Separation Membrane Element Sealing for Internal Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The feed-side sealing part in plate-and-frame type separation membrane elements deteriorates in gas tightness due to internal pressure during fluid separation, leading to inefficiencies in fluid separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane element with a sealing part design that includes a first sealing part located further outward than the end of the separation functional layer, bonded to a second sealing part at an intersecting position, enhancing gas tightness by dispersing internal pressure and improving adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feed-side sealing part is provided in the feed-side space of a plate-and-frame separation membrane element, then fluid separation can be performed, but the sealing part deteriorates in gas tightness due to internal pressure generated by feeding the raw material fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part is positioned at the 1st end part of the laminate in a direction intersecting the lamination direction (width direction), rather than only in the lamination direction. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows the sealing part to effectively restrain internal pressure and maintain gas tightness during fluid separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing part is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing part at the 1st end part and a second sealing part at the 2nd end part extending in the lamination direction. These segmented sealing parts work together to distribute and restrain internal pressure, preventing deterioration of gas tightness.
2Reliability
If the end parts of permeate-side spacer members are located further outward than the end part of the separation functional layer, then a first sealing part can be provided at the 1st end part between the two permeate-side spacer members, but the structural complexity of the laminate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate-side spacer members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the laminate and simultaneously serve as positioning elements that define the location of the first sealing part. By making the spacer members extend further outward, they universally fulfill both structural and sealing positioning roles, reducing the need for additional components.
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 design maintains excellent gas tightness during fluid separation, preventing fluid mixing and improving durability against internal pressure, thereby enhancing the separation process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane including a separation functional layer that selectively separates a specific fluid component contained in a raw material fluid
Implementation Method 2
the first sealing part is an adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A separation membrane element includes: a container; and a separation membrane including a region provided in a flat membrane shape in the container. The separation membrane includes a separation functional layer that selectively separates a specific fluid component contained in a raw material fluid. The container houses a laminate that includes (i) two permeate-side spacer members through which a permeate fluid that has permeated through the separation membrane flows, (ii) the separation membrane provided between the two permeate-side spacer members, and (iii) a feed-side spacer member through which the raw material fluid flows. The separation membrane element includes a sealing part for preventing a fluid flowing through the feed-side spacer member and a fluid flowing through the two permeate-side spacer members from being mixed with each other.