Water-Alcohol Separation Membrane Modules with Segmented Vacuum Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-alcohol separation systems face challenges in achieving high purity alcohol production while minimizing energy consumption, as existing methods require increased apparatus size or decreased recovery rates due to the need for multiple vacuum systems and high energy demands for pressure reduction and condensation.
Innovation Solution
A water-alcohol separation system with multiple vacuum systems and condensers, where each vacuum system operates at different pressures and uses energy-efficient coolants, reduces energy consumption by allowing for varying condensation temperatures and pressures across multiple membrane modules, enhancing alcohol concentration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single vacuum system is used for membrane separation, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the energy consumption for pressure reduction and condensation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into multiple independent vacuum systems, each serving specific membrane modules. This segmentation allows different pressure levels to be applied to different stages of separation, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining compact apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different membrane modules are operated at different vacuum pressure levels according to their specific separation requirements. Upstream modules operate at higher pressures while downstream modules operate at lower pressures, creating local optimization of energy consumption across the system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple vacuum systems operate at different pressures, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each vacuum system is designed to perform multiple functions: pressure reduction for membrane separation, vapor condensation, and alcohol concentration enhancement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum systems are integrated with the membrane separation process and condensation units into a unified configuration. The systems work in coordination rather than isolation, sharing common infrastructure and control mechanisms to manage complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If high vacuum pressure is applied to increase alcohol concentration, then separation performance is improved, but the energy required for pressure reduction and condensation increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pressure levels are dynamically adjusted across different membrane modules based on the progression of alcohol concentration. Rather than applying maximum vacuum throughout, the system adapts pressure levels to match the local separation needs at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter progressively across multiple stages, with each vacuum system operating at an optimized pressure level appropriate for its position in the separation sequence. This staged parameter change avoids the enormous energy cost of applying high vacuum uniformly.
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
This approach enables the production of high purity alcohol (98% or more) with reduced energy consumption by optimizing vacuum system design and coolant usage, thereby achieving energy savings throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separation module, and a vacuum system for reducing the pressure at a vacuum side of the membrane separation module
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for condensing a vapor that has passed through the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a water-alcohol separation system and a method for water-alcohol separation for producing a high purity alcohol while achieving energy saving as the whole process. Namely, a water-alcohol separation system including plural separation membrane modules connected in series, a vacuum apparatus for reducing a pressure at a permeated side of each of the separation membrane modules, and a condenser for condensing a vapor that has passed through a membrane, in which plural independent vacuum systems reduce the pressure at the permeated side of the membrane of the separation membrane modules.