PVDF Separation Membrane with 3D Network for Virus Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separation membranes face challenges in achieving high virus removal performance, pure water permeability, and physical strength simultaneously, as high removal performance often compromises permeability and physical durability due to the trade-offs between dense structure, pore size, and membrane thickness.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane with a three-dimensional network structure using a high-concentration polyvinylidene fluoride-type resin with a melt viscosity of 3,300 Pa·s or more, combined with a multi-layered structure comprising a separation-functional layer and a support layer, is developed to enhance chemical and physical strength while maintaining high virus removal and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dense structure layer is formed to improve virus removal performance, then virus removal performance is improved, but pure water permeability becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple functional layers: a dense separation layer for virus removal and a porous support layer for structural strength and water permeability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between virus removal performance and pure water permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane have different structures optimized for their specific functions. The separation layer has a dense structure with small pore diameters (10-100 nm) for virus removal, while the support layer has a porous structure with larger pores for maintaining water permeability and mechanical strength. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Productivity
If membrane thickness is reduced to improve pure water permeability, then pure water permeability is improved, but physical strength becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure is segmented into a thin separation layer (for permeability) and a thicker support layer (for strength). The support layer compensates for the reduced thickness of the separation layer, maintaining overall physical strength while allowing the separation layer to be thin enough for high pure water permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane uses a composite structure combining a dense separation layer made from polyvinylidene fluoride-type resin with a porous support layer. This composite structure allows the thin separation layer to provide high permeability while the support layer provides the necessary physical strength, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer continuous structure is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing is simplified, but physical strength per hollow fiber membrane becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow fiber membrane is segmented into a separation layer and a support layer, with the support layer providing enhanced physical strength. This segmentation allows the manufacturing process to be extended slightly in complexity while dramatically improving the physical strength of each individual hollow fiber membrane, enabling their use in water treatment applications.
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 excellent virus removal performance, high pure water permeability, and improved physical strength, making it suitable for applications in water treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food industry processes.
Implementation Method 1
a separation-functional layer having a three-dimensional network structure formed on a support layer
Implementation Method 2
membrane filtration using a separation membrane has become of major interest as a method of physically remove viruses
Data Source
AI summary
A separation membrane including a separation-functional layer is provided, wherein the separation-functional layer contains a polyvinylidene fluoride-type resin having a melt viscosity of 3,300 Pa·s or more, and also the separation-functional layer has a three-dimensional network structure. A separation membrane is provided having high virus removal performance, high pure water permeability, and high physical durability and high chemical strength, which can also be used in the field of water treatment.