Nanoparticle Apertured Polymer Sheets for Low-Pressure Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apertured polymeric sheets used as support membranes in filters experience high cross-flow pressure drops, leading to increased operational costs due to the need for greater force to push fluids through.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nanoparticles within the polymer layer of apertured sheets to capture contaminants and reduce the overall pressure drop across the support membranes, enhancing filter efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional apertured polymeric sheets are used as support membranes, then structural support is provided, but cross-flow pressure drop increases leading to higher operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating nanoparticles (such as metal oxides, carbon-based materials, or ceramic particles) into the polymeric matrix of the support membrane. This creates a composite structure that maintains the mechanical strength and structural support functions while the nanoparticle network provides additional flow pathways that reduce pressure drop across the membrane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by incorporating nanoparticles that create a hierarchical pore structure within the polymeric matrix. The nanoparticles form a three-dimensional network that generates interstitial pores and channels, allowing fluid to flow through multiple pathways and reducing the overall pressure drop while maintaining structural integrity
2Productivity
If higher force is applied to push fluid through the filter, then filtration rate increases, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the support membrane through nanoparticle incorporation. The nanoparticles alter the flow characteristics by creating low-resistance pathways, changing the pressure-flow relationship parameter to allow higher filtration rates at lower pressure differentials, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs
3Stress or pressure
If nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer layer, then pressure drop is reduced and filter efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dispersing nanoparticles into the polymer matrix during the extrusion or casting process before the membrane is formed. This preliminary incorporation ensures uniform distribution of nanoparticles throughout the polymeric structure, simplifying subsequent processing steps and avoiding the need for complex post-manufacturing nanoparticle application techniques
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 integration of nanoparticles in the polymer layer reduces pressure drop, improving the efficiency of filters by allowing easier fluid flow while effectively capturing contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The nanoparticles capture contaminants and reduce the overall pressure drop across the support membranes to improve the efficiency of such filters
Data Source
AI summary
Apertured polymeric layers, sheets, mesh or films are provided for a variety of different applications. A polymeric sheet comprises at least one polymer layer having one or more apertures for flow of gas or liquid therethrough, and a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within the polymer sheet such that the nanoparticles are disposed between a first surface of the polymer sheet and a second surface opposite the first surface. The nanoparticles filter contaminants passing through the polymeric sheet. The apertured sheets may comprise filter media and/or support membranes for filter media in gas or liquid filters. The nanoparticles reduce the overall pressure drop across the support membranes to improve the efficiency of such filters.