Separation Membrane Module Abnormality Detection via Permeate Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting abnormalities in separation membrane modules, such as those used in water treatment processes, face challenges in accuracy and cost due to the need for a sufficient number of sensors, which increases the overall cost of the water treatment device.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the steps of obtaining permeates from a separation membrane module with multiple outlets, changing the flow rates of these permeates, measuring their water qualities, and plotting the relationship between flow rates and water qualities as a scatter diagram to detect abnormalities, allowing for quick and accurate identification of the abnormality's location and degree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensors is increased to improve abnormality detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the separation membrane module into multiple sections with separate permeate outlets, allowing independent flow rate control for each section. This segmentation enables localized abnormality detection without requiring sensors throughout the entire module, thus improving detection accuracy while avoiding excessive sensor installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters by independently adjusting flow rates of permeates from different outlets and measuring water quality at varying flow conditions. By plotting relationships between flow rates and water qualities under multiple conditions, the system detects abnormalities through parameter variations rather than direct sensing, reducing sensor requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the number of sensors is increased to improve abnormality detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation membrane module is segmented into multiple sections with independently controllable permeate outlets. This allows the system to detect abnormalities in specific sections by adjusting and measuring flow rates and water qualities at those sections, eliminating the need for expensive sensors in every location while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct sensor-based detection with a measurement system that uses flow rate control and water quality analysis. By substituting mechanical/electronic sensors with a control-and-measurement approach using existing permeate outlets and water quality measurement capabilities, the system reduces overall cost while achieving comparable or superior detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If conventional sensor-based methods are used to detect abnormalities, then detection capability is provided, but the method cannot quickly specify the location where the abnormality has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate outlets are segmented by location along the separation membrane module, with each outlet corresponding to a specific section. When an abnormality is detected through flow rate and water quality measurements at a particular outlet, the location is immediately identified by which outlet showed the anomaly, enabling rapid localization without time-consuming sensor scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses water quality measurements and flow rate data as intermediaries to detect and locate abnormalities. By measuring water qualities at permeates from different outlets under varying flow rates, the system indirectly detects abnormalities and pinpoints their locations through the relationship patterns, achieving both detection and localization efficiently.
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 method enables the rapid and precise detection of abnormalities in separation membrane modules, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for a large number of sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane module including a pressure vessel and a separation membrane element housed therein which includes any of those separation membranes
Implementation Method 2
Fluid separation techniques employing various separation membranes including a reverse osmosis membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, and a microfiltration membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for preparing a water quality profile that has (1) a step 1 for supplying water to be treated to a separation membrane module with a supply port for the water being treated and multiple permeate outlets and obtaining permeate, (2) a step 2 for varying the ratio of the flow rates of the respective permeates flowing out of the multiple permeate outlets, (3) a step 3 after step 2 for measuring the respective water qualities of the permeates, and (4) a step 4 for plotting the relationship between the ratio of the respective permeate flow rates varied in step 2 and the respective water qualities of the permeates measured in step 3 as a scatter diagram, steps 2-4 being repeated multiple times.