Membrane Stack for Selective Separation of Complex Mixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation technologies require multiple equipment and processes to separate complex mixtures of substances, which is time-consuming, energy-intensive, and costly, as different separation methods are needed for various substances within a mixture, often necessitating sequential use of devices designed for specific products.
Innovation Solution
A method where a membrane stack with membranes of different separation regions is operated under predetermined vacuum levels, allowing for selective material separation of substances from complex mixtures in a single process step, utilizing the pervaporation method where applicable, thereby reducing the need for multiple separation processes and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separation devices are used to separate different substances from complex mixtures, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple membranes with different separation characteristics into a single membrane stack, allowing simultaneous separation of multiple substances from complex mixtures in one device rather than requiring multiple separate separation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane stack is designed to perform multiple separation functions simultaneously by incorporating membranes with different pore sizes and separation mechanisms (filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, pervaporation) within a single device structure
2Reliability
If sequential separation processes are used for complex mixtures, then separation completeness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous separation of multiple substances through a single pass through the membrane stack, eliminating the need for sequential processing steps and maintaining continuous operation throughout the separation process
3Measurement precision
If multiple separation methods are applied to complex mixtures, then separation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separation methods (filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, pervaporation) into a single integrated membrane stack that operates simultaneously, reducing the total energy input required compared to sequential application of each method
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 selective separation of desired products from complex mixtures in one process step, significantly reducing equipment requirements, time, and costs, while achieving efficient separation using negative pressure on the permeate side of membrane elements.
Implementation Method 1
A distinction is made between the pressure-operated separation technologies filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 2
A distinction is made between the pressure-operated separation technologies filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 3
A distinction is made between the pressure-operated separation technologies filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 4
A distinction is made between the pressure-operated separation technologies filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Implementation Method 5
The solution according to the invention also makes it possible, for example, to separate substances from complex mixtures of substances, which can only be carried out using membranes which, for example, work according to the pervaporation method
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for filtering and separating flow media (11) by means of membranes (13), comprising a substantially pressure-tight housing (14) in which a plurality of membranes (13) are arranged, at least one inlet (15) for the flow medium (11) to be separated which is led into the device (10), and at least one outlet (16) for the permeate (18) led out of the device (10) as well as an outlet (17) and the retentate (19) led out, wherein the membranes (13) are designed in the manner of membrane cushions which have an opening area (131) for the exit of the permeate (18) which collects in the membrane interior (137).Respective subsets of the set of membranes (13) forming a membrane stack (12) are designed for different separation areas with respect to the flow medium (11) to be separated, so that a respective subset of the set of membranes (13) can operate the different subsets 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).