Filtration Module Permeate Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cross-flow filtration modules experience pressure drops leading to uneven permeate flux, resulting in negative flux and backflow, which reduces module efficiency and requires frequent cleaning, increasing operational costs and contamination.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pressurized gas feed into the permeate side of the filtration module to prevent backflow by filling the upper space, ensuring permeate is not present, thereby maintaining a positive flux and reducing contamination, allowing for longer module operation without cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cross-flow filtration is used to maintain high solids load operation, then productivity is improved, but pressure drop causes uneven flux distribution leading to backflow and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolids load capacityVSAvoidflux uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different conditions in different parts of the permeate space. Gas is introduced specifically in the upper permeate space to prevent backflow, while the lower permeate space maintains liquid permeate collection. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high productivity through cross-flow filtration while preventing the harmful effect of backflow in specific regions where pressure conditions are unfavorable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of time

If module operates for longer periods to reduce cleaning frequency, then loss of time is reduced, but contamination increases requiring cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing gas into the upper permeate space before backflow can occur. This preventive measure counteracts the tendency toward backflow caused by pressure drop, thereby preventing contamination of the feed side by permeate. By acting in advance to prevent the harmful effect rather than correcting it after occurrence, the system can operate for longer periods between cleanings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If gas feed is added to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatics by using gas introduction into the permeate space to control fluid behavior and prevent backflow. This pneumatic approach provides a relatively simple mechanism compared to other potential solutions such as complex pressure control systems or mechanical barriers. The gas feed system adds minimal complexity while effectively improving reliability by preventing backflow through pressure balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Substantially reduces or prevents permeate backflow, lowers maximum local flux, slows contamination, and extends module lifespan, enabling cost-effective and efficient filtration with reduced energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a gas feed (18) is provided which opens out in the second space (11) at the permeate side of the filter element (7). The method comprises feeding of pressurized gas into the second space (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

fluid to be filtered is fed to the feeding side, from there is passed through the filter element(s), the solids being trapped in the filter and permeate (filtered fluid) is released at the permeate side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9504964B2Filtration method for operating a filtration module with gas feed at its permeate side to prevent backflow of permeate

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 X FLOW BV

AI summary

A method for operation of a filtration module 4 including a housing 5 with at least one filter element 7 positioned therein, the filter element defining a first space 10 in the housing at a feeding side of its filtering surface and a second space 11 at an opposite permeate side thereof, a fluid feed 14 opening out in the first space at the feeding side of the filter element, and a permeate outlet 17 in flow communication with the second space at the permeate side of the filter element, in which the filter element is placed in an upright position. The permeate outlet is positioned at a lower end of the filter element, and a gas feed 18 is provided opening out in the second space at said permeate side of the filter element. During filtration, pressurized gas is fed into the second space.