membrane structure into two distinct zeolite layers with different Si/Al ratios. The lower Si/Al ratio layer (1-5) provides high water permeation, while the higher Si/Al ratio layer (5-20) provides acid resistance. This segmentation resolves the trade-off by assigning different compositional characteristics to different functional regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite zeolite membrane system combining two different zeolite compositions. By forming a multi-layer structure with zeolites of different Si/Al ratios, the membrane achieves properties that neither single-layer membrane could achieve alone - simultaneously high water permeation and acid resistance.
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 significantly increases the water permeation amount while maintaining dehydration performance and durability of the membrane.
Implementation Method 1
making a pressure difference between the supply side space and a permeation side space of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
water permeation amount of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 3
a second zeolite membrane that faces the supply side space and is adjacent to the first zeolite membrane. The second zeolite membrane is constituted by a second zeolite that has the same framework structure as framework of the first zeolite and has a lower Si/Al atom ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A dehydration method is a dehydration method for selectively separating water from a mixture that contains water, and the method includes a step of supplying the mixture to a supply side space of a separation membrane, and a step of making a pressure difference between the supply side space and a permeation side space of the separation membrane. The separation membrane includes a first zeolite membrane that faces the permeation side space and is constituted by a first zeolite and a second zeolite membrane that faces the supply side space and is adjacent to the first zeolite membrane. The second zeolite membrane is constituted by a second zeolite that has the same framework structure as framework of the first zeolite and has a lower Si/Al atom ratio than a Si/Al atom ratio of the first zeolite.