Ultrafiltration Membrane Damping Region via Nonsolvent Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrafiltration membranes often exhibit low impact resistance orthogonally to the filter face, leading to a short lifetime and instability in demanding applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing an ultrafiltration membrane with high impact resistance involves applying a first polymer solution to a support layer, followed by exposure to a nonsolvent-containing gas, and then applying a second polymer layer. This process creates a damping region in the first polymer layer, enhancing the membrane's impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional double coating method is used to produce ultrafiltration membrane, then production process is simple, but impact resistance orthogonally to the filter face is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by exposing the first polymer layer to nonsolvent-containing gas before applying the second polymer layer. This preliminary treatment creates a damping region in the first polymer layer that absorbs impact energy, thereby enhancing impact resistance orthogonally to the filter face before the final membrane structure is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating a damping region with different properties than the rest of the membrane structure. This damping region is formed by nonsolvent-containing gas exposure and has altered pore structure and mechanical properties, providing localized impact absorption capability while the rest of the membrane maintains its filtration function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional double coating method is used, then manufacturing time is short, but membrane lifetime is short due to low impact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary exposure to nonsolvent-containing gas creates a damping region that significantly enhances the membrane's impact resistance, allowing it to withstand more impacts during its operational lifetime. This preliminary action adds a small amount of processing time but extends the membrane's service life substantially.
3Strength
If damping region is created by nonsolvent-containing gas exposure, then impact resistance is enhanced, but production process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatics by employing gas containing nonsolvent to treat the first polymer layer. This gaseous treatment is simpler than liquid immersion methods and allows for easy control of the damping region formation process, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving enhanced impact resistance.
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 resulting ultrafiltration membrane demonstrates significantly improved impact resistance, as evidenced by a higher number of impacts withstood without convective pressure rise, thereby extending its lifetime and suitability for demanding applications.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the coated support layer from step (a) with a gas which comprises a nonsolvent, relative to the polymer in the first polymer solution
Implementation Method 2
introducing the multiply coated support layer into a precipitating bath which comprises a precipitant, relative to the polymer in the first and/or second polymer solution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanically stable ultrafiltration membrane and to a method for producing such an ultrafiltration membrane.