Separation Membrane Heating via Dual Flow Paths and Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices with separation membranes face challenges in achieving efficient heating throughout the membrane, often requiring larger peripheral equipment and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A transient operation method for a separation device that involves heating the separation membrane complex by supplying gas to both a first and a second flow path, with specific control of the temperature and molar specific heat differences to optimize heating efficiency, using gases with controlled water vapor content and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating gas is supplied to heat the separation membrane, then the separation membrane can fulfill its separation function, but larger peripheral equipment and increased energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into two distinct phases: a transient heating phase using heating gas supplied to both flow paths, and a steady-state separation phase using process gas. This segmentation allows efficient heating without requiring continuous high energy input, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while achieving the required membrane temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The separation membrane is pre-heated to the required temperature before the actual separation process begins. By performing the heating action in advance (transient phase), the system avoids the need for continuous high-energy heating during operation, thus reducing energy consumption while ensuring the membrane is ready to fulfill its separation function
2Temperature
If heating gas is supplied to heat the separation membrane, then the separation membrane can fulfill its separation function, but larger peripheral equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating gas supplied to the second flow path serves dual purposes: it heats the separation membrane during the transient phase, and the same gas flow path and heating mechanism are utilized during steady-state operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated heating equipment, thereby reducing peripheral equipment size and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function and the gas flow system are merged into a single integrated process. The same gas supply system that provides process gas during steady-state operation is also used to supply heating gas during the transient heating phase, combining multiple functions into one system and reducing the overall equipment footprint
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
Enables efficient heating of the separation membrane while reducing the need for larger equipment and energy consumption, maintaining efficient separation performance during steady operation.
Implementation Method 1
heating the separation membrane complex by supplying a gas at least to the second flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A transient operation method for a separation device includes a separation membrane complex including: a separation membrane; and a substrate arranged on one side of the separation membrane, the separation device having a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path being positioned on a side closer to the separation membrane of the separation membrane complex, the second flow path being positioned on a side closer to the substrate of the separation membrane complex, the transient operation method including heating the separation membrane complex by supplying a gas at least to the second flow path. The gas supplied to the second flow path satisfies the specific formula.