Monolithic Membrane Filtration Structure Optimized for Hydraulic Flow
Solution Overview
Problem
Current monolithic and multi-element filtration structures face challenges in maximizing filtrate flow and efficiency due to suboptimal geometric and physical characteristics, leading to increased hydraulic resistance and complexity, particularly in large-diameter tangential filters.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic membrane filtration structure with a tubular shape, where the external hydraulic diameter is optimized based on a correlation between the geometric and physical characteristics of the support and membrane, using a specific formula to determine the optimal diameter for maximum flow and efficiency, while minimizing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the external hydraulic diameter of the filter structure is increased to handle larger flow rates, then the filtration capacity increases, but the hydraulic resistance increases and filtration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the external hydraulic diameter according to a specific mathematical correlation that relates it to the permeability of the support and membrane, as well as the thickness of the membrane and internal walls. This correlation allows the filter structure to achieve maximum filtrate flow while maintaining optimal filtration efficiency by finding the balanced value of external hydraulic diameter that satisfies both productivity and reliability requirements.
2Productivity
If multi-element filter structures are used to increase filtration capacity, then the filtrate flow increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filtration functions into a single monolithic filter structure rather than using multiple separate filter elements. This single integrated structure achieves the same or higher filtrate flow as multi-element configurations while significantly reducing device complexity, manufacturing cost, and sealing requirements. The monolithic structure combines the support and membrane into one unified component with optimized geometry.
3Reliability
If the membrane thickness is increased to improve filtration efficiency, then the separation performance improves, but the hydraulic resistance increases and filtrate flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the membrane thickness parameter in relation to other geometric and physical parameters through the external hydraulic diameter correlation. The optimal membrane thickness is not fixed but is determined by the specific application requirements, support permeability, and desired flow rate. This allows achieving maximum filtration efficiency at the required flow rate by adjusting the thickness to the optimal value rather than using a thicker membrane that would increase resistance.
4Productivity
If the support permeability is increased to improve filtrate flow, then the hydraulic resistance decreases, but the structural strength and stability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the support permeability parameter through the external hydraulic diameter correlation, which balances flow requirements with structural integrity. The support permeability is not maximized independently but is selected to achieve the optimal external hydraulic diameter that satisfies both productivity and strength requirements. This correlation ensures that the support structure maintains adequate mechanical strength while providing sufficient flow capacity.
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 optimized monolithic structure achieves enhanced filtrate flow and filtration efficiency compared to multi-element structures, with improved hydraulic performance and reduced complexity and cost, allowing for effective filtration of liquids in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The principles and filtration efficiency of such filters are based on the application of a pressure difference within the structure to allow the fluid to pass through the porous walls
Implementation Method 2
The principles and filtration efficiency of such filters are based on the application of a pressure difference within the structure to allow the fluid to pass through the porous walls
Data Source
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AI summary
A monolithic membrane filtration structure for filtering liquids, comprising a support formed from a porous inorganic material of permeability Ks, said support having a generally tubular shape having a main axis, an upstream base, a downstream base, a peripheral wall delimiting an inner portion and a plurality of channels parallel to the main axis of the support, formed in the inner portion of the support, a membrane of permeability Km and average thickness tm covering the inner surface of the channels, the outer hydraulic diameter of said structure satisfying the relationship: Øf= α x [A + B x log10 (Ks x tm/Km)] (1) in which α is a coefficient of between 0.85 and 1.15 and formula (A); B = -11760 x D h x e int + 9.7 x e int + 3.1 x e ext + 0.04517 where: D h is the average hydraulic diameter of the channels e int is the minimum thickness of the inner walls between the channels e ext is the minimum thickness of the peripheral wall of the filter, tm, Øf, eint, eext and Dh are expressed in metres and Ks and Km are expressed in m².