Flat Membrane Lower-Edge Geometry to Prevent Fiber Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane treatment apparatuses face issues with contaminants like fibers and hair getting caught on the lower edge of flat membrane elements, leading to clogging and stagnation of the liquid flow, which results in suspended matter adhering to the filtration membrane.
Innovation Solution
The membrane treatment apparatus is designed with flat membrane elements having lower edges that extend upward or horizontally from one side to another, allowing contaminants to move along the edge and escape easily, facilitated by the flow of gas and liquid, and includes features like aeration means and partition members to enhance flow and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contaminants are caught on the lower edge of the flat membrane element, then the membrane element can effectively filter the liquid, but the lower edge becomes clogged and liquid flow stagnates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower edge of the flat membrane element is extended in the vertical direction (upward extension) to create a three-dimensional contaminant escape path. This dimensional extension allows contaminants to be transported upward along the extended edge by gas bubbles and removed from the filtration area, preventing clogging while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If the lower edge of the flat membrane element is horizontal, then the structure is simple, but contaminants accumulate and firmly adhere to the membrane surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lower edge is extended upward in the vertical dimension, transforming from a two-dimensional horizontal edge to a three-dimensional structure. This vertical extension creates a contaminant escape route that prevents accumulation while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas bubbles generated by the aeration means are utilized to transport contaminants along the upwardly extended lower edge. The gas-liquid flow mechanism carries contaminants away from the membrane surface without requiring additional mechanical structures.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a residue contact suppressing portion is provided at the lower part of the flat membrane element, then contaminants are less likely to be caught, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower edge is designed with asymmetric geometry, extending upward only on one side or in a specific pattern rather than uniformly. This asymmetric design prevents contaminant accumulation while maintaining structural simplicity by modifying only the necessary portion of the edge.
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 effectively prevents contaminants from obstructing the liquid supply to the filtration membrane, reducing stagnation and accumulation, thereby maintaining smooth filtration and increasing the filtration area.
Implementation Method 1
an upward flow of the liquid to be treated is formed in the vicinity of the flat membrane element by supplying gas such as air from the aeration means provided below the flat membrane element
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane treatment apparatus (1) comprising: a plurality of flat membrane elements (2) which are immersed in a liquid to be treated, disposed side by side in the first direction so that membrane surfaces face each other; a supporting member (8) for holding the flat membrane element (2) provided at an end part of the flat membrane element on a first side in the second direction; and an aeration means (10) provided below the flat membrane element (2); wherein a lower edge of the flat membrane element (2) is formed to extend upward from the first side to a second side in the second direction, or to extend upward and horizontally from the first side to the second side in the second direction.