Membrane Separation Device Air Diffusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing membrane bioreactor processes face challenges in reducing energy costs for air diffusion while preventing membrane clogging, as conventional methods are inefficient and prone to premature clogging due to fluctuating transmembrane pressure differences and changing wastewater properties.
Innovation Solution
A membrane separation device operating method that dynamically adjusts the amount of air diffusion based on transmembrane pressure differences, with increased rates of change for higher pressure conditions to enhance cleaning and reduced rates for lower pressures to prevent clogging, along with adaptive threshold settings and periodic updates of reference pressure differences to optimize air diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of aeration air is increased to prevent membrane clogging, then membrane surface cleaning effectiveness is improved, but electrical power cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the aeration air amount adjustable and variable over time. The control unit dynamically changes the aeration air amount based on transmembrane pressure difference measurements, transitioning from fixed high aeration to adaptive variable aeration that responds to actual membrane clogging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of aeration air amount based on transmembrane pressure difference. When TMP exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit increases aeration air amount to clean the membrane; when TMP is within normal range, it reduces aeration air amount to save energy, thus optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the amount of aeration air is reduced to lower energy costs, then electrical power consumption decreases, but membrane clogging occurs more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring transmembrane pressure difference and using this information to adjust aeration air amount. The control unit receives TMP feedback, compares it with predetermined thresholds, and automatically adjusts aeration accordingly, ensuring membrane performance is maintained while optimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting membrane clogging conditions through TMP monitoring and self-adjusting the aeration air amount without external intervention. The control unit autonomously decides when to increase or decrease aeration based on real-time membrane status.
3Reliability
If fixed high aeration is used to ensure membrane cleaning, then membrane surface is kept clean, but energy waste occurs during low-clogging periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent aeration cycles. Instead of continuous high aeration, the system periodically increases aeration when TMP thresholds are exceeded and reduces it when thresholds are normal, creating an on-demand aeration pattern that eliminates energy waste during low-clogging periods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If aeration air amount is dynamically adjusted based on transmembrane pressure difference, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical aeration control systems with an automated electronic control system. The control unit uses simple threshold-based logic to automatically adjust aeration air amount based on TMP sensor feedback, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic automation that is easier to control and monitor.
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 method effectively reduces operating costs by maintaining membrane efficiency and preventing clogging, ensuring stable filtration performance while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an air diffusion device positioned beneath the separation membrane thereof in order to prevent filtration efficiency from decreasing by contents adhere to the separation membrane surface
Implementation Method 2
The air diffusion device diffuses air or the like into the tank so as to cause a vibration effect of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 3
separated water is obtained by solid-liquid separation using a separation membrane
Implementation Method 4
provides treated water that has permeated through the separation membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane separation device includes a separation membrane immersed in water to be treated and an air diffusion device positioned below the separation membrane, and provides treated water that has permeated through the separation membrane while diffusing air from the air diffusion device towards the separation membrane. A target value setting step sets a target value of an amount of diffusion air diffused from the air diffusion device based on a transmembrane pressure difference, and the air diffusion device is controlled such that the amount of the diffusion air becomes the target value. In the target value setting step, an absolute value of a change or a rate of change in the target value for increasing the amount of the air diffusion is set greater than an absolute value of a change or a rate of change in the target value for decreasing the amount of the air diffusion.