Membrane Stack for Multi-Pressure Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation methods require multiple apparatuses and complex processes to separate complex mixtures, leading to high equipment costs and energy expenditure, as different separation mechanisms are needed for various substances within a mixture, and often only one method can be used for substances within the same chemical or physical group.
Innovation Solution
A membrane stack with partial sets of membranes operating at different pressures or using underpressure, allowing for selective separation of substances from complex mixtures in a single method step, utilizing membranes suited for various separation techniques such as nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration, and incorporating spacer elements for optimal flow and pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate apparatuses are used for different separation mechanisms, then separation effectiveness for complex mixtures is improved, but equipment cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple membrane separation mechanisms (nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration) into a single integrated apparatus. Different membrane elements with varying pore sizes and separation characteristics are arranged in series within one pressure-tight housing, allowing multiple separation functions to be performed simultaneously by a single device rather than requiring separate apparatuses for each separation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal separation system that can handle complex mixtures requiring multiple separation mechanisms. By incorporating membrane elements with different separation properties (different molecular weight cut-offs, pore sizes, and selectivity characteristics) within the same device, the system can separate various substances from complex mixtures using a single multi-functional apparatus.
2Reliability
If multiple separate apparatuses are used for different separation mechanisms, then separation effectiveness for complex mixtures is improved, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple membrane separation mechanisms (nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration) into a single integrated apparatus. Different membrane elements with varying pore sizes and separation characteristics are arranged in series within one pressure-tight housing, allowing multiple separation functions to be performed simultaneously by a single device rather than requiring separate apparatuses for each separation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The series arrangement of membrane elements with progressively different separation characteristics allows continuous separation action throughout the apparatus. The feed stream passes sequentially through each membrane type, with each membrane performing its specific separation function in a continuous flow process, eliminating the need for multiple discrete separation stages and reducing overall energy requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a single separation method is used for substances in the same chemical group, then process simplicity is maintained, but separation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by incorporating membrane elements with different local separation characteristics within the same apparatus. Each membrane element is specifically designed with particular pore sizes, molecular weight cut-offs, and selectivity properties suited for separating specific substances. This allows the system to tailor the separation mechanism at each local stage to the specific separation requirements, enabling differentiation of substances within the same chemical group while maintaining overall process simplicity.
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 approach enables efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving single-step separation of multiple products from complex mixtures by using membranes optimized for different separation areas within the same apparatus, reducing the need for multiple separation methods and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
pressure-driven separation techniques using pressure, a distinction is made among filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 2
pressure-driven separation techniques using pressure, a distinction is made among filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 3
pressure-driven separation techniques using pressure, a distinction is made among filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 4
pressure-driven separation techniques using pressure, a distinction is made among filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 5
respective partial sets of the set of membranes 13, which form a membrane stack 12, are embodied for different separation areas with a view to the flow medium 11 to be separated and can each be operated with a predetermined, different pressure of the medium to be separated
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus (10) for filtering and separating flow medium (11) by means of membranes (13), in a substantially pressuretight housing (14), at least one inlet (15) for the flow medium (11) to be separated, and at least one outlet (16) for permeate (18) discharge and an outlet (17) for discharged retentate (19), is described. The membranes (13) being embodied as membrane cushions, which have an opening region (131) for emergence of permeate (18) collecting in the membrane interior (137). Various partial sets of the set of membranes (13), which form a membrane stack (12), utilize different separation techniques based on the flow medium (11) so that a respective partial set are each operated with a predetermined, different pressure of the medium (11) to be separated or with a different vacuum on the permeate side of the membranes (13).