Membrane Distillation Device with Integrated Vapor Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane distillation devices face inefficiencies due to high liquid and vapor flow rates, requiring voluminous channels and significant pump capacity, and complex vapor channel designs to manage steam transfer between stages, leading to lower specific heat transfer and increased design effort.
Innovation Solution
The membrane distillation device design features a configuration where each subsequent condensation and evaporation stage borders directly with the membrane wall of the preceding stage, eliminating the need for additional vapor channels by allowing condensation energy to generate steam at a lower pressure/temperature level, reducing liquid and vapor flows, and integrating a heating fluid channel, liquid channel, exchanger wall, and membrane wall to facilitate efficient vapor transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If additional vapor channels are used to transfer steam between stages, then vapor transfer is enabled, but device complexity and flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapor transfer function into the existing membrane wall structure. The membrane wall of each stage serves dual purposes: separating liquid channels and enabling vapor transfer to the next stage. This eliminates the need for separate vapor channels, reducing device complexity while maintaining efficient heat transfer through the integrated membrane design.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane wall is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a liquid barrier, a vapor permeable membrane, and a structural separator between stages. By making the membrane wall multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional vapor channels, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving heat transfer efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If voluminous liquid-carrying channels are used to handle high volume flow, then liquid flow capacity is sufficient, but specific heat transfer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-stage configuration where vapor from one stage continuously transfers to the next stage through membrane walls. This continuous vapor flow enables sustained heat transfer across multiple stages without requiring voluminous channels, maintaining high specific heat transfer while handling adequate liquid volumes through optimized flow paths.
3Quantity of substance
If high pump capacity is applied to achieve high volume flow, then liquid circulation is sufficient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vapor generated during evaporation to provide heat for subsequent stages, creating a self-sustaining thermal process. This reduces the external energy input required and decreases pump capacity needs, as the vapor-driven heat transfer naturally promotes liquid circulation through the stages without requiring high-power pumping systems.
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 significantly reduces liquid and vapor flows, eliminates the need for vapor collecting lines, and enhances efficiency by allowing condensation energy to drive subsequent vaporization, resulting in a more compact and efficient membrane distillation process.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid to be evaporated is separated from the vapor space by a microporous, vapor-permeable but liquid-impermeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
separation of the different phases and/or fluids by selectively permeable membranes
Implementation Method 3
the vapor escaping through the walls of the hollow fibers condenses on hollow fibers made of water- and vapor-impermeable material that serve as a condenser
Implementation Method 4
the evaporator comprises a heating fluid channel, a liquid channel for the liquid to be concentrated, an exchanger wall separating the pickling fluid channel from the liquid channel
Implementation Method 5
the condenser comprises a vapor space, a cooling fluid channel and a condensation wall separating the vapor space from the cooling fluid channel
Implementation Method 6
Temperature or vapor differences between the liquid to be concentrated and the vapor space produces vapor at the interface between the liquid to be concentrated and the membrane
Implementation Method 7
a vapor pressure that depends on this temperature, so that individual components can be condensed out
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a membrane distillation device comprising one or more multi-stage membrane distillation modules with in each case an evaporator, at least two, in particular at least ten condensation and evaporation stages and a condenser, wherein each condensation and evaporation stage comprises a vapour chamber, a liquid channel for a liquid to be concentrated, a condensation partition separating the vapour chamber from the liquid channel and a membrane wall that delimits the liquid channel on the side opposite the condensation partition. The membrane distillation device is characterized in that the respective subsequent condensation and evaporation stage with its vapour chamber directly adjoins the membrane wall of the previous condensation and evaporation stage, said membrane wall thus separating the liquid channel of the previous condensation and evaporation stage from the vapour chamber of the subsequent condensation and evaporation stage.