Potted Flat Sheet Membrane Module with Structural Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane modules face challenges in maintaining membrane stability and efficiency, particularly in reducing vibration and ensuring proper membrane location within the module.
Innovation Solution
The development of a filtration element comprising multiple filtration sheets, each consisting of flat sheet membranes and structural inserts or permeate carriers, which are sealed within a housing to provide support and maintain membrane stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional membrane modules are used without structural inserts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the membrane stability and vibration reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces structural inserts as intermediary elements between the membrane and the housing. These inserts serve as mediators that provide mechanical support and stability to the membrane without requiring direct complex structural integration into the membrane itself, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane module is segmented into distinct functional components: the membrane, structural inserts, permeate carriers, and housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system stability without excessive complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If structural inserts are added to support the membrane, then the membrane location precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Structural inserts act as intermediary components that provide precise positioning features for the membrane. These inserts include integrated positioning elements such as ribs, channels, or geometric features that guide and secure the membrane in the correct location during assembly, thereby achieving high location precision without complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The structural inserts combine multiple functions into a single component: mechanical support, positioning, and vibration reduction. By merging these functions into the insert rather than requiring separate components for each function, the patent achieves precise membrane location without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If inserts with smooth surfaces are used, then the membrane stability is improved, but the permeate flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structural inserts exhibit local quality variations: smooth surfaces in contact with the membrane to provide stability and prevent damage, while other regions incorporate permeate collection channels, ribs, or textured surfaces that enhance permeate flow. This spatial differentiation of surface properties resolves the contradiction between stability and flow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The insert serves as an intermediary structure that separates the membrane stability function from the permeate flow function. The smooth portions of the insert stabilize the membrane, while integrated channels and surfaces on the insert facilitate permeate collection and flow, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration element has one or more rigid inserts in a housing. The inserts are covered with membranes. The element is configured to provide open feed channels beside the inserts. The membranes and inserts are potted at an edge, optionally at only part of an edge such as a corner. Permeate flows between the membrane and the insert to the potted edge. The membranes may be potted in a centrifuge.