Gas Separation System with Permeate Discard Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas separation systems face fluctuations in purity and recovery rate due to changes in raw material gas composition or flow rate, requiring equipment modifications and module adjustments that lead to performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A gas separation system with a configuration that includes a first, second, and third gas separation membrane unit, where permeate gas from the first unit is partially discarded through a dedicated line, allowing adjustment of permeate gas supply to the third unit, maintaining module operation without changing the number of modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of operating modules is changed to maintain purity and recovery rate when raw material gas composition or flow rate fluctuates, then the purity and recovery rate can be maintained, but equipment modification and performance degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity and recovery rate stabilityVSAvoidequipment modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dynamic control mechanism by adjusting the opening degree of the flow control valve on the permeate gas discard line. This allows the system to adapt to fluctuations in raw material gas composition or flow rate by dynamically controlling the amount of permeate gas discarded, thereby maintaining stable purity and recovery rate without requiring physical equipment modifications or changing the number of operating modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If modules are closed to reduce operations, then equipment complexity is reduced, but a difference in contamination degree occurs between operating and closed modules leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of operating modulesVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the control function from the module configuration level to the process parameter level. Instead of changing the number of operating modules or closing certain modules, the system extracts the necessary adjustment function and implements it through the flow control valve on the permeate gas discard line. This allows all modules to remain in operation while achieving the desired control effect, preventing contamination degree differences and performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If membrane area or operation pressure is increased to improve recovery rate, then recovery rate increases, but equipment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery rateVSAvoidmembrane area and operation pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves recovery rate improvement through parameter changes in the process control rather than increasing membrane area or operation pressure. By adjusting the opening degree of the flow control valve on the permeate gas discard line, the system optimizes the balance between permeate gas collection and non-permeate gas discharge, thereby improving recovery rate without requiring additional membrane area or higher operation pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system maintains high purity and recovery rate of the enriched gas by stabilizing module operation and preventing performance degradation, reducing the need for equipment modifications and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a membrane separation method using a difference in permeation rate of a gas with respect to a membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a gas separation membrane having selective gas permeability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective gas permeability: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentEP4556105A1Gas separation system and enriched gas production method
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 UBE CORPORATION
  • EP4556105A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4556105A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4556105A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The non-permeate gas outlet 11b of the first unit 11 and the gas inlet 12a of the second unit 12 are connected by a non-permeate gas discharge line 14. The permeate gas outlet 11c of the first unit and the gas inlet 13a of the third unit are connected by a permeate gas discharge line 15. A raw material mixed gas supply line 16 is connected to the gas inlet 11a of the first unit. The outlet 12c of the second unit 12 and the line 16 are connected by a permeate gas return line 17. The outlet 13b of the third unit 13 and the line 16 are connected by a non-permeate gas return line 18. Further, the line 15 is provided with a discard line 50 for discharging a part of the permeate gas of the first unit 11 to the outside of the system.