Separation Membrane Flow Control for Uniform Thermal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices using separation membranes face challenges in heat distribution, which affect efficient heating and cooling on the downstream side, particularly in membrane activation processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves supplying a mixture to a first flow path with an average Reynolds number less than 2,000, using a zeolite membrane with a molar ratio SiO2/Al2O3 less than 5, and adjusting temperature and pressure to enable efficient heating and cooling of the separation membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mixture is supplied to the first flow path with high flow rate, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the heat distribution in the separation membrane becomes uneven and heating/cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow regime parameter (Reynolds number) from turbulent to laminar flow by controlling the average Reynolds number to be less than 2,000. This parameter change fundamentally alters the heat transfer characteristics, enabling uniform heat distribution along the flow path while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the flow conditions to maintain laminar flow throughout the process. By continuously monitoring and controlling the Reynolds number, the system adapts flow rate, temperature, and pressure to ensure uniform heat distribution while preserving separation performance.
2Speed
If the temperature of the mixture is increased rapidly, then the heating speed is improved, but the heat distribution becomes uneven and membrane damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or controlled temperature increase rather than rapid single-step heating. By gradually increasing temperature and allowing heat distribution to equalize along the flow path, the system achieves uniform heating while maintaining safe heating speeds and preventing membrane damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating approach by controlling temperature rise rates and maintaining laminar flow conditions during heating. This parameter control ensures that heat is distributed uniformly along the flow path while achieving adequate heating speed for membrane activation.
3Productivity
If the pressure in the first flow path is increased, then the separation rate is improved, but the heat distribution becomes uneven and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes pressure parameters while maintaining laminar flow conditions. By controlling pressure to maintain Reynolds number below 2,000, the system achieves adequate separation rate while minimizing energy consumption and ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the flow path.
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 approach reduces heat distribution in the separation membrane, allowing for stable and efficient heating and cooling, especially during transient operations, thereby enhancing the performance of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a separation method using, for example, a zeolite membrane has been proposed
Implementation Method 2
the separation membrane may be a zeolite membrane
Implementation Method 3
supplying the mixture to the first flow path so that the mixture flowing through the first flow path has an average Reynolds number of less than 2,000
Implementation Method 4
A separation device including a separation membrane sometimes requires heating of the separation membrane at the time of activation of the device
Implementation Method 5
reduces a heat distribution in a separation membrane to enable efficient heating and cooling of the separation membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an operating method for a separation device, which reduces a heat distribution in a separation membrane to enable efficient heating and cooling of the separation membrane on the downstream side. An operating method for a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an operating method for a separation device including a separation membrane, the separation device including: a first flow path to which a mixture is to be supplied; and a second flow path through which a substance that has permeated through the separation membrane is allowed to flow. The operating method includes a step of supplying the mixture to the first flow path so that the mixture flowing through the first flow path has an average Reynolds number of less than 2,000.