Subsea Filter-Box End Outlet Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pressure vessels with RO membranes face challenges in compact stacking due to limited space and high space requirements, which increase costs and restrict flexibility in module configuration, especially when access is needed to the center outlet for permeate.
Innovation Solution
A subsea filter-box design with a plurality of longitudinal pressure vessels, each with specific port configurations and support plates, allowing for flexible stacking and connection via releasable liquid couplings, enabling compact and efficient arrangement of pressure vessels in subsea modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure vessels are arranged with center outlets for permeate access, then permeate collection is improved, but space requirements increase and stacking flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outlet location from the center of the pressure vessel to the end section. This inversion allows permeate outlets to be positioned at the ends of pressure vessels rather than requiring center access, enabling compact end-to-end stacking arrangements that reduce overall space requirements while maintaining effective permeate collection across all vessels in the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a configuration requiring lateral or center access to permeate outlets to an end-aligned configuration. By positioning all permeate outlets at the end sections of pressure vessels, the system enables stacking in a linear arrangement along the longitudinal axis, effectively utilizing the length dimension rather than requiring lateral space, thus reducing the footprint area.
2Area of stationary object
If pressure vessels are stacked in compact arrangements, then space requirements are reduced, but access to outlets for connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connection interface at the end sections of pressure vessels that serves multiple functions: it provides permeate outlets, retentate outlets, and connection points for adjacent vessels. This multi-functional end section design allows compact stacking while maintaining ease of connection, as all necessary interfaces are consolidated at the accessible end positions rather than requiring access to multiple locations on each vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pressure vessel into functional sections with standardized end sections that contain all necessary outlets and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each vessel to be independently connected to neighbors through standardized end interfaces, facilitating compact stacking while maintaining operational accessibility through the standardized connection points at the ends.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard configurations are used to improve stacking flexibility, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the outlet positions and connection interfaces as fixed parameters at the end sections of pressure vessels. By defining these standardized parameters, the system achieves high adaptability for various stacking configurations without increasing device complexity, as the standardized interfaces can be combined in multiple arrangements while maintaining the same basic design.
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 facilitates a more compact and flexible arrangement of pressure vessels, reducing space requirements and costs, while allowing for efficient subsea desalination by utilizing hydrostatic pressure and minimizing additional pressure needs.
Implementation Method 1
Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes can be placed in seawater at a water depth providing to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure (π). A hydrostatic pressure greater than π can be utilized in a desalination process to push water molecules through RO-membranes
Implementation Method 2
RO-membranes can be placed in seawater at a water depth providing to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure (π). A hydrostatic pressure greater than π can be utilized in a desalination process to push water molecules through RO-membranes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a subsea filter-box with a plurality of pressure-vessels 1 forming at least one group of longitudinal pressure-vessels. A first support plate 7 and a second support plate 8 includes a plurality of fixing geometries 20, each supporting pressure-vessel end sections 17, 6. Each of the plurality of pressure-vessels extends between a fixture on the first support plate and a fixture on the second support plate. Each group of pressure-vessels includes at least one entry pressure-vessel one end pressure-vessel 14, adjoining and in liquid connection with an intermediate pressure-vessel 16; and a filter-box frame, clamping the first support plate 7 and the second support plate 8 to the plurality of pressure-vessels. A filter module with at least one filter-box is also disclosed.