Membrane Filter With Lateral Outlet and Gas Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane filters face issues with accumulation of hair and fibrous compounds, membrane chafing, and reduced packaging density due to large connection clamps or flanges, as well as gas accumulation impairing backflushing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A membrane filter design featuring a one-piece extruded circumferentially closed pipe enveloping hollow fiber membranes with a lateral permeate outlet and gas inlet, eliminating edges for accumulation and allowing closer pipe placement, and incorporating a gas bubble flushing mechanism for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If connection clamps or flanges are used to connect pipe and base element, then disengageable connection for maintenance is achieved, but packaging density decreases due to required external space
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is integrated into the circumferentially closed pipe structure itself, with the connection portion nested within the pipe wall thickness rather than extending externally. This allows the pipe to connect to the base element without requiring additional external space for connection clamps or flanges, thereby maintaining high packaging density while enabling disengageable connections for maintenance.
2Strength
If connection elements with edges or offsets are used at pipe-base element connection location, then structural connection is achieved, but hair and fibrous compounds accumulate leading to blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The connection location between pipe and base element is designed with continuously curved surfaces and rounded transitions, eliminating sharp edges and offsets. The smooth, curved geometry prevents hair and fibrous compounds from accumulating, while the curved structure maintains sufficient connection strength through distributed stress paths.
3Reliability
If pipe connection elements extend outward from circumference, then secure connection is achieved, but installation space requirement increases reducing number of pipes per frame
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is merged into the pipe wall structure itself, combining the pipe body and connection element into a single integrated component. The connection portion is formed as an integral part of the pipe circumference, eliminating the need for separate external connection elements and reducing the overall footprint required for secure connections.
4Ease of operation
If permeate outlet is positioned above pipe bottom edge, then lateral drainage is achieved, but gas accumulation occurs in permeate collection cavity impairing backflushing
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate outlet configuration incorporates both lateral and vertical drainage paths, adding a vertical dimension to the drainage system. Gas bubbles are directed upward through a vertical pathway while permeate drains laterally, separating the flow paths in different dimensions to prevent gas accumulation and maintain effective backflushing.
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
Prevents hair and fibrous compound accumulation, increases packaging density, and improves filtration efficiency by ensuring gases are expelled and allowing effective backflushing with the mammoth pumping effect.
Implementation Method 1
a gas inlet (8) configured to let gas into a bottom of the membrane filter (1)
Implementation Method 2
hollow fiber membranes (4) respectively including lumen (5) and attached at a top of the at least one membrane carrier (3) wherein a liquid permeate is filterable from the liquid into the lumen (5)
Implementation Method 3
allowing effective backflushing with the mammoth pumping effect
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane filter configured to filter a liquid, the membrane filter including a base element including at least one membrane carrier that is externally flowable by the liquid and a gas; hollow fiber membranes respectively including lumen and attached at a top of the at least one membrane carrier wherein a liquid permeate is filterable from the liquid into the lumen; a one piece extruded circumferentially closed pipe that envelops the hollow fiber membranes; a gas inlet configured to let gas into a bottom of the membrane filter; at least one permeate collection cavity included in the base element and connected with the lumen and configured to collect the liquid permeate from the hollow fiber membranes; a permeate outlet included in the base element and configured to drain the liquid permeate from the at least one permeate collection cavity laterally from the base element.