Membrane Separation System with Segmented I-Type and Reverse L-Type Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane separation systems face challenges in maintaining high separation performance and long-term stability, especially at high recovery ratios, due to the concentration of inorganic scales and deteriorating water quality in subsequent stages.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration of multiple separation membrane elements with specific feed and permeate channel arrangements, including I-type and reverse L-type elements, where the feed-side and permeate-side channel materials are spirally wound around a perforated-water collection tube, allowing for adjustable operation states to manage concentration and flow rates, thereby reducing the impact of concentrated substances on performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the recovery ratio is increased to reduce desalination cost and environmental load, then the productivity is improved, but the concentration of inorganic scales increases and water quality deteriorates in subsequent stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the membrane separation process into multiple stages with different element configurations. First-stage elements (I-type) handle initial concentration with feed ports at opposite ends, while second-stage elements (reverse L-type) handle further concentration with feed ports at perpendicular ends. This segmentation allows each stage to operate optimally without overwhelming concentration polarization, maintaining water quality while achieving high overall recovery ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Different membrane elements are assigned different local qualities based on their position in the system. First-stage elements use I-type configuration optimized for initial separation, while second-stage elements use reverse L-type configuration optimized for high-concentration operation. This local differentiation allows each part of the system to handle the specific concentration level it encounters, preventing scale formation while maximizing recovery ratio.
2Productivity
If the concentration of separated component in raw water increases to achieve high recovery ratio, then the productivity is improved, but the separation performance deteriorates due to scale formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow path and concentration distribution through its multi-element configuration. By using both I-type and reverse L-type elements in sequence, the system creates dynamic flow patterns that prevent stagnant high-concentration zones where scales would form. The perpendicular feed port arrangement in reverse L-type elements specifically addresses concentration polarization by introducing feed at a different orientation, maintaining separation performance during high recovery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse L-type element introduces a dimensional change in the flow path arrangement. Instead of the linear opposite-end feeding of I-type elements, the reverse L-type uses perpendicular end feeding, adding a spatial dimension to the flow distribution. This dimensional change disrupts concentration polarization patterns and prevents scale formation on membrane surfaces, preserving separation performance at high recovery ratios.
3Productivity
If multiple separation membrane elements are connected in series to increase recovery ratio, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and standardizes the essential functional differences between first-stage and second-stage elements into two discrete element types (I-type and reverse L-type). By identifying and separating the key configurational differences, the system simplifies the overall design while still achieving the necessary functional complexity for high recovery ratio operation. This extraction of essential features reduces device complexity compared to fully customized multi-stage 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
This configuration enables stable, long-term operation with high desalination rates and separation performance even at high recovery ratios by inhibiting scale formation and concentration polarization, ensuring consistent membrane performance.
Implementation Method 1
a feed fluid is supplied to one surface of a separation membrane and a permeated fluid is obtained from the other surface of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
separation membranes for use in the separation method using separation membrane elements are classified into microfiltration membranes, ultrafiltration membranes, nanofiltration membranes, reverse osmosis membranes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane separation system including a plurality of separation membrane elements connected to one another, each of the separation membrane elements including a plurality of separation membrane pairs, each separation membrane pair including separation membranes each having a feed-side surface and a permeate-side surface and disposed such that the feed-side surfaces face each other, in which the plurality of separation membrane elements include a first separation membrane element and a second separation membrane element, and at least one first separation membrane element serves as a stage preceding the second separation membrane element.