Membrane Separation Apparatus Sheet-Like Elastic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flat membrane testing apparatus damages the separation membrane due to deterioration of the inner O-ring, which contacts the corner portion of the groove in the lower support body, leading to a need for a solution that prevents membrane damage and improves maintainability.
Innovation Solution
A membrane separation apparatus with sheet-like elastic members between the separation membrane and the support bodies, eliminating the need for groove portions and allowing for efficient sealing without damaging the membrane, even if the elastic members deteriorate, and modular design for easy maintenance and configuration adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inner O-ring is used as a sealing member in a groove portion of the lower support body, then sealing between the separation membrane and the lower support body is achieved, but the separation membrane is damaged when the O-ring deteriorates due to contact with the groove corner portion
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet-like elastic member is introduced as an intermediary sealing component that replaces the O-ring in the groove portion. This elastic member seals between the lower support body and the upper support body without directly contacting the separation membrane, thus preventing membrane damage while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful corner portion of the groove is removed or modified by replacing the traditional groove-based sealing structure with a sheet-like elastic member that can be positioned to avoid contact with the separation membrane, extracting the harmful geometric feature that caused the contradiction.
2Reliability
If a groove portion accommodating a sealing member is provided in the lower support body, then sealing is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet-like elastic member (flexible thin film) is used as the sealing component instead of a rigid O-ring in a groove. This flexible sheet can be easily installed and removed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective sealing between the support bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is separated from the support body structure itself. The sheet-like elastic member is a distinct, replaceable component that performs sealing without requiring complex integrated grooves or channels in the support bodies.
3Reliability
If the separation membrane is in direct contact with the corner portion of the groove, then sealing is maintained, but the membrane is vulnerable to damage when the sealing member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-like elastic member serves as a mediator between the support bodies and the separation membrane. It provides the necessary sealing function while physically isolating the membrane from contact with potentially harmful structures like groove corner portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides a protective cushioning layer that prevents direct contact between hard structures (support body corners) and the fragile separation membrane, cushioning against potential damage before it can occur.
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
Prevents damage to the separation membrane by using sheet-like elastic members for sealing and allows for easy maintenance and configuration changes, enhancing the apparatus's maintainability and adaptability to water quality variations.
Implementation Method 1
a first sheet-like elastic member that is provided between the separation membrane and the lower support body, and that seals between the separation membrane and the lower support body
Implementation Method 2
a first sheet-like elastic member that is provided between the separation membrane and the lower support body, and that seals between the separation membrane and the lower support body and between the lower support body and the upper support body
Implementation Method 3
a separation membrane that is provided between the lower support body and the upper support body, and that separates water to be treated into permeated water and concentrated water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A membrane separation apparatus, which enables prevention of damage to a separation membrane even if a sealing member is deteriorated, is provided. A membrane separation apparatus 1 of the present invention includes: a lower support body 11 having a water-to-be-treated introduction port 112a and a concentrated water discharge port 112b provided therein; an upper support body 12 having a permeated water discharge port 122a provided therein; a separation membrane 13 that is provided between the lower support body 11 and the upper support body 12, and that separates water to be treated into permeated water and concentrated water; and a sheet-like elastic member 14 that is provided between the separation membrane 13 and the lower support body 11, and that seals between the separation membrane 13 and the lower support body 11, and between the lower support body 11 and the upper support body 12.