Membrane Gas Separation Layout for Fluctuating Multi-Stream Feeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation technologies struggle to efficiently handle multiple gas streams with fluctuating compositions and volumes without requiring complex control systems, significant excess capacity, and substantial adjustments to operating parameters, especially when using renewable energy sources with highly fluctuating output.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation apparatus and method utilizing a membrane separation stage with parallel-connected membrane blocks, a gas distribution system that supplies feed gas streams to membrane separation units at spatially separated locations, allowing for flexible adjustment of membrane separation units based on flow rates and pressures, minimizing mixing and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate separation units are provided for various gas flows, then separation performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation units into a single integrated membrane separation stage, where different gas streams are fed to different locations within the same stage. This merging approach maintains separation performance while reducing device complexity and cost compared to using completely separate separation units for each gas stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane separation stage is segmented into multiple feed locations along the membrane area, allowing different gas streams to be introduced at spatially separated locations. This segmentation enables independent handling of fluctuating gas streams within a unified structure, resolving the contradiction between integration and performance.
2Device complexity
If gas streams are mixed and fed to a single separation unit, then device complexity is reduced, but separation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separation stage is divided into multiple feed locations along the membrane area, allowing different gas streams to be introduced at spatially separated locations. This segmentation enables independent handling of fluctuating gas streams within a unified structure, resolving the contradiction between integration and performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex control technology is used to handle fluctuating gas flows, then separation performance is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to fluctuating gas flows by allowing different streams to be fed at different locations within the membrane separation stage. The spatial distribution of feed points enables automatic adjustment to varying flow rates and compositions without requiring complex control systems, maintaining separation performance while reducing control complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If excess membrane capacity is provided to compensate for fluctuations, then separation performance is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to fluctuating gas flows by allowing different streams to be fed at different locations within the membrane separation stage. The spatial distribution of feed points enables automatic adjustment to varying flow rates and compositions without requiring complex control systems, maintaining separation performance while reducing control complexity.
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
Enables efficient, flexible, and cost-effective separation of gas streams with varying compositions and volumes, maintaining constant product flow and purity without complex control technology, suitable for renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
each membrane separation unit (2) has gas separation membranes and separates the gas mixture supplied through the gas inlet (3) into a retentate gas stream and a permeate gas stream by means of the gas separation membranes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4d
Figure 5a~6d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new apparatus and a method for simultaneously separating a plurality of gas flows of different compositions by means of gas separation membranes, the gas flows supplied to the apparatus or the method being subject to fluctuations in terms of their respective volume flows and compositions.