Membrane Gas Separation Module with Relocated Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane gas separation units face challenges with increased labor intensity and weight due to the location of permeate output nozzles on body end covers and the presence of annular channels for feed gas input, which complicates mounting/dismounting and increases the overall length and weight of the unit.
Innovation Solution
The membrane gas separation module design features symmetrical end sections with conical transitions, allowing for free mounting/dismounting of membrane cartridges using ring gaskets, relocating feed gas input nozzles to the end sections and permeate output nozzles to the end covers, reducing the need for complex bushings and annular channels, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing weight and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If permeate output nozzles are located on body end covers, then the structure is simplified, but labor intensity during mounting/dismounting increases and overall length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate output nozzles are relocated from the end covers to the central portion of the body, changing their spatial position from a two-dimensional end surface to a one-dimensional central axis location. This dimensional repositioning allows pipelines to connect directly to the body without requiring end cover removal, thus simplifying the structure while reducing mounting/dismounting labor intensity.
2Ease of operation
If annular channel is provided for feed gas input, then gas flow is enabled, but body diameter increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular channel is extracted and replaced by a centralized feed gas input nozzle located in the central portion of the body. Instead of maintaining a large-diameter annular passage around the cartridge, the gas flow path is concentrated into a smaller central nozzle, eliminating the need for increased body diameter and thereby reducing the overall weight of the stationary structure.
3Ease of operation
If retentate output nozzles are connected by bushing, then connection is enabled, but structure complexity increases and module length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retentate output nozzles are merged directly with the body structure, eliminating the separate bushing component. The nozzles are integrated into the body wall, creating a unified structure that maintains connection capability while reducing overall structural complexity and shortening the module length by removing the intermediate bushing element.
4Ease of manufacture
If permeate output nozzles are located on end covers, then connection is simplified, but overall length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate output nozzles are repositioned from the end cover surfaces to the central portion of the body along the longitudinal axis. This spatial reconfiguration shortens the effective length required for pipeline connections while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the nozzles remain accessible but are now positioned closer to the module center rather than at the extreme ends.
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 reduces labor intensity during assembly, decreases the weight and length of the membrane module, and enhances operational efficiency by optimizing gas flow distribution and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
membrane gas separation module comprises the vertical or horizontal cylindrical body, end covers, membrane cartridge located inside the body and made as a bundle of hollow polymeric fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to units for separation of gas mixtures using hollow fiber membranes and may be used in chemical, oil, gas and other industries. More specifically, this invention relates to the structure of the membrane gas separation module which may be applied, for instance, in membrane separation units for helium concentrate. The membrane gas separation module comprises the horizontal body with end covers and membrane cartridges made of a bundle of hollow fibers and located in an inversed manner in relation to the center. The body comprises symmetrical end sections of large diameter which are mated by conical transition sections with the central section of minor diameter. In this case length of end sections corresponds with length restricted by the body end and input area of membrane cartridges, and central section inner diameter is configured to provide both free mounting/dismounting of membrane cartridges and tight fit thereof at the sealing point with ring gaskets. Feed gas input nozzles are located on end sections of the body perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis in front of input areas of membrane cartridges, permeate output nozzles are located on end sections of the body near end covers perpendicularly to the body longitudinal axis. The technical result is reduction of weight and dimensional properties of the membrane module and the whole gas separation unit in general, as well as reduction of labor intensity of operations during mounting/dismounting of body end covers of the membrane module.