Immersion Membrane Separator Single Pipe Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion type UF membrane devices face challenges in maintaining membrane cleanliness and efficiency due to pollution substance attachment and high power costs for maintaining linear velocity, while separation membranes are difficult to clean through backwashing and require separate pipes for diffusing and flushing operations.
Innovation Solution
An immersion type membrane separation device that combines multiple membrane modules with a diffuser case and a supply unit using a single pipe for both diffusing and flushing operations, featuring a membrane module case with spring members for easy assembly and a diffuser with adjustable height to prevent fouling, allowing simultaneous diffusing and flushing without separate pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure type UF membrane is used to maintain linear velocity and reduce membrane pollution, then membrane cleanliness is improved, but power cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air bubbles generated through pneumatic means to clean the membrane surface by disrupting pollutant attachment, replacing the need for high-power hydraulic flow to maintain linear velocity. The air bubbles rise through the membrane, providing mechanical cleaning action without requiring sustained high water flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane system performs self-cleaning through the air bubble generation mechanism, where the same air supply that provides oxygen for biological processes also serves to clean the membrane surface, eliminating the need for separate high-power cleaning systems.
2Reliability
If an immersion type UF membrane is used to contact air bubbles and reduce membrane pollution, then membrane cleanliness is improved, but the membrane contacts pollution substances on fiber and is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different membrane types in different locations: UF membranes are used where they can benefit from air bubble contact, while separation membranes are used in areas where they would be exposed to harsh fiber pollution. This spatial differentiation of membrane properties allows each membrane type to operate in its optimal environment.
3Strength
If a separation membrane is used instead of UF membrane, then membrane damage is reduced, but the membrane cannot be cleaned through backwashing process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously generating air bubbles that prevent pollutant accumulation on the membrane surface before significant fouling occurs. This proactive cleaning approach eliminates the need for backwashing operations while maintaining membrane performance.
4Ease of operation
If separate pipes are used for diffusing and flushing operations, then operational functions are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the air supply pipe to serve multiple functions: it supplies air for biological diffusion, generates air bubbles for membrane cleaning, and enables flushing operations. This multi-functional pipe design eliminates the need for separate piping systems for each operation, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the diffusing and flushing operations into a single integrated system using one pipe, combining multiple operational functions into a unified structure that reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies installation while maintaining all necessary operational 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 device achieves efficient membrane separation with reduced manufacturing costs and improved productivity by using a single pipe for both operations, minimizing fouling, and enhancing membrane module assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the immersion type UF membrane contacts air bubbles in the water, thereby reducing a pollution of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
Membrane is a phase capable of separating only a specific ingredient from a gas, a liquid, a solid, or a combination thereof and is able to separate molecular substance from the combination using physical and chemical properties of the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
An immersion type membrane separation device (100) is disclosed. The immersion type membrane separation device includes a membrane module case (300) including a plurality of membrane modules, a diffuser case (410) positioned under the membrane module case, the diffuser case including a diffuser (450), and a supply unit for supplying air to the diffuser, the supply unit including a pipe connected to the diffuser. Air is supplied to the diffuser through the pipe, and a wastewater existing in the pipe is discharged through the diffuser. Each case and the support legs have characteristic heights (H1,H2,H3). The membranes are plate types interconnected with a protrusion / groove system.