Membrane Purification System for Solvent Mixture Impurity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing purification methods for mixtures containing multiple solvents, such as distillation and absorption, are inefficient due to high energy requirements and the need for large amounts of absorbing materials.
Innovation Solution
A purification system utilizing a pervaporation method with a first membrane separation device and a second filtration membrane separation device to efficiently separate and purify a mixture containing a first solvent, a second solvent, and an impurity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation method is used to purify washing solution, then impurity concentration is reduced, but large amount of energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal distillation process with a membrane-based separation system. The washing solution is fed to a membrane module where impurities are separated physically through the membrane, eliminating the need for thermal energy input while achieving effective purification. This substitution of thermal field with mechanical/physical field resolves the energy consumption problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary between the washing solution and the environment. It selectively allows passage of certain components while blocking impurities, enabling separation without direct thermal contact. This intermediary approach achieves purification with minimal energy input compared to direct distillation.
2Manufacturing precision
If absorption method is used to purify washing solution, then impurity is removed, but large amount of absorbing material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical absorption process with physical membrane separation. Instead of using large quantities of absorbing materials that require chemical interaction, the system uses a membrane with selective permeability properties. This physical separation mechanism achieves the same purification goal with minimal material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane in the purification system functions as a thin film that selectively separates impurities from the washing solution. This thin film approach replaces bulk absorbing materials, dramatically reducing the quantity of substance required while maintaining effective separation performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If absorption method is used to purify washing solution, then impurity is removed, but recycling of absorbing material is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the absorption-recycling cycle with continuous membrane separation. The membrane module enables direct separation without material saturation and regeneration steps. This eliminates the complex recycling infrastructure needed for absorbing materials while maintaining continuous purification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane separation system operates autonomously without requiring external recycling processes. The membrane continuously performs separation as the washing solution passes through it, eliminating the need for separate absorption, saturation, and regeneration steps that characterize absorption-based systems.
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 system effectively reduces the impurity concentration in the mixture while recovering solvents, requiring less energy compared to distillation and eliminating the need for absorbing materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first membrane separation device including a pervaporation membrane that separates the mixture into a first permeated fluid and a first concentrated fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second membrane separation device including a filtration membrane that separates the first concentrated fluid into a second permeated fluid and a second concentrated fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A purification system is for purifying a mixture containing a first solvent, a second solvent, and an impurity. The purification system includes a first membrane separation device including a pervaporation membrane and a second membrane separation device including a filtration membrane. The pervaporation membrane separates the mixture into a first permeated fluid and a first concentrated fluid. The first permeated fluid has a lower concentration of the impurity than that in the mixture, and the first concentrated fluid has a higher concentration of the impurity than that in the mixture. The filtration membrane separates the first concentrated fluid into a second permeated fluid and a second concentrated fluid. The second permeated fluid has a lower concentration of the impurity than that in the first concentrated fluid, and the second concentrated fluid has a higher concentration of the impurity than that in the first concentrated fluid.