Uniform-Pore Membrane Solvent Extraction for Droplet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent extraction systems are inefficient in achieving uniform droplet size and effective separation of phases, leading to suboptimal cleaning of contaminated oils.
Innovation Solution
A solvent extraction system with a membrane having uniformly sized pores and a mixer positioned to control droplet size, combined with a continuous phase and dispersed phase inlet, allows for controlled emulsification and separation of phases using gravity, enhancing the efficiency of solvent extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing and dispersing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the droplet size uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a membrane with uniformly distributed pores as the core component to generate dispersed phase droplets. The membrane's porous structure naturally creates uniform droplet sizes as liquid passes through, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mixing systems while achieving precise droplet size control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical mixing and dispersing systems with a membrane-based emulsification system. Instead of using mechanical agitators or pumps to create droplets, the system uses the membrane's pore structure to naturally form uniform droplets, significantly simplifying the mechanical complexity of the device.
2Productivity
If batch solvent extraction is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the extraction efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous solvent extraction system where the dispersed phase and continuous phase flow continuously through the membrane contactor. This continuous operation maintains constant extraction action without interruption, significantly improving productivity compared to batch processes while maintaining operational simplicity through steady-state flow conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-uniform pore membranes are used, then the membrane is easier to manufacture, but the emulsification quality and droplet uniformity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a membrane with uniform pore distribution and controlled pore sizes (1-100 μm) to achieve consistent droplet formation. The uniform pore structure ensures that emulsification quality is maintained across the entire membrane surface, producing monodisperse droplets essential for efficient mass transfer in solvent extraction.
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 system achieves more effective solvent extraction by ensuring uniform droplet size and continuous phase separation, improving the cleaning of contaminated oils.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane comprising pores having substantially the same diameter, not differing more than 20%, and center-to-center distances between said pores being substantially the same, not differing more than 20%
Implementation Method 2
The membrane comprises pores which are approximately equal in size and which are distributed evenly over the membrane which will ensure a good emulsification
Implementation Method 3
the phases are allowed to separate through sedimentation of the heavy phase due to gravitational force
Implementation Method 4
the phases are allowed to separate through sedimentation of the heavy phase due to gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A solvent extraction system includes an elongated solvent extraction chamber having first and second ends, at least one first port for providing a continuous phase into the solvent extraction chamber and at least one second port for removing content from the solvent extraction chamber, a dispersed phase inlet in fluid communication with the first end of the solvent extraction chamber and a membrane having pores. Diameters of the pores are from 1 to 100 μm and do not differ by more than 20%, and center-to-center distances between the pores are from 10 to 1000 μm and do not differ more than 20%. The membrane is positioned at the first end of the solvent extraction chamber relative to the dispersed phase inlet such that a liquid provided into the solvent extraction chamber through the dispersed phase inlet must pass through the membrane.