Zeolite Membrane Operation for Thermal Crack Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The breakage of LTA-type zeolite membranes occurs during temperature changes in membrane separation processes, particularly when increasing or decreasing the temperature to and from an adsorption temperature.
Innovation Solution
An operating method for a separation device that adjusts the adsorptive substance concentration distribution in the mixture flowing through the first flow path to be between 0 and 0.3, with an average Reynolds number of 2,000 or more, and adjusts temperature and pressure to stabilize the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the temperature of the LTA-type zeolite membrane is increased to an adsorption temperature or decreased from the adsorption temperature to room temperature, then the adsorption separation function is improved, but the membrane breakage occurs due to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the concentration distribution of adsorptive substance (water) in the gas mixture to be 0.01 or more and 0.3 or less. This specific concentration parameter control prevents excessive volume expansion of the zeolite membrane during temperature changes, thereby reducing thermal stress and preventing membrane breakage while maintaining adsorption separation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-controlling the adsorptive substance concentration distribution before temperature changes occur. By maintaining the water concentration within the specified range (0.01-0.3) in the feed gas, the membrane's volume expansion is moderated in advance, cushioning against the thermal stress that would otherwise cause breakage during heating or cooling cycles
2Productivity
If the adsorptive substance concentration distribution is increased to improve adsorption capacity, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the volume expansion of the membrane increases causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the adsorptive substance concentration parameter within the optimal range of 0.01-0.3. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient adsorption capacity for effective separation while preventing excessive volume expansion that would lead to membrane breakage, achieving both high productivity and structural integrity
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 method suppresses membrane breakage by maintaining uniform volume expansion and contraction, allowing stable adsorption and separation of substances without cracking.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture heated to a predetermined adsorption temperature is supplied to the LTA-type zeolite membrane to allow a specific substance to be adsorbed to the LTA-type zeolite membrane and separated from the mixture
Implementation Method 2
the breakage of the LTA-type zeolite membrane, for example, a crack may occur in a step of separating the specific substance, in particular, in a step of increasing the temperature of the LTA-type zeolite membrane to an adsorption temperature and a step of decreasing the temperature of the LTA-type zeolite membrane from the adsorption temperature to room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method for a separation device is an operating method for a separation device including a separation membrane, the separation device including: a first flow path to which a mixture containing an adsorptive substance to be adsorbed to the separation membrane is to be supplied; and a second flow path through which a substance that has permeated through the separation membrane is allowed to flow. The operating method for a separation device includes a step of supplying the mixture to the first flow path so that an adsorptive substance concentration distribution in a direction of passage of the mixture becomes larger than 0 and equal to or less than 0.3.