Hollow-Fiber Membrane Vibration Control for Fouling Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane filtration and evaporation processes face significant challenges with membrane fouling, which has not been effectively addressed across various applications, including membrane separation and evaporation, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is developed to control a hollow-fiber membrane fouling reduction system, utilizing an exciter controller, vibration analysis module, and optimal sound source selection to generate vibrations that suppress fouling by calculating optimal frequencies and sound sources for efficient vibration transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption and fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration is applied to reduce membrane fouling, then fouling reduction is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an exciter module to generate shear forces on the membrane surface, preventing foulant deposition and reducing membrane fouling during filtration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration frequency and amplitude parameters based on real-time monitoring of transmembrane pressure and flux degradation, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective fouling prevention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high vibration frequency is used to suppress fouling, then fouling reduction effectiveness increases, but energy usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors system parameters including transmembrane pressure differential and flux rate, and adjusts vibration frequency in real-time based on feedback signals, reducing energy consumption when fouling rates are low while maintaining high frequency when fouling acceleration is detected
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous high-frequency vibration, the system applies periodic vibration pulses at optimized intervals, maintaining effective fouling prevention while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
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 membrane fouling and lowers energy usage by applying powerful shear forces through optimized vibrations, enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of hollow-fiber membranes across different operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
an exciter module that generates vibration corresponding to the excitation signal
Implementation Method 2
receives first vibration values and second vibration values for frequencies sensed respectively from the exciter module and the hollow-fiber membrane module
Implementation Method 3
a process that converts raw water into pure vapor by using a vapor pressure difference generated by a temperature difference before and after a porous and hydrophobic separation membrane as a driving force
Implementation Method 4
a vapor pressure difference generated by a temperature difference before and after a porous and hydrophobic separation membrane
Implementation Method 5
powerful shear force caused by vibration is able to suppress membrane fouling
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an electronic device for controlling a hollow fiber membrane fouling reduction system including an exciter controller that generates an excitation signal, an exciter module that generates vibration corresponding to the excitation signal by being connected electrically to the exciter controller, and a hollow fiber membrane module that receives the vibration generated from the exciter module, the electronic device including a vibration analysis module that receives first and second vibration values for frequencies sensed respectively from the exciter module and the hollow fiber membrane module, calculates a vibration value transmission rate for each frequency based on the first and second vibration values, and calculates an optimal frequency at which the vibration value transmission rate is highest, and an optimal sound source selection module that receives feedback of the optimal frequency and selects an optimal sound source used to generate the excitation signal, based on the optimal frequency.