Electrodeionization Module With Integrated Ultrafiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical desalination devices face challenges in maintaining the required counter pressure and separating particles and microorganisms from the ion exchange resin, often requiring adjustable pressure-maintaining valves which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ultrafiltration module downstream of the electrodeionisation module serves both to separate ion exchanger residues and bacteria and to produce the necessary counter pressure, eliminating the need for adjustable pressure-maintaining valves by utilizing the increasing pressure from filter residues over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an adjustable pressure-maintaining valve is provided to achieve required counter pressure, then the packing density of ion exchange resin is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adjustable pressure-maintaining valve from the system entirely. Instead, the ultrafiltration module itself generates the necessary counter pressure through its filtration operation, eliminating the need for separate pressure control components and reducing device complexity while maintaining resin packing density.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrafiltration module serves dual functions: it separates particles and microorganisms from the electrolyte solution while simultaneously generating the counter pressure needed to maintain ion exchange resin packing density. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated pressure control valves.
2Manufacturing precision
If a membrane module is connected downstream to separate particles and microorganisms, then the separation quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrafiltration module with the pressure generation function. The same module that provides particle and microorganism separation also generates the counter pressure through its filtration resistance, merging two functions into one component and avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrafiltration module performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the separation barrier for particles and microorganisms and the source of counter pressure for maintaining resin density, reducing the need for additional separate components.
3Device complexity
If the ultrafiltration module is used to produce counter pressure without pressure-maintaining valves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrafiltration module self-regulates the counter pressure through its inherent filtration characteristics. As filter residues accumulate over time, the module automatically generates increasing pressure, eliminating the need for external pressure control mechanisms while maintaining adequate pressure for resin stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts that pressure will vary over time as the ultrafiltration module operates and filter residues accumulate. This parameter change is tolerated and even utilized, as the pressure increase over time continues to provide sufficient counter pressure without requiring active control mechanisms.
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 maintains the packing density of the ion exchanger in the electrodeionisation module while effectively separating contaminants, achieving consistent water quality and production rates without the need for additional pressure control valves.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrafiltration module and a connection piece which connects the electrodeionisation module and the ultrafiltration module such as to be able to guide a diluate produced from said electrolyte solution
Implementation Method 2
cation and anion exchange membranes are arranged alternatingly between two electrodes, cathode and anode. The space between two adjacent membranes each defines a dilution chamber or a concentrate chamber, respectively. The dilution chamber is filled with either ion exchange resin and/or ion conductive material
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the increasing pressure from filter residues over time
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the electrodeionization of an aqueous electrolyte solution, comprises an electrodeionization module (1), an ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) and a connection piece (3, 10) which connects the electrodeionization module (1) and the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) such as to be able to guide a diluate produced from the electrolyte solution during operation of the device in the electrodeionization module (1) from the electrodeionization module (1) to the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203); wherein the connection piece (3, 10) is devoid of an adjustable pressure-maintaining valve. Via the pressure drop occurring in the ultrafiltration modules (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203), these devices build up a counter pressure behind the electrodeionization module (1) which is sufficient to ensure the packing density of the ion exchanger in the electrodeionization module (1).