Vacuum Membrane Distillation Solute Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum membrane distillation systems face issues with organic pollutants contaminating the distillate and reducing the lifespan of vacuum pumps due to volatile solutes, which are not effectively removed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a Venturi type vacuum pump and a separate vapour channel with condensation means outside the integrated unit to remove volatile solutes, utilizing cooling liquid to condense and isolate these solutes, thereby protecting the vacuum pump and ensuring the quality of the distillate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional vacuum membrane distillation system is used, then distillate can be generated from feed, but volatile solutes contaminate the distillate and reduce vacuum pump lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pump lifespanVSAvoidvolatile solute contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: membrane distillation modules for vapor generation, a dedicated condenser module for distillate production, and a separate vapor removal system for volatile solute extraction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interference from harmful substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Volatile solutes are extracted from the vapor stream before it reaches the vacuum pump through a dedicated removal system. The solutes are separated and removed independently from the distillate generation process, preventing them from contaminating the distillate and damaging the pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If feed water contains organic pollutants, then membrane distillation can still operate, but the distillate quality deteriorates due to volatile solute contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistillate generationVSAvoiddistillate quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A separate vapor removal system acts as an intermediary between the membrane distillation modules and the vacuum pump. This intermediary component captures and removes volatile solutes from the vapor stream, allowing continuous distillate production while maintaining high distillate quality by preventing solute contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single integrated unit is used for membrane distillation and condensation, then device complexity is reduced, but volatile solutes cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidvolatile solute removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates vapor condensation and volatile solute removal into distinct modules with specialized functions. The condenser module handles distillate generation while the vapor removal system handles solute extraction, ensuring effective solute removal without compromising system simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively removes volatile solutes from the vapour channel, preventing contamination of the distillate and extending the lifespan of the vacuum pump, while maintaining energy efficiency and producing high-quality potable water.

Implementation Method 1

heat is transferred from one distillation module to a subsequent distillation module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

evaporate feed liquid to vapour that may pass through the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a substantially fluid-impermeable, vapour permeable membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapour permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

condensation of a vapour passed through a membrane in a membrane distillation module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 5

a vacuum pump, which vacuum pump is a Venturi type pump, which further constitutes removal means for removing a volatile solute from at least one of the vapour channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 6

The vacuum pump is a Venturi type pump, which further constitutes removal means for removing a volatile solute from at least one of the vapour channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2903724B1Vacuum membrane distillation system and use thereof

Publication Date: 2017.06.28 MAJOR BRAVO LTD

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AI summary

The vacuum membrane distillation system comprises at least one membrane distillation module and a condenser module, in which, in use feed is converted into distillate and brine, which distillate is generated in the at least one membrane distillation module and the condenser module. Each of these modules comprise a vapour channel provided with a condensation wall for condensation of a vapour passed through a membrane in a membrane distillation module, which vapour channel further being provided with a vacuum duct connection to a vacuum duct coupled to a vacuum pump. The system is further provided with removal means for removing a volatile solute from at least one of the vapour channels, said removal means being resistant to said volatile solute.