Separation Membrane Flow Path Protrusions for High-Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Separation membrane elements face limitations in performance stability, particularly during long-term operation at high pressures, with existing technologies failing to maintain efficient separation and permeability.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane comprising a substrate and a separation functional layer with flow path members of a different composition, where the flow path members are impregnated into the substrate, providing an adhesive force of at least 1 N/m and specific height, width, and interval configurations to enhance stability and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation membrane elements are used for reverse osmosis filtration, then they can remove ionic substances from sea water and brine, but their performance stability deteriorates during long-term operation at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path member is divided into multiple protrusions extending from the permeation side surface, creating segmented flow paths that reduce pressure loss and improve fluid distribution. This segmentation prevents localized stress concentration and maintains performance stability during long-term high-pressure operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member has non-uniform geometry with protrusions of specific heights (0.03-0.4mm) and widths (0.2-2mm) at different locations. This local quality variation optimizes fluid flow distribution and pressure characteristics in different regions, preventing performance degradation over time
2Productivity
If the flow path member height is increased to reduce pressure loss, then permeability improves, but the risk of membrane depression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion height is precisely controlled within the range of 0.03-0.4mm, which is sufficient to reduce pressure loss and improve permeability while remaining below the threshold that would cause membrane depression. This parameter optimization balances productivity with harmful factor prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member protrusions provide just enough height to achieve the desired pressure reduction and permeability improvement, without excessive protrusion that would cause membrane depression. The design uses partial action with optimized dimensions to achieve the minimum necessary effect
3Productivity
If many separation membranes are bundled together to increase membrane area, then the amount of fluid permeating through one element increases, but the complexity of the element increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separation membranes are combined into a single integrated element with shared flow path members, creating a compact structure that increases total permeation area without proportionally increasing complexity. The flow path members serve multiple membranes simultaneously, reducing overall structural complexity
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 solution results in a highly efficient and stable separation membrane element with improved performance in removing components and increased permeability, reducing pressure loss and maintaining effectiveness over time.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive force between the substrate and each of the flow path members is at least 1 N/m
Implementation Method 2
the water which has permeated through the separation membrane is obtained on the other surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided are a separation membrane and a separation membrane element, whereby separation and removal performance when the separation membrane element is operated under high pressure can be stabilized. The separation membrane includes: a separation membrane main body having at least a base material and a separating functional layer; and a flow path material independently fixed at an adhesion force of at least 1N/m to the opposite side to the separating functional layer, in the base material thickness direction.