Solute-Permeable Membrane Staging for High-Concentration Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing membrane-based solution concentration systems face limitations such as low efficiency, low concentration limits, high expense, and undesired fouling and scaling, particularly in processes like forward and reverse osmosis.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple membrane separators with varying salt passage percentages and solute enhancement factors, arranged in series or parallel configurations, to enhance solute and liquid transport across semi-permeable membranes, reducing hydraulic pressure requirements and improving concentration limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If forward osmosis is used to transport liquid through semi-permeable membrane, then liquid transport efficiency is improved, but system expense increases and fouling/scaling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transport efficiencyVSAvoidsystem expense

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the feed stream into multiple parallel streams and processes them through separate membrane modules, then combines the retentate streams. This segmentation allows each module to operate at lower individual costs while achieving high overall liquid transport efficiency through combined output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If reverse osmosis is used to concentrate solution, then concentration limit is improved, but hydraulic pressure requirements increase leading to high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration limitVSAvoidhydraulic pressure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the concentration factor of individual membrane modules based on feed stream characteristics. By varying the concentration factor dynamically rather than using fixed high pressure throughout, the system achieves high concentration limits while reducing overall hydraulic pressure requirements and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If high concentration factors are applied in membrane separation, then productivity increases, but fouling and scaling worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration factorVSAvoidfouling and scaling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the total concentration requirement across multiple parallel membrane modules, each operating at moderate concentration factors. This prevents any single module from experiencing severe fouling and scaling conditions, while the combined output achieves high overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the concentration factor of each module based on feed stream characteristics and module performance. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains productivity while preventing fouling and scaling by keeping individual module operating conditions within optimal ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach increases solute and liquid transport efficiency, reduces hydraulic pressure needs, and enhances concentration capabilities, leading to improved energetic efficiency and reduced operational costs in liquid separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

a first membrane separator retentate outlet stream exits the retentate side of the first membrane separator, the first membrane separator retentate outlet stream having an osmotic pressure that is greater than an osmotic pressure of the first membrane separator retentate inlet stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmotic pressure: Osmotic Pressure

Implementation Method 2

at least a portion of liquid from the first membrane separator retentate inlet stream is transported from the retentate side of the first membrane separator, through a semi-permeable membrane of the first membrane separator, to a permeate side of the first membrane separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS20260014521A1Liquid separation using solute-permeable membranes and related systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 GRADIANT CORP

AI summary

Liquid solution separation (e.g., concentration and/or desalination) methods and related systems involving membrane separators having at least one-semipermeable membrane are provided. In some instances, at least some of the membrane separators permit a portion of solute in a retentate side input stream to pass through the semi-permeable membrane. In some instances, multiple membrane separators are employed, with the membrane separators having different solute permeabilities (e.g., due to varying pore size and/or molecular weight cutoffs). The methods and systems may be configured such that the ratio of mass flow and/or concentration of solute entering the retentate sides of the membrane separators are relatively high compared to the mass flow and/or concentration of solute exiting the retentate sides of the membrane separators. Such ratios may be relatively high for some or all membrane separators employed, which can in some instances reduce capital and/or operational expenditures for the liquid separation processes.