Filtration Membrane Module With Spiral Backwash Flow Adjuster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems face challenges in enhancing membrane surface flow velocity, reducing energy consumption, and improving backwash efficiency while preventing clogging and aggregate formation, particularly in crossflow filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a filtration membrane module with a flow adjuster for backwash arranged in the outer ring-shaped flowpath, featuring spiral-shaped fins, enhances membrane surface flow velocity and backwash efficiency by increasing fluid velocity along the membrane surface and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the membrane surface flow velocity is increased to prevent clogging and improve filtration efficiency, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption and running costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a spiral flow adjuster that dynamically modifies the flow pattern from simple linear flow to spiral flow, creating variable velocity distribution across the membrane surface. This dynamic flow adjustment allows maintaining high velocity at the membrane surface for clogging prevention while managing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral flow adjuster creates local velocity enhancement at the membrane surface region while the bulk fluid velocity can be maintained at economical levels. This local quality adjustment ensures high shear stress at the membrane surface for preventing clogging without requiring high overall flow velocity that would increase energy consumption
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high-power pump equipment is provided to increase membrane surface flow velocity, then the clogging is reduced, but the facility cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral flow adjuster is a passive component that utilizes the existing fluid flow to generate spiral motion and create self-cleaning effects at the membrane surface. This self-service mechanism reduces clogging without requiring additional active components like high-power pumps, thereby controlling facility costs
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral flow adjuster acts as an intermediary device between the pump and the membrane surface, modifying the flow characteristics to prevent clogging. This intermediate component achieves clogging reduction through flow pattern modification rather than requiring high-power pump equipment
3Quantity of substance
If the average flow velocity in the tubular flowpath is increased, then the overall flow rate is improved, but the membrane surface flow velocity cannot efficiently be heightened
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral flow adjuster introduces a rotational dimension to the flow, transforming simple linear flow into spiral flow. This dimensional change creates a velocity component in the radial direction that enhances the membrane surface flow velocity independently of the axial flow rate, allowing decoupling of bulk flow rate and surface velocity
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a long time and large amount of fluid for washing is used for backwash, then the clogging is eliminated, but the washing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral flow adjuster continuously maintains high velocity at the membrane surface during normal operation, creating a preliminary protective effect that prevents clogging formation. This preliminary action reduces the severity and frequency of clogging, thereby reducing the time and resource requirements for backwash operations
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 solution improves filtration efficiency by increasing membrane surface flow velocity, reduces energy consumption, and enhances backwash processing while minimizing clogging and aggregate formation.
Implementation Method 1
a flow adjuster for backwash arranged in the outer ring-shaped flowpath, featuring spiral-shaped fins, enhances membrane surface flow velocity and backwash efficiency by increasing fluid velocity along the membrane surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The purpose of this invention is to provide a filtration membrane module with which is possible to improve the centrifugal separation effect of the primary-side flowpath during filtration, and the centrifugal separation effect of the area following the outer peripheral surface of the flowpath membrane element of the outer ring-shaped flowpath during backwash, and improve filtration efficiency and cleaning efficiency while curbing the accumulation of deposits on the membrane surface during filtration and during backwash. This filtration membrane module comprises: a membrane element equipped with a primary-side flowpath on the outside of a hollow cylindrical filtration surface; and a cylindrical housing positioned on the outside thereof. A flow adjuster is positioned inside the primary-side flowpath. A flow adjuster for backwash is positioned inside the secondary-side flowpath, which is an outer ring-shaped flowpath between the membrane element and the housing. The flow adjuster and the flow adjuster for backwash comprise spiral-shaped fins or the like in order to exhibit a centrifugal separation function in an area that follows the outer peripheral surface of the membrane element or the filtration surface.