Modular Membrane Housing with Integrated Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional membrane separation devices require extensive piping and complex connections, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, unreliability, and increased weight, which limits their use in mobile and space-constrained applications.

Innovation Solution

The device features a modular design with a container housing multiple separating units, allowing for direct coupling without separate pipe connections, using a common inlet and pre-installed connecting means, with self-stabilizing units and lightweight materials to reduce weight and installation effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate pipe connections are used to connect multiple separating units, then the device can be assembled from modular components, but the installation complexity and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular assembly capabilityVSAvoidpiping and connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the piping system with the container structure by integrating common inlet and outlet channels directly into the container walls. Multiple separating units share these integrated channels, eliminating the need for separate external pipe connections between units. This combining of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container's integrated channels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as structural elements of the container, flow distribution manifolds for multiple separating units, and connection points for media supply and discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated piping for each separating unit, reducing installation complexity while maintaining modular benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive piping and connections are used to connect multiple separating units, then complete separation of units is achieved, but the weight of the overall system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparating unit independenceVSAvoidoverall system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The piping functions are merged into the container structure itself, eliminating separate pipe components. The container walls incorporate integrated channels that serve as flow paths, removing the need for additional piping materials and reducing the overall system weight while maintaining unit independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure acts as a lightweight enclosing shell that also provides the flow distribution function. By using the container walls themselves as the flow channels rather than adding separate rigid piping, the system achieves the required functionality with minimal additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate pipe connections are installed between separating units, then individual units can be independently configured, but the installation and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit configuration flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution channels are pre-integrated into the container structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site piping installation between separating units. Units can be independently configured and then simply placed into the container, where they automatically connect to the pre-formed channels, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into independent separating units that can be individually configured and assembled, while the container provides a pre-integrated connection system. This segmentation allows flexible unit configuration without requiring complex inter-unit piping, as each unit connects to the shared container channels in a standardized manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If multiple separate pipe connections are used for medium supply and permeate discharge, then each separating unit can be independently serviced, but the risk of leaks and mixing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit serviceabilityVSAvoidconnection tightness and operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection points are merged into integrated sealed channels within the container structure. The container walls provide continuous sealed pathways for medium supply and permeate collection, eliminating numerous separate connection points where leaks could occur. This reduces the overall leak risk while maintaining the ability to service individual units by removing them from the container.

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

This design minimizes installation and maintenance costs, enhances operational reliability, and enables the use of membrane separation devices in smaller, lighter configurations suitable for mobile and maritime applications, while allowing for easy expansion of membrane area.

Implementation Method 1

filtering and separating flow media by means of membranes designed as hollow fiber membranes, in particular using the methods of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrafiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

filtering and separating flow media by means of membranes designed as hollow fiber membranes, in particular using the methods of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

filtering and separating flow media by means of membranes designed as hollow fiber membranes, in particular using the methods of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNanofiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2559477B1Device for filtering and separating flow media with hollow fibre membrane elements

Publication Date: 2013.05.22 TIG AUTOMATION

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AI summary

A device (10) for filtering fluids (15) using membranes, in particular according to the methods of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, is proposed. The device (10) comprises a housing (12) in which the membranes are arranged, an inlet for the fluid (15) to be separated which is fed into the device (10), an outlet for the permeate produced in the device (10), and an outlet for the retentate leaving the device (10), which essentially forms a separation unit. The device (10) also includes a container (20) in which at least two separation units are connected in series such that a common inlet (22) is provided for supplying the fluid (21) to be separated to the at least two separation units.