Staged Electrochemical Separation Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochemical separation systems face inefficiencies due to high electrical resistance and water loss in ion exchange membranes, particularly in treating waters of varying salinity, which affects energy consumption and treatment efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A staged or modular electrochemical separation system is implemented, utilizing ion exchange membranes with different performance characteristics in each module to optimize water treatment, where the first module has lower electrical resistance and higher water loss, and the second module has higher electrical resistance and lower water loss, strategically positioned to improve overall process efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ion exchange membranes with high permselectivity are used to improve separation efficiency, then water loss increases and electrical resistance increases, reducing energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electrochemical separation process into multiple stages (first electrochemical separation module and second electrochemical separation module), each using membranes with different performance characteristics optimized for their specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different ion exchange membranes are selected for different stages based on local requirements: the first module uses membranes with lower electrical resistance for high current efficiency, while the second module uses membranes with higher permselectivity for high separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If ion exchange membranes with high permselectivity are used to improve separation efficiency, then water loss through the membrane increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electrochemical separation process into multiple stages, each using membranes with different performance characteristics optimized for their specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different ion exchange membranes are selected for different stages based on local requirements: the first module uses membranes with lower electrical resistance for high current efficiency, while the second module uses membranes with higher permselectivity for high separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If ion exchange membranes with low electrical resistance are used to reduce energy consumption, then permselectivity decreases and separation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electrochemical separation process into multiple stages, each using membranes with different performance characteristics optimized for their specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different ion exchange membranes are selected for different stages based on local requirements: the first module uses membranes with lower electrical resistance for high current efficiency, while the second module uses membranes with higher permselectivity for high separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the efficiency of water treatment by reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of treated water, achieving higher current efficiency and membrane utilization, thereby optimizing the desalination process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ion exchange membrane having a first set of performance characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

electrochemical separation module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-osmosis: Electro-Osmosis

Data Source

PatentEP2929068B1Electrochemical separation systems and methods

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 EVOQUA WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for treating water may involve a first electrochemical separation module that includes at least one ion exchange membrane having a first set of performance characteristics, and a second electrochemical separation module that includes at least one ion exchange membrane having a second set of performance characteristics that is different than the first set of performance characteristics. Performance characteristics may relate to at least one of water loss, electrical resistance, and permselectivity. Staged treatment systems and methods may provide improved efficiency.