Flow Guide Mesh Comb Structure Radial Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RO and NF membrane water purifiers using cross-flow filtration technology face issues with slow filtration flow rates and concentration polarization, leading to fouling and reduced service life due to axial flow design and structural characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A flow guide mesh with a comb structure is introduced, changing the raw water flow direction from axial to radial, increasing the filtration channel length and reducing fouling by enhancing the flushing and separation of pollutants, achieved through specific design features like water isolating materials and comb tooth arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If axial flow design is used in conventional membrane filter assemblies, then the structure is simple, but the filtration flow rate is slow and fouling occurs rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide mesh is divided into multiple functional zones: a water inlet side with first water isolating material defining an effective water inlet width, a water outlet side with second water isolating material defining an effective water outlet width, and comb structures with teeth arranged to create specific flow patterns. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function, transforming axial flow to radial flow to enhance filtration efficiency and reduce fouling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow direction from axial (one-dimensional) to radial (two-dimensional) by positioning the effective water inlet width and effective water outlet width at different locations on the flow guide mesh. This dimensional change increases the filtration channel length and improves water utilization, thereby increasing the filtration flow rate and reducing concentration polarization.
2Reliability
If conventional flow guide mesh is used, then the device structure is simple, but concentration polarization occurs leading to fouling and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the flow guide mesh are assigned different functions: the first water isolating material on the inlet side defines where water enters, the comb structures with teeth create specific flow patterns to prevent dead zones, and the second water isolating material on the outlet side defines where permeate exits. This local differentiation ensures uniform flow distribution and prevents concentration polarization, thereby extending membrane service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide mesh acts as an intermediary component between the feed water and the membrane surface. By controlling the flow pattern through its structured design with comb teeth and water isolating materials, it mediates the interaction between water flow and membrane filtration, preventing direct contact of concentrated pollutants with the membrane surface and reducing fouling.
3Productivity
If wide inlet flow channel and short filtration process are used, then the device structure is simple, but the overall filtration flow rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the flow channel from a simple axial path to a radial path by positioning the effective water inlet width and effective water outlet width at different angular positions on the flow guide mesh. This creates a longer filtration path that utilizes the radial dimension, increasing the overall filtration flow rate without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 significantly increases the service life of membrane elements and filter assemblies by improving flow rates and reducing fouling, as evidenced by experimental verification showing reduced flow loss and increased salt rejection rates.
Implementation Method 1
the flow direction of the raw water is changed from an axial flow to a radial flow, thereby lengthening the length of the filter flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a shear force will be generated to take away particles 200 retained on the membrane 100, thereby making a contamination layer on a surface of the membrane 100 remain at a thinner level
Implementation Method 3
driven by a pump, a raw water on the left in FIG. 1 flows parallel to a membrane 100 to the right in FIG. 1, and flows downward through the membrane 100 during the flowing process for filtering (that is, the permeate liquid on the lower side in FIG. 1)
Data Source
AI summary
A flow guide mesh has a water inlet side and a water outlet side opposite to each other, wherein a first water isolating material is provided on the water inlet side of the flow guide mesh to seal a part of the water inlet side, and an effective water inlet width is defined on the water inlet side, a second water isolating material is provided on the water outlet side of the flow guide mesh to seal a part of the water outlet side, and an effective water outlet width is defined on the water outlet side. In addition, the flow guide mesh has a comb-like structure comprising at least one comb tooth within the effective water outlet width of the water outlet side. Also disclosed are a membrane element and a filter assembly.