Submerged Filtration Membrane Modules with Segmented Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration systems using reverse osmosis membranes face challenges in minimizing membrane damage, reducing energy consumption, and maintaining filtration efficiency, particularly due to high pressure requirements and interruptions during backwashing processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a filtration system with submerged-type filtration membrane modules, a common suction pump, backwash pipes, a high-pressure pump, and valves to manage the filtration and backwashing processes, allowing for continuous operation and independent functioning of multiple modules to reduce membrane damage and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If feed water is pressurized with higher pressure in direct feed system, then energy consumption is reduced, but the risk of membrane damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressurization function into two separate pumps: a first pump for preliminary pressurization before the pressurized-type filtration membrane module, and a second pump for final pressurization before the reverse osmosis membrane. This segmentation allows each pump to operate at optimized pressure levels, reducing the risk of membrane damage while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressurization of feed water by the first pump before it enters the pressurized-type filtration membrane module. This preliminary action prepares the water at an appropriate pressure level, preventing excessive pressure from damaging the filtration membrane while still achieving the necessary pressure for effective filtration.
2Ease of repair
If backwash is performed on pressurized-type filtration membrane module, then filtration membrane is cleaned, but reverse osmosis membrane module must be stopped causing loss of filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the preliminary filtration function (pressurized-type filtration membrane module) from the final filtration function (reverse osmosis membrane module). This segmentation allows the preliminary filtration module to be backwashed independently without affecting the reverse osmosis module, enabling maintenance without productivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse osmosis membrane module continues to operate continuously during backwash operations on the pressurized-type filtration membrane module. This continuity ensures that filtration productivity is maintained while the preliminary filtration module receives necessary cleaning maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If pumps are shut down during backwash and restarted afterward, then membrane module is cleaned, but energy consumption increases due to restart requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two independent pumps that can operate independently. During backwash of the pressurized-type filtration membrane module, the first pump can be shut down while the second pump continues operating, avoiding the energy loss associated with shutting down and restarting multiple pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pump maintains continuous operation during backwash operations to ensure continuous pressurization of water for the reverse osmosis membrane module. This continuity eliminates the energy consumption associated with pump shutdown and restart cycles.
4Measurement precision
If reverse osmosis membrane is used for filtration, then separation performance is improved, but high pressure requirements increase energy consumption and membrane damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the filtration process into two stages: preliminary filtration through the pressurized-type filtration membrane module that removes solids, and final filtration through the reverse osmosis membrane module that achieves high separation performance. This segmentation allows the reverse osmosis membrane to operate at optimized pressure levels, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized-type filtration membrane module performs preliminary filtration to remove solids and contaminants before water enters the reverse osmosis membrane module. This preliminary action protects the reverse osmosis membrane from damage and allows it to operate at lower, more energy-efficient pressure levels while maintaining high separation performance.
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 significantly reduces the risk of membrane damage, enables continuous filtration without interruptions, and minimizes energy consumption by maintaining pump operation and optimizing backwashing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the initial filtrate produced through the preliminary filtration is stored in the water tank 20. Then, the initial filtrate stored in the water tank 20 is forwarded to the second pump P2 by the pressurizing pump P3, pressurized with a pressure higher than the osmotic pressure by the second pump P2, and then filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane module 30. The ions and molecules in the initial filtrate cannot pass through the reverse osmosis membrane, and only pure water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane.
Implementation Method 2
a preliminary filtration with a pressurized-type filtration membrane module 10 for MF (microfiltration) or UF (ultrafiltration) is generally performed before a filtration with a reverse osmosis membrane
Implementation Method 3
a preliminary filtration with a pressurized-type filtration membrane module 10 for MF (microfiltration) or UF (ultrafiltration) is generally performed before a filtration with a reverse osmosis membrane
Implementation Method 4
a common suction pump configured to supply a negative pressure to the first and second submerged-type filtration membrane modules
Implementation Method 5
first and second backwash pipes configured to supply backwash water to the first and second submerged-type filtration membrane modules
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are system and method for filtration capable of minimizing the damage of a filtration membrane module, reducing the energy consumption, and improving the filtration efficiency. The filtration method of the invention comprises performing a preliminary filtration of a feed water with first and second submerged-type filtration membrane modules; pressurizing an initial filtrate produced through the preliminary filtration with a pressure higher than an osmotic pressure of the feed water; filtering the pressurized initial filtrate with a reverse osmosis membrane module; interrupting the first submerged-type filtration membrane module performing the preliminary filtration; and backwashing the first submerged-type filtration membrane module caused to stop performing the preliminary filtration, wherein the preliminary filtration with the second submerged-type filtration membrane module is continuously performed while the first submerged-type filtration membrane module is backwashed.