Separation Membrane Heating with Differential Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices with separation membranes are prone to breaking due to issues like bumping, sudden expansion, and thermal shock of water during activation, which can damage the membrane and the device.
Innovation Solution
A transient operation method involving controlled humidity and temperature management in separate flow paths, where the first flow path has higher relative humidity than the second, preventing moisture-related damage to the separation membrane complex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separation membrane is heated during activation, then the separation membrane can fulfill its predetermined function, but water in the substrate may undergo bumping, sudden expansion, or thermal shock causing the separation device to break
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the heating process into two separate flow paths: the first flow path supplies humid gas to prevent water bumping in the substrate, while the second flow path supplies dry gas to prevent thermal shock to the separation membrane. This segmentation allows independent control of humidity conditions for each component, resolving the contradiction between enabling membrane function and preventing device breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different gas humidity qualities to different locations: high humidity gas is supplied to the substrate side (first flow path) where water removal is needed, while low humidity gas is supplied to the membrane side (second flow path) where thermal shock must be avoided. This local differentiation of gas properties resolves the contradiction by tailoring the environment to each component's specific needs during heating.
2Temperature
If water is present in the substrate during heating, then the separation membrane can be activated, but the water may undergo bumping, sudden expansion, or thermal shock causing device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces humid gas as an intermediary substance in the first flow path that mediates the heating process. This humid gas allows controlled evaporation of water from the substrate at elevated temperatures without causing bumping or sudden expansion, thereby enabling membrane activation while preventing water-related harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the humidity parameter of the supply gas to resolve the contradiction: high humidity gas is used in the first flow path to suppress water bumping during heating, while low humidity gas is used in the second flow path to minimize thermal shock to the membrane. This parameter differentiation enables safe heating at activation temperatures.
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
Prevents breaking of the separation device and membrane by suppressing moisture-related issues, ensuring stable operation and prolonged device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a separation method using, for example, a zeolite membrane has been proposed
Implementation Method 2
heating the separation membrane complex
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a transient operation method for a separation device including a separation membrane complex, which enables prevention of breaking of the separation device and the separation membrane complex. The transient operation method for a separation device of the present disclosure is a transient operation method for a separation device, the separation device including 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 supplying gases to the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively, and heating the separation membrane complex. An average relative humidity of a gas A supplied to the first flow path is higher than an average relative humidity of a gas B supplied to the second flow path.