Membrane Module Layout for Interchangeable Filter Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane filtration systems are limited by the inability to interchangeably use different types of filter elements within a single housing, leading to inflexibility in adapting to changing process conditions.
Innovation Solution
A membrane assembly design that accommodates both hollow fiber and spiral-wound flat sheet membrane elements, allowing for flexible use of different types of filter elements within a single tube container, with a configuration that enables counter-flow gas separation and modular scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a hollow fiber membrane bundle is used in a spiral-wound membrane module, then the membrane area can be increased, but the hollow fiber membranes are prone to damage during module assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into multiple independent spiral-wound elements, each containing a protected hollow fiber membrane bundle. This segmentation allows the membranes to be individually protected within their own elements while collectively providing large total membrane area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber membrane bundle is nested within the spiral-wound element structure, which includes permeate collection channels and spacer layers. This nested configuration protects the fragile hollow fiber membranes from mechanical damage during assembly and operation while maintaining their functional membrane area.
2Device complexity
If conventional spiral-wound modules are used, then module complexity is reduced, but permeate channeling and short-circuiting occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral-wound element incorporates localized permeate collection channels and spacer structures at specific positions to prevent channeling and short-circuiting. These local structural modifications improve permeate collection efficiency without fundamentally complicating the overall module design.
Solution Approach 2:
Permeate collection channels and spacer layers act as intermediary structures between the membrane surface and the bulk permeate flow. These intermediaries distribute permeate flow uniformly and prevent direct short-circuiting, improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple module construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If hollow fiber membranes are directly exposed in the module, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the membranes are susceptible to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral-wound element structure includes protective spacer layers and permeate collection channels that are assembled before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is inserted. These pre-assembled protective structures cushion and protect the membranes from mechanical damage during subsequent handling and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber membrane bundle is nested within the protective spiral-wound element structure, which provides mechanical protection while allowing relatively simple assembly. The nested configuration maintains ease of manufacture by using standardized components that can be assembled in a straightforward sequence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A membrane assembly includes a tube container having an inlet conduit and a first outlet conduit both oriented in a radial direction, and a second outlet conduit oriented in an axial direction; and a hollow fiber membrane element disposed inside the tube container, the hollow first membrane element comprising a first adapter with an axial permeate fluid passage in a center thereof and an inlet gas passage in a peripheral portion thereof; and a second adapter with an axial permeate fluid passage in a center thereof and a non-permeate fluid passage in a peripheral portion thereof.