Membrane separation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-condensable gas purge systems require significant energy to separate condensable components by cooling mixed gases to their condensation point, leading to high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A membrane separation system with a membrane separator and inclined flow path design that allows condensable components to liquify and separate efficiently, using a separation membrane to facilitate permeation and recovery with reduced energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mixed gas is cooled to below the condensation point to separate the condensable component, then the condensable component can be separated from the non-condensable component, but large energy is required for the separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from temperature-based condensation to pressure-based permeation. By adjusting the pressure distribution across the membrane (higher pressure on the feed side, lower pressure on the permeate side), the condensable component can be separated without cooling below its condensation point, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (cooling system) with a mechanical field (pressure-driven membrane system). Instead of using large cooling capacity to condense the refrigerant, the system uses pressure differential across the membrane to drive permeation, substituting a high-energy thermal process with a lower-energy mechanical process
2Use of energy by moving object
If a membrane separator is used to separate gases without cooling, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system requires a specific flow path configuration to prevent liquid condensable component from blocking the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow path into distinct segments: a first flow path for the mixed gas feed and a second flow path for the permeate gas. This segmentation allows the liquid condensable component to be collected in separate regions (downstream end of first flow path, upstream end of second flow path) without blocking the membrane separation surface, maintaining system simplicity while enabling effective separation
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 separates condensable components in a liquid state with less energy consumption by leveraging a membrane separator and inclined flow path configuration, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A mixed gas containing a permeate gas that is allowed to permeate through the separation membrane; The permeate gas that has permeated through the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
a condensable component in a gaseous state is to be supplied to the first flow path... the condensable component in a liquid state is present in a downstream end portion of the first flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane separation system includes a membrane separator including a separation membrane. The membrane separator has a first flow path and a second flow path. A mixed gas is to be supplied to the first flow path. The mixed gas contains: a permeate gas that is allowed to permeate through the separation membrane; and a condensable component in a gaseous state. The permeate gas that has permeated through the separation membrane is allowed to flow through the second flow path. The membrane separation system is configured so that the condensable component in a liquid state is present in a downstream end portion of the first flow path in a direction of passage of the mixed gas.