Membrane Wetting Detection via Light Transmission Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane distillation systems lack real-time monitoring capabilities to detect membrane wetting phenomena caused by inorganic scaling, making it difficult to identify the location and extent of membrane contamination, which disrupts the separation process and requires costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A membrane distillation system equipped with a membrane wetting detection unit that uses a light source and detection portion to monitor light transmission through the membrane in real-time, allowing for the identification of wetting phenomena and their location, utilizing a light source such as UV, visible, or infrared rays and an imaging device to determine membrane wetting occurrence and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membrane distillation uses hydrophobic polymer membrane, then separation by vapor pressure difference is achieved, but membrane surface becomes contaminated by inorganic scaling causing membrane wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a light source and detection device before membrane wetting occurs, enabling real-time monitoring of membrane surface conditions. The system detects changes in light transmission through the membrane, allowing early identification of scaling and wetting phenomena before they disrupt the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring light transmission through the membrane and using this information to control the membrane distillation process. The detection device provides real-time data on membrane condition, enabling dynamic adjustment of operating parameters to prevent wetting and maintain separation efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If membrane wetting is detected by indirect method (electric conductivity), then overall contamination is measured, but location of membrane wetting cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the membrane into multiple monitoring zones with separate light sources and detection devices positioned at different locations. This allows the system to identify specific regions where wetting occurs, providing spatial information about contamination while maintaining overall detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light transmission as an intermediary to detect membrane wetting. Instead of directly measuring conductivity or other indirect parameters, the system uses light as a mediator that passes through the membrane and detects changes in transmission caused by wetting, enabling both accurate detection and location identification.
3Ease of operation
If membrane wetting is not monitored in real-time, then system operation is simple, but contamination accumulates requiring costly maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to self-monitor its own condition through integrated light sources and detection devices. The system automatically detects membrane wetting and provides information for maintenance decisions, reducing the need for manual inspection and simplifying operation while preventing costly repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring membrane conditions before wetting occurs, allowing preventive maintenance to be scheduled in advance. This avoids emergency repairs and reduces overall maintenance costs by addressing issues early when they are less severe and more manageable.
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 stable operation of the membrane distillation process by allowing for immediate detection and management of membrane wetting, preventing contamination and reducing maintenance costs by identifying and addressing membrane scaling issues in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane wetting detection unit to detect a membrane wetting phenomenon and a membrane wetting location of the membrane by measuring a light passing through the membrane in real time
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a membrane distillation system capable of real-time monitoring of membrane wetting, which includes: a raw water storage tank configured to store fluid; a membrane distillation water treatment unit configured to receive raw water stored in the raw water storage tank to generate pure water, the membrane distillation water treatment unit having an inlet water chamber into which an inlet water flows from the raw water storage tank, a membrane for separating the inlet water in the inlet water chamber into a steam and a concentrated water, and a treated water chamber for receiving the steam separated by the membrane and concentrating the steam; and a membrane wetting detection unit to detect a membrane wetting phenomenon and a membrane wetting location of the membrane by measuring a light passing through the membrane in real time.