Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

This invention suppresses pressure loss of gas flowing within a hollow fiber membrane module. The hollow fiber membrane module (1) includes an inner shell (10), an outer shell (20) that covers the inner shell (10) from the outer periphery with a space (S) separating it, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (31) disposed in the space (S) between the inner shell (10) and the outer shell (20). The inner shell (10) has an inlet (13) on the upstream side of the inner shell (10) and the outer shell (20) communicating between the interior and exterior of the inner shell (10). The outer shell has an outlet (23) on the downstream side communicating between the interior and exterior of the outer shell (20). The inner shell (10) has a bypass (14) on the downstream side communicating between the interior and exterior of the inner shell (10). The bypass (14) has at least one opening (15) that penetrates through the inner shell (10) between the interior and the exterior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules, and more particularly to hollow fiber membrane modules for dehumidification and humidification devices. Background Technology

[0002] A humidification device is provided in the fuel cell to humidify the electrolyte membrane by humidifying the reactant gas used in power generation in the fuel cell. Conventionally, hollow fiber membrane modules comprising hollow fiber membranes are used in such fuel cell humidification devices. These hollow fiber membrane modules include a cylindrical inner shell, an outer shell covering the outer periphery of the inner shell, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending along an annular space formed between the inner shell and the outer shell, such that gas flows from the inside of the inner shell through the annular space to the outside of the outer shell. In this hollow fiber membrane module, the moisture-containing reactant gas (exhaust gas) used for power generation flows from the inside of the inner shell through the annular space to the outside of the outer shell within the hollow fiber membrane module, while the unused reactant gas flows inside the hollow fiber membrane. Thus, the humidified exhaust gas and the dried reactant gas come into contact via the hollow fiber membrane, and through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membrane, the moisture in the humidified exhaust gas moves towards the dried reactant gas side, thereby humidifying the reactant gas (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-265196 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The humidification performance of such hollow fiber membrane modules is related to the flow of humidifying gas within the module, as described above. Smooth flow of humidifying gas within the hollow fiber membrane module improves its humidification performance. Therefore, there has been a persistent search for structures capable of suppressing pressure loss of the gas flowing within the hollow fiber membrane module in order to improve its humidification performance.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can suppress pressure loss of gas flowing in a hollow fiber membrane module.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an inner shell, which is a cylindrical member; an outer shell, which is a cylindrical member that covers the inner shell from the outer periphery with a space separated; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner shell has an inlet portion at one end in the extending direction of the inner shell and the outer shell, the inlet portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the inner shell. The outer shell has a discharge portion at the other end in the extending direction, the discharge portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the outer shell. The inner shell has a bypass portion at the other end in the extending direction, the bypass portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the inner shell. The bypass portion has at least one opening that passes through the inner shell between the interior and the exterior.

[0011] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the inner shell has: a cylindrical end portion, which is a portion of the first end side; and a cylindrical other end portion, which is a portion of the second end side connected to the first end portion, the inlet portion being provided at the first end portion, the bypass portion being provided at the other end portion, the first end portion being tapered in the extension direction from the first side to the second side, and the other end portion extending along the extension direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the bypass portion and the discharge portion are at least partially opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction.

[0013] One aspect of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention includes an inner shell closure portion, the inner shell closure portion being a component that seals an opening in the inner shell that allows the interior of the inner shell to open to the other side.

[0014] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the inlet portion has a plurality of openings that communicate the inner shell between the interior and the exterior.

[0015] One embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention includes: a one-end sealing portion for sealing an opening portion of the space between the inner housing and the outer housing that is open to one side; and a other-end sealing portion for sealing an opening portion of the space between the inner housing and the outer housing that is open to the other side, wherein a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction and pass through the one-end sealing portion and the other-end sealing portion.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] The hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view along the extension direction, showing a schematic structure of a hollow fiber membrane assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly shown at a section intersecting the extension direction.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the inner shell of the hollow fiber membrane assembly shown, taken along the extension direction.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The bottom view of the inner shell is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the function of the hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a schematic structure of a humidification device including the hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the inlet portion in the hollow fiber membrane assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The explanation will be provided later.

[0025] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the extension direction (axis x) shows a schematic structure of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 at a section (section AA) intersecting the extension direction. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the side in the direction of arrow a is designated as the upstream side, and the side in the direction of arrow b is designated as the downstream side in the x-axis direction. Additionally, in the direction perpendicular to the x-axis (hereinafter also referred to as "radial"), the direction away from the x-axis ( Figure 1 The direction of arrow c) is set as the outer periphery, and the direction closest to the axis x is ( Figure 1 The side with the arrow d direction is designated as the inner circumference side.

[0026] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 of this invention is used as a dehumidification component or humidification component in a dehumidification and humidification device. For example, it is used as a humidification component in a humidification device for a fuel cell. Specifically, it is used as a humidification component in a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. For example, it uses the reaction gas (exhaust gas) after power generation, which contains moisture generated by the chemical reaction for power generation, and utilizes the membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane to humidify the reaction gas supplied for power generation. The reaction gas supplied for power generation is a fuel gas such as hydrogen and an oxidant gas such as oxygen.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 includes: an inner shell 10, which is a cylindrical member; an outer shell 20, which is a cylindrical member that covers the inner shell 10 from the outer periphery with a space (space S) between them; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 disposed in the space S between the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20. The inner shell 10 has an inlet portion 13 at one (upstream) end in the extending direction (axial x-direction) of the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20, serving as a portion connecting the interior and exterior of the inner shell 10. The outer shell 20 has a discharge portion 23 at the other (downstream) end in the extending direction, serving as a portion connecting the interior and exterior of the outer shell 20. The inner shell 10 has a bypass portion 14 at the other end in the extending direction, serving as a portion connecting the interior and exterior of the inner shell 10. The bypass portion 14 has at least one bypass opening 15 that passes through the inner shell 10 between the interior and exterior. The structure of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the inner housing 10 along the extension direction (axis x). Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the inner housing 10, a view of the inner housing 10 viewed from the upstream side. As described above, the inner housing 10 is a cylindrical component, for example, as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown, it is a cylindrical member extending along axis x. Specifically, the inner shell 10 has: an upstream main body portion 11, which is a part on the upstream side, i.e., one end of the cylindrical shape; and a downstream main body portion 12, which is a part on the downstream side, i.e., the other end of the cylindrical shape, connected to the upstream main body portion 11 on the downstream side. The inner shell 10 is formed by the upstream main body portion 11 and the downstream main body portion 12.

[0029] The upstream main body 11 extends along the axis x and tapers in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side in the x-direction, for example, having a truncated conical or approximately truncated conical shape that tapers towards the downstream side. The upstream main body 11 is hollow, with a space extending inside it along the axis x. The upstream main body 11 has an opening 16 at its upstream end 11a, which is the upstream side end. The opening 16 opens the interior space of the upstream main body 11 towards the upstream side and to the outside of the upstream main body 11. That is, the interior of the upstream main body 11 communicates with the outside via the opening 16. Furthermore, the downstream end 11b, which is the downstream side end of the upstream main body 11, connects to the upstream end 12a of the downstream main body 12, which will be described later, and the interior space of the upstream main body 11 communicates with the interior of the downstream main body 12.

[0030] The downstream main body 12 extends along axis x, and its radial width is constant or substantially constant throughout the x-axis direction. For example, it has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along axis x. The downstream main body 12 is hollow, with a space extending along axis x inside the downstream main body 12. The downstream main body 12 has an opening 17 at its downstream end 12b, which is the downstream side end. The opening 17 opens the interior of the downstream main body 12 towards the downstream side and to the exterior of the downstream main body 12. That is, the interior of the downstream main body 12 communicates with the exterior via the opening 17. In addition, as described above, the upstream end 12a, which is the upstream side end of the downstream main body 12, is connected to the downstream end 11b of the upstream main body 11, and the interior of the downstream main body 12 communicates with the interior of the upstream main body 11.

[0031] The aforementioned inlet portion 13, which connects the interior and exterior of the inner housing 10, is provided in the upstream main body portion 11. Specifically, as shown in... Figure 3 As shown, an inlet portion 13 is provided at the upstream main body 11, located downstream of the opening 16. The inlet portion 13 connects the interior of the inner shell 10 with the interior (space S) of the outer shell 20 within the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Furthermore, the inlet portion 13 has multiple inlet ports 13a to 13c, and is composed of these ports. The inlet ports 13a to 13c are openings that penetrate the inner shell 10 between the interior and exterior.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , 4As shown, the inlet portion 13 has a plurality of inlet ports 13a, which are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction at the same or approximately the same positions along the x-axis. The inlet ports 13a mimic the shape of the cone-shaped upstream main body portion 11, with their circumferential width narrowing from the upstream side towards the downstream side. Additionally, the inlet portion 13 has a plurality of inlet ports 13b, which are located downstream of the inlet ports 13a and are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction at the same or approximately the same positions along the x-axis. Like the inlet ports 13a, the inlet ports 13b mimic the shape of the cone-shaped upstream main body portion 11, with their circumferential width narrowing from the upstream side towards the downstream side. Furthermore, the inlet portion 13 has a plurality of inlet ports 13c, which are located downstream of the inlet ports 13b and are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction at the same or approximately the same positions along the x-axis. Like inlets 13a and 13b, inlet 13c mimics the shape of the cone-shaped upstream main body 11, with its circumferential width narrowing from the upstream side towards the downstream side. Furthermore, the circumferential width of inlet 13b is smaller than that of inlet 13a, and the circumferential width of inlet 13c is smaller than that of inlet 13b. Thus, the circumferential widths of inlets 13a to 13c in the inlet section 13 decrease towards the downstream side. In this way, the multiple inlets 13a, 13b, and 13c of the inlet section 13, arranged circumferentially, are arranged in a column along the x-axis.

[0033] It should be noted that the shape of the inlet 13 is not limited to the shape described above, as long as it connects the interior and exterior of the inner shell 10. For example, the inlet 13 may be formed by arranging three rows of inlet ports 13a, 13b, and 13c along the circumferential direction in the x-axis direction. However, the inlet 13 is not limited to being formed by three rows of inlet ports; it may also be formed by one row of inlet ports or other rows of inlet ports. In addition, each row may not be an inlet port group consisting of multiple inlet ports 13a, 13b, or 13c; it may also consist of one inlet port 13a, 13b, or 13c. Furthermore, the shape of each inlet port 13a to 13c is not limited to the shape in which the circumferential width narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side as described above. It may also be a shape in which the circumferential width widens from the upstream side to the downstream side, or a shape in which the circumferential width is constant from the upstream side to the downstream side, or other shapes such as circles. Furthermore, the multiple inlets 13a in each column can be of different shapes and sizes, and similarly, the multiple inlets 13b and 13c can also be of different shapes and sizes. The shape of the inlet section 13 can vary depending on the intended use of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0034] The aforementioned bypass portion 14, which connects the interior and exterior of the inner casing 10, is provided in the downstream main body portion 12. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, a bypass section 14 is provided at or near the downstream end 12b of the downstream main body 12. Additionally, a bypass section 14 is provided radially at least partially opposite the discharge section 23 of the outer casing 20. For example, as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the bypass section 14 is located near the upstream side of the downstream end 12b, and is located at or near a position that is radially opposite to the discharge section 23 of the outer casing 20. The location of the bypass section 14 at the downstream main body 12 of the inner casing 10 is not limited to this.

[0035] The bypass section 14 has at least one bypass port 15, which is an opening that passes through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the bypass section 14 has a plurality of bypass openings 15, which are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction at the same or approximately the same positions along the x-axis. In the illustrated example, the bypass section 14 has two bypass openings 15 that are radially opposite or approximately opposite each other. The bypass openings 15 are, for example, rectangular openings. The plurality of bypass openings 15 can be of the same shape and size or different shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the number of bypass openings 15 in the bypass section 14 is not limited to the illustrated example; it can be one or more. Additionally, the plurality of bypass openings 15 can be arranged in a pattern other than equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction, or irregularly. Furthermore, the plurality of bypass openings 15 can be located at different positions along the x-axis; for example, they can be configured to have serrated edges along the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the shape of the bypass openings 15 is not limited to rectangles; it can also be circular or other shapes.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the bypass section 14 is not limited to having a bypass column consisting of multiple bypass ports 15 arranged circumferentially, but can also be a structure formed by arranging multiple bypass columns in the x-axis direction. In this case, the bypass section 14 can have bypass ports 15 of the same shape and size, or it can have bypass ports 15 of different shapes and sizes.

[0037] The inner shell 10 has the structure described above. Inside the inner shell 10, the space extends from the upstream opening 16 along the axis x to the downstream opening 17, without forming any walls or other components that divide the interior space of the inner shell 10. Furthermore, the interior space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the interior space S of the outer shell 20 via the inlet ports 13a-13c of the inlet portion 13 formed in the upstream main body 11. Additionally, the interior space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the interior space S of the outer shell 20 via the bypass port 15 of the bypass portion 14 formed in the downstream main body 12. Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the interior space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the interior space S of the outer shell 20 on the upstream side via the inlet ports 13a-13c of the inlet portion 13, and on the downstream side via the bypass port 15 of the bypass portion 14.

[0038] The shape of the inner shell 10 is not limited to the above-described shape, and may also be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body 11 of the inner shell 10 is not conical, but is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical like the downstream main body 12, and the inner shell 10 may extend as a whole along the axis x in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0039] As described above, the outer casing 20 is a cylindrical component extending along the extension direction, for example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it is a cylindrical component extending along axis x. Specifically, the outer shell 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner shell 10, extending concentrically or substantially concentrically with the inner shell 10 along axis x, and its length in the x-direction is the same as or substantially the same as the length of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 20 has: a cylindrical upstream main body portion 21, which is the upstream side portion; and a cylindrical downstream main body portion 22, which is the downstream side portion connected to the upstream main body portion 21 at the downstream side.

[0040] The upstream main body 21 extends along the axis x and tapers in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side in the x-direction, for example, having a truncated conical or approximately truncated conical shape that tapers towards the downstream side. The upstream main body 21 is hollow, with a space extending inside along the axis x. The upstream main body 21 has an opening 24 at its upstream end 21a, which is the upstream side end. The opening 24 opens the interior of the upstream main body 21 towards the upstream side and to the outside of the upstream main body 21. That is, the interior of the upstream main body 21 communicates with the outside via the opening 24. Furthermore, the downstream end 21b, which is the downstream side end of the upstream main body 21, connects to the upstream end 22a of the downstream main body 22, which will be described later, and the interior of the upstream main body 21 communicates with the interior of the downstream main body 22.

[0041] The downstream main body 22 extends along axis x, and its radial width is constant or substantially constant throughout the x-axis direction. For example, it has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along axis x. The downstream main body 22 is hollow, with a space extending along axis x inside it. The downstream main body 22 has an opening 25 at its downstream end 22b, which is the downstream side end. The opening 25 opens the interior of the downstream main body 22 towards the downstream side and to the exterior of the downstream main body 22. That is, the interior of the downstream main body 22 communicates with the outside via the opening 25. In addition, as described above, the upstream end 22a, which is the upstream side end of the downstream main body 22, is connected to the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body 21, and the interior of the downstream main body 22 communicates with the interior of the upstream main body 11.

[0042] The length of the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 in the x-direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction, and the length of the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 in the x-direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the upstream end 21a, the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body portion 21, the upstream end 22a, and the downstream end 22b of the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 are located at the same or approximately the same position in the x-direction as the upstream end 11a, the downstream end 11b of the upstream main body portion 11, the upstream end 12a, and the downstream end 12b of the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer shell 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner shell 10. The upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 along the x-axis, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 along the x-axis. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the radial width of the hollow cylindrical cross-section annular or donut-shaped space S formed between the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 10, and its width along the x-axis, is constant or substantially constant.

[0044] The shape of the outer shell 20 is not limited to the shape described above, and can also be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 is not conical, but is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical like the downstream main body portion 22, and the outer shell 20 can extend as a whole along the axis x in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 may not extend parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 along the axis x, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 may not extend parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 along the axis x.

[0045] The aforementioned discharge section 23, which connects the interior and exterior of the outer casing 20, is located in the downstream main body section 22. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, a discharge section 23 is located at or near the downstream end 22b of the downstream main body 22, and is positioned upstream of the opening 25. The discharge section 23 connects the interior (space S) of the outer casing 20 with the exterior of the outer casing 20 within the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Furthermore, the discharge section 23 forms a seamless, annular strip-shaped opening extending around the axis x. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the discharge section 23 is located radially opposite to or near the bypass section 14 of the inner housing 10. The location of the discharge section 23 at the downstream main body section 22 of the outer housing 20 is not limited to this.

[0046] Furthermore, the shape of the discharge section 23 is not limited to forming a seamless annular strip extending around the axis x. For example, the discharge section 23 may also be composed of multiple openings that penetrate through the outer casing 20 between the interior and the exterior. In this case, the multiple openings constituting the discharge section 23 are arranged circumferentially at equal or approximately equal angular intervals, for example, at the same or substantially the same positions in the axis x direction. The configuration of the multiple openings constituting the discharge section 23 may also be other configurations.

[0047] As described above, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 are provided in the space S between the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20. Specifically, hollow fiber membrane bundles 30, which are bundles of hollow fiber membranes 31, fill the space S. The hollow fiber membrane bundles 30 are, for example, as shown in... Figure 1 , 2 The diagram shows a cylindrical shape. In the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, each hollow fiber membrane 31 extends along the x-axis. The opening (upstream opening 31a) on one end (upstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at the upstream end 30a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, facing upstream. The opening (downstream opening 31b) on the other end (downstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at the downstream end 30b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, facing downstream. For example... Figure 1As shown, the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the inner peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 extends along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10, and the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the outer peripheral boundary also extends along the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 has a shape along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. The shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is not limited to this shape along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20; it can also be other shapes. For example, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 can be a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axis x, or a truncated conical or substantially truncated conical shape extending along the axis x.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, a spacer for fluid passage is formed between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31. Furthermore, it is preferable to form a spacer for liquid or gas passage between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the inner peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10, and preferably between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the outer peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. It should be noted that it is preferable to form a spacer for fluid passage that extends throughout the x-axis between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31, but it is also possible not to form a spacer for fluid passage throughout the x-axis.

[0049] The hollow fiber membrane 31 is formed into a hollow tubular shape, enabling membrane separation between the interior and exterior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, allowing moisture in the humid gas to move to the dry gas side. For example, PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), which has the characteristic of permeating moisture through a capillary condensation mechanism based on pore size control, can be suitably used as the material for the hollow fiber membrane 31. It should be noted that a hydrophilic hollow fiber membrane can be obtained by spinning a membrane-forming solution containing PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Alternatively, Nafion (registered trademark), which has the characteristic of permeating moisture through dissolution and diffusion, can be used as the material for the hollow fiber membrane 31.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has sealing portions 35 and 36 (one-end sealing portion and the other-end sealing portion) for sealing the openings, which allow the spaces S formed by the openings 24 and 25 of the outer shell 20 to be open to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Specifically, the sealing portion 35 is provided at the upstream opening 24 of the outer shell 20 and contacts the inner circumference surface 20a of the outer shell 20 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24. In addition, it contacts the outer circumference surface 10a of the inner shell 10 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24 of the outer shell 20. Furthermore, the sealing portion 35 contacts the outer circumference surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24 of the outer shell 20. In addition, each hollow fiber membrane 31 passes through the sealing portion 35 at its upstream end, and the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 35. Similarly, specifically, the sealing portion 36 is provided at the opening 25 on the downstream side of the outer shell 20, and at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20, it contacts the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20 throughout its entire circumference. Furthermore, at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20, it contacts the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 throughout its entire circumference. Additionally, the sealing portion 36 contacts the outer peripheral surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 throughout its entire circumference at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20. Furthermore, each hollow fiber membrane 31 passes through the sealing portion 36 at its downstream end, and the downstream opening 31b of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 36.

[0051] Thus, the opening (opening 24) that opens space S on the upstream side is sealed by the sealing part 35, and the opening (opening 25) that opens space S on the downstream side is sealed by the sealing part 36. On the other hand, the internal space of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is open to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 via the upstream opening 31a and the downstream opening 31b. In addition, each hollow fiber membrane 31 is fixed relative to the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20 at its upstream and downstream ends by the sealing parts 35 and 36, respectively. By fixing the hollow fiber membrane 31 based on the sealing parts 35 and 36, the hollow fiber membrane 31 is fixed into a bundle, forming a hollow fiber membrane bundle 30. The sealing parts 35 and 36 are, for example, components formed by curing epoxy resin or other potting materials.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 1 , 3As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has a sealing portion 18 (inner shell sealing portion) that seals the opening 17 at the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10. The sealing portion 18 contacts the inner circumferential surface 10b of the inner shell 10 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 17. The sealing portion 18 is a component formed, for example, by curing an impregnation material such as epoxy resin. The sealing portion 18 is located downstream of the bypass opening 15 of the bypass portion 14 in the inner shell 10.

[0053] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has the above-described structure and two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31 and is formed by the upstream opening 31a, the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which extends between the upstream opening 16 of the inner housing 10 and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20 and is formed by the opening 16 of the inner housing 10, the interior space of the inner housing 10, the inlet portion 13 of the inner housing 10, the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the inner shell 10 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 is provided with a bypass section 14 formed by a bypass port 15 on the downstream side. On the downstream side, the interior of the inner shell 10 communicates with the space S via the bypass section 14. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has a third fluid path F3, which is formed by the interior of the inner shell 10, the bypass section 14 of the inner shell 10, the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and the discharge section 23 of the outer shell 20.

[0055] Next, the function of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 with the above structure will be explained. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the function of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, and shows the hollow fiber membrane module 1 in use in cross-section. Figure 5 The first, second, and third fluid paths F1, F2, and F3 are shown in a general outline.

[0056] As described above, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a dehumidification component or a humidification component of a dehumidification and humidification device. In the illustrated example, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a humidification component of a humidification device for a fuel cell, and the humidification device 50 installed on the fuel cell is in use.

[0057] like Figure 5As shown, the humidification device 50 includes a hollow fiber membrane module 1, a humidifying gas supply device 51, and a drying gas supply device 52. The humidifying gas supply device 51 supplies humidifying gas to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. Conversely, the drying gas supply device 52 supplies dry gas with a lower humidity than the humidifying gas supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 to the first fluid path F1 formed in each hollow fiber membrane 31. The humidifying gas supplied by the humidifying gas supply device 51 is the exhaust gas after a chemical reaction of the reaction gas supplied for power generation in the fuel cell, while the dry gas supplied by the drying gas supply device 52 is the reaction gas supplied for power generation. In this embodiment, the dry gas supplied by the drying gas supply device 52 is an oxidant gas such as oxygen from the reaction gas, and the humidifying gas is the oxidant exhaust gas after the oxidant gas such as oxygen has been used for power generation.

[0058] When the humidification device 50 is activated, humidifying gas is supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, and dry gas is supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 to the first fluid path F1 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. As a result, the dry gas flows inside each hollow fiber membrane 31, and the humidifying gas flows in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, with the dry gas and humidifying gas coming into contact via the hollow fiber membranes 31. At this time, through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membranes 31, moisture in the humidifying gas moves to the dry gas side. Thus, the dry gas flowing in the first fluid path F1 is humidified and discharged from the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31, and then from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. This humidified dry gas (oxidant gas) is supplied as the reactant gas to the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell. Thus, the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is humidified. On the other hand, the humidified gas is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0059] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has the above-described structure and two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31 and is formed by the upstream opening 31a, the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which extends between the upstream opening 16 of the inner housing 10 and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20 and is formed by the opening 16 of the inner housing 10, the interior space of the inner housing 10, the inlet portion 13 of the inner housing 10, the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20.

[0060] Specifically, the humidifying gas supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 enters the interior of the inner housing 10 through the opening 16 on the upstream side of the inner housing 10, and proceeds downstream within the inner housing 10. Then, a portion of the humidifying gas proceeding downstream within the inner housing 10 flows into the space S via the inlet ports 13a to 13c of the inlet section 13. The humidifying gas that has flowed from the inlet section 13 into the space S comes into contact with the hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31, and humidifies the dry air flowing within the hollow fiber membranes 31 through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membranes 31. It is then discharged from the space S via the outlet section 23 of the outer housing 20, and further discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0061] The upstream main body 11 of the inner shell 10 narrows in diameter from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and inlet ports 13a to 13c are formed in this upstream main body 11. Therefore, the gas flowing out of the inlet ports 13a to 13c into the space S tends to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x. As a result, the humid gas that has flowed out of the inlet ports 13a to 13c into the space S easily flows in the space S between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in a direction inclined relative to the axis x, and the humid gas easily flows relative to the dry gas passing through the interior of the hollow fiber membranes 31. In addition, the circumferential width of each inlet port 13a to 13c narrows from the upstream side toward the downstream side. As a result, the gas flowing out of the inlet ports 13a to 13c into the space S also tends to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x.

[0062] Furthermore, the humid gas flows into the inner peripheral and upstream regions of the space S via the inlet 13, and is discharged from the outer peripheral and downstream regions of the space S via the outlet 23. Therefore, the humid gas that has flowed into the space S can come into contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 as a whole, and the hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 as a whole can perform membrane separation.

[0063] In this way, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the humid gas that has flowed out from the inlet ports 13a-13c into the space S can easily flow relative to the dry gas passing through the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, thereby enabling the hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 to perform membrane separation as a whole. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is effectively carried out, resulting in high humidification performance.

[0064] On the other hand, specifically, the dry gas supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 enters the interior of each hollow fiber membrane 31 through the downstream opening 31b and advances upstream inside the hollow fiber membrane 31. Then, the dry gas advancing upstream inside the hollow fiber membrane 31 is humidified by the humid air in contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31 through the membrane separation effect based on the hollow fiber membrane 31, and is discharged from the upstream opening 31a of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and then discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0065] Additionally, a portion of the humidified gas supplied from the humidified gas supply device 51 and advancing downstream within the inner housing 10 is supplied to the third fluid path F3. Specifically, a portion of the humidified gas supplied from the humidified gas supply device 51 and advancing downstream within the inner housing 10 does not flow out of the inlet ports 13a-13c into the space S but continues to advance downstream within the inner housing 10. This portion of the humidified gas continuing downstream within the inner housing 10 flows out into the space S via the bypass port 15 of the bypass section 14 formed on the downstream side of the inner housing 10. The humidified gas flowing out into the space S from the bypass section 14 flows and contacts the hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes in the space S, humidifying the dry air flowing within the hollow fiber membranes 31 through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membranes 31, and is discharged from the space S via the outlet section 23 of the outer housing 20, and then discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0066] The bypass section 14 is located on the downstream side of the inner shell 10, allowing the humidified gas flowing from the bypass section 14 into the space S to exit into the downstream region of the space S. Additionally, the discharge section 23 is located on the downstream side of the outer shell 20, allowing the humidified gas that has flowed from the bypass section 14 into the space S to flow radially in a straight line in the downstream region of the space S. Therefore, the contact between the humidified gas flowing from the bypass section 14 into the space S and the hollow fiber membrane 31 is reduced, decreasing the resistance caused by contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31 and suppressing pressure loss. Consequently, in the downstream region of the space S, the dynamic pressure of the humidified gas that has exited from the bypass section 14 of the inner shell 10 and passed through the third fluid path F3 is higher than the dynamic pressure of the humidified gas that has exited from the inlet section 13 of the inner shell 10 and passed through the second fluid path F2.

[0067] When the dynamic pressure of the humid gas flowing through the inlet 13 of the inner housing 10 and passing through the second fluid path F2 decreases downstream due to resistance from contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31, the humid gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 becomes stagnant in the downstream side of the space S. To address this, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has a bypass section 14 downstream of the inner housing 10. The gas flowing from the bypass section 14 to the outlet 23 in the space S experiences low pressure loss, allowing the gas with suppressed dynamic pressure to flow to the third fluid path F3 downstream of the space S. The flow of humid gas in the second fluid path F2 is drawn by the flow of humid gas in the third fluid path F3, thereby suppressing the decrease in dynamic pressure of the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 downstream. This prevents the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 from becoming stagnant in the downstream side of the space S. Therefore, the membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane 31 on the humid gas in the second fluid path F2 at the downstream side of space S can be improved, and the humidification efficiency of dry air can be improved.

[0068] Furthermore, the humidifying gas supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 enters the interior of the inner housing 10 through the opening 16 on the upstream side of the inner housing 10, flowing not only from the second fluid path F2 to the discharge section 23, but also from the third fluid path F3 to the discharge section 23. Therefore, compared to the case where excess humidifying gas flows only from the inlet section 13 to the space S, the pressure loss of the humidifying gas flowing in the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S can be reduced. In this respect, the stagnation of humidifying gas on the downstream side of the second fluid path F2 can also be suppressed, thereby improving humidification performance.

[0069] Furthermore, at the inner shell 10, relative to the conical upstream main body 11, the downstream main body 12 has a diameter that is continuous, constant, or substantially constant from the side with the smaller diameter of the upstream main body 11. Therefore, it is easy to ensure space on the outer periphery of the downstream main body 12, and it is easy to increase the portion of the downstream main body 12 on the outer periphery of the space S. As a result, it is possible to suppress the increase in the filling rate of the hollow fiber membrane 31 in the space S, and to suppress the pressure loss of the fluid in the region on the outer periphery of the downstream main body 12 of the space S. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure loss of the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 and the humid gas flowing in the third fluid path F3, and further, to suppress the stagnation of the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 on the downstream side of the space S.

[0070] Thus, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing within the hollow fiber membrane module 1. This allows for an improvement in the humidification efficiency of dry air.

[0071] While the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to the hollow fiber membrane module 1 described above, but includes all forms encompassed by the concept of the present invention and the claims. Furthermore, in order to enable at least some of the aforementioned problems and effects to function, the various structures may be selectively combined as appropriate. For example, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc., of each structural element in the above embodiments may be appropriately modified according to the specific application form of the present invention.

[0072] For example, the sealing portion 18 may not be provided in the inner shell 10 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. For example, the opening 17 may be sealed or the outflow of gas from the opening 17 may be suppressed by taperling the front end of the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10 and reducing the opening 17. Alternatively, the opening 17 may be reduced or crushed by deforming the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10, thereby sealing the opening 17 or suppressing the outflow of gas from the opening 17. The above-mentioned problems occur in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 without the sealing portion 18, just as in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 of the embodiment of the present invention described above, and the present invention can exert its effects. Alternatively, the sealing portion 18, formed of the same material as or different from the inner shell 10, may be fixed to one end of the downstream side of the inner shell 10 by adhesive or by interlocking. Alternatively, the sealing portion 18 may not be installed in the inner shell 10, and the opening 17 may not be formed in the inner shell 10, but the bottom may be integrally formed in one end of the downstream side of the inner shell 10. In other words, the closure 18 can also be integrally formed from the same material as another part of the inner shell 10.

[0073] In addition, although the gas flows from the upstream side to the downstream side in the first fluid path F1 when the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is in use, the gas can also flow from the downstream side to the upstream side in the first fluid path F1.

[0074] In addition, although in the working state of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the dry gas flows in the first fluid path F1 and the humid gas flows in the second and third fluid paths F2 and F3, it is also possible to make the humid gas flow in the first fluid path F1 and the dry gas flow in the second and third fluid paths F2 and F3.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above description, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is applied to the humidification component of a humidification device for a fuel cell. However, the application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to the humidification component of a humidification device for a fuel cell, nor is it limited to fuel cells. Additionally, the application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to humidification components, but can also be used as a dehumidification component in a dehumidification device. The hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention can be applied to all components that can utilize its effects.

[0076] In addition, in the above description, dry gas is the oxidant gas such as oxygen in the reaction gas, and humid gas is the oxidant waste gas after the oxygen and other oxidant gases in the exhaust gas have been used for power generation. However, dry gas can also be fuel gas such as hydrogen in the reaction gas, and humid gas can also be fuel waste gas after the hydrogen and other fuel gases in the exhaust gas have been used for power generation.

[0077] Furthermore, the inlet portion 13 that connects the interior and exterior of the inner housing 10 is not limited to the above-described form. For example, the inner housing 10 may also have, instead of the inlet portion 13, a different form. Figure 6 The inlet section 19 is shown as described. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, the inlet portion 19 has at least one large inlet 19a, which is an opening (through-hole) that passes through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior. It also has at least one small inlet 19b, which is also an opening (through-hole) that passes through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior. The opening area of ​​the large inlet 19a is larger than the opening area of ​​the small inlet 19b. The opening areas of the large inlet 19a and the small inlet 19b respectively represent the surface area of ​​the large inlet 19a and the small inlet 19b within the space formed by the inner housing 10, for example, the area in their respective regions along the surface extending along the outer peripheral surface 10a or the inner peripheral surface 10b of the inner housing 10. The large inlet 19a is located on either the upstream or downstream side relative to the small inlet 19b.

[0078] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the inlet portion 19 has a plurality of large inlet ports 19a, which are located at the same or approximately the same position along the x-axis and are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction. The large inlet ports 19a extend along an arc, for example as... Figure 6 As shown, the portion has a portion whose width in the x-axis direction is constant or substantially constant and extends circumferentially, and the end portions having curved surfaces forming both ends thereon. The large inlet 19a can also be of other shapes. Furthermore, the inlet portion 19 has a plurality of groups of large inlet 19a arranged circumferentially. For example, as... Figure 6As shown, in the inner shell 10, three large inlets 19a are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the x-axis.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the inlet portion 19 specifically has a plurality of small inlet ports 19b, which are arranged circumferentially at equal or approximately equal angular intervals at the same or substantially the same positions along the x-axis. Each small inlet port 19b has an elliptical, substantially elliptical, or circular shape that widens circumferentially when viewed radially. The small inlet ports 19b and the large inlet port 19a may also extend along an arc, having portions with a constant or substantially constant width along the circumferential direction along the x-axis and portions at the ends of curved surfaces forming their two ends. The small inlet ports 19b may also have other shapes. In this way, the inlet portion 19 has a plurality of groups of small inlet ports 19b arranged circumferentially. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, in the inner shell 10, there are three small inlet ports 19b arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the x-axis.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the inner housing 10, the small inlet 19b is formed in a portion downstream of the portion of the inner housing 10 in the x-axis direction that has the large inlet 19a. Alternatively, the small inlet 19b may be formed in a portion upstream of the portion of the inner housing 10 in the x-axis direction that has the large inlet 19a. Furthermore, in the inner housing 10, the portion with the small inlet 19b and the portion with the large inlet 19a may not be separated axially, and the large inlet 19a and the small inlet 19b may coexist in the inlet portion 19.

[0081] It should be noted that the shape of the inlet section 19 is not limited to the above-described shape. For example, the inlet section 19 may also be formed by a group of large inlets 19a and small inlets 19b in a row, or by a group of one or more large inlets 19a and small inlets 19b. Furthermore, the large inlets 19a and small inlets 19b may not be composed of multiple large inlets 19a and small inlets 19b; they may consist of one large inlet 19a and one small inlet 19b. Alternatively, one of the large inlets 19a and small inlets 19b may consist of one large inlet 19a or one small inlet 19b, while the other may consist of multiple large inlets 19a or multiple small inlets 19b. The shape of the inlet section 19 can vary depending on the intended use of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.

[0082] As the upstream main body 11 of the inner shell 10 narrows from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and with a large inlet 19a and a small inlet 19b formed in this upstream main body 11, the gas flowing out of the large inlet 19a and the small inlet 19b into the space S tends to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x. As a result, the humid gas that has flowed out of the large inlet 19a and the small inlet 19b into the space S easily flows in the space S between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in a direction inclined relative to the axis x, and the humid gas easily flows relative to the dry gas passing through the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31.

[0083] Furthermore, in the inlet section 19, the opening area of ​​the large inlet 19a on the upstream side is larger than the opening area of ​​the small inlet 19b on the downstream side. Therefore, the flow rate of gas flowing out of the large inlet 19a on the upstream side, with its larger opening area, into space S is greater than the flow rate of gas flowing out of the small inlet 19b on the downstream side, with its smaller opening area, into space S. This allows the flow rate of gas flowing into space S to be adjusted according to the position in the inlet section 19, thereby allowing the flow rate of gas flowing in space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 to be adjusted according to the position of space S. As described above, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, by increasing the flow rate of gas flowing from the upstream side of the inlet section 19 into space S and allowing gas to flow further outward in space S, the flow rate of gas flowing in space G on the outer periphery of space S can be increased. On the other hand, as described above, in the inlet section 19, the flow rate of gas flowing out from the downstream side into the space S is less than the flow rate of gas flowing out from the upstream side into the space S, thereby achieving a balance between the flow rate of gas flowing in the inner peripheral space G in the space S and the flow rate of gas reaching and flowing in the outer peripheral space G in the space S. Furthermore, based on the difference between the upstream and downstream flow rates of the gas flowing out from the inlet section 19, the gas flowing out from the inlet section 19 into the space S may also tend to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x.

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0085] 1…Hollow fiber membrane module, 10…Inner shell, 10a…Outer peripheral surface, 10b…Inner peripheral surface, 11…Upstream main body, 11a…Upstream end, 11b…Downstream end, 12…Downstream main body, 12a…Upstream end, 12b…Downstream end, 13, 19…Inlet, 13a~13c…Inlet, 14…Bypass, 15…Bypass port, 16, 17…Opening, 18…Closed, 19a…Large inlet, 19b…Small inlet, 20…Outer shell, 20a…Inner peripheral surface, 21…Upstream main body, 21a…Upstream end, 21b…Lower… 22…downstream main body, 22a…upstream end, 22b…downstream end, 23…discharge section, 24, 25…opening, S…space, 30…hollow fiber membrane bundle, 30a…upstream end, 30b…downstream end, 31…hollow fiber membrane, 31a…upstream opening, 31b…downstream opening, 31c…outer peripheral surface, 35, 36…sealing section, 50…humidifying device, 51…humidifying gas supply device, 52…drying gas supply device, F1…first fluid path, F2…second fluid path, F3…third fluid path, G, S…space, x…axis

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that, include: The inner shell is a cylindrical component; The outer shell is a cylindrical component that covers the inner shell from the outer periphery in a space-separated manner; and Multiple hollow fiber membranes are disposed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner shell has an inlet on the upstream side of the humid gas flow direction, the inlet allowing a portion of the humid gas to flow from the inside of the inner shell to the outside of the inner shell. The outer casing has a discharge section on the downstream side of the flow direction of the humid gas, the discharge section being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the outer casing. The inner housing has a bypass section on the downstream side of the flow direction, the bypass section allowing another portion of the humidifying gas to flow from the inside of the inner housing to the outside of the inner housing. The bypass section has at least one opening that extends through the inner housing between the interior and the exterior. The inner housing has: a cylindrical end portion, which is a portion on one end side; and a cylindrical other end portion, which is a portion on the other end side connected to the first end portion. The inlet portion is located at one end. The bypass section is located at the other end. The diameter of one end decreases in the flow direction as it moves from one end toward the other end. The other end extends along the flow direction.

2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bypass section and the discharge section are at least partially opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the extending directions of the inner shell and the outer shell.

3. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes an inner shell closure portion, which is a component that seals the opening of the inner shell that allows the interior of the inner shell to be open to the other end.

4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inlet portion has multiple openings that allow the inner housing to pass through between the interior and the exterior.

5. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes: a one-end closed portion for sealing the opening portion of the space between the inner shell and the outer shell that is open to the one end; and The other end is sealed to seal the opening that leads to the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The plurality of hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction of the inner shell and the outer shell, passing through the one-end side closure and the other-end side closure.

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