Slidable Membrane Module Coupling for Compact Wastewater Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane modules for solid-liquid separation in sewage and wastewater treatment have a high number of components and increased size due to separate water collecting nozzles, leading to inefficiencies in component arrangement and space usage.
Innovation Solution
The membrane module design incorporates a pair of water collecting cases with coupling portions that allow for orthogonal displacement, eliminating the need for separate water collecting nozzles and reducing the number of components by enabling the water collecting spaces of adjacent modules to communicate through flow holes, thus preventing disengagement and reducing module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate water collecting nozzles are provided in membrane modules, then water collecting function is achieved, but the number of components increases and module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion integrates multiple functions: it mechanically connects adjacent membrane modules while simultaneously serving as the water collecting nozzle. The through-hole in the coupling portion collects permeate from multiple membranes and directs it to the suction pipe, eliminating the need for separate water collecting nozzles and reducing component count while maintaining water collecting reliability
2Reliability
If water collecting nozzle projects to outer side of membrane module, then water collection is enabled, but module size increases and setting space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water collecting function is merged into the coupling portion that connects adjacent modules. The through-hole in the coupling portion serves dual purposes: mechanical connection and permeate collection. This integration eliminates the need for protruding external nozzles, reducing module size while maintaining water collection capability through the integrated structure
3Ease of manufacture
If coupling portions are provided separately from water collecting nozzles, then module assembly is simplified, but number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is designed as an integrated component that performs both mechanical coupling and water collection functions. The through-hole structure enables permeate to flow from multiple membranes through the coupling portion to the suction pipe, eliminating the need for separate water collecting nozzles and reducing total component count while maintaining assembly simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
A membrane element is provided between a pair of water collecting cases. Water collecting spaces in which permeate having penetrated through the membrane element is collected are formed in the water collecting cases. The water collecting case of one membrane module and the water collecting case of the other membrane module are coupled via coupling portions. The coupling portions have flow holes. The water collecting space of the water collecting case of the one membrane module and the water collecting space of the water collecting case of the other membrane module communicate with each other via the flow holes of the coupling portions.