EDI Spacer Manifold Layout for Higher Flow With Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodeionization (EDI) devices face challenges in increasing flow rates without adversely affecting deionization performance and pressure drop, as scaling up conventional designs leads to increased pressure and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spacer structure with multiple sets of flow channels and a central manifold, utilizing bimodal ion exchange resin sizes, allows for enhanced fluid distribution and reduced flow path lengths, maintaining performance and reducing pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional EDI device designs are scaled up to increase flow rates, then productivity increases, but pressure drop and structural issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple segments with separate flow channels (first plurality and second plurality) that process fluid in parallel. Each segment handles a portion of the total flow, allowing the system to achieve higher overall flow rates without excessive pressure drop in any single channel. The manifold collects fluid from multiple segments, distributing the flow burden across the entire device structure.
2Productivity
If conventional EDI device designs are scaled up to increase flow rates, then productivity increases, but structural integrity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent flow channels and compartments handled by individual spacers. This modular approach distributes mechanical stresses across multiple smaller structural units rather than requiring a single large-scale structure, improving overall structural integrity while maintaining high flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold introduces a third dimensional aspect to fluid collection, gathering flow from multiple planar channels in a perpendicular direction. This multi-dimensional flow architecture allows efficient fluid collection without requiring excessive channel length or complex structural arrangements that would compromise structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow channels are lengthened to improve deionization performance, then purification quality increases, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deionization process is segmented into multiple parallel channels rather than one long channel. Fluid travels through shorter individual channel lengths while the cumulative effect of multiple channels in parallel achieves the required deionization performance. This segmentation reduces pressure drop while maintaining purification quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow channels are merged through the manifold into a single outlet stream. The combined effect of parallel flow paths achieves enhanced deionization performance equivalent to or greater than a single long channel, while the shorter individual path lengths minimize pressure drop accumulation.
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 design enables higher flow rates in EDI devices while maintaining deionization performance and reducing capital costs by optimizing fluid flow dynamics and resin distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a manifold in series fluid communication with the first plurality of flow channels between the first inlet port and first outlet port and configured to direct fluid in a second planar direction parallel to the primary plane of the spacer different from the first planar direction
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of flow channels configured to direct fluid in a first planar direction parallel to a primary plane of the spacer in a portion of a flow path from the first inlet port to the first outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
An electrodeionization device includes a spacer comprising a first inlet port, a first outlet port, a first plurality of first flow channels configured to direct fluid in a first direction from the first inlet port to the first outlet port, and a second flow channel in series fluid communication with the first plurality of first flow channels between the first inlet port and first outlet port and configured to direct fluid in a second direction different from the first direction from the first inlet port to the first outlet port.