Spinning Membrane Fouling Control via Dynamic Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinning membrane separators face inefficiencies due to membrane fouling, which reduces filtration efficiency and requires variable filtration procedures, making it challenging to maintain constant cellular concentrations in separation processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the rotation rate of the spinning membrane in response to fouling rates, using either unidirectional or bidirectional control methods to maintain a constant outlet cellular concentration by increasing or decreasing the spin rate to manage fouling within predetermined limits, thereby maintaining consistent separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outlet cellular concentration is changed to control fouling rate, then fouling is reduced, but separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotation rate parameter of the spinning membrane instead of changing the outlet concentration. By adjusting rotation rate in response to fouling rate measurements, the system controls fouling while maintaining constant outlet cellular concentration and separation efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by finding an alternative control parameter that doesn't sacrifice productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring fouling rate and using that information to adjust the rotation rate. The controller continuously measures fouling rate and modifies rotation rate accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both low fouling and high separation efficiency, unlike the open-loop concentration-based approach.
2Reliability
If the rotation rate is increased to reduce fouling, then fouling is limited, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic rotation rate adjustment instead of operating at constant high speed. The rotation rate is continuously adapted based on real-time fouling rate measurements, allowing the system to use minimum necessary energy while maintaining effective fouling control. This resolves the energy contradiction by making the system responsive rather than statically over-engineered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system self-regulates by using its own operational data (fouling rate measurements) to adjust its parameters. The controller automatically modifies rotation rate based on measured fouling conditions, eliminating the need for external intervention or conservative over-rotation, thereby optimizing energy usage while maintaining fouling control.
3Productivity
If aggressive filtration is used to maintain productivity, then filtration rate is high, but fouling increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to maintain aggressive filtration rates while preventing excessive fouling. By continuously monitoring fouling rate and adjusting rotation rate in real-time, the system can operate at high productivity levels without allowing fouling to exceed acceptable thresholds, resolving the contradiction between aggressive filtration and fouling control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by increasing rotation rate before fouling becomes excessive. The feedback controller detects early signs of fouling acceleration and preemptively adjusts rotation rate to counteract fouling trends, allowing the system to maintain high filtration rates without reaching problematic fouling levels.
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 effectively limits membrane fouling, ensuring consistent filtration efficiency and reducing the risk of cell damage, allowing for the production of products with constant concentrations and volumes throughout the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
The Taylor vortices create shear forces in the gap that help to keep the cells, proteins or various biomolecules present in a biological fluid from depositing on and fouling or clogging the membrane
Implementation Method 2
separating of whole blood into one or more of its constituents... based on the use of a membrane
Implementation Method 3
employs an outer stationary housing and an internal spinning rotor covered by a porous membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for controlling a spinning membrane separator so as to limit fouling of the membrane by changing the rotation rate of the spinning membrane in response to the fouling rate, while maintaining a constant outlet cellular concentration. Increasing the spinner rotation rate will increase the strength of the Taylor vortices generated within the separator by the spinning of the membrane, which should reduce fouling of the membrane. The goal of the method is to rotate the spinning membrane at the slowest rate possible without unacceptable fouling. Two specific methods to control fouling are disclosed. In a first, unidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane is only increased in response to undesirable fouling in order to prevent the fouling from continuing. In a second, bidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane may be either increased or decreased in response to the measured fouling rate in order to maintain the fouling rate within a desired range.