Multistage Membrane Separation With Segmented Dilution Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flow resistance of diluted liquid increases as the number of semipermeable membrane modules increases in multistage membrane separation devices, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced membrane separation efficiency due to the need for higher feed pressures to maintain flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A multistage membrane separation device with separate channels for the first and second chambers of semipermeable membrane modules, allowing the diluted liquid to flow through two independent channels, reducing flow resistance and eliminating the need for booster pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of semipermeable membrane modules is increased to improve concentration efficiency, then the concentration factor is improved, but the flow resistance of diluted liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the second chambers into multiple separate channels (first dilution channel and second dilution channel) instead of having all second chambers connected in a single series path. This segmentation of the dilution path reduces the cumulative flow resistance that diluted liquid experiences, allowing more membrane modules to be used for concentration without proportionally increasing the energy penalty from flow resistance.
2Speed
If the feed pressure of second chamber is increased to maintain flow rate, then the flow rate is maintained, but the pressure difference between first and second chamber decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the second chambers into multiple dilution channels, the patent reduces the flow resistance in each individual channel. This allows the system to maintain the required flow rate through the membrane modules without needing to increase the feed pressure to the second chamber as much, thereby preserving a larger pressure difference across the membrane for effective separation.
3Speed
If booster pump is added to increase flow rate inside second chamber, then the flow rate is increased, but the energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional booster pumps by implementing multiple dilution channels that inherently reduce flow resistance. The segmented channel configuration allows diluted liquid to flow through the membrane modules more easily, maintaining adequate flow rates without requiring extra pumping energy.
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 facility costs and energy consumption by minimizing flow resistance, enabling efficient concentration of target liquids with lower pump pressures and higher concentration factors compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separation method (brine concentration) in which a high-pressure target liquid is passed through first chambers 11 of semipermeable membrane modules 1a, 1x, and 1y and a low-pressure target liquid is passed through second chambers 12 thereof so that water contained in the target liquid inside first chamber 11 moves to the target liquid inside second chamber 12 through a semipermeable membrane 10
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a multistage membrane separation device including three or more semipermeable membrane modules, in which each of the semipermeable membrane modules includes a semipermeable membrane, and a first chamber and a second chamber separated by the semipermeable membrane. The membrane device comprises a concentration channel including all the first chambers of the semipermeable membrane modules connected in series; a first dilution channel including the second chambers of a first module group including some of the semipermeable membrane modules, the second chambers being connected in series; and a second dilution channel including the second chambers of a second module group including the others of the semipermeable membrane modules, the second chambers being connected in series, in which a first target liquid is passed through the concentration channel, a second target liquid is passed through the first dilution channel and the second dilution channel, and the first target liquid has a higher pressure than the second target liquid, whereby, in each of the semipermeable membrane modules, water contained in the first target liquid inside the first chamber moves to the second target liquid inside the second chamber through the semipermeable membrane, and concentrated liquid is discharged from the first chamber and diluted liquid is discharged from the second chamber.