U-Shaped Filter Element for Micropollutant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water treatment devices are inefficient in removing micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, due to their low concentration and small molecular weights, which are not effectively addressed by existing filter and adsorption units.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment device comprising a filter unit with a tubular filter element and an adsorption unit that uses specific and non-specific adsorbents to bind micropollutants, with a design that improves flow rate and processing efficiency through a cross-flow filtration system, where the filter elements are bent in a U-shape and connected by a holding element to enhance flow and packing density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filter units and adsorption units are used to remove pollutants from water, then treatment efficiency is sufficient for most pollutants, but efficiency is significantly reduced for micropollutants due to their low concentration and small molecular weights
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple specialized filter units (first hollow fiber membrane, second hollow fiber membrane) and adsorption units with different adsorbents (activated carbon, ion exchange resin) arranged in sequence. Each segment targets specific types of micropollutants, with the first filter removing hydrophobic compounds, the adsorption unit removing moderately polar compounds, and the second filter removing hydrophilic compounds, thereby achieving comprehensive removal of low-concentration micropollutants
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite treatment mechanisms by combining multiple filtration membranes with different selectivity characteristics and multiple types of adsorbents with different chemical properties. This composite approach allows simultaneous removal of micropollutants with varying molecular weights, polarities, and concentrations that cannot be effectively removed by a single filter or adsorbent type
2Ease of operation
If the filter element end sections are assembled at larger angles, then structural flexibility is improved, but flow rate in cross-flow filtration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element end sections are configured with a specific angular relationship (0° to 90° internal angle) that creates an optimized curved flow path. This curvature design maintains structural flexibility for assembly while directing water flow efficiently through the membrane surface, maximizing cross-flow filtration performance by preventing dead zones and maintaining high velocity flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by positioning filter element end sections at specific angles relative to each other. This dimensional optimization creates multiple flow channels and increases the effective filtration surface area utilization, thereby improving both structural adaptability and flow rate simultaneously
3Productivity
If adsorption units with high binding capacity are used to remove micropollutants, then removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Each component in the system is designed to perform multiple functions: the hollow fiber membranes provide both filtration and structural support, while the adsorption units serve both as flow distributors and treatment media. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining high micropollutant removal efficiency while limiting overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the filtration and adsorption functions into an integrated multi-stage process where the first hollow fiber membrane, adsorption unit with activated carbon and ion exchange resin, and second hollow fiber membrane are combined in series. This merging creates a compact system that achieves comprehensive micropollutant removal without requiring separate independent units for each treatment stage
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 device achieves improved efficiency in removing micropollutants by ensuring a high binding capacity and long-term retention, with the ability to regenerate the adsorbent and protect the filter unit from damage, resulting in enhanced water purification.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit which is designed to filter the water at least once
Implementation Method 2
an adsorption unit which at least partially adsorbs the micropollutants
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water processing device for removing micro-pollutants, in particular medicaments, from water. Said device comprises at least one filter unit (10a - 10c) which is designed to at least filter water in at least one operating mode and which comprises at least one pipe-shaped filter element (12a - 12c) with at least two end portions (14a - 14c, 16a - 16c), and comprising at least one absorption unit (18a - 18c) which at least partially absorbs the micro-pollutants in at least one operating mode. According to the invention, the end portions (14a - 14c, 16a - 16c) form an inner angle of between 0° to 90° when in the mounted state.