Non-Radial Flow Fluid Purification Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid purification devices, such as electrodialysis and electrodeionization systems, face challenges in efficiently producing high-purity water due to radial flow patterns that increase pressure and shear forces on membranes, leading to higher construction costs and potential membrane failure.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrical purification apparatus within a pressure vessel that utilizes non-radial flow patterns within ion exchange compartments, reducing pressure and shear forces on membranes and allowing for the use of lighter, less expensive materials, while maintaining uniform liquid flow velocity profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radial flow patterns are used in existing fluid purification devices, then ion exchange and mixing are promoted, but pressure and shear forces on membranes increase leading to higher construction costs and potential membrane failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radial flow pattern by implementing a non-radial flow pattern where liquid flows parallel to the membranes rather than radially toward or away from a central axis. This reversal of flow direction reduces pressure and shear forces on membranes while maintaining effective ion exchange and mixing through the electrical field and compartment design
2Productivity
If radial flow patterns are used to promote ion exchange and mixing, then purification efficiency improves, but construction costs increase due to higher pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional approach by using non-radial flow that reduces pressure requirements, thereby lowering construction costs for pressure vessels and membrane components while maintaining purification efficiency through electrical field-driven ion migration and optimized compartment geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow pattern parameter from radial to non-radial, and utilizes electrical field parameters to drive ion exchange, thereby achieving effective purification at lower pressure conditions that reduce construction costs
3Duration of action of stationary object
If non-radial flow patterns are implemented, then pressure and shear forces on membranes are reduced extending membrane lifespan, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purification device into multiple compartments with alternating concentrate and diluate chambers separated by ion-exchange membranes. This segmentation allows the implementation of non-radial flow patterns in each compartment, reducing membrane stress while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical fields as an intermediary mechanism to drive ion exchange and mixing processes, replacing reliance on high-pressure radial flow. This mediator approach enables effective purification with lower mechanical stress on membranes, extending their lifespan without requiring overly complex pressure management systems
4Ease of manufacture
If non-radial flow patterns are used, then construction costs are reduced through lighter materials, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow pattern from radial to non-radial and uses electrical field parameters to control ion migration, enabling the use of lighter, less expensive pressure vessel materials while achieving uniform purification through controlled electrical parameters and compartment geometry
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 approach extends the lifespan of ion exchange membranes, simplifies device construction, and achieves high-purity water with reduced manufacturing costs by minimizing 'dead' volumes and promoting uniform ion exchange and mixing.
Implementation Method 1
An applied electric field causes dissolved ions to migrate through the membranes, resulting in the liquid of the diluting compartment being depleted of ions
Implementation Method 2
Within these devices are concentrating and diluting compartments, separated by anion and cation selective membranes
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus is constructed and arranged to produce a non-radial flow therein
Implementation Method 4
The ion exchange resin may act as a path for ion transfer, and also may serve as an increased conductivity bridge between the membranes for movement of ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.