Gradient Membrane Interface for Water Treatment Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane systems for water treatment face challenges such as concentration polarization, which leads to reduced flux over time due to particle fouling, and high energy consumption for maintaining effective filtration.
Innovation Solution
A membrane design with a gradient of reducing dimensional properties from the feed flow inlet to the retentate flow outlet, enhancing cross-flow velocities and shear on the membrane surface, thereby improving flux and reducing fouling. This membrane can be produced using additive manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional membrane systems are used for water treatment, then filtration can be achieved, but concentration polarization occurs leading to reduced flux over time
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane interface portion has varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length, with the cross-section being larger near the feed flow inlet and smaller near the retentate flow outlet. This creates non-uniform flow distribution that increases cross-flow velocity at the membrane surface, reducing concentration polarization and improving fouling resistance while maintaining flux
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the membrane interface portion by reducing the cross-sectional dimensions in the flow direction. This parameter change modifies the flow characteristics and velocity distribution, thereby improving the balance between productivity and reliability
2Productivity
If pressure is increased to maintain flux, then filtration efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating local variations in cross-sectional area along the membrane interface, the patent generates regions of higher cross-flow velocity that reduce concentration polarization. This allows the system to maintain flux at lower pressure differentials, reducing energy consumption while preserving productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform cross-sectional dimensions are used in the membrane interface, then manufacturing is simplified, but non-uniform flux distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local variations in the membrane interface cross-section that are designed to compensate for natural flow distribution patterns. This creates more uniform flux across the membrane surface while maintaining manufacturability through additive manufacturing or similar processes
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane interface is designed with dynamic flow characteristics that adapt to the pressure gradient along the channel length. The varying cross-section creates self-regulating flow distribution that achieves uniform flux without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances
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 membrane design achieves a more uniform flux distribution along its length, reduces energy consumption by minimizing pressure drop, and enhances the removal of particles near the membrane surface, leading to a longer lifespan and improved fouling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane interface portion comprises a reduction in a dimensional property from toward the feed flow inlet to toward the retentate flow outlet so that the membrane interface portion is operable to produce a higher cross-flow velocity at the membrane portion toward the retentate flow outlet
Implementation Method 2
enhancing cross-flow velocities and shear on the membrane surface
Implementation Method 3
Pressure-driven membrane processes are the most widely applied membrane technologies in water treatment, for the removal of particulates, ions, microorganisms, bacteria, and natural organic materials
Implementation Method 4
This results in the diffusion of particles from the membrane surface to the bulk feed flow. Eventually, an equilibrium is reached between the rate of transport of particles due to convection (from bulk feed flow to membrane surface) and diffusion (from membrane surface to the bulk feed flow)
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane a feed flow inlet, a retentate flow outlet and a permeate flow outlet. The membrane further includes a membrane interface portion comprising a plurality of feed flow channels fluidly connected to the feed flow inlet and to the retentate flow outlet, and a plurality of permeate flow channels fluidly connected to the permeate flow outlet, wherein the membrane interface portion is operable to allow for fluid communication between the feed flow channels and the permeate flow channels through a membrane portion. The membrane interface portion includes a reduction in a dimensional property from toward the feed flow inlet to toward the retentate flow outlet so that the membrane interface portion is operable to produce a higher cross-flow velocity at the membrane portion toward the retentate flow outlet. Also provided is a water treatment module including the membrane and a process for making the membrane.