Thermally Reflective Membrane for Membrane Distillation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional membrane separation processes, such as reverse osmosis and membrane distillation, face challenges with high energy costs and efficiency due to significant pressure requirements and heat transfer losses, which exacerbate fouling and impact operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A thermally reflective membrane apparatus comprising a semipermeable structure with a porous, thermally reflective structure that includes discrete thermally reflective particles and a binder material, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heat loss through selective material transfer during membrane distillation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional membrane distillation is used, then separation of fluid components is achieved, but heat transfer losses occur through the microporous membrane reducing energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer lossVSAvoidmass transport efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous support layer with controlled porosity (30-70%) that provides structural integrity while minimizing heat transfer losses. The porous structure allows selective mass transport of vapor phases through the membrane while the material composition and pore configuration reduce thermal conductivity, thereby decreasing heat transfer losses to the support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane assembly uses composite materials including a microporous support layer combined with a selective coating layer. This composite structure leverages the low thermal conductivity of the porous support while maintaining the selective permeability of the coating, achieving both reduced heat transfer losses and effective mass transport through the membrane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If high pressure is applied in reverse osmosis, then liquid water is separated from solutes, but equipment costs and energy costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition (evaporation and condensation) as the driving force for separation rather than mechanical pressure. The feed solution is heated to evaporate the liquid water, creating vapor that passes through the microporous membrane and condenses on the permeate side. This phase change mechanism eliminates the need for high-pressure equipment and significantly reduces energy consumption compared to reverse osmosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Quantity of substance

If high pressure is applied in reverse osmosis, then separation is achieved, but membrane fouling by inorganic and organic materials is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By using phase transition (evaporation followed by condensation) instead of high-pressure filtration, the patent avoids the mechanical stress and concentration polarization that cause membrane fouling. The vapor phase transport mechanism allows selective separation without forcing concentrated solutions against the membrane, thereby preventing inorganic and organic material accumulation on the membrane surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 thermally reflective membrane apparatus improves energy efficiency and reduces operational costs by minimizing heat loss and fouling, facilitating effective separation of fluid components while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a porous, thermally reflective structure physically contacting the semipermeable structure. The porous, thermally reflective structure comprises discrete thermally reflective particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The heating apparatus is configured and positioned to receive the feed fluid stream from the feed fluid source and to heat the feed fluid stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

MD is a thermally-driven separation process employing a semipermeable membrane configured to retain liquid phases while gaseous (e.g., vapor) phases are transported therethrough using partial vapor pressure differences resulting from temperature differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane distillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentUS11925902B2Thermally reflective membrane apparatuses, and related fluid treatment systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

A thermally reflective membrane apparatus comprises a housing structure, and a thermally reflective membrane contained within the housing structure. The thermally reflective membrane comprises a semipermeable structure, and a porous, thermally reflective structure physically contacting the semipermeable structure. The porous, thermally reflective structure comprises discrete thermally reflective particles, and a binder material coupling the discrete thermally reflective particles to one another and the semipermeable structure. A fluid treatment system and method of treating a fluid are also described.