Membrane Separation Unit Monitoring for Rapid Damage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membrane separation units are complex and not robust enough, requiring operation within specified limits to avoid damage, but conventional monitoring methods are inadequate for detecting damage reliably and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Implement local parameter detection using sensors and documentation units within the membrane separation units to monitor and record operating conditions, allowing rapid identification of damage through permeate outlet temperature changes and other relevant parameters, independent of central control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If membrane separation units are operated within specified design limits, then damage and failures are avoided, but monitoring and detection of damage are delayed and require removal of multiple cartridges for testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane separation unit operation reliabilityVSAvoiddowntime for damage detection and testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensors are installed in the permeate outlet nozzles before operation to enable preliminary detection capability. This allows temperature monitoring to be ready in advance, so when damage occurs, the system can immediately detect it through temperature changes without requiring time-consuming removal and testing of cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors permeate outlet temperature and provides feedback about the operational state of each membrane cartridge. When damage occurs, the temperature change provides immediate feedback that identifies the affected cartridge, enabling rapid response without manual testing of multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If all membrane cartridges are removed and tested to identify damage, then definitive diagnosis is achieved, but system downtime is substantially increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem operational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of removing and physically testing cartridges with a sensor-based thermal monitoring system. Temperature sensors detect damage through permeate outlet temperature changes, substituting physical inspection with remote thermal detection that maintains system integrity and continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature as a diagnostic indicator, where changes in permeate outlet temperature serve as a visible signal of membrane damage. This thermal signature change allows rapid identification of defective cartridges without physical removal or testing, analogous to using color changes as diagnostic indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If conventional process control systems are used for monitoring, then centralized control is maintained, but local damage detection capability and response speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system integrationVSAvoiddamage detection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into individual cartridge-level temperature monitoring points. Each permeate outlet nozzle has its own temperature sensor, allowing independent detection of damage in specific cartridges. This segmentation enables localized damage identification without requiring centralized system-wide analysis, improving detection speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and reliable detection of membrane damage, reducing downtime by identifying defective units without needing to test all units, and maintaining continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

Membrane separation processes are based on the different permeability and, where applicable, affinity of a membrane material to different components of a gas mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a pressure gradient is generated across the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

rapid detection of membrane damage on the basis of a reduction in the permeate outlet temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12508546B2Membrane separation unit, arrangement of membrane separation units, and membrane separation process

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 LINDE AG

AI summary

A membrane separation unit wherein the membrane separation unit has a pressure vessel and a membrane provided inside the pressure vessel in a membrane arrangement, and wherein the pressure vessel has an inlet nozzle for a feed gas mixture, an outlet nozzle for a permeate and an outlet nozzle for a retentate. The membrane separation unit has in this case measurement means that are arranged at least partially inside the pressure vessel and/or inside the inlet nozzle for the feed gas mixture and/or inside the outlet nozzle for the permeate and/or inside the outlet nozzle for the retentate and are set up to record one or more parameters relevant to operation.