Modular Gas Separation System with Switchable Series-Parallel Membrane Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane-based gas separation systems can only produce either moderate purity or high purity nitrogen, not both, and require significant space and weight due to separate series and parallel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular gas separation system with a single housing that can be easily configured for series or parallel operation by adjusting a few valves, allowing the same device to produce either moderate or high purity gas without moving modules or changing their physical arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If membrane modules are arranged in series to produce high purity nitrogen, then gas purity is improved, but system space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both series and parallel membrane modules within a single integrated housing structure. The series-connected modules (first and second sets) produce high purity nitrogen, while the parallel-connected modules (third and fourth sets) produce moderate purity nitrogen. This merging of multiple configuration types into one system eliminates the need for separate housings for each configuration, thereby reducing overall system space and weight while maintaining the capability to produce both high and moderate purity nitrogen streams.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate series and parallel configurations are used for different purity requirements, then gas purity options are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal membrane module system that can simultaneously provide multiple product purity options through a single integrated structure. The housing contains both series-connected module sets (for high purity nitrogen) and parallel-connected module sets (for moderate purity nitrogen), along with a distribution system that can route feed gas to different module configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same system to serve multiple purity requirements without needing separate dedicated systems for each application.
3Manufacturing precision
If series arrangement is used for high purity nitrogen, then gas purity is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the series-connected modules (first and second sets) with parallel-connected modules (third and fourth sets) into a single integrated housing structure, sharing common support elements, distribution systems, and control mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the total weight compared to having separate series and parallel systems, while the series configuration within the integrated structure maintains the capability to produce high purity nitrogen when required.
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 configuration reduces space, weight, and production costs while maintaining flexibility, enabling the production of either moderate or high purity nitrogen using the same set of modules.
Implementation Method 1
A polymer used in air separation, for example, will pass oxygen and nitrogen at different rates. The gas that preferentially flows through the membrane wall is called the 'permeate' gas
Implementation Method 2
Various polymers have the property that they allow different gases to flow through, or permeate, the membrane, at different rates. The selectivity of the membrane is a measure of the degree to which the membrane allows one component, but not the other, to pass through
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for separating a gas, such as air, into components, includes a plurality of modules, each module having one or more polymeric membranes capable of gas separation. A set of valves, pipes, and manifolds together arrange the modules in one of two possible configurations. In a first configuration, the modules are arranged in parallel. In a second configuration, the modules are divided into two groups which are arranged in series. The device can be switched from parallel to series, or from series to parallel, simply by changing the positions of a small number of valves, typically three valves. The device can therefore produce gas either of higher purity, or moderate purity, depending on the settings of the valves.