Reciprocating Membrane Support Frame for MBR Clogging Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membrane bio reactors face challenges with membrane clogging due to suspended substances attaching to the surface of the separation membrane, leading to reduced filtration efficiency and increased energy consumption for cleaning, particularly with traditional air refining methods that require extensive energy for effective membrane washing.

Innovation Solution

A membrane filtration system that includes a reciprocating membrane support frame with a sludge lifting mechanism and interval adjustment system, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder and elastic components to lift sludge and adjust membrane position, reducing energy consumption and preventing clogging by using inertial forces to remove contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air refining method is used to wash the membrane clogging, then membrane cleaning is achieved, but energy consumption is considerably large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through reciprocating motion of the membrane support frame to remove suspended substances from the membrane surface. The vibration mechanism causes the membrane to oscillate back and forth, creating shear forces that dislodge and remove contaminants without requiring extensive air refining energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static membrane support frame to a dynamic reciprocating system. The membrane support frame is designed to move reciprocally along the vertical direction, creating dynamic cleaning action that maintains membrane performance while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous air refining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If separation membrane module is fixedly provided to separate frame, then structural stability is achieved, but filtration ability degrades due to membrane clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfiltration ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed membrane support frame into a reciprocating dynamic structure. The membrane support frame moves back and forth vertically, creating dynamic cleaning action that prevents suspended substances from accumulating and clogging the membrane, thereby maintaining filtration ability while preserving structural stability through controlled motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If reciprocating motion is applied to membrane support frame, then membrane clogging is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane anti-clogging performanceVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements reciprocating motion through a hydraulic cylinder connected to the membrane support frame. The hydraulic system provides controlled back-and-forth movement along vertical guides, creating the necessary dynamic action to prevent clogging while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through straightforward mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a hydraulic cylinder to generate and control the reciprocating motion of the membrane support frame. The hydraulic system provides efficient actuation with simple control mechanisms, achieving the desired anti-clogging performance through fluid-powered linear motion without requiring complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system effectively reduces membrane clogging and maintains filtration efficiency with lower energy usage by using reciprocating motion and adjustable intervals to prevent contaminant attachment, enhancing the operational stability and cost-effectiveness of membrane bio reactors.

Implementation Method 1

capable of effectively removing foreign matters attached to a separation membrane with less energy by reciprocating the separation membrane and controlling a spaced distance for anti-shock within facilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial force: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a hydraulic cylinder and elastic components to lift sludge and adjust membrane position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10434474B2Membrane filtration system and membrane bio reactor including the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 TECHN VISIONS

AI summary

A membrane filtration system and a membrane bio reactor including the same are described. In an example, the membrane filtration system includes: a treatment tank; a membrane support frame disposed in the treatment tank and mounted with a filtration membrane; a reciprocating portion connected to the membrane support frame and reciprocating the membrane support frame; a sliding portion disposed in the treatment tank, connected to the reciprocating portion, and guiding a moving direction of the membrane support frame; and a sludge lifting portion flexibly disposed at a lower end of the membrane support frame to lift sludge accumulated at a lower part of the treatment tank.