High-Pressure Hollow Fiber Membrane Vessel With Leak-Reduced Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hollow fiber membrane modules suffer from leakage points due to complex connections and inadequate fluid dynamics, limiting their application in high-pressure separation processes and scalability, and are not optimized for membrane contactors or processes with suspended particles.
Innovation Solution
A compact vessel design with simplified connections and optimized fluid access, featuring direct attachment of heads to the central vessel and radial membrane access, reducing leakage points and enhancing fluid dynamics, capable of withstanding up to 200 bar pressure and allowing easy scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex connections with multiple Tee-type connectors are used to allow fluid supply and recovery, then fluid access capability is improved, but the number of leakage points increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the Tee-type connectors and intermediate coupling parts from the system, directly connecting the hollow fiber bundle to the end caps. This extraction of unnecessary components eliminates multiple potential leakage points while maintaining fluid supply and recovery functionality through optimized internal flow paths within the end caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the end caps, which now directly provide both structural support and fluid distribution capabilities. The end caps are designed with internal channels that combine the functions of connection, fluid supply, and fluid recovery, eliminating the need for separate Tee-connectors and reducing the number of connection points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple intermediate parts and clamps are used to secure the hollow fiber bundle, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate clamps, retainers, and coupling parts by designing an integrated system where the hollow fiber bundle is directly secured to the end caps. This removal of unnecessary components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining structural integrity through direct attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural support function and the sealing function into the end caps themselves. The end caps are designed to directly hold and secure the hollow fiber bundle while providing the necessary sealing, merging multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If axial fluid access in the lumen and distributed radial access in the shell are used, then fluid dynamics are improved and preferential paths are eliminated, but the vessel design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flow access configurations to different regions of the hollow fiber bundle: axial access through the lumen and distributed radial access through the shell. This local differentiation of flow paths optimizes fluid dynamics in each region, preventing preferential paths while maintaining efficient mass transfer across the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension axial flow approach to a multi-dimensional flow configuration by introducing distributed radial access points in the shell. This adds a radial dimension to fluid access, creating a more uniform three-dimensional flow distribution throughout the bundle and improving overall fluid dynamics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vessel is designed for high-pressure operation up to 200 bar, then process applicability is improved, but the requirements for material strength and sealing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction techniques and high-strength materials capable of withstanding pressures up to 200 bar. The vessel and end caps are designed using materials and structural configurations that provide the necessary strength and pressure resistance, enabling application in demanding high-pressure separation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses to a high-pressure vessel for packaging hollow fiber type membranes with application in the field of separation process with contactors with membranes aiming at a compact device/piece of equipment configured for the packaging of hollow fiber type bundles that can be used for various fluid separation processes such as liquid-liquid, liquid-gas and gas-gas, capable of working at high-pressures, enabling adequate hydrodynamic conditions and easily scalable. It is called a module the general piece of equipment, consisting of the vessel (A or C), object of the present invention, and the membranes packed inside the vessel. This piece of equipment consists of a vessel inside which the membranes are placed (14), and two heads attached at the ends (B or D). Each head has two connection points, thus allowing this device to be used with membrane contactors-type separation systems, such as “classical” permeation systems (liquid-liquid, gas-gas, pervaporation).