Spiral-Wound Multi-Effect Membrane Distillation for Low Head Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-effect membrane distillation technologies require complex membrane module configurations with separate components, leading to high head loss and increased pumping energy due to friction in feed and permeate flows.
Innovation Solution
A spiral wound membrane distillation module design with integrated vapor permeable membranes, heat exchange films, and permeate spacers, forming multiple effects in a compact configuration, allowing for efficient heat recovery and fluid transfer without additional physical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate membrane and heat exchange surfaces are used in multi-effect MD technology, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and head loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane and heat exchange surface into a single integrated structure. The porous membrane itself serves as the heat exchange surface, eliminating the need for separate components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heat transfer for condensing vapor on the membrane surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the separation barrier and the heat exchange surface. By making the membrane multifunctional, the patent eliminates separate heat exchange components, reducing overall system complexity while preserving thermal efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If complex paths for feed and permeate flows are used, then heat recovery is improved, but head loss due to friction increases and pumping energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into multiple effects arranged in series, with each effect handling a portion of the distillation process. This segmentation allows progressive heat recovery across multiple stages while maintaining simpler, shorter flow paths within each individual effect, reducing friction losses compared to a single complex path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear flow paths to a radial/concentric flow arrangement where feed flows through the membrane and permeate condenses on the outer surface. This dimensional change in flow configuration enables efficient heat recovery while maintaining relatively short flow paths and reducing frictional head losses.
3Ease of operation
If separate feed and permeate inlets and fluid transfer conduits are used, then process control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inlet and outlet functions into integrated manifolds. The feed inlet serves multiple effects in series, and permeate outlets are collected through a centralized permeate collection system. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining process control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The module design allows feed to automatically flow through multiple effects in sequence without requiring separate control mechanisms for each effect. The gravitational and pressure-driven flow naturally progresses feed through the series of effects, reducing the need for complex active control systems.
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 achieves higher thermal efficiency and water production rates with a gain-output-ratio (GOR) many times greater than single-effect MD, utilizing various heat sources and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor permeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange film
Implementation Method 3
one or a plurality of spiral wound membrane distillation (MD) units connected in series. Each spiral loop forms an effect, and the units consists of a plurality of effects
Data Source
AI summary
A distillation device and method of manufacturing a distillation device is disclosed. The distillation device includes at least one spiral wound membrane distillation (MD) unit. The spiral wound MD unit includes a perforated center tube concentric to a cylindrical housing and a plurality of effects spirally wound around the center tube. Each of the effects include a vapor permeable membrane, a feed spacer disposed on the vapor permeable membrane, a permeate spacer, and a heat exchange film. The permeate spacer is disposed between the vapor permeable membrane and the heat exchange film. Distillation of a feed fluid by the plurality of effects deposits a condensate fluid into the center tube.