Multistage Membrane Distillation Apparatus Parallel Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multistage membrane distillation devices have limited productivity due to the number of stages that can be connected in series, as the steam temperature decreases with each stage, and energy consumption increases when multiple devices are used.

Innovation Solution

A multistage membrane distillation apparatus with a hierarchical organization, featuring parallel modules, serial condensation/evaporation stages, and parallel condensation/evaporation elements, utilizing a centralized heating and condensation stage to optimize energy efficiency and increase output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of stages is increased to increase productivity, then the output increases, but the steam temperature decreases with each stage limiting the number of connectable stages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistillate outputVSAvoidsteam temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing complete condensation/evaporation stages. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple streams simultaneously, increasing total output without requiring excessive series stages that would degrade steam temperature. Each module operates semi-independently with its own steam supply from the centralized heating stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a purely series arrangement (one-dimensional progression through stages) to a hierarchical parallel-series structure. Multiple modules run in parallel (adding a dimensional aspect), each containing serial stages. This dimensional change enables increased productivity through parallel processing while maintaining adequate steam temperature in each parallel branch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple multistage membrane distillation devices are used to increase output, then productivity increases, but energy consumption is multiplied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistillate outputVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple modules share a single centralized heating stage that generates steam for all modules. This merging of the steam generation function eliminates redundant energy input, as one heating stage serves multiple parallel modules. The condensation stages are also arranged to share common heat exchanger resources, further reducing energy consumption while maintaining high productivity through parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized heating stage serves a universal function of providing steam to multiple modules simultaneously. The condensation heat exchangers are designed to handle steam from multiple sources and can operate in a coordinated manner. This multi-functionality reduces the total energy input required compared to having separate heating stages for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If more stages are connected in series to increase output, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistillate outputVSAvoidnumber of stages
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of one long series of stages, the system segments functionality into multiple modules with parallel architecture. Each module contains essential condensation/evaporation stages, creating a modular structure that achieves high output without requiring an excessive number of individual series stages. This segmentation manages complexity by distributing functionality across parallel units rather than stacking them sequentially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces parallelism as an additional dimension to the traditional series stage arrangement. Rather than increasing productivity solely by adding more series stages (which increases complexity linearly), the system uses parallel modules to achieve nonlinear productivity increases while keeping each module's internal stage count manageable, thus controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for a significant increase in productivity while reducing energy consumption by balancing temperatures across modules and sharing energy resources, leading to a more efficient and reliable distillation process.

Implementation Method 1

a heating stage configured to generate steam and to provide the steam to the at least one module in parallel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one evaporation unit comprises a second steam chamber that is delimited at least partly by a steam-permeable liquid-tight membrane wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

at least one condensation unit comprises a first steam chamber that is delimited at least partly by a condensation wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

Each condensation/evaporation stage comprises a plurality of parallel condensation/evaporation elements configured to be flowed through in parallel by the liquid to be concentrated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11857928B2Multistage membrane distillation apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 EVCON GMBH
  • US11857928B2 patent drawing
  • US11857928B2 patent drawing
  • US11857928B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a multistage membrane distillation apparatus (5000), comprising a plurality of multistage membrane distillation modules (500, 600), the modules being configured to be flowed through in parallel by a liquid (F) to be concentrated. Each module comprises a plurality of serial condensation/evaporation stages (50, 60) configured to be flowed through in series by the liquid to be concentrated. Each condensation/evaporation stage comprises a plurality of parallel condensation/evaporation elements (101, 102) configured to be flowed through in parallel by the liquid to be concentrated. Each condensation/evaporation element comprises at least one condensation unit and at least one evaporation unit. The apparatus further comprises at least one of: a centralized heating stage configured to generate steam and to provide the steam to each of the modules in parallel, and a centralized condensation stage configured to receive steam from each of the modules in parallel and to condensate the steam.