JP4622163B2 - Hollow fiber membrane module - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module used for, for example, a filter for a water purifier or an alkali ion water conditioner, and more particularly to a hollow fiber membrane module filled with a hollow fiber membrane bundle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional hollow fiber membrane module, a cylindrical module case, a hollow fiber bundle bundled with a large number of hollow fiber membranes filled in the module case, and both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are connected to the module case. And a potting part in which gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and between the hollow fiber membranes and the module case inner peripheral wall are sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive so as to be aligned with one open end.
[0003]
In such a hollow fiber membrane module, if the internal pressure in the module case becomes high, the potting part may come out. Therefore, in order to increase the pressure resistance of the potting part, the opening of the module case to which the potting part is fixed What provided the level | step difference which protrudes toward an internal-diameter direction at the inner periphery of an edge part is manufactured.
[0004]
In this configuration, since the module case is a resin molded part, it is necessary to have a shape that can be removed from the mold.
[0005]
For example, in the case of the module case having a step on the inner periphery of the opening end, the opening end without the bottom wall is formed because the mold cannot be removed if there is a bottom wall at the other end. For this reason, it has been necessary to position the lid for positioning the hollow fiber membrane bundle to be inserted at the time of manufacture at the open end without the bottom wall, and then remove the lid.
[0006]
Further, in the case of a module case having a bottom wall at its end, a pressure-reducing strength is lowered by providing a draft taper that expands toward the opening end on the inner peripheral surface of the module case. For this reason, in order to improve pressure resistance, a long potting portion is required, and more filling adhesive is required, which is uneconomical.
[0007]
Therefore, as a method in which the above-described problems, the JP-11-169 6 75 No. restricting portion and the hollow fiber positioning part 104 of the membrane bundle, such as the stepped portion 103 of the open end periphery, as shown in FIG. 7 described in Japanese Has been proposed.
[0008]
That is, in the hollow fiber membrane module 101 shown in FIG. 7, the restriction that restricts the movement of the potting portion toward the opening end portion by protruding toward the inner diameter direction on the inner periphery of the opening end portion of the module case 102 to which the potting portion is fixed. A step 103 is provided as a part. Also, a plate-like positioning portion 104 with which the folded portion 105a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 abuts is provided integrally with the module case 102 at the end opposite to the potting portion 106 of the module case 102. An opening is provided in the axial projection region of the step 103 in the cross section 104. The positioning portion 104 is integrally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the module case 102 via a connecting portion at one place in the circumferential direction.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the hollow fiber membrane module in which the positioning portion and the restriction portion of the prior art are integrally formed, the following problems have occurred.
[0010]
First, there is a sink caused by uneven thickness of the module case. That is, in the module case 102 shown in FIG. 7, the mold for forming the axial portion having the stepped portion 103 is removed from the opening direction, and the mold for forming the axial portion having the connecting portion connecting the positioning portion 104 is formed. Since the die is punched in the direction opposite to the opening direction, the wall thicknesses 102a and 102b at the two parts are different, so that it becomes uneven when forming the module case, and the intended smooth surface cannot be obtained, making it difficult to manufacture. If the wall thickness of the module case is made constant in order to avoid this, as a result, the outer periphery is not a circle, and it is difficult to effectively use the space.
[0011]
Second, since the flow path portion of the fluid flowing between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the inner peripheral wall of the module case is not provided, the fluid spreads only to the folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle It was difficult for the fluid to go around the side portion, and it was difficult to achieve the original purpose of permeating the fluid through the entire hollow fiber membrane bundle.
[0012]
For this reason, for example, when the fluid spreads only to the folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, there is a problem that the amount of fluid per unit time of the hollow fiber membrane bundle decreases.
[0013]
In addition, the hollow fiber membrane module can no longer be used and must be replaced even if the hollow fiber membrane bundle side surface is still in a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle side surface can still be effectively used after a certain period of use. I will have to.
[0014]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can be easily manufactured by obtaining a smooth surface during molding.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a cylindrical module case, a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes filled in the module case are bundled, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle A potting portion in which both end portions are aligned with one open end of the module case, and a gap between the hollow fiber membranes and a gap between the hollow fiber membrane and the inner peripheral wall of the module case is sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive. In the hollow fiber membrane module, the module case includes an enclosing member that surrounds the hollow fiber membrane bundle inside the module case , and the enclosing member has the hollow fiber membrane bundle at one open end of the module case provided with the potting portion. The inlet portion is inserted into the module case, and the inlet portion is connected to the module case .
[0016]
Therefore, there is no positioning portion or connecting portion provided conventionally, and the mold for molding the axial portion of the entire circumference of the module case can be removed from the opening end in one direction, so that the cylindrical module case is smooth. It is a uniform wall thickness to obtain a smooth surface, and a smooth surface can be obtained at the time of molding to facilitate manufacture, and the circumference of the outer shape can be made into a circle, and the space can be effectively used.
[0023]
Further, the surrounding member has an inlet portion for inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle into one opening end portion of the module case provided with the potting portion, and the inlet portion is connected to the module case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle can be easily inserted into the surrounding member from the inlet portion, and the hollow fiber membrane module can be easily manufactured and the productivity can be improved.
[0024]
It is preferable that the surrounding member is a frame integrally formed with the module case.
[0025]
Thereby, the process and member for connecting a flame | frame with a module case are unnecessary, and manufacture of a hollow fiber membrane module is easy and it can aim at productivity improvement.
[0026]
The surrounding member is preferably a bag-like mesh that is insert-molded in the module case.
[0027]
Thereby, the process and member for connecting a bag-like mesh with a module case are unnecessary, and manufacture of a hollow fiber membrane module is easy and productivity improvement can be aimed at.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0029]
(First embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the module case and the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment. 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing another modification according to the first embodiment.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the present embodiment generally includes a cylindrical module case 2 having both ends opened, and an inlet portion opened to the lower side in the figure inside the module case 2. A frame 3 as an enclosing member, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes filled in the frame 3 are bundled, and both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 are opened at the lower side of the module case 2 in the figure. And a potting portion 5 in which the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the module case 2 are sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case 2 has a diameter-reduced taper shape in which the upper side has a larger diameter than the lower side and is reduced in diameter toward the inner diameter side toward the inner periphery of the opening end at the lower side in the figure. The cylindrical portion 2a and the stepped portion 2b protruding toward the inner diameter side on the inner periphery of the opening end portion in the lower part of the figure where the potting portion 5 is provided.
[0032]
Further, the cylindrical portion 2a of the module case 2 has a uniform thickness on the entire circumference and a circle around the outer shape. ) This is because the mold can be removed from one direction above. Thereby, the cylindrical part 2a of uniform thickness which obtains a smooth surface without unevenness due to deformation or contraction can be circular around the outer shape, and the space can be used effectively.
[0033]
The reduced-diameter tapered cylindrical portion 2a and the stepped portion 2b provided in the module case 2 are both restricting portions for restricting the movement of the potting portion 5 in the direction of the opening end below the figure.
[0034]
In addition, it is good also as a structure by which a control part is provided by forming either the cylindrical part 2a and step part 2b of diameter-reduction taper shape. For example, in FIG. 3A, the module case 2 has a cylindrical portion 2a having a reduced diameter tapered shape as a restricting portion, but has no stepped portion. Moreover, in FIG.3 (b), cylinder part 2a 'is the same diameter also at the upper and lower sides, and is a structure which has the level | step-difference part 2b in the opening edge part inner periphery of illustration downward as a control part. Further, although the step 2b of the module case 2 is formed over the entire circumference in the present embodiment, it is formed only at a position where the axial direction portion of the frame 3 is connected or is scattered on the circumference. It can be changed.
[0035]
Further, the inner peripheral surface of the lower opening end (stepped portion) shown in the figure of the module case 2 is an inner peripheral tapered surface 2c that expands toward the lower opening end. Since it is molded, this shape is used to mold the mold inside the frame 3 from below.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the frame 3 has four axial portions 3a extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 2a, and the axial portion 3a is bent round toward the center at the upper end of the figure. It has a shape having a disc portion 3b that is associated with each other, and surrounds a hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 to be described later. Thus, since the frame 3 has only four axial portions 3a extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 2a, a gap is formed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the module case 2. The fluid can be communicated from the gap to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 while being formed.
[0037]
In addition, the axial direction part 3a of the flame | frame 3 as an enclosing member is not restricted to four, What is necessary is just to consist of multiple pieces which can surround the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4. FIG. For example, in FIG. 4A, the frame 3 has a configuration in which three axial portions 3a are provided. In FIG. 4B, the frame 3 has six axial portions 3a.
[0038]
Further, the lower end of the axial direction portion 3 a of the frame 3 is integrally formed and connected so as to extend from the inner peripheral tapered surface 2 c of the stepped portion 2 b of the module case 2. Therefore, an opening serving as an inlet (the same as the opening of the module case 2) is formed on the lower side of the frame 3 in the figure, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is inserted into the frame 3 from this opening. For this reason, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 can be easily inserted into the frame 3 from the opening, and the production of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is simple and the productivity can be improved.
[0039]
The frame 3 is integrally formed with the module case 2 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the process and member for connecting the flame | frame 3 with the module case 2 are unnecessary, and manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is easy and productivity can be aimed at. The module case 2 and the frame 3 are formed by punching a mold that molds the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical part 2a of the module case 2 and the outer side of the frame 3 from above, and punching the mold inside the frame 3 from below. can do. Examples of the material of the module case 2 and the frame 3 that are integrally molded include ABS, PC, PPO, and AS.
[0040]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is a bundle of a large number of hollow fiber membranes, and has a folded portion 4a that is folded back in the upper part of the figure, and both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 are opened in the lower part of the module case 2 in the figure. Aligned to the edge.
[0041]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is inserted into the opening of the frame 3 from below in the figure, and is filled in the frame 3 as shown in FIG. Here, at the time of insertion into the frame 3, the folded portion 4 a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is in contact with the disk portion 3 b of the frame 3 for positioning. For this reason, positioning by a separate member is not necessary, and cost reduction and productivity improvement can be achieved.
[0042]
The potting portion 5 is a lower end portion of the module case 2 shown in the figure, and the gaps between the hollow fiber membrane bundles 4 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the module case 2 inner wall are sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive. Part.
[0043]
In the hollow fiber membrane module 1 having such a configuration, the fluid passes from the upper side in the module case 2 through the hollow fiber membrane through the membrane wall of each hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 to the lower side of the potting unit 5 in the drawing. It flows out from the terminal opening.
[0044]
Here, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, a gap is formed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the module case 2 by the frame 3. And the fluid can be communicated to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 so that the entire hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 can permeate the fluid, and the usable hollow fiber membrane area is increased. For this reason, the filtration membrane area increases, the fluid permeates only to a part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4, and the fluid permeation amount per unit time of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 does not decrease. Will improve. Moreover, it can be used until the whole hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is clogged, and use durability improves.
[0045]
Further, since the potting portion 5 is restricted from moving toward the opening end in the downward direction of the figure by the reduced diameter tapered cylindrical portion 2a and the step portion 2b of the module case 2, the pressure resistance strength of the potting portion 5 can be increased. It is possible to reduce the amount of the filling adhesive used for the potting portion 5 and to reduce the film area buried by the adhesive as compared with the case where the restriction portions of the cylindrical portion 2a and the stepped portion 2b are not provided. it can.
[0046]
In the manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the lower end side of the module case 2 is formed in advance long in the same manner as in the prior art, and the folded portion 4 a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 comes into contact with the disc portion 3 b of the frame 3. Is inserted into the frame 3 until the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 located at the lower end of the module case 2 is sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive to form a potting portion 5. This is done by cutting the portion and opening both ends of each hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4.
[0047]
(Second Embodiment)
The hollow fiber membrane module according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a module case and a hollow fiber membrane module according to the second embodiment.
[0048]
In the second embodiment, the bag-like mesh 6 is used as the surrounding member. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 5, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 ′ according to the present embodiment includes a bag-like mesh 6 as an enclosing member having an inlet portion that opens to the lower side in the figure inside the module case 2.
[0050]
The bag-like mesh 6 has a dome shape that is open at the lower end in the figure and is rounded toward the center at the upper end in the figure, and surrounds the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4. Thus, since the bag-like mesh 6 has a mesh through which fluid can permeate, a fluid is formed from the gap to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 while forming a gap between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the module case 2. Can communicate.
[0051]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lower end of the bag-like mesh 6 in the figure is insert-molded and connected so as to extend from the inner peripheral tapered surface 2 c of the stepped portion 2 b of the module case 2. Therefore, an opening (same as the opening of the module case 2) is formed on the lower side of the bag-like mesh 6 as shown in FIG. 6, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is formed in the frame 3 as shown in FIG. Has been inserted inside.
[0052]
This bag-like mesh 6 is insert-molded into the module case 2. For this reason, the process and member for connecting the bag-shaped mesh 6 with the module case 2 are unnecessary, and manufacture of hollow fiber membrane module 1 'is easy and productivity improvement can be aimed at. The module case 2 can be formed by punching out a mold for forming the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 2a of the module case 2 from above and punching out the mold inside the bag-like mesh 6 from below. Examples of the material of the module case 2 include ABS, PC, PPO, and AS.
[0053]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is inserted into the opening of the bag-like mesh 6 from below in the figure and filled into the bag-like mesh 6. Here, at the time of insertion into the bag-shaped mesh 6, the folded portion 4 a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is in contact with the dome-shaped upper portion of the bag-shaped mesh 6 shown in the figure for positioning.
[0054]
Even with the hollow fiber membrane module 1 'configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. It should be noted that the deformation of the restricting portion can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention includes the surrounding member surrounding the hollow fiber membrane bundle on the inner side of the module case, so that there is no positioning portion or connecting portion provided in the past, and the axial portion of the entire circumference of the module case. Since the mold that molds the mold can be punched from the opening end in one direction, the cylindrical module case has a uniform thickness to obtain a smooth surface, and it is easy to manufacture by obtaining a smooth surface during molding. At the same time, the periphery of the outer shape can be a circle, and the space can be effectively used.
[0059]
The surrounding member has an inlet portion for inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle into one opening end portion of the module case where the potting portion is provided, and the inlet portion is connected to the module case so that the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be The hollow fiber membrane module can be easily manufactured and the productivity can be improved.
[0060]
Since the surrounding member is a frame integrally formed with the module case, there is no need for a process or member for connecting the frame to the module case, and the hollow fiber membrane module can be easily manufactured and productivity can be improved. .
[0061]
Since the surrounding member is a bag-like mesh that is insert-molded into the module case, there is no need for a process or member for connecting the bag-like mesh to the module case, and the hollow fiber membrane module can be easily manufactured and productivity can be improved. Can be planned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a module case and a hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another modification according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another modification according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a module case and a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional hollow fiber membrane module.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hollow fiber membrane module 2 Module case 2a Tube part 2b Step part 2c Inner circumference taper surface 3 Frame 3a Axial part 3b Disk part 4 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a Folding part 5 Potting part 6 Bag-like mesh

Claims (3)

A cylindrical module case,
A hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes filled in the module case;
Potting wherein both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are aligned with one open end of the module case, and the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and the hollow fiber membrane and the inner peripheral wall of the module case are sealed and fixed with a filling adhesive. A hollow fiber membrane module comprising:
On the inside of the module case, comprising an enclosing member surrounding the hollow fiber membrane bundle ,
The surrounding member has an inlet portion for inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle into one open end portion of the module case provided with the potting portion,
The hollow fiber membrane module, wherein the inlet portion is connected to the module case . The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 , wherein the surrounding member is a frame integrally formed with the module case. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 , wherein the surrounding member is a bag-like mesh that is insert-molded in the module case.

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