Series-Connected Membrane Elements for Multi-Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation membrane modules face challenges when membrane performance deteriorates, leading to incompatible replacement modules and costly retrofits, especially when switching from spiral wound sheet-based to hollow fiber-based configurations, and current solutions are limited to parallel flow configurations that cannot handle multiple gas separations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation membrane module with a pressure vessel containing multiple hollow fiber membrane elements in series, each with different permeances and selectivities for specific gases, allowing for flexible configuration to handle various gas mixtures and separations without requiring identical membrane elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If membrane elements are arranged in parallel configuration, then the system can handle large gas flows, but it cannot perform multiple gas separations simultaneously and requires identical membrane elements
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separation system is divided into multiple stages with different membrane elements arranged in series. Each stage contains membrane elements with specific permeance and selectivity characteristics tailored for particular gas separations. The feed gas sequentially passes through each stage, enabling multi-component gas separation while maintaining high flow capacity through the staged configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension parallel flow configuration to a multi-dimensional staged series configuration. By adding the dimension of sequential staging with varying membrane properties, the system achieves both high productivity (through maintained flow capacity) and versatility (through different membrane selectivities at each stage).
2Ease of manufacture
If replacement modules use different membrane configurations (spiral wound sheet-based to hollow fiber-based), then compatibility issues arise requiring costly retrofits
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel and module design is created as a universal platform that can accommodate different membrane element types (spiral wound sheet-based or hollow fiber-based) and configurations. The standardized pressure vessel interface and connection mechanisms allow membrane elements with different permeances and selectivities to be interchangeably installed, enabling replacement modules to be compatible with existing processes without costly retrofits while providing flexibility in membrane selection.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-type membrane elements are used throughout the system, then manufacturing and replacement are simplified, but the system cannot be optimized for multiple gas separations
Solution Approach 1:
Different membrane elements with locally optimized properties (different permeances and selectivities) are deployed at different stages based on the specific separation requirements of each gas component. Each stage's membrane elements are tailored to the local gas composition and separation objectives, maximizing overall system productivity for multi-component gas separation while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each individual membrane type.
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
This configuration enables flexible and efficient gas separation by allowing different membrane elements with varying properties to be arranged in series, maintaining or exceeding original performance characteristics and accommodating multiple gas separations within a single pressure vessel, reducing the need for costly retrofits and ensuring compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of membrane elements being adapted and configured for separation of a gas mixture comprising first and second gases... the first and second membrane elements exhibit different permeances for the first gas and different selectivities for the first gas over the second gas
Implementation Method 2
The primary driving force for such transport (from the feed side to the permeate tube) is the pressure differential between the high feed gas pressure and the low permeate gas pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of membrane elements are arranged in series within a pressure vessel in which at least two of the elements exhibit different permeances or selectivities for a gas or gas pair respectively.