Gas Separation Membrane Recirculation for Self-Cleaning Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation membrane technologies face issues with contamination and degradation, leading to reduced performance and lifespan, and existing cleaning methods increase costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A method that reuses impermeable gases separated by the membrane for cleaning, involving injection and circulation through the membrane module to remove contaminants without external chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external cleaning gases or chemical agents are used to clean the separation membrane, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operation costs increase and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the impermeable gas that is already separated by the membrane itself as the cleaning agent, eliminating the need for external cleaning gases or chemical agents. The impermeable gas is recirculated through the membrane module to clean the membrane surface, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding environmental pollution and additional costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the impermeable gas that is separated by the membrane, the system recovers and reuses it as a cleaning agent. The impermeable gas is collected from the permeate side and recirculated through the feed side to clean the membrane, transforming waste into a useful resource
2Reliability
If a separate configuration for introducing cleaning gas from outside is used, then membrane cleaning is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing gas separation process. The impermeable gas that is naturally separated by the membrane during normal operation is directly reused for cleaning purposes, eliminating the need for separate cleaning gas introduction configurations and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The impermeable gas serves multiple functions: it is both a separation product and a cleaning agent. The same gas stream that would normally be discarded is now used for both maintaining membrane performance and cleaning the membrane surface, reducing the need for dedicated cleaning systems
3Reliability
If the separation membrane is replaced to cope with contamination, then separation performance is restored, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously recirculating impermeable gas through the membrane to prevent contamination accumulation. This proactive cleaning approach maintains membrane performance and prevents the need for costly replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane cleaning function is self-sustaining, using the impermeable gas produced by the membrane itself as the cleaning agent. This self-cleaning mechanism continuously removes contaminants and maintains membrane performance without external intervention or replacement
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
Improves membrane performance and lifespan while reducing costs and environmental impact by using recycled gases for cleaning, minimizing contamination accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
separating, by the separation membrane module, the external gas into a permeable gas and an impermeable gas according to permeability with respect to a separation membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas separation membrane operation method. The method may include (a) introducing an external gas into a separation membrane module through an inlet line, (b) separating, by the separation membrane module, the external gas into a permeable gas and an impermeable gas according to permeability with respect to a separation membrane, transferring the permeable gas to the separation line, and transferring the impermeable gas to the outflow line, and (c) injecting at least a part of the impermeable gas transferred to the outflow line into an inlet of the separation membrane module.