Reciprocating Membrane Module for Filtration Fouling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membrane bioreactors face challenges with membrane blocking due to suspended matter attachment, leading to decreased filtration capacity and increased energy consumption for cleaning, particularly in submerged membrane systems.

Innovation Solution

A membrane filtration system with a reciprocating separation membrane module and a control system that adjusts the reciprocating distance and frequency based on contamination levels, using a drive part with a motor, pulley, and link rod to detach contaminants with inertial force, reducing the need for high-energy air refining methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air refining method is used to clean the blocked membrane, then membrane blocking is removed, but energy consumption is considerably high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane filtration capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic reciprocating motion of the separation membrane module, where the membrane moves back and forth in a periodic manner to prevent fouling. This periodic mechanical action replaces continuous high-energy air refining, achieving membrane cleaning with significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining filtration capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the pneumatic air refining system with a mechanical reciprocating motion system. By applying mechanical movement to the membrane module itself, the system eliminates the need for high-energy air injection, achieving the same fouling prevention effect with much lower energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If separation membrane module is fixedly installed, then structural stability is maintained, but membrane blocking occurs due to suspended matter attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmembrane filtration capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed membrane installation into a dynamic reciprocating system. The membrane module is designed to move back and forth along the filtration path, creating dynamic conditions that prevent suspended matter from accumulating and blocking the membrane, while the overall structural framework remains stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reciprocating motion acts as a preliminary cleaning action that prevents fouling before it becomes severe. By continuously moving the membrane during operation, the system prevents suspended matter from attaching and blocking the membrane, eliminating the need for subsequent intensive cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If reciprocating motion is applied to separation membrane, then membrane blocking is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane filtration capacityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reciprocating motion mechanism with the existing membrane support frame and filtration structure. By integrating the motion function into the structural components rather than adding separate complex mechanisms, the system achieves membrane reciprocation with minimal increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively prevents membrane blocking and reduces energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the reciprocating motion to maintain filtration efficiency and minimize energy use.

Implementation Method 1

using a drive part with a motor, pulley, and link rod to detach contaminants with inertial force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial force: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

separation membrane technology is one of separation technologies using selective permeability of polymeric materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective permeability: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS10668434B2Membrane filtration system and membrane bioreactor including the same

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 TECHN VISIONS

AI summary

A membrane filtration system, capable of effectively removing foreign matter attached to a separation membrane while saving energy by reciprocating the separation membrane, includes a treatment bath, a membrane support frame disposed in the treatment bath, a separation membrane module installed in the membrane support frame, a reciprocating part connected with the membrane support frame to reciprocate the membrane support frame, a sludge floating part disposed on a lower end of the membrane support frame to float sludge accumulated in the treatment bath, and a control part controlling a reciprocating distance or frequency of the separation membrane module.