Spirally Wound Deionization Apparatus with Porous Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deionization technologies for water purification, such as evaporation, filtration, and electrodialysis, are inefficient, costly, and require frequent replacement of equipment, leading to high energy consumption and increased manufacturing costs, while existing apparatuses are bulky and expensive due to the need for separate components for deionizing both positive and negative ions.
Innovation Solution
A deionization apparatus featuring a spirally wound structure with a porous electrode, non-pore ion exchange membrane, counter electrode, and spacer, which selectively adsorbs negative or positive ions using a voltage applied across the electrodes, allowing for efficient deionization of specific ion polarities and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of a conductive material in fine pores of a porous substrate and flexible nanofiber web or nonwoven fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reverse osmosis membrane device and deionization electrode device are used, then deionization function is achieved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reverse osmosis membrane device and deionization electrode device into a single integrated apparatus. The housing contains both the reverse osmosis membrane module and the deionization electrode module, allowing simultaneous filtration and deionization functions in one compact unit, thereby reducing overall device size and complexity while maintaining effective deionization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated deionization apparatus performs multiple functions within a single device: the reverse osmosis membrane module handles preliminary filtration and concentration, while the deionization electrode module completes the deionization process. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing manufacturing cost and space requirements
2Reliability
If conventional deionization technologies are used, then water purification is achieved, but energy consumption and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deionization process is segmented into two stages: first, the reverse osmosis membrane module performs concentration and preliminary purification, removing a significant portion of contaminants; second, the deionization electrode module completes the deionization process. This segmentation allows each module to operate more efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption compared to using a single high-capacity system
Solution Approach 2:
The deionization electrode module uses electrical current to drive the deionization process, where ions are directly removed from the water through electrochemical reactions at the electrodes. This self-driven electrochemical process eliminates the need for additional chemical reagents or complex mechanical systems, reducing both energy consumption and manufacturing cost
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 apparatus effectively deionizes only specific ion polarities with improved efficiency and reduced size and cost, achieving high storage capacity and specific surface area, while avoiding the need for binders and simplifying the production process.
Implementation Method 1
a porous electrode having fine pores; a non-pore ion exchange membrane that is formed in the porous electrode; a counter electrode that is spaced from the non-pore ion exchange membrane and faces the non-pore ion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
a non-pore ion exchange membrane that is formed in the porous electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a deionization apparatus which includes: a porous electrode having fine pores; a non-pore ion exchange membrane that is formed in the porous electrode; a counter electrode that is spaced from the non-pore ion exchange membrane and faces the non-pore ion exchange membrane; and a spacer that is located between the porous electrode and the counter electrode, and that has a flow passage through which water to be treated passes.