Modular Fluid Separation Membrane with Composite Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid separation technologies face challenges in achieving high separation efficiency on a commercial scale due to high production and processing costs, as well as the difficulty in producing thin, durable membranes for large-scale applications, which limits their practicality for effectively separating gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Innovation Solution

A fluid separation apparatus featuring a fluid separation membrane with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm and an outer diameter of 60 mm to 360 mm, configured in a cross-sectional shape that allows for efficient separation and is designed for mass production, utilizing a modular structure with stacked separation membranes and spacers to enhance separation efficiency and reduce costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a thin separation membrane is used to achieve high separation efficiency, then separation efficiency is improved, but durability becomes weaker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a thin separation membrane (0.1-2 mm) combined with a support structure. The thin membrane provides high separation efficiency while the support structure (including spacers and framework) provides mechanical strength and durability. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high separation performance and structural robustness that neither component could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If a thin separation membrane is produced in large quantities, then commercialization is enabled, but production difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidproduction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large-scale separation system into multiple modular units, each containing smaller separation membranes (60-360 mm outer diameter). These modules can be manufactured independently and then assembled in various configurations to meet different production requirements. This segmentation enables standardized mass production of membrane modules while maintaining flexibility for different application scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where multiple separation membranes are arranged concentrically or in stacked configurations within a common support structure. This nesting approach allows efficient use of space, simplifies the overall assembly process, and enables modular manufacturing where identical nested units can be produced and replicated for mass deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If high pressure is applied to achieve high separation efficiency, then separation efficiency is improved, but processing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the separation membrane thickness parameter (0.1-2 mm) to achieve high separation efficiency at lower pressure differentials. The specific thickness range is designed to provide sufficient permeability for efficient separation without requiring excessive pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption and processing costs while maintaining high separation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If multiple separation membranes are assembled for large-sized equipment, then separation capacity is increased, but assembly time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capacityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separation membranes into pre-assembled modular units that function as integrated components. Each module contains membranes, spacers, and support structures already configured and sealed together. These complete modules can be installed as single units, dramatically reducing assembly time and labor costs compared to assembling individual membranes, while still achieving the required total separation capacity through parallel deployment of multiple modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus achieves improved separation efficiency for large volumes of fluid, enabling effective reduction of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, while being cost-effective and suitable for commercialization.

Implementation Method 1

each of the fluid separation membranes allows at least a portion of the target fluid to move from the mixed fluid flowing outside the fluid separation membrane into the fluid separation membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS11534721B2Fluid separation apparatus comprising fluid separation membrane, and fluid separation membrane module

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 ARSTROMA CO LTD

AI summary

A fluid separation apparatus comprising a fluid separation membrane is provided. The fluid separation apparatus comprises a fluid separation membrane extending in one direction and having a cross-section with a closed curve shape, wherein the fluid separation membrane has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and an outer diameter of 60 mm to 360 mm when the cross-section is adjusted to be circular.