Lightweight Graphite Foam Membrane for Water Reclamation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current condensation systems are inefficient in reclaiming water from mixed gas streams, such as diesel exhaust, due to the weight and thermal conductivity limitations of metal supports, which restrict the amount of water that can be condensed from humid gas streams, straining logistical resources, especially in military contexts where water purification is critical.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight apparatus using a porous graphite foam support with a condensation membrane layer featuring capillary condensation pores, interlocked with the graphite foam, allowing for improved water reclamation by enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing weight, while an intermediate membrane layer bridges the pore size gap between the graphite foam and the condensation membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If metal supports are used in condensation systems, then structural strength is provided, but weight increases and thermal conductivity becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous graphite foam as the support structure, which provides both structural strength and thermal management while significantly reducing weight compared to solid metal supports. The porous structure allows for high surface area to volume ratio, enabling effective condensation while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining graphite foam support with a porous condensation membrane layer. This composite approach leverages the high thermal conductivity of graphite while utilizing the membrane's capillary pores for selective condensation, achieving both structural requirements and condensation function simultaneously.
2Productivity
If standard thermodynamic condensation is used, then simple equipment is required, but only about 50% of water vapor can be condensed at ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous condensation membrane with specific pore size distribution that enables capillary condensation. The porous structure creates capillary forces that condense water vapor at ambient conditions without requiring complex cooling systems, achieving over 70% condensation efficiency while maintaining relatively simple equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pore size parameters of the membrane to optimize capillary condensation. By controlling the pore diameter within specific ranges, the system achieves enhanced condensation efficiency at ambient temperatures, transforming the condensation process from thermodynamic limitation to capillary-driven efficiency.
3Productivity
If capillary condensation pores with small pore size are used, then water reclamation efficiency increases, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous graphite foam and porous membrane materials that can be manufactured using established techniques. The porous structure with controlled pore sizes is achieved through conventional foam processing and membrane fabrication methods, balancing manufacturing ease with enhanced condensation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane acts as an intermediary layer between the gas stream and the collection system. It provides the necessary capillary pores for efficient condensation while being manufacturable through standard porous material fabrication processes, bridging the gap between performance requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
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 apparatus effectively increases water reclamation efficiency from mixed gas streams by condensing up to 72% of water vapor at ambient conditions, compared to 50% with standard methods, while reducing logistical burdens through its lightweight and efficient heat conduction properties.
Implementation Method 1
A porous condensation membrane layer is provided on the membrane support surface of the graphite foam support, and interlocked with the pores of the graphite foam at the membrane support surface. The condensation membrane layer can include capillary condensation pores having a second pore size, the second pore size being less than the first pore size.
Implementation Method 2
The graphite foam of the graphite foam support can have a thermal conductivity of from 40 W/m·K to 240 W/m·K.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream includes a porous graphite foam support comprising graphite foam with pores having a first pore size and a membrane support surface. A porous condensation membrane layer is provided on the membrane support surface, and interlocked with the pores of the graphite foam. The condensation membrane layer includes capillary condensation pores having a second pore size that is less than the first pore size. A mixed gas stream passageway is in fluid communication with the condensation membrane layer. A liquid collection assembly collects condensed liquid from the condensation pores and the graphite foam support pores. A gas inlet is provided for flowing the mixed gas stream into the mixed gas stream passageway. A gas outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the mixed gas stream passageway. A method for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream is also disclosed.