Ribbed Fluoroplastic Support Membrane for Low Pressure Drop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter support membranes experience high cross-flow pressure drops during fluid filtration, increasing operational costs and reducing filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of a support membrane with a high aspect ratio of ribs to base section, ranging from 2:1 to 5:1, and a porosity of at least 0.5, which minimizes cross-flow pressure drop and enhances fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support membranes are used, then structural support is provided, but high cross-flow pressure drop occurs during filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The support membrane is segmented into a base section and multiple ribs extending from it. This segmentation creates discrete flow channels between adjacent ribs, allowing fluid to pass through multiple pathways simultaneously. The segmentation reduces the pressure drop by distributing the flow across multiple channels while the ribs provide structural support to the filter medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional flat support membrane to a three-dimensional structure with ribs extending outward from the base section. This dimensional change creates vertical flow channels that increase the effective flow area without increasing the membrane's footprint. The high aspect ratio ribs (2:1 to 5:1) provide structural support while minimizing resistance to cross-flow filtration.
2Productivity
If filtration flow rate is increased, then productivity improves, but cross-flow pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes geometric parameters of the support membrane, specifically the aspect ratio of ribs (height to base section ratio) ranging from 2:1 to 5:1, and the porosity of at least 0.5. These parameter changes create a structure that maintains low pressure drop even at high filtration flow rates by providing multiple flow pathways and increased flow area.
3Stress or pressure
If porosity is increased to reduce pressure drop, then fluid flow improves, but structural support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support membrane exhibits local quality variation with a dense base section providing structural support and attached ribs creating open flow channels. The base section maintains sufficient density for structural integrity while the rib structures create high porosity regions for fluid flow. This local differentiation allows the membrane to simultaneously provide structural support and minimize pressure drop.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to support membranes for filters that include a support sheet formed of a polymeric material and a continuous base section having opposed outer surfaces and spaced-apart ribs extending outwardly from at least one of the opposed outer surfaces. The spaced-apart ribs define continuous flow channels bound by the adjacent spaced-apart ribs. The ratio of the height of the ribs to the height of the continuous base ranges from about 2:1 to about 5:1. This relatively high aspect ratio of the ribs and the base layer increases the performance of the filter and reduces the cross-flow pressure drop of fluids filtered through the membrane.