Integrated Membrane Filter Vessel for Fuel Gas Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane skids for fuel gas conditioning are costly and complex, especially for smaller applications with low flow rates, due to the need for separate filter and membrane vessels, extensive pipework, and compliance with field specifications.
Innovation Solution
A membrane separation apparatus with a filter and selective separation elements housed within a single vessel, reducing the need for interconnecting pipework and allowing direct mounting on a compressor frame, thereby simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional membrane skids use separate filter and membrane vessels with extensive pipework, then the system can handle larger fuel gas conditioning applications, but the costs and complexity become disproportionately high for smaller applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter element and membrane element into a single integrated vessel, eliminating the need for separate filter and membrane vessels and their interconnecting pipework. This merging reduces device complexity and makes the system more suitable for smaller fuel gas conditioning applications where the disproportionate costs of separate components become burdensome.
2Productivity
If conventional membrane skids include separate vessels for filters and membrane elements, then the system can be configured for larger applications, but the fabrication time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the filter and membrane elements into a single vessel, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be fabricated and assembled. This eliminates the time-consuming process of connecting separate vessels with pipework and reduces installation complexity, thereby improving fabrication and installation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional membrane skids use extensive interconnecting pipework, then the system can accommodate separate filter and membrane vessels, but the costs for piping, insulation, and heat-tracing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated vessel design eliminates the need for extensive interconnecting pipework between separate filter and membrane vessels. This reduction in piping components directly lowers costs associated with piping, insulation, and heat-tracing, while also simplifying the overall system configuration and improving cost-effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional membrane skids are designed with multiple separate vessels, then the system can handle various flow rates, but the relative costs of pipework and frame become disproportionately high for low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating the filter and membrane elements into a single integrated vessel, the patent eliminates the disproportionate costs of supporting infrastructure such as pipework and framing that become excessive in low flow rate applications. This merging makes the system more cost-effective and suitable for smaller-scale fuel gas conditioning applications.
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
This configuration simplifies the setup and reduces costs by integrating filter and membrane elements within a single vessel, making it more cost-effective and efficient for smaller fuel gas conditioning applications.
Implementation Method 1
a selective separation element having a feed side and a permeate side
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus that includes an integrated filter element and a membrane element housed within a single vessel. The vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the vessel, and gases to flow to and through the membrane element. The apparatus is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.