3D printed spacers for ion-exchange device
US11911729B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2023 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/131
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed ion-exchange systems and devices that include composite ion-exchange membranes having 3D printed spacers on them. These 3D printed spacers can drastically reduce the total intermembrane spacing within the system/device while maintaining a reliable sealing surface around the exterior border of the membrane. By adding the spacers directly to the membrane using additive manufacturing, the amount of material used can be reduced without adversely impacting the manufacturability of the composite membrane as well as allow for complex spacer geometries that can reduce the restrictions to flow resulting in less pressure drop associated with the flow in the active area of the membranes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.