Separation Membrane Shutdown Under Controlled Water Vapor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices with separation membranes face damage due to temperature fluctuations when stopped, necessitating a method to prevent such damage.
Innovation Solution
A stopping method for separation devices involving setting the water vapor partial pressure and saturation water vapor pressure relationship at P(H2O)/Psat(H2O)≥0.001 and maintaining a temperature of 100°C or higher, followed by controlled temperature and pressure reduction, including stepwise pressure reduction to prevent membrane damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the separation device is stopped and temperature is decreased, then the device can be shut down, but the separation membrane may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the separation membrane under environment A (temperature ≥100°C and water vapor partial pressure ratio ≥0.001) before the actual shutdown process begins. This pre-conditioning ensures the membrane is in a stable state that prevents damage during subsequent cooling, allowing the device to be shut down without compromising membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes environmental parameters during shutdown: first maintaining temperature and water vapor pressure in environment A, then transitioning to environment B (lower temperature and/or lower water vapor partial pressure ratio). This controlled parameter transition prevents thermal shock and condensation damage to the membrane, resolving the contradiction between shutdown speed and membrane protection.
2Reliability
If the separation membrane is heated for use under pressure, then the membrane can fulfill its separation function, but the membrane may be damaged when temperature decreases during shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing water vapor pressure control as a protective measure before thermal shock can occur. By maintaining a specific water vapor partial pressure ratio (≥0.001) at temperatures ≥100°C during shutdown, the method creates a protective environment that cushions the membrane against rapid temperature changes and prevents condensation-related damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition principles by controlling water vapor pressure and temperature relationships. By maintaining the water vapor partial pressure ratio ≥0.001 at ≥100°C, the method ensures water remains in vapor phase during critical cooling periods, preventing condensation on the membrane surface that would cause thermal shock and damage.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure is reduced during shutdown, then the device can be depressurized, but the membrane may be damaged without proper temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the temperature and water vapor pressure conditions (environment A: T≥100°C, P(H2O)/Psat(H2O)≥0.001) before pressure reduction begins. This pre-establishment of protective conditions ensures the membrane is shielded from damage during the subsequent pressure release process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes multiple parameters in a coordinated manner: maintaining temperature and water vapor pressure in environment A during initial pressure reduction, then transitioning to environment B. This multi-parameter control strategy ensures pressure reduction does not occur in isolation, preventing membrane damage from uncoordinated parameter changes.
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 controlling environmental conditions during shutdown, ensuring the membrane's integrity and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a separation method that uses a separation membrane to separate a specific substance from a mixture
Implementation Method 2
the prevention of damage on the separation membrane, which may be caused along with a decrease in temperature when the separation device is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
A stopping method for a separation device is a stopping method for a separation device, which is to be performed after a dehydration step using a separation membrane, the separation device including the separation membrane, the stopping method including: placing the separation membrane under an environment A in which a water vapor partial pressure P(H2O) and a saturation water vapor pressure Psat(H2O) satisfy a relationship of [P(H2O)/Psat(H2O)≥0.001] and a temperature is 100° C. or higher; and decreasing a temperature of the environment A.