Gas Separation Membrane System with Recirculation Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation systems face challenges in improving the recovery rate of specific gases and efficiently utilizing non-permeation gases, particularly in applications like natural gas processing, where the concentration of specific gases like hydrogen needs to be enhanced for effective use.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation system comprising multiple membrane modules with specific gas separation membranes, where the non-permeation gas from one module is recycled and diluted to increase the permeation rate through subsequent modules, enhancing the recovery rate of specific gases like hydrogen and reducing their concentration in the discharge, thereby improving the system's efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the permeation amount of specific gas is increased in the first and second modules, then the recovery rate of specific gas is improved, but the discharge amount of specific gas from the second module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers specific gas that would otherwise be discharged from the second module by introducing it back into the first module through a recirculation line. This allows the system to reuse the discharged gas, thereby improving the overall recovery rate while minimizing loss of the specific gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the discharge from the second module is monitored and fed back into the first module. This closed-loop approach ensures that the specific gas is continuously recovered and reused, optimizing the recovery rate while reducing net discharge.
2Manufacturing precision
If the concentration of specific gas is increased in the permeated gas, then the purity of specific gas is improved, but the recovery rate of specific gas decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas separation process into multiple stages with different objectives. The first module focuses on high concentration purification, while the second module handles additional separation. The recirculation system then integrates the outputs, allowing the system to achieve both high concentration and high recovery rate by processing different portions of the gas stream through different pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to the separation process by recirculating gas between modules rather than processing it in a single linear pass. This allows multiple separation opportunities for the same gas molecules, enabling the system to achieve both high concentration and high recovery rate by giving the gas multiple chances to be separated.
3Productivity
If multiple membrane modules are added to increase permeation capacity, then the recovery rate of specific gas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple membrane modules into an integrated system where the first and second modules work together with a recirculation pathway. Rather than operating as separate independent units, the modules are combined into a unified process where the output of one becomes the input of another, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high permeation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation line serves multiple functions: it transports discharged gas back to the first module, enables additional separation opportunities, and allows the system to operate efficiently at various throughput levels. This multi-functional element reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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 effectively increases the recovery rate of specific gases, reduces the discharge of non-permeation gases, and allows for the efficient supply of gases with reduced specific gas concentration to users who do not require them, thereby improving operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a molecular sieve membrane that separates a gas by a difference in molecular diameter
Implementation Method 2
a polymer membrane that utilizes a difference in gas solubility in the membrane
Implementation Method 3
a certain amount of gas other than the specific gas to be permeated permeates
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas separation system including: a first separation membrane module including a first gas separation membrane that selectively permeates a specific gas, and having a configuration separated by the first gas separation membrane into a primary side and a secondary side; a second separation membrane module including a second gas separation membrane that selectively permeates the specific gas, and having a configuration separated by the second gas separation membrane into a primary side and a secondary side; a first supply pipe that supplies a mixed gas containing the specific gas to the primary side of the first separation membrane module; a second supply pipe connecting the primary side of the first separation membrane module and the primary side of the second separation membrane module; a first permeable gas pipe connected to the secondary side of the first separation membrane module; a second non-permeable gas pipe connected to the primary side of the second separation membrane module; a second permeable gas pipe that is provided between the secondary side of the second separation membrane module and the first supply pipe, and supplies a gas that has permeated the second gas separation membrane to the first supply pipe; and a second branch pipe connecting the second supply pipe or the second non-permeable gas pipe and the secondary side of the second separation membrane module is used.