Separation Membrane Washing with Acidic Aromatic Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clogging of separation membranes during the production of cellulose-derived sugar liquids leads to inefficiencies in impurity removal, as existing methods fail to effectively prevent membrane clogging over long-term operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving washing the separation membranes with an aqueous solution containing both an aromatic compound and an acidic substance, specifically using compounds like hydroxymethylfurfural and acids such as sulfuric acid, to restore filtration rates and prevent membrane degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separation membranes are used to remove impurities from cellulose-derived sugar liquid, then impurity removal efficiency is improved, but membrane clogging occurs during long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing membrane washing with an aqueous solution containing an aromatic compound and acidic substance before the membrane becomes severely clogged. This preventive maintenance approach restores membrane permeability and removes accumulated impurities, allowing continuous operation without frequent membrane replacement or severe clogging issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the washing solution by combining aromatic compounds (such as vanillin, ferulic acid, or coumaric acid) with acidic substances (such as oxalic acid, citric acid, or acetic acid). This specific combination of chemical parameters creates a synergistic effect that effectively removes both organic and inorganic impurities from the membrane surface, preventing clogging while maintaining filtration efficiency.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If membrane washing is performed to prevent clogging, then membrane reuse is enabled, but additional washing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a washing solution that simultaneously addresses multiple types of membrane fouling - organic impurities, inorganic salts, and protein deposits - with a single aqueous solution containing both aromatic compound and acidic substance. This multi-functional washing approach simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for multiple sequential washing steps with different chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using a washing solution where the aromatic compound and acidic substance work synergistically to automatically remove various types of impurities without requiring complex multi-step procedures. The solution self-regulates to clean different types of fouling through the combined chemical actions, reducing the need for complex process control and multiple washing stages.
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 effectively prevents membrane clogging, allowing for the reuse of separation membranes and maintaining filtration efficiency, thereby enhancing the production process of cellulose-derived sugar liquids at a low cost.
Implementation Method 1
membrane washing with an aqueous solution containing both an aromatic compound and an acidic substance brings about a remarkable washing effect
Implementation Method 2
a method of separating fine particles into the feed side through filtration using a microfiltration membrane, a method of separating water-soluble macromolecules into the feed side through filtration using an ultrafiltration membrane, and a method of removing low-molecular weight compounds such as fermentation inhibitors from the filtrate side through a nanofiltration membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a sugar liquid includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane, and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with washing water containing an acidic substance and an aromatic compound.