Separation Membrane Element with Porous Permeate Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation membrane elements face challenges in maintaining stable performance over long periods, particularly in reducing flow resistance and enhancing permeation efficiency, with existing designs often resulting in inadequate water permeability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane element is designed with a permeate spacer made of a different material, having a specific projection area ratio and structure, integrated with a separation membrane featuring a porous support layer and separation functional layer, to create a stable permeate flow path with reduced flow resistance and improved permeation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional permeate spacer is used in a separation membrane element, then the element can be manufactured with standard components, but the flow resistance is high and permeation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate spacer is designed with a porous structure featuring through-holes that extend from one surface to the other, creating dedicated flow paths for permeate fluid. This porous configuration significantly reduces flow resistance compared to conventional solid or non-porous spacers, thereby improving permeation efficiency while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates through-holes at specific locations and intervals to create localized flow channels. This local quality approach allows the spacer to provide structural support in certain areas while facilitating fluid flow in others, optimizing both mechanical strength and permeation performance
2Quantity of substance
If the membrane area per unit element is increased by bundling more separation membranes, then more permeate fluid can be obtained per unit element, but the element becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The feed spacer and permeate spacer are integrated into a single component structure, combining the functions of feed distribution, membrane support, and permeate collection. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed in the element assembly, simplifying manufacturing while allowing increased membrane area to be bundled effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the separation membrane, distributes feed fluid across the membrane surface, collects permeate fluid through through-holes, and maintains element structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
3Device complexity
If a flat membrane is used without spacers, then the element structure is simplified, but the flow paths are inadequate and permeation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer introduces a third dimension (depth/height) to the otherwise two-dimensional flat membrane structure. By creating through-holes that extend through the spacer thickness, three-dimensional flow paths are established that efficiently collect permeate fluid without requiring complex lateral channel structures
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 achieves a separation membrane element with enhanced permeation and separation performance, maintaining stability over time while reducing flow resistance and improving water permeability.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane that separates components contained in the source fluid
Implementation Method 2
as a fluid separation membrane element used in reverse osmosis filtration
Implementation Method 3
a permeate spacer for conducting permeate fluid that has permeated through the separation membrane
Implementation Method 4
permeate fluid can be taken out in large amounts by putting pressure on the source fluid
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a separation membrane element that is able to increase the amount of permeate fluid per unit time and also able to improve stability performance, provided is a separation membrane element, comprising a separation membrane and a permeate spacer, wherein a separation functional layer is arranged on the surface of said separation membrane and a nonwoven fabric served as a substrate is arranged on the back surface of said separation membrane, wherein said permeate spacer is arranged on the back surface side of said substrate, wherein said permeate spacer is made of a different material from said separation membrane, and a projection area ratio of said permeate spacer to said separation membrane is 0.03 to 0.80.