Configurable Membrane Distillation Stacking Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane distillation modules are limited to operating a single process after assembly and lack the flexibility to efficiently increase membrane area or reduce fouling, especially in narrow spaces, which hinders their scalability and commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A membrane distillation flat sheet stacking module with a configurable neutral channel, spacers in hot and cold channels, and a condensing foil, allowing for process changes without disassembly, enabling efficient membrane contact area and reduced fouling through optimized flow modes and channel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional membrane distillation module is assembled, then it can perform a single distillation process, but it cannot be reconfigured for different processes without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The module employs a universal plate structure with standardized channel configurations that can accommodate multiple membrane distillation processes (DCMD, AGMD, VMD, SGMD) through different neutral channel setups. The plate design includes universal inlet/outlet ports and channel patterns that work across all process types, eliminating the need for complete disassembly when switching processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability through adjustable neutral channels and movable membrane assemblies. The neutral channel can be repositioned or reconfigured within the plate structure to change flow paths and process modes, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining the same physical module.
2Productivity
If the membrane area is increased in a narrow space, then productivity improves, but the available installation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The module transitions from a planar membrane arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple plates and channels arranged vertically. This vertical stacking allows the membrane area to be increased by adding more plates in the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal footprint, effectively multiplying the productive membrane area within a compact space.
Solution Approach 2:
The module employs a nested stacking structure where multiple plates, channels, and membrane assemblies are arranged concentrically and vertically within a compact housing. The hot channel, cold channel, and neutral channel are nested within each other in a space-efficient arrangement, maximizing membrane area density while minimizing the overall module footprint.
3Productivity
If spacers are introduced inside channels, then membrane contact area efficiency increases and fouling is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure is segmented into multiple sections with spacers positioned at regular intervals along the channel length. These spacers divide the channel flow path into segments that create turbulence and improve mixing, enhancing mass transfer efficiency and preventing concentration polarization. The segmented spacer design allows for standardized manufacturing and easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers act as intermediary elements between the membrane surface and the bulk fluid flow. They maintain optimal spacing to ensure adequate boundary layer development while preventing direct contact between the membrane and channel walls, thereby reducing fouling and improving heat and mass transfer efficiency without requiring complex active control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the neutral channel is configured for different processes, then process versatility improves, but channel design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral channel is designed with a universal configuration that can serve multiple process types (DCMD, AGMD, VMD, SGMD) through adjustable parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated channels for each process. The channel geometry, flow rate, and pressure conditions can be modified to optimize performance for different distillation modes while using the same physical infrastructure.
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 module enhances productivity and energy efficiency by allowing process selection and configuration changes, increasing membrane contact area and delaying fouling, thus improving water flux and thermal efficiency across various membrane distillation types.
Implementation Method 1
a process of producing freshwater using a vapor pressure difference generated by the temperature difference between the raw water flowing throughout and the rear end of the separator
Implementation Method 2
using a hydrophobic porous separator
Implementation Method 3
The membrane distillation (MD) passes through the pores of the membrane in the form of pure steam
Implementation Method 4
a condensing foil capable of condensing steam in the neutral channel
Implementation Method 5
a vapor pressure difference generated by the temperature difference between the raw water flowing throughout and the rear end of the separator
Implementation Method 6
a process of producing freshwater using a vapor pressure difference generated by the temperature difference
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane distillation flat sheet stacking module that can use various configurations in a membrane distillation process Particularly, the present invention relates to a membrane distillation flat sheet stacking module that can increase productivity and energy efficiency by selecting a process through line change without module disassembly depending on an operation purpose.