Membrane Steam Purification for Removing Organic Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing organic compounds, such as anti-corrosion agents, from steam are inefficient and require frequent regeneration, leading to limited capacity and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A membrane filtration system with a separation membrane and support layers is used to filter out organic compounds from heated, pressurized water, followed by additional filters if necessary, to produce clean steam for various end uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-corrosion agents are added to water used to generate steam, then corrosion protection is improved, but organic compound contamination in steam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes organic compounds (anti-corrosion agents) from the steam after generation using a condenser and filtration system, separating the harmful substances from the useful steam while maintaining the corrosion protection benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtration system including a condenser and filter elements positioned between the steam generator and the steam distribution system, which mediates by capturing organic compounds while allowing clean steam to pass through
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration methods are used to remove organic compounds from steam, then steam purification is improved, but operational frequency and regeneration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the filtration system by maintaining continuous operation with the condenser and filter elements, allowing the system to handle higher volumes of steam without frequent regeneration, thereby improving productivity while maintaining purification quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous filtration process where the condenser and filter elements operate continuously to remove organic compounds from steam, eliminating the need for frequent shutdowns and regeneration cycles, thus maintaining both high purification and continuous productivity
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 reduces organic compound concentrations to acceptable levels, providing clean steam with minimal additives, improving efficiency and reducing the need for frequent regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane adjacent the retentate side, the separation membrane being constructed to reject organic molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing steam includes a source of superheated water with superheated water output; a membrane filtration system in fluid communication with the superheated water output and including a membrane filter with a permeate side and an opposing retentate side. The membrane filter includes a separation membrane constructed to reject organic molecules. The system may be used for removing organic compounds, such as anti-corrosion agents or contaminants, from superheated water to produce steam. A method for producing steam includes directing a cross-flow of heated pressurized water including a first concentration of an organic compound across a membrane filter. The membrane filter includes a separation membrane constructed to reject the organic compound; and one or more support layers adjacent the separation membrane. A steam permeate including a second concentration of the organic compound is collected, where the second concentration is lower than the first.