Multilayer Hydrogen Separation Module with Segmented Gas Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen separation membrane modules face challenges in maintaining high separation efficiency and durability, especially under high-pressure conditions required for pre-firing CCS, where uniform gas supply and pressure distribution across unit cells are critical for effective hydrogen and CO2 separation.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer module design featuring a pressure chamber with laminated unit cells, each equipped with a mixed gas inlet port, hydrogen and retentate gas discharge pipes, and strategically placed communication holes, ensures uniform gas distribution and pressure equalization within the module, preventing expansion pressure on bonding and sealing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unit cells are laminated to increase module capacity, then hydrogen separation capacity increases, but pressure distribution becomes non-uniform causing decreased separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into multiple unit cells, each with its own mixed gas inlet port. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each cell, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across all cells even when laminated to increase capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-channel gas supply to a multi-dimensional supply system where each unit cell has its own inlet port. This dimensional change in the supply architecture enables uniform pressure distribution across the laminated structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If communication hole size is increased to improve gas supply, then pressure distribution improves, but module cross-sectional area and costs increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large communication hole, the system segments the gas supply into multiple smaller inlet ports, one for each unit cell. This segmentation achieves uniform pressure distribution without requiring large hole sizes that would increase module area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit cell acts as an intermediary chamber with its own inlet port, mediating the gas supply to ensure uniform pressure distribution to the separation membrane without requiring large communication holes between cells.
3Productivity
If high-pressure mixed gas is supplied to increase separation efficiency, then hydrogen penetration improves, but expansion pressure damages bonding and sealing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into independent unit cells, each capable of withstanding high pressure independently. This segmentation prevents expansion pressure from concentrating on bonding and sealing regions, maintaining reliability at 68 bars.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit cell is designed with local structural features optimized for high-pressure resistance. The cell body structure provides localized strength where needed, allowing high-pressure operation without compromising bonding and sealing durability.
4Productivity
If mixed gas flow space is minimized to reduce mass transfer resistance, then separation efficiency improves, but uniform gas supply to each unit cell becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By providing each unit cell with its own mixed gas inlet port, the system segments the gas supply path. This allows minimized flow space within each cell for efficient mass transfer while ensuring uniform gas supply to all cells through independent inlet ports.
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 enhances the durability and efficiency of hydrogen separation, allowing for large-scale module design that effectively enriches hydrogen and captures CO2, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in maintaining separation performance and module integrity under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
unit cells including metal separation membranes to selectively pass hydrogen therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multilayer module for hydrogen separation using a pressure-resistant chamber so that unit cells using a metal separation membrane through which only hydrogen selectively passes are stacked to improve separation efficiency, and a mixed gas is uniformly supplied into each of the unit cells. In the multilayer module, the unit cells are stacked on each other, and the mixed gas is supplied into the chamber. Also, mixed gas input ports are each disposed in the side surfaces of the unit cells to supply the mixed gas.