Modular Fluid Separation Module for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid separation apparatuses with serially arranged separation elements face challenges in weight reduction and maintenance due to increased flange portions and ceramic element fragility, making replacement and repair difficult.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with a separation module that is insertable and removable from one end of the casing, utilizing first and second connection jigs and a coupling jig to isolate spaces and facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for flanges and minimizing ceramic element breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of separation elements is increased to increase the membrane area and separation capability, then the separation capability is improved, but the number of flange portions increases and the weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a casing and a separable separation element assembly. The separation elements are arranged in series and can be collectively removed from the casing through a single opening, segmenting the replacement process into discrete modular units rather than requiring individual flange disassembly for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation element assembly is extracted as a complete unit from the casing through a single opening. This allows the entire assembly containing multiple separation elements to be removed and replaced without disassembling flange connections for each individual element, thereby reducing the number of flange portions and overall apparatus weight.
2Productivity
If the number of separation elements is increased to increase the membrane area and separation capability, then the separation capability is improved, but the complexity of maintenance and replacement increases due to multiple flange portions
Solution Approach 1:
The separation elements are organized into a segmented assembly that can be collectively removed and replaced through a single opening in the casing. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the entire assembly without disassembling multiple flange connections, significantly simplifying the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation element assembly is designed to be extractable as a complete unit through a single opening. This extraction mechanism eliminates the need to disassemble and reassemble multiple flange portions during maintenance, making replacement straightforward and reducing maintenance complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional flange connections are used to hold separation elements, then the separation elements are securely fixed, but the ceramic separation elements may break during disassembly and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element assembly is extracted as a complete unit through a single opening without requiring disassembly of flange connections. This eliminates the mechanical stress and risk of breakage associated with traditional flange disassembly and reassembly operations on fragile ceramic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed connection (flanges) to a dynamic removable assembly. The separation element assembly can be inserted and removed as a unit through the single opening, providing both secure fixation during operation and easy removal for replacement without breakage risk.
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 modular design reduces the weight of the apparatus, simplifies maintenance, and allows for efficient replacement and repair of separation elements, enhancing the separation capability and processing flow rate while minimizing leakage and membrane area requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a gas separation membrane, which allows only a specific gas component to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the closeness of contact between the gas separator and a fixing member for fixing the gas separator may become insufficient due to thermal expansion of the gas separator and the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid separation apparatus is described, including a casing and a separation module. The casing includes a mixed fluid inlet, a separated fluid outlet through which a selectively separated fluid is discharged, and a residual fluid outlet. The separation module has a set of serially arranged separation elements disposed therein and is insertable into the casing from an end of the casing. The separation module includes a first connection jig disposed between adjacent separation elements, second connection jigs disposed at two ends of the set of serially arranged separation elements, and a coupling jig coupling the first and the second connection jigs to each other.