Porous Membrane Chemical Resistance in Saccharified Solution Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of organic resin membranes in filtration processes leads to membrane clogging and requires a cleaning step, where chemical solutions can cause strength deterioration, affecting filtration performance and lifespan due to variations in microstructure.

Innovation Solution

Employing a porous membrane with good pore continuity and using an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 4 wt % sodium hydroxide and/or 0.01 to 0.5 wt % sodium hypochlorite as a cleaning solution to minimize membrane deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a porous filtration membrane is used for clarification operation, then the clarification level of obtained water quality is high and stable, but the membrane is clogged during continuous filtration operation requiring cleaning steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarification levelVSAvoidmembrane operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a cleaning step before the membrane is severely clogged. The cleaning step is scheduled at predetermined intervals based on monitoring filtration performance parameters, preventing complete clogging and extending membrane operational life while maintaining high clarification levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a chemical solution is used in the cleaning step, then the membrane can be cleaned from clogging, but strength deterioration of the membrane is induced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidmembrane strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration, temperature, and contact time of the cleaning solution to optimize the balance between cleaning effectiveness and membrane strength preservation. By adjusting these parameters, the cleaning process removes clogs while minimizing chemical damage to the membrane structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a test membrane to copy the structure and properties of the actual filtration membrane. This test membrane is subjected to the same cleaning conditions to evaluate the impact on strength, allowing optimization of cleaning parameters before applying them to the operational membrane, thus preventing strength deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If repeated cleaning steps are performed, then the membrane can be reused, but the filtration performance and life are affected due to cumulative damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane reuse frequencyVSAvoidfiltration performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring filtration performance parameters after each cleaning cycle and using this information to adjust subsequent cleaning frequency and intensity. This closed-loop approach ensures the membrane is cleaned only when necessary, minimizing cumulative damage while maintaining productivity through optimized reuse cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances chemical resistance and filtration performance, extending the membrane's lifespan and maintaining high water permeability during repeated cleaning cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a filtration step of passing the saccharified solution composition through a porous membrane composed of a resin having a three-dimensional network structure to separate the saccharified solution from the insoluble component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a cleaning step of passing or soaking the porous membrane into a cleaning solution to clean/remove an insoluble matter attached to the surface or inside of the porous membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical cleaning:

Data Source

PatentUS10697029B2Saccharified solution production method using porous membrane

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

AI summary

A method ensuring excellent chemical resistance to a chemical cleaning solution, excellent filtration performance and an enhanced life in a saccharified solution production method including a cleaning step and filtration using a porous filtration membrane. A method for producing a saccharified solution, including the following steps: a liquefaction step of adding an enzyme to liquid starch to obtain a sugar-containing liquefied product; a saccharification step of adding a saccharifying enzyme to further degrade the sugar and obtain a saccharified solution composition containing a saccharified solution and an insoluble component; a filtration step of passing the saccharified solution composition through a porous membrane composed of a resin having a three-dimensional network structure to separate the saccharified solution from the insoluble component; and a cleaning step of passing or soaking the porous membrane into a cleaning solution to clean/remove the insoluble matter attached to the surface or inside of the porous membrane.