Membrane Distillation Arrangement Side Inlet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilayer membrane distillation arrangements face challenges with sealing integrity and fluid flow distribution due to fluid passages through sealing gaskets, leading to heat loss and difficulties in assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of side inlets and outlets within dividers directs fluid flow into and out of the membrane distillation arrangement without passing through fluid seals, enhancing sealing integrity and allowing for independent flow distribution, with a perimeter seal providing a continuous, unbroken seal between layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid passages are extended through sealing gaskets to create inlet and outlet conduits, then fluid flow distribution is achieved, but sealing integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is segmented into multiple sections with inlet and outlet conduits formed separately within the frame structure itself, rather than extending through sealing gaskets. This segmentation allows fluid flow distribution while maintaining seal integrity by keeping passages contained within rigid frame boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage function is extracted from the sealing gasket and relocated to the support frame structure. By removing the requirement for gaskets to contain fluid passages, the sealing function is purified and optimized, while fluid distribution is handled by the dedicated conduit system in the support frame.
2Reliability
If multiple seals and tighter sealing protocols are used to improve sealing integrity, then sealing reliability is enhanced, but assembly and disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into modular sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each section maintains its own fluid conduits and sealing interfaces, allowing for simple module replacement without affecting other parts of the system, thus facilitating maintenance while preserving seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses visual indicators or color-coded sealing surfaces to ensure proper alignment and sealing during assembly, reducing the need for multiple seals while maintaining reliability through improved assembly accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If fluid passages are created through sealing gaskets, then inlet and outlet conduits are formed, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid passages are extracted from the thermal path by relocating them to external conduits in the support frame, away from the membrane and process fluid channels. This separation eliminates heat loss through gasket passages while maintaining effective fluid distribution through the dedicated conduit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary structure that carries fluid conduits separately from the thermal process zones. This mediator structure allows fluid distribution without creating thermal bridges or heat loss paths through the sealing gaskets.
4Ease of operation
If aligned passages and apertures are formed through support plates and seals, then fluid flow distribution is achieved, but sealing integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into dedicated conduits within the support frame, separate from the sealing interfaces. This eliminates the need for aligned passages through seals, as fluid flow and sealing functions are spatially separated into different structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage function is extracted from the sealing gasket structure and placed in dedicated conduits within the support frame. This extraction allows sealing surfaces to be continuous and intact, while fluid distribution is achieved through the separate conduit system with appropriate connections.
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 design improves sealing and assembly ease, ensures effective fluid distribution, and reduces heat loss by eliminating fluid passages through seals, resulting in a more efficient and reliable membrane distillation process.
Implementation Method 1
The driving force for the diffusion is a vapour pressure difference created by the temperature difference across the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The driving force for the diffusion is a vapour pressure difference created by the temperature difference across the membrane
Implementation Method 3
Separation is achieved utilising the relative volatility of various components in the vapourising fluid enabling vapour from components in the vapourising fluid of higher volatility to pass through the membrane pores by a convective or diffusive mechanism
Implementation Method 4
Separation is achieved utilising the relative volatility of various components in the vapourising fluid enabling vapour from components in the vapourising fluid of higher volatility to pass through the membrane pores by a convective or diffusive mechanism
Implementation Method 5
The retained components remain in the vapourising fluid by the hydrophobicity of the membrane material which is a barrier to the liquid phase but allows vapour to pass through the membrane
Implementation Method 6
The vapour penetrates through the porous membrane, and condenses in the cooler fluid or surface on the condensing permeate side
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A membrane distillation arrangement (100) comprising: at least two dividers (120), each divider (120) having a top (122) and a base (124) and at least one side (126) which extends between the top (122) and the base (124); at least one transfer element (132) selected from a membrane, heat transfer component or combination thereof, each transfer element (132) having a top (134) and a base (136), each transfer element (132) being supported between two dividers (120); a plurality of perimeter seals (130), at least one perimeter seal (130) extending around the perimeter of the top (134) or the base (136) of each transfer element (132), each perimeter seal (130) forming a substantially fluid tight seal and a fluid flow space (140, 141) between the respective top (134) or base (136) of each transfer element (132) and a respective adjacent face of a divider (120). Each divider (120) includes at least one side inlet (114) and at least one side outlet (116), each side inlet (114) and side outlet (116) extending into the at least one side of each divider (120), and being in fluid communication with the respective fluid flow space (140, 141) formed between the adjacent transfer element (32) and the respective adjacent face of a divider (120).