Zeolite Membrane Dehydration System Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dehydration systems using zeolite membrane separation modules face damage due to backflow of condensed water, which is often caused by defects in pipes or the condensation sequence, leading to reduced membrane selectivity and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The dehydration system incorporates a temperature-maintaining means, such as insulation or heating, to prevent condensation in the pipe connecting the separation membrane module and condenser, and arranges the pipe downward to inhibit backflow, while controlling the pressure to an absolute pressure of 20 kPa or less to prevent membrane damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strength of the membrane element is increased to prevent damage, then the reliability of the membrane element is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a temperature-maintaining means (heating or insulation) on the pipe before condensation can occur. This preventive measure maintains the pipe temperature above the dew point, preventing water vapor condensation and subsequent backflow that would damage the membrane element, thereby protecting the membrane without requiring structural strengthening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temperature-maintaining means as an intermediary between the source of water vapor and the condenser. This intermediary device (heating element or insulation layer) mediates the thermal environment of the pipe, preventing the harmful condensation process while allowing the dehydration system to operate normally
2Reliability
If the pipe is arranged downward to prevent backflow, then the reliability is improved, but the installation flexibility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing instructions or design specifications that mandate downward pipe arrangement before installation occurs. This preliminary design decision prevents backflow by utilizing gravity to ensure condensed water flows toward the condenser rather than back toward the membrane element, though it does constrain installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes gravitational potential energy differences by arranging the pipe downward, creating a natural flow path for condensed water toward the condenser. This gravitational field exploitation prevents backflow without requiring additional active control mechanisms, though it fixes the installation orientation
3Reliability
If temperature-maintaining means is added to prevent condensation, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature parameter of the pipe to remain above the dew point of water vapor. This can be achieved through heating elements that actively maintain temperature or through insulation that passively reduces heat loss. By changing the thermal parameter, condensation is prevented and reliability is improved, though energy consumption increases if active heating is used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing thermal insulation on the pipe before condensation can occur. This insulating layer acts as a cushion against heat loss, maintaining the pipe temperature sufficiently high to prevent water vapor condensation, thereby protecting the membrane element while minimizing energy consumption compared to active heating
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 configuration stabilizes the operation of the dehydration system by preventing condensed water backflow and reducing the risk of membrane damage, ensuring long-term operation without defects in the membrane elements.
Implementation Method 1
water vapor permeating through the tubular membrane element is condensed by the condenser into water
Implementation Method 2
a temperature-maintaining means for maintaining the pipe connecting the separation membrane module and the condenser to have a temperature at which water does not condense
Implementation Method 3
an aqueous organic compound is brought into contact with one side (e.g., outer side) of a membrane element and the pressure on the other side (e.g., inner side) is reduced so as to allow water to permeate through the membrane element in the form of steam
Implementation Method 4
a tubular membrane element, each comprising a tubular porous ceramic support and a zeolite membrane disposed on the support, are arranged and which separates water from the aqueous organic compound supplied thereto
Implementation Method 5
the pressure on the other side (e.g., inner side) is reduced so as to allow water to permeate through the membrane element in the form of steam
Implementation Method 6
a pressure-reducing means for reducing the pressure on a water permeate side of each tubular membrane element
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are: a dehydration system in which occurrence of damage to a membrane element in a zeolite membrane module can be suppressed; and an operation method of the same. This dehydration system for aqueous organic compounds includes: a zeolite membrane module, inside of which one or plural tubular membrane elements each having a zeolite membrane are arranged and which separates water from an aqueous organic compound supplied thereto; a pressure-reducing means; a condenser, and the dehydration system has at least one of the following configurations (1) and (2). Configuration (1): the dehydration system includes a temperature-maintaining means for maintaining a pipe connecting the membrane module and the condenser to have a temperature at which water does not condense, and Configuration (2) : the pipe connecting the membrane module and the condenser is arranged downward from a permeated water outlet of the membrane module toward the condenser.