Vacuum Membrane Distillation Using an Ejector Instead of Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing membrane distillation technologies face challenges with high energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and scalability issues due to the use of mechanical vacuum pumps, particularly in humid air streams, which affect efficiency and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an ejector module to create vacuum conditions for membrane distillation, eliminating the need for mechanical vacuum pumps by using kinetic energy from a high-velocity fluid stream to draw water vapor through a hydrophobic microporous membrane, with optional integration of a control unit to manage operational parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a vacuum pump is used to create vacuum in the permeate chamber, then vapor transfer through the membrane is enhanced and productivity increases, but energy consumption increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor transfer rateVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum pump system with a thermal vacuum generation system. Instead of using mechanical means to create vacuum, the system uses thermal energy to heat the permeate chamber and generate vacuum conditions, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical vacuum pumps and reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements while maintaining vapor transfer productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using thermal energy to create vacuum conditions in the permeate chamber. By controlling the temperature of the permeate chamber, the system generates vacuum pressure differential across the membrane, which drives vapor transfer without requiring mechanical vacuum pumps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a vacuum pump is used to maintain vacuum levels, then membrane distillation efficiency is improved, but operational costs and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistillation efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance needs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical vacuum pumps by using a thermal system to generate and maintain vacuum conditions. This substitution removes the mechanical components that require maintenance, repair, and periodic servicing, while still achieving the necessary vacuum levels for efficient membrane distillation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If mechanical vacuum pumps are used in humid air streams, then vapor evacuation is effective, but system reliability decreases due to condensation inside the pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor evacuation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vacuum pumps with a thermal vacuum generation system that uses heated chambers and thermal energy to evacuate vapor. This eliminates the problem of condensation inside mechanical pumps, which causes reliability issues, while maintaining effective vapor evacuation through thermal means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system reduces energy consumption, operational costs, and maintenance needs while enhancing scalability and efficiency by leveraging the ejector module to facilitate vacuum creation and condensation of water vapor into fresh water, improving overall water recovery rates.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to heat the salt water from the feed tank to form water vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

A heated saline or brackish feed water is passed over a micro-porous hydrophobic membrane in an MD module feed chamber. The temperature difference between the two sides of the membrane creates a vapor pressure difference, allowing water vapor to pass through the membrane pores from the hot feed side to the permeate side.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi Effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 4

leveraging the ejector module to facilitate vacuum creation and condensation of water vapor into fresh water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS20260078027A1System for desalinating water with vacuum membrane distillation

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

A system for desalinating water using membrane distillation (MD) integrated with an ejector includes an ejector module and a membrane module. The ejector module includes a water ejector, a first water circulation pump, and a freshwater tank. Freshwater is continuously pumped from the freshwater tank, through the water ejector, and back to the freshwater tank. The membrane module includes a feed tank, a second water circulation pump, a water heater, and a membrane distillation unit. Salt water from the feed tank is pumped through the water heater to form vapor, which is then directed to the membrane distillation unit. The membrane distillation unit comprises a feed chamber, a membrane, and a vapor chamber. Vapor passes through the membrane to the vapor chamber connected to the water ejector. The vapor chamber, under a vacuum, does not include an outlet configured to receive a sweeping gas.