Integrated Separation Membrane Module for Fuel Vapor Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation membrane modules for gas processing are large, complex, and costly, with increased size and number of parts leading to potential gas leakage and reduced efficiency in multi-stage separation processes.

Innovation Solution

A compact separation membrane module with a hollow case containing a particular component concentration chamber and dilution chamber in series, allowing permeation of a particular gas through the separation membrane in one chamber and preventing permeation in the other, integrated into a single module to reduce size and complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple separation membrane modules are used in series for multi-stage separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but apparatus size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separation membrane modules into a single integrated module where multiple hollow yarn membranes are arranged in parallel within one hollow case. This merging approach maintains multi-stage separation capability while reducing apparatus complexity by eliminating the need for separate modules and interconnecting piping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated module performs multiple separation functions simultaneously through parallel arrangement of different hollow yarn membranes, each designed for specific gas separation tasks. This multi-functionality allows one module to replace multiple specialized modules, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple separation membrane modules are connected through piping, then multi-stage separation is achieved, but gas leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidgas leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple separation stages into a single integrated module with internal parallel arrangement, the patent eliminates external piping connections between modules. This integration removes the potential gas leakage paths at connection interfaces while maintaining the multi-stage separation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate separation membrane modules are used, then separation capability is enhanced, but assembly steps and parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple hollow yarn membranes and their support structures into a single integrated module assembly. This combining reduces the total number of parts by eliminating separate module housings, connection fittings, and inter-module piping, while maintaining enhanced separation capability through parallel membrane arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated module reduces the apparatus size, assembly steps, and parts, decreases the risk of gas leakage, and lowers costs while ensuring effective multi-stage separation without gas mixing, enhancing the design freedom and efficiency of fuel vapor processing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a functional layer formed from a non-porous, high polymer membrane is laminated on a surface of a porous, hollow yarn shaped support medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

Separation membranes capable of separating and concentrating a particular component from a gaseous mixture by using a difference in solution and diffusion coefficient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS8900350B2Separation membrane module and fuel vapor processing apparatus incorporating the same

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 AISAN IND CO LTD

AI summary

One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e., the side of the inlet port) can flow into the other of the chambers.