Underwater Membrane Cleaning via Heated Acid Circulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Underwater water treatment units at great depths or ultra-great depths face challenges with biofouling, requiring effective cleaning methods that are environmentally friendly and do not compromise the units' operational longevity, as conventional methods are unsuitable for these specific conditions and may cause ecological issues.

Innovation Solution

An underwater water treatment unit equipped with a hydraulic cleaning circuit, acid or alkaline cleaning solutions, and heating means, allowing for in-situ cleaning of filtration membranes by circulating these solutions through the system, which can be heated to maintain membrane efficiency and prevent clogging, while minimizing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used on underwater filtration membranes, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but environmental harm is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using acid or alkaline solutions with controlled concentrations and pH levels. The cleaning solution is circulated through the filtration membrane at specific temperatures and flow rates, transforming the cleaning process into a controlled chemical reaction that effectively removes biofouling while minimizing environmental harm through proper neutralization and discharge control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If filtration membranes are cleaned frequently to prevent biofouling, then membrane efficiency is maintained, but operational longevity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane efficiencyVSAvoidoperational longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by continuously circulating cleaning solution through the filtration membrane before severe biofouling occurs. The acid or alkaline cleaning solution is constantly supplied to prevent the accumulation of organic matter and micro-organisms on the membrane surface, maintaining efficiency over extended periods without requiring frequent interruptions for intensive cleaning that would reduce operational longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuous circulation of cleaning solution through the filtration membrane. The cleaning process is not intermittent but continuous, with the cleaning solution constantly flowing through the membrane to prevent biofouling accumulation. This continuous action preserves membrane efficiency over time without the need for repeated intensive cleaning cycles that would compromise operational longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If deep-sea environments are used for water treatment units, then space requirements are reduced, but biofouling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidbiofouling

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of deep-sea environmental conditions into a benefit by using the cold temperatures and natural circulation patterns of deep water to enhance the cleaning effect. The acid or alkaline cleaning solution is circulated through the filtration membrane in the deep-sea environment, where the natural cold temperatures and pressure conditions actually improve the effectiveness of the cleaning process while the continuous circulation prevents biofouling accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution effectively reduces biofouling and extends the operational life of filtration membranes, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing ecological harm, making it suitable for long-term operation in deep-sea environments.

Implementation Method 1

The filtration membrane is provided with at least one heating means, and at least one of the water tanks is provided with at least one means for heating the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic circuit for cleaning said membrane, forming a loop between the inlet and the outlet of said membrane, and having a discharge pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic circulation:

Implementation Method 3

at least one tank for storing a cleaning product selected from among an acid and a base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical cleaning:

Data Source

PatentUS11498021B2Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

AI summary

The invention concerns an underwater water treatment unit which has specific cleaning means which are suitable for cleaning filtration membranes in the unconventional conditions associated with use at great or very great depths, as well as a method for cleaning the membrane of the underwater water treatment unit.