Vortex Rotor Design for Membrane Fouling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filtration systems using porous membranes face challenges with reduced separation capacity due to pore blockage and adhesion of solid materials, requiring high energy for fluid pressure and complex assembly, which increases costs and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A rotor with multiple blades arranged in different positions and configurations around a rotational axis generates vortex water flow, creating strong shear intensity and turbulent flow to effectively remove pollutants from membranes with low energy consumption, suitable for fluids of varying characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the distance between the separation membrane and the disk is reduced to increase shear rate, then the shear intensity for removing adhered pollutant is improved, but the separation membrane and disk may contact due to pressure difference causing membrane damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by positioning the rotor above the separation membrane rather than directly adjacent to it. This vertical spacing allows the rotor to generate shear force through vortex flow without direct contact, preventing membrane damage while maintaining effective pollutant removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vortex flow as an intermediary mechanism between the rotor and the separation membrane. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the rotor generates vortex flow that exerts shear force on the membrane surface, allowing force transmission without physical contact and thus preventing membrane damage.
2Reliability
If high pressure is applied to maintain proper filtering pressure, then the filtering performance is maintained, but the driving costs and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotational motion of the rotor to generate vortex flow, which creates dynamic shear forces that prevent pollutant adhesion to the membrane. This mechanical action maintains filtering performance without requiring high static pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption for driving and management.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rotor structures are used, then the assembly is simple, but the vortex flow generation is insufficient for effective pollutant removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotor structure into multiple blades arranged radially around the rotational axis. This segmentation allows the rotor to generate more effective vortex flow patterns that wrap around the separation membrane, enhancing pollutant removal efficiency while maintaining relatively simple assembly through standard rotational components.
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 rotor design enhances the efficiency of pollutant removal, reduces energy loss, and maintains membrane performance across different fluid characteristics, achieving higher processing efficiency and reduced operational costs compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor for generating vortex water flow
Implementation Method 2
generating shear force for detaching the pollutant adhered to the surface of the separation membranes
Implementation Method 3
creating strong shear intensity and turbulent flow to effectively remove pollutants from membranes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a rotor for generating vortex water flow that creates shear intensity for removing solid material adhered to the separation membranes during the processing of water containing pollutant material, and a filtering apparatus employing the same. The rotor consists of a first rotor having first blades and a second rotor having second blades. The first and the second blades are extended in a radial direction from a rotational axis thereof, and are disposed at positions different from each other in the rotational axis direction. The first blades and the second blades have widths different from each other in a circumferential direction around the rotational axis, or disposed at positions different from each other in a circumferential direction. Protrusions can be attached on outer surfaces of the first blades and/or second blades. The pollutant material adhered to the separation membrane can be removed effectively since various types of vortex water flow are generated over wide range, and the energy loss of the filtering apparatus is reduced.