Gas Separation Module Coating for Durable High-Temperature Water Vapor Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules used in high-temperature water vapor environments suffer from deterioration of the potting section, leading to impaired fixing and sealing functions, which compromises the durability and gas separation performance.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation module with a protective layer made of inorganic material covering at least a part of the fixing member's surface facing the inflow port, providing superior water vapor shielding and heat resistance to enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a potting section made of thermosetting resin is used to fix hollow fiber membranes to the housing, then the fixing and sealing functions are achieved, but the durability deteriorates when exposed to high-temperature water vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the potting section (fixing member) made of thermosetting resin with a protective layer made of inorganic material. This composite structure allows the inorganic protective layer to shield the organic resin from high-temperature water vapor, preventing deterioration while maintaining the fixing and sealing functions. The protective layer acts as a barrier that protects the underlying resin from harmful environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer made of inorganic material serves as an intermediary between the potting section and the high-temperature water vapor environment. It mediates the interaction by blocking the direct contact between the harmful water vapor and the vulnerable thermosetting resin, thereby preventing deterioration without interfering with the fixing function of the potting section.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing member is exposed to high-temperature water vapor, then the gas separation module can operate in high-temperature environments, but the fixing member deteriorates and loses its fixing and sealing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of the protective layer (inorganic material) over the potting section (thermosetting resin) enables the fixing member to operate in high-temperature water vapor environments. The inorganic protective layer has superior heat resistance and water vapor shielding properties, allowing the module to function in harsh environments while the underlying resin maintains its fixing and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer acts as an intermediary that enables the fixing member to operate in high-temperature environments by shielding it from direct exposure to water vapor. This intermediary layer allows the module to achieve adaptability to high-temperature conditions while preserving the reliability of the fixing and sealing functions of the underlying potting section.
3Reliability
If a protective layer of inorganic material is added to the fixing member, then durability under high-temperature water vapor is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied as a thin coating or film on the surface of the potting section. This thin-film approach provides the necessary protection against high-temperature water vapor without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the device. The protective layer forms a flexible barrier that conforms to the shape of the underlying fixing member.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the protective layer as part of a composite material system, the patent enhances durability without proportionally increasing complexity. The composite structure combines the advantages of both materials (heat resistance of inorganic material and fixing properties of thermosetting resin) in a unified component that functions as a single integrated unit.
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 protective layer reduces direct exposure to high-temperature water vapor, preventing deterioration of the fixing member and maintaining the gas separation module's performance under severe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the protective layer is formed of an inorganic material having a characteristic of shielding water vapor
Implementation Method 2
moisture permeation is performed from one route to the other route by a membrane separation action by the first hollow fiber membranes and the second hollow fiber membranes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a gas separation module that can enhance durability under high-temperature water vapor of a fixing member that fixes a filter member to a housing. A gas separation module 1 includes a filter member 2 that separates a specific gas from a mixture gas, a housing 3 that has an inflow port 35 through which the mixture gas flows into and houses the filter member 2, and a fixing member 4 that fixes the filter member 2 to the housing 3 and seals a gap between the filter member 2 and the housing 3. At least a part of an inflow side surface 42 facing the inflow port 35 of the housing 3 of surfaces of the fixing member 4 is covered with a protective layer 6. The protective layer 6 is formed of an inorganic material having a characteristic of shielding water vapor and having a characteristic of being superior in heat resistance to the fixing member.