IPA Collection Membrane Control for Low-Concentration Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IPA collection systems face issues with membrane separators failing when solvent concentrations fall below a certain threshold, leading to reduced efficiency and shortened membrane lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An organic solvent collection apparatus with a selector and a first dewaterer using a first membrane separator that selectively increases solvent concentration above a lower limit value before recycling, preventing membrane damage and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water-containing IPA with low solvent concentration is supplied to the membrane separator, then the circulation process can continue, but the separation membrane may be damaged and its lifespan reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration increase of the organic solvent before it reaches the membrane separator. By using the concentration increase unit to raise the solvent concentration above the lower limit value before circulation to the separator, the membrane is protected from damage while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a concentration detector that continuously monitors the solvent concentration and provides feedback to the controller. When the concentration falls below the lower limit, the controller activates the concentration increase unit to restore it, ensuring the membrane separator always receives appropriately concentrated solvent and preventing damage
2Productivity
If water-containing IPA with low solvent concentration is supplied to the membrane separator, then the circulation can proceed, but the separation efficiency decreases and membrane defect risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the organic solvent by using the concentration increase unit to raise the solvent concentration above the lower limit value before the mixture reaches the membrane separator. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal separation efficiency while protecting the membrane from damage
3Quantity of substance
If the solvent concentration is continuously increased through circulation, then the IPA concentration improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration detector continuously monitors the solvent concentration and provides feedback to the controller. The controller activates the concentration increase unit only when the concentration falls below the lower limit, rather than operating continuously. This feedback-based control achieves the desired IPA concentration improvement while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption
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 system effectively recycles IPA by maintaining solvent concentration above the threshold, reducing waste and extending membrane life while improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first dewaterer that includes a first membrane separator including a first separation membrane having an application range of a solvent concentration and separating the water from the mixed liquid to increase a solvent concentration of the mixed liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An organic solvent collection apparatus includes a collection pipe, a first dewaterer, a selector, and a controller. A mixed liquid of an organic solvent and water flows through the collection pipe. The first dewaterer includes a first membrane separator including a first separation membrane having an application range of a solvent concentration and separating the water from the mixed liquid. The selector selects between a first state in which the solvent concentration is increased by the first dewaterer and a second state in which the mixed liquid is supplied to another part different from the first dewaterer. The controller causes the selector to select the first state when the solvent concentration is greater than or equal to a concentration lower limit value of the first separation membrane, and causes the selector to select the second state when the solvent concentration is less than the concentration lower limit value.