Gas Separation Membrane Module Assembly with Internal Permeate Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for gas separation membrane assemblies that can be housed in compact, simple, and inexpensive housings, allowing for easy replacement of modules, particularly in applications with large membrane area requirements, as existing solutions are complex, costly, and require extensive external piping and manifolding.
Innovation Solution
A gas-separation membrane assembly featuring multiple tubes arranged in parallel within a single housing, with a tube sheet dividing the interior into feed and residue gas spaces, and a permeate collection system, which reduces the need for high-pressure-rated tubes and external piping, enabling a more compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple membrane modules are housed in individual pressure vessels, then each module can be independently operated and maintained, but the system requires extensive external piping and manifolding, increasing device complexity and capital costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure vessels into a single housing structure that contains multiple membrane modules. The housing integrates the functions of multiple pressure vessels and their associated piping into one unified structure, eliminating the need for extensive external piping and manifolding while maintaining independent operation of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pressure containment for multiple modules, acts as the structural support framework, and integrates the piping and manifolding systems internally. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity and capital costs.
2Device complexity
If membrane modules are housed in a single pressure vessel with internal piping, then device complexity and capital costs are reduced, but the housing must withstand high pressures requiring more expensive high-pressure-rated components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separate pressure-containing chambers, each housing an individual membrane module. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for specific pressure requirements, and enables independent replacement of modules without affecting other chambers, reducing the overall complexity while managing pressure requirements efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid distribution manifold system that operates at lower pressure differentials within the housing. This intermediary system distributes feed gas to multiple modules and collects permeate and residue streams, reducing the pressure resistance requirements of the main housing structure while maintaining effective module operation.
3Quantity of substance
If standard size membrane modules are used to meet large membrane area requirements, then a large number of modules must be installed, increasing device complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple membrane modules within a single housing structure in a space-efficient arrangement. Modules are positioned to maximize utilization of the housing volume, with feed and permeate channels optimized for compact configuration. This nesting approach achieves large total membrane area while minimizing the number of separate housings and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution allows for a more efficient and cost-effective housing of large numbers of membrane modules in a single vessel, reducing manufacturing complexity and capital costs, while simplifying maintenance and minimizing downtime for module replacement.
Implementation Method 1
Gas separation membranes have been in industrial use for close to 25 years. Various types of membrane are available, although almost all commercially successful membranes are polymeric membranes formed as flat sheets or hollow fibers.
Implementation Method 2
A single hollow fiber module may contain as much as 1,000 km of fiber. Feed gas may flow on the shell or bore side of the fibers. The permeate gas or residue gas streams, or both, may be routed to collection pipes by which they exit the module.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membranes, arranged within a housing. The housing contains a tube sheet that divides the space within the housing into two gas-tight spaces. A permeate collection system within the housing gathers permeate gas from the tubes for discharge from the housing.