Dual-Tank Membrane Distillation Assembly for Continuous Ultrapure Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane distillation assemblies are inefficient in producing large volumes of ultra-purified water, are time-consuming and energy-demanding, and prone to contamination during transportation, failing to meet the demands of semiconductor manufacturing where ultra-purified water is needed for efficient wafer washing.
Innovation Solution
A membrane distillation assembly with a reservoir comprising two tanks connected in parallel, allowing concurrent production and utilization of ultra-purified water, featuring controllable valves for alternating filling and discharge, and a design that includes a preheated water supply and a cooling chamber for efficient condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single-tank reservoir is used for storing purified water, then the device structure is simple, but the production of ultra-purified water cannot meet the large volume demands of semiconductor manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into two separate tanks (first tank and second tank) that operate in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to produce and store larger volumes of purified water by distributing the production load across multiple independent storage units, thereby increasing the total quantity of purified water available while maintaining efficient production rates.
2Ease of operation
If purified water is transported in tanks or pipes, then storage and distribution is enabled, but contamination occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the storage function from the transportation function by providing a dedicated reservoir with two tanks located near the point of use. This eliminates the need to transport purified water over long distances through pipes or external tanks, thereby preventing contamination that would occur during transportation while still enabling easy water supply to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-tank reservoir system acts as an intermediary between the purification source and the point of use. By positioning the reservoir locally and using controlled valve systems, it provides a contamination-free interface that delivers purified water directly to the semiconductor manufacturing process without requiring long-distance transportation through potentially contaminating conduits.
3Manufacturing precision
If membrane distillation is used for water purification, then ultra-purified water is produced, but the process is time-consuming and energy-demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous operation through two tanks that can work in parallel or alternation. While one tank is being filled with purified water, the other can be dispensed or maintained, ensuring uninterrupted ultra-purified water supply. This continuous operation optimizes energy utilization by keeping the membrane distillation process running at steady state rather than cycling on and off, thereby reducing overall energy consumption per unit of purified water produced.
4Manufacturing precision
If membrane distillation is used for water purification, then ultra-purified water is produced, but the production rate is too slow to meet manufacturing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The purification and storage system is segmented into two parallel tank units that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation effectively doubles the production capacity compared to a single-tank system, as both tanks can be filled through the membrane distillation process at the same time, thereby meeting the high production rate demands of semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining the ultra-purification quality.
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
Enables continuous and efficient production of ultra-purified water at the point of use, reducing contamination risks and energy consumption, while ensuring a consistent supply for semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber are separated from each other by a membrane
Implementation Method 2
an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber
Implementation Method 3
a condensation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane distillation assembly for providing purified water, the membrane distillation assembly including a membrane distiller that is configured for producing purified water, the membrane distiller having an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber, wherein the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber are separated from each other by a membrane, a reservoir connected to the membrane distiller, the reservoir being configured for intermediate storing of purified water, a water supply unit connected to the membrane distiller, and a purified water dispenser tool connected to the reservoir. The membrane distillation assembly wherein the reservoir includes at least two tanks for intermediate storing of purified water, wherein said tanks are connected in parallel with each other between the membrane distiller and the purified water dispenser tool.