EDI Module Block Arrangement for Current Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EDI modules face challenges with complex manufacturing and assembly, insufficient interaction of flow-through channels with ion-exchange materials, and decreased current efficiency, leading to high costs and inefficient purification of aqueous liquids.
Innovation Solution
The EDI module features a unique arrangement of anion-exchange and cation-exchange material blocks within the diluate compartment, with complementary protrusions and recesses, allowing for efficient ion removal and regeneration without recombination, thereby enhancing purification performance and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion-exchange materials are arranged in parallel layers adjacent to membranes, then the active surface for ion removal is increased, but the flow path becomes long and requires high membrane area per volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layered arrangement (parallel to membranes) to a three-dimensional block configuration. The ion-exchange blocks are positioned perpendicular to the membranes, creating a volumetric utilization that reduces the required membrane area while maintaining effective ion removal surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange materials are divided into separate cation-exchange blocks and anion-exchange blocks positioned at opposite ends of the diluate compartment. This segmentation allows each block to interact efficiently with the liquid flow independently, reducing the overall path length required for purification.
2Productivity
If grafted materials are used to intensify purification, then ion removal efficiency increases, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grafted materials are manufactured as pre-formed blocks with standardized dimensions and configurations. These modular blocks can be easily assembled into the diluate compartment without complex manufacturing processes, separating the intensification function from the assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The block structure acts as an intermediary form that bridges the gap between the intensive purification capability of grafted materials and the ease of assembly requirement. The blocks encapsulate the complex grafted material structure while presenting a simple geometric form for assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ion-exchange materials are positioned to maximize contact with liquid flow, then current efficiency increases, but manufacturing and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocks are positioned perpendicular to the liquid flow direction, maximizing the contact surface area between the ion-exchange materials and the flowing liquid. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes current efficiency while maintaining a simple block geometry that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The cation-exchange block and anion-exchange block are positioned asymmetrically at opposite ends of the diluate compartment, optimized for their respective ion removal functions. This asymmetric arrangement maximizes current efficiency by positioning each block where it can most effectively intercept ions in the liquid flow.
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 improves the quality of purified water, increases current efficiency, and reduces operational and manufacturing costs, enabling the production of high-purity water with a more straightforward assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
sorption of these ions to a material capable of exchanging these ions either for hydrogen ions (for cations) or hydroxide ions (for anions)
Implementation Method 2
transfer of ions under the influence of an electric field between an anode and a cathode
Implementation Method 3
sorption of these ions to a material capable of exchanging these ions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved electrodeionization (EDI) module and apparatus adapted to transfer ions present in a liquid under the influence of an electric field. In particular, the EDI module according to the present invention comprises a cathode (7) and an anode (8) spaced apart from the cathode (7), having therebetween at least two ion permeable membranes comprising at least one anion permeable membrane (2) and at least one cation permeable membrane (1) and delimiting one or more diluate compartments (5) and one or more concentrate compartments (6), wherein at least one diluate compartment (5) contains at least two blocks, a first block containing anion-exchange material (4) and a second block containing cation-exchange material (3), wherein a surface of said first block is adjacent to an anion permeable membrane (2) and a surface of said second block is adjacent to a cation permeable membrane (1) and wherein said two blocks are arranged side by side in a liquid-passing direction thereby forming an interface between said two blocks such that said interface is spaced apart from said anion permeable membrane (2) and said cation permeable membrane (1) and a straight line in a liquid- passing direction may pass the interface between said two blocks at least one time.