Separation Membrane Inspection Liquid Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting separation membrane structures either incur high costs due to the use of pressurized gas or result in a reduction in permeation characteristics due to liquid attachment, which affects the membrane's performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assembly of a separation membrane structure into a casing and applying pressure to an inspection liquid filled on the first main surface side, using a carefully selected inspection liquid that minimizes attachment to the membrane's pores, thereby maintaining the membrane's permeation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized gas is used for inspection, then inspection effectiveness is improved, but inspection cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive pressurized gas with a cost-effective liquid inspection medium. The liquid can be easily disposed of or reused after inspection, eliminating the need for costly gas consumption while maintaining inspection effectiveness through pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from pneumatic inspection (gas) to hydraulic inspection (liquid). By using liquid under pressure, the system achieves comparable inspection effectiveness with lower cost, as liquids provide better pressure distribution and can be more easily contained and disposed of compared to gases.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid is used for strength inspection, then inspection cost is reduced, but permeation characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect by using a liquid that is specifically selected to minimize attachment to the separation membrane pores. The inspection liquid is chosen based on its low affinity with the membrane material, allowing it to be removed easily after inspection without leaving residue that would compromise permeation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the inspection liquid (such as surface tension, viscosity, and chemical composition) to optimize its properties. By selecting liquids with specific parameter ranges, the system achieves effective inspection while minimizing attachment to the membrane, thus preserving permeation characteristics after the inspection process.
3Measurement precision
If inspection liquid attaches to pores, then inspection is effective, but permeation performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - the inspection liquid - that serves a temporary purpose during inspection but does not become part of the membrane structure. The liquid acts as a mediator to detect defects or strength issues without chemically or physically binding to the membrane pores, ensuring it can be completely removed afterward without affecting permeation performance.
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 allows for effective inspection of separation membrane structures without significantly reducing their permeation characteristics, reducing costs and ensuring the membrane's performance is preserved.
Implementation Method 1
an inspection step of applying pressure to an inspection liquid that has filled a first main surface side of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
a separation membrane structure that includes a porous substrate and a separation membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inspecting a separation membrane structure includes an assembly step of sealing a separation membrane structure that includes a porous substrate and a separation membrane into a casing, and an inspection step of applying pressure to an inspection liquid that has filled a first main surface side of the separation membrane.