Rotary Membrane Filtration System for High Solid Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems are inadequate for scenarios with high concentrations of solids, especially those containing fat, fibers, or abrasive substances, and mixtures of organic and inorganic substances, as they face challenges in filtration efficiency, durability, and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotary membrane filtration system with a housing having a surface of revolution shaped cavity, featuring a filtration membrane and a support membrane mounted concentrically, where the filtration membrane is rotatably mounted and operated at a relative speed to the support membrane, with a declogging mode that temporarily increases the purge flow rate to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used for high concentration solids containing fat, fibers, or abrasive substances, then filtration is possible, but filtration efficiency deteriorates and clogging occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration membrane is made rotatable relative to the support membrane, transforming a static filtration system into a dynamic one. The rotation speed can be adjusted to optimize filtration performance and prevent clogging by creating centrifugal forces that reduce solid accumulation on the membrane surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic declogging cycles where the rotation speed is temporarily increased to clear accumulated solids from the membrane surface. This periodic high-speed rotation removes clogging substances and restores filtration efficiency without requiring system shutdown or manual intervention.
2Productivity
If filtration membrane rotation speed is increased to prevent clogging, then operational time before clogging increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous high-speed rotation, the system uses periodic declogging cycles where high rotation speed is applied only when needed to clear the membrane. During normal operation, the system runs at lower energy-consuming speeds, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors filtration performance and triggers declogging cycles based on actual clogging conditions rather than running continuously at high speed. This feedback-based control ensures energy is consumed only when necessary to maintain filtration efficiency.
3Device complexity
If conventional stationary filtration membranes are used, then system structure is simple, but maintenance costs increase due to frequent clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The addition of a rotatable filtration membrane and rotation mechanism, while increasing structural complexity, eliminates frequent manual cleaning and maintenance. The automated rotational declogging reduces maintenance requirements and extends membrane life, offsetting the initial complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning through automated rotational declogging cycles that clear the membrane surface without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces maintenance costs and operational downtime by eliminating the need for manual cleaning or membrane replacement.
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 separates particulate matter from liquids, extending the operational time before clogging and maintaining high filtration efficiency through centrifugal acceleration and rotary fluid movement, allowing for continuous or batch processing with reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The system effectively separates particulate matter from liquids, extending the operational time before clogging and maintaining high filtration efficiency through centrifugal acceleration and rotary fluid movement
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The filtration system having a housing having an inlet, at least one outlet being axially spaced from the inlet and forming a helical purge path therebetween, and a filtrate outlet extending out along the axis, with a flow rate ratio being balanced by flow restriction between the filtrate outlet and the at least one purge outlet during regular operation; a filter element including a filtration membrane and a support membrane mounted concentrically around the axis, at least one of said filtration membrane and support membrane being rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about the axis to impart a relative rotation speed between the filtration membrane and support membrane during operation; the system being operable to temporarily increase the flow rate ratio through the at least one outlet compared to said regular operation.