Membrane Filtration CIP Control Through Hydraulic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane filter systems require frequent chemical cleaning cycles, which disrupt filtration operations and utilize chemical agents, necessitating a method to reduce the frequency and duration of these cycles, especially for NF and RO filters, and to adaptively control the CIP process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving adaptive control of cleaning-in-place (CIP) processes for membrane filter modules, where hydraulic parameters are monitored to determine the duration and number of cycles, allowing for efficient termination based on predetermined criteria, including monitoring feed and permeate pressures and flow rates to optimize cleaning without overextension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical cleaning cycles are performed frequently and for extended durations, then the membrane filter module is thoroughly cleaned, but the filtration operation is disrupted more often and chemical agents are over-utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring hydraulic parameters (flow rate, pressure drop) during cleaning cycles and using this data to determine when the cleaning is sufficient to stop, thereby avoiding unnecessary extended cleaning operations and reducing downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning cycle duration is made dynamic rather than fixed - the system automatically adjusts the cleaning cycle length based on real-time hydraulic parameter changes, allowing the process to extend or terminate as needed to achieve effective cleaning without waste
2Reliability
If chemical cleaning cycles are performed frequently, then the membrane filter module is cleaned regularly, but the productivity of the filtration system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By monitoring hydraulic parameters and using feedback control, the system determines the exact moment when cleaning is effective, allowing shorter and less frequent cleaning cycles that minimize disruption to filtration operations while maintaining membrane cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of hydraulic parameters during normal operation to detect when cleaning is actually needed, rather than relying on fixed schedules, thereby preventing unnecessary cleaning cycles and maintaining higher productivity
3Reliability
If the cleaning-in-place process is extended beyond necessary duration, then more thorough cleaning is achieved, but the usage of chemical cleaning agents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from hydraulic parameter monitoring to determine the precise moment when cleaning thoroughness is sufficient, preventing continued chemical exposure beyond what is necessary and reducing chemical agent consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in hydraulic parameters (flow rate, pressure drop) as indicators of cleaning progress and uses these parameter changes to determine when to terminate the cleaning cycle, optimizing chemical usage
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning-in-place method for cleaning a membrane filter module, the membrane filter module including a membrane having a feed side and a permeate side and being configured to filter a fluid passing through the membrane from the feed side to the permeate side; wherein the method comprises performing a sequence of process cycles, the sequence comprising at least one monitored process cycle, the monitored process cycle comprising: providing a flow of a liquid through the membrane and/or across the feed side of the membrane; monitoring at least one hydraulic parameter associated with the provided flow of the liquid; and terminating the flow of the liquid, when the at least one monitored hydraulic parameter meets a predetermined cycle completion criterion.