Pervaporation Membrane Structure Balancing Adhesion and Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a pervaporation membrane suitable for effectively separating volatile organic compounds from aqueous solutions, particularly in fermentation processes where the fermented product needs to be continuously removed to maintain microbial activity.
Innovation Solution
A pervaporation membrane comprising a separation functional layer and a porous support with specific opening diameters and peeling strength characteristics, including a fibrous structure and treated surfaces for enhanced adhesion, is developed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the porous support has small opening portions to improve adhesion, then the peeling strength increases, but the gas permeability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-layer structure where the support layer has different opening characteristics than the separation layer. The support layer maintains larger openings (0.5-10 μm) for gas permeability, while the separation layer provides the necessary adhesion through its bonding to the support layer, achieving both requirements locally in different layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a porous support layer with a separation functional layer. The support layer provides mechanical strength and gas permeability, while the separation layer provides selective separation functionality and adhesion, creating a composite structure that satisfies multiple requirements simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If the porous support has large opening portions to improve gas permeability, then the gas permeability increases, but the adhesion between layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the membrane into two distinct functional layers: a support layer that provides mechanical strength and gas permeability with larger openings, and a separation layer that provides selective separation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating a porous support layer with a separation functional layer. The support layer uses larger openings (0.5-10 μm) to ensure gas permeability, while the separation layer ensures adequate adhesion through its bonding characteristics, achieving both requirements through material composition.
3Manufacturing precision
If the separation functional layer is made thicker to improve separation efficiency, then the separation performance increases, but the peeling strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into different layers: the support layer handles mechanical strength and adhesion, while the separation layer handles separation efficiency. This allows the separation layer to be optimized for separation performance without being constrained by thickness limitations for adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the adhesion function in the support layer with its bonding characteristics, while the separation layer is optimized locally for separation efficiency. This localized functional distribution allows the separation layer to achieve high separation performance without compromising overall peeling strength.
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 membrane achieves efficient separation of volatile organic compounds from aqueous solutions with improved peeling strength and gas permeability, suitable for continuous fermentation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The pervaporation method is suitable for separating a volatile organic compound from an aqueous solution containing various substances
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a new pervaporation membrane suitable for separating a volatile organic compound from an aqueous solution containing the organic compound. A pervaporation membrane of the present invention includes: a separation functional layer; and a porous support supporting the separation functional layer. The porous support has a surface facing the separation functional layer, the surface including a plurality of opening portions. An average diameter of the opening portions is 0.5 μm or more. For the pervaporation membrane, a peeling strength measured by a test below is 0.15 N/20 mm or more. Test: The pervaporation membrane is cut to 20 mm in width and 150 mm in length to give a test piece. The separation functional layer of the test piece is peeled off the porous support of the test piece at a peel angle of 180° and a tensile speed of 300 mm/min.