Membrane Module Flow Guide for Clogging Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membrane clogging and increased filtration load occur due to suspended matter accumulation in membrane separation apparatuses, requiring frequent maintenance and leading to energy consumption and inefficient filtration.

Innovation Solution

A membrane module design with a casing having a smaller outflow passage area than inflow passage area, combined with a flow stabilizing member and air diffusing device, which reduces clogging and filtration load by optimizing water flow and air bubble interaction with the membrane surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If membrane separation is used for water treatment, then water quality of treated water is improved, but membrane clogging with suspended matter occurs and filtration flow amount decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater qualityVSAvoidfiltration flow amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic backwashing cycles where the membrane module alternates between filtration mode and backwashing mode. During backwashing, water flows in reverse direction to dislodge and remove accumulated suspended matter from the membrane surface, restoring filtration capacity without requiring membrane replacement or extensive maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane module incorporates an integrated backwashing mechanism that automatically cleans the membrane surface using the filtration system's own water flow. The design enables the system to self-clean by redirecting treated water backward through the membrane elements, eliminating the need for external cleaning equipment or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If membrane modules are stacked vertically to increase capacity, then treatment volume is improved, but activated sludge concentration increases and filtration load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment volumeVSAvoidfiltration load

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the membrane separation system into multiple independent membrane modules stacked vertically, each with its own flow channels and membrane elements. This segmentation allows each module to handle a portion of the total flow, distributing the filtration load evenly across all modules rather than concentrating it in a single large unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal membrane module arrangement to vertical stacking configuration. By arranging membrane modules in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally, the system increases treatment capacity without proportionally increasing the footprint area, while the vertical flow path design maintains efficient filtration by preventing sludge accumulation at the bottom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If diffuser pipe is used below membrane module for peeling suspended matter, then membrane surface cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane surface cleaningVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the separate diffuser pipe component from the system design. Instead of using an external air diffusion system to clean the membrane surface, the invention extracts the cleaning function entirely and replaces it with a backwashing flow mechanism that uses water pressure to remove suspended matter, thereby simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The design moderates membrane clogging and reduces filtration load, improving filtration efficiency and energy consumption by enhancing washing effects and scrubbing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser pipe is disposed below the membrane module to accomplish a process for peeling off the suspended matter at the separation membrane surface by swingingly move the treated water at the membrane surface under the action of air diffused from this diffuser pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9044714B2Membrane module, membrane unit, and membrane separation device

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 MEIDENSHA CORP

AI summary

A membrane separation apparatus in which a membrane clogging is moderated to lower a load to filtering. A plurality of separation membranes 4 are stored vertical and parallel to each other inside the a casing 6 formed with opening sections which respectively open in upper and lower directions thereby configuring a membrane module 3. In a flow passage through which treated water for the membrane module 3 flows, a water flow guide 5 is provided such that an opening area S2 of the flow passage through which treated water outflows is smaller than an opening area S1 of the flow passage through which treated water inflows. Additionally, a plurality of the membrane modules 3 are stacked one upon another in a direction of height of a casing thereby to configure a membrane unit 2. An air diffusing device 7 is disposed below this membrane unit 2 thereby configure a membrane separation apparatus 1.