Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

Provided is a hollow fiber membrane module capable of suppressing the application of a load to a hollow fiber membrane. A hollow fiber membrane module (10) is provided with: a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220); a housing (100) that houses the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220) in a housing part having openings at both ends; and a pair of sealing and fixing parts (231, 232) for sealing the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220) in a state in which the hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220) are opened on one end side and the other end side of the housing (100), characterized by being provided with a holding member (210) which is provided inside the housing (100) and holds the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220), the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (220) are fixed to the holding member (210) by the pair of sealing and fixing parts (231, 232).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module. Background Art

[0002] In a humidifying device for a fuel cell for an automobile, a hollow fiber membrane module is provided. In such a device, in response to the increasing demand for high-output systems, the hollow fiber membrane module also tends to be enlarged. Refer to Figure 7 and an explanation of a conventional hollow fiber membrane module will be given. Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 7 (a) of is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 7 (b) of is a sectional view taken along line BB in (a) of the Figure 7 same.

[0003] A conventional hollow fiber membrane module 500 includes a hollow fiber membrane module main body 510 and a pair of cover members 520 and 530 attached to the hollow fiber membrane module main body 510. The hollow fiber membrane module main body 510 includes a housing 511 and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512 accommodated in the housing 511. The housing 511 has a housing portion with openings at both ends, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512 are accommodated in the housing portion. Openings 521 and 531 serving as fluid inlets and outlets are provided in the pair of cover members 520 and 530, respectively. In addition, a plurality of through holes 511 for communicating the internal spaces of the cover members 520 and 530 with the housing portion of the housing 511 are provided in the housing 511.

[0004] In addition, in the hollow fiber membrane module main body 510, a pair of seal fixing portions 513 and 514 for sealing the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512 in a state where the inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512 are open are provided on one end side and the other end side of the housing 511. The annular gap between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 511 and the pair of seal fixing portions 513 and 514 is sealed with a liquid gasket.

[0005] In the hollow fiber membrane module 500 configured as described above, for example, from the opening 521 to the opening 531, a humid gas flows in a manner passing outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512, and from the seal fixing portion 514 side to the seal fixing portion 513 side, a dry gas flows in a manner passing through the inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 512, whereby the dry gas is humidified and the humid gas is dried.

[0006] As described above, as the hollow fiber membrane module becomes larger, the flow rate of the fluid also increases, the pressure-bearing area of the hollow fiber membrane module becomes larger, and the pressure-bearing capacity also increases. Therefore, conventionally, in order to make it difficult for the positions of a pair of sealing and fixing portions 513 and 514 to shift relative to the housing 511, an annular groove 511b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 511 to engage with annular protrusions on the outer peripheries of the pair of sealing and fixing portions 513 and 514. However, although the resin housing 511 can be formed by die molding, particularly for a large housing 511, it is difficult to form the annular groove 511b by die molding. Therefore, the annular groove 511b is formed by cutting or the like after resin molding. In addition, in the existing structure, a pair of sealing and fixing portions 513 and 514 can each slightly move in a direction parallel to the hollow fiber membrane 512. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane 512 is stretched or flattened, and thus the load is likely to increase and the membrane may be damaged.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-181986 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module capable of suppressing the load applied to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The present invention adopts the following means to solve the above problems.

[0014] The hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes:

[0015] a plurality of hollow fiber membranes;

[0016] a housing that houses the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a housing portion having openings at both ends;

[0017] a pair of sealing and fixing portions that seal the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a state where the hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are open, at one end side and the other end side of the housing;

[0018] The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that

[0019] it further includes a holding member that is provided in the housing and is used to hold the plurality of hollow fiber membranes,

[0020] and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are fixed to the holding member by the pair of sealing and fixing portions.

[0021] According to the present invention, since a pair of seal fixing portions are fixed to the holding member, it is possible to suppress the independent movement of each of the pair of seal fixing portions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the hollow fiber membrane from being stretched or flattened.

[0022] Preferably, the annular gap between the pair of seal fixing portions and the housing is sealed by a seal portion made of an elastic body.

[0023] Preferably, the holding member includes:

[0024] a pair of plate-like portions disposed to sandwich the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and

[0025] a connecting portion connecting the pair of plate-like portions.

[0026] Preferably, a plurality of through holes are provided in the pair of plate-like portions, and the through holes serve as passages for fluids passing outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.

[0027] Advantages of the Invention

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the application of a load to the hollow fiber membrane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 is a manufacturing process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 is a manufacturing process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram showing an application example of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional hollow fiber membrane module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments will be illustratively described in detail for the mode for carrying out the present invention. However, regarding the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the constituent components described in this embodiment, unless otherwise specifically stated, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

[0037] (Embodiment)

[0038] Refer to Figures 1 to 5 and explain the hollow fiber membrane module of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module of the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 (a) of Figure 1 is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module, Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module of the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 (a) of Figure 2 is a side view of the hollow fiber membrane module, Figure 1 (a) of Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A1 in (a) of Figure 3 (b) of Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the holding member of the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 (a) of Figure 3 is a front view of the holding member, Figure 4 and Figure 5 are manufacturing process diagrams of the hollow fiber membrane module of the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Figure 4 (a) of Figure 4 is a front view of an intermediate product in the manufacturing process, Figure 5 (b), (c) of Figure 1 and Figure 1 are cross-sectional views of the intermediate product in the manufacturing process (corresponding to a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A1 in (a) of

[0039] <Hollow fiber membrane module>

[0040] The hollow fiber membrane module 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 100 and a hollow fiber membrane unit 200 accommodated in the housing 100. The housing 100 can be made of a resin material with high rigidity or the like. The housing 100 includes a cylindrical housing body 110 and a pair of pipes 111, 112 integrally provided on the housing body 110. Both ends of the housing body 110 are open, and its interior serves as a housing portion for accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220. The housing body 110 of this embodiment is composed of a pair of flat portions and a pair of curved portions connecting their two sides respectively, and is elliptical when viewed from the front. The pair of pipes 111, 112 connect the outside of the housing 100 to the inside of the housing body 110, forming a passage for the fluid flowing outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220. In addition, the pair of pipes 111, 112 are respectively provided on the outer walls of the pair of flat portions in the housing body 110.

[0041] The hollow fiber membrane unit 200 includes a holding member 210, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 held by the holding member 210, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 231, 232. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 231, 232 are configured to seal the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 in a state where the inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are open at one end side and the other end side of the housing 100. In addition, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) can be preferably used as the material of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and epoxy resin can be preferably used as the material of the sealing and fixing portions 231, 232.

[0042] The holding member 210 can be made of a resin material. The holding member 210 includes: a pair of plate-like portions 211, 212 configured to hold a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220, and a connecting portion 215 connecting the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212. A plurality of through holes 211a, 212a serving as passages for a fluid passing outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are provided in the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212. The pair of plate-like portions 211, 212 are configured to face a pair of flat plate-like portions in the housing body 110 when the holding member 210 is housed inside the housing (inside the housing body 110). Through this pair of plate-like portions 211, 212, a passage for a fluid flowing outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 100 (the inner peripheral surface of the pair of flat plate-like portions of the housing body 110) and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220. Through this passage, the fluid can flow through the entirety of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 housed between the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212. In addition, a plurality of pin-shaped support portions 213, 214 are provided in the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212 respectively. These plurality of support portions 213, 214 abut against the pair of flat plate-like portions in the housing body 110, thereby suppressing deformation of the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212. In addition, the gap between the pair of flat plate-like portions in the housing body 110 and the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212 can be stably ensured.

[0043] <Method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module>

[0044] The method for manufacturing the hollow fiber membrane module 10 will be described in the order of the manufacturing process. First, the holding member 210 is inserted into the housing portion of the housing 100 (housing body 110). And, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are filled respectively between the pair of plate-like portions 211, 212 of the holding member 210 and on both sides of the connecting portion 215. Figure 4 FIG. (a) shows the state after the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are filled. Next, sealing and fixing portions 231, 232 are formed. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 what is shown is the formation process of the sealing and fixing portion 232, but the sealing and fixing portion 231 is the same.

[0045] First, a jig 400 for filling a liquid potting material such as epoxy resin is installed at the end of the housing body 110. In this state, the liquid potting material 232a (refer to Figure 4 FIG. (b)) is filled. In addition, the liquid potting material 232a can be injected from the injection port provided in the jig 400, or can be injected through a pipe or the like into the piping 111. Also, during the period from when the liquid potting material 232a is injected until the potting material 232a is cured, the liquid level of the potting material 232a can be maintained at a specified position by applying centrifugal force or the like.

[0046] After the potting material 232a is cured, the jig 400 is removed (see Figure 4 (c) of FIG. Then, a part of the cured potting material 232a and a part of the front ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are cut off together. Figure 4 The chain line C in (c) of FIG. indicates the cut surface. Thus, the sealing and fixing portion 232 is formed such that the respective hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are in an open state, while the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are in a sealed state (see Figure 5 (a) of FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, both end portions of the holding member 210 are configured to have a complicated structure. Thus, even if a force is applied to the cured sealing and fixing portion 232 in various directions, the sealing and fixing portion 232 is caught by the end portions of the holding member 210. For example, as Figure 5 (a) of FIG. shows, via the portions protruding upward and downward in the drawing at the end portions of the holding member 210, a part of the sealing and fixing portion 232 exists on the end face side and the inner side of the housing 100, respectively. Therefore, the sealing and fixing portion 232 does not shift in the left - right direction in the drawing with respect to the holding member 210. Therefore, the sealing and fixing portion 232 does not come off from the holding member 210.

[0047] After the sealing and fixing portion 232 is formed, the adhesive portion between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 is peeled off. For example, by putting the intermediate product provided with the sealing and fixing portion 232 into a constant - temperature bath and heating for a predetermined time, the adhesive portion between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 can be peeled off. Then, a liquid gasket 310 such as a silicone adhesive is injected into the annular gap between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 (see Figure 5 (b) of FIG. By curing the liquid gasket 310, the annular gap between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 becomes a sealed state. That is, the annular gap between the sealing and fixing portion 232 and the housing 100 (housing main body 110) is sealed by the cured liquid gasket 310 (a sealing portion made of an elastic body).

[0048] Here, the reason for sealing the annular gap between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 with the liquid gasket 310 on the basis of peeling the adhesive portion therebetween will be briefly described. Since the linear expansion coefficients of the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 are different, a force for peeling the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 will be generated according to the ambient temperature. Therefore, the adhesive portion between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232 may be peeled off over time. In particular, when the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is large, the difference in linear expansion coefficient cannot be ignored. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following structure is adopted, that is, on the basis of peeling the adhesive portion between the housing main body 110 and the sealing and fixing portion 232, the annular gap therebetween is sealed by the liquid gasket 310 that can also elastically deform after curing.

[0049] <Application examples of the hollow fiber membrane module>

[0050] The application examples of the hollow fiber membrane module 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The hollow fiber membrane module 10 of the present embodiment can be used as a humidifying device and a dehumidifying device. This will be briefly described below.

[0051] In the hollow fiber membrane module 10, an internal flow path passing through the inside of the membranes of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 and an external flow path passing through the outside of the membranes of the hollow fiber membranes 220 are provided. For example, the internal flow path is configured such that dry gas flows from one end side of the housing 100 through the inside of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 to the other end side of the housing 100 (refer to the solid arrows in (b) of Figure 2 . In addition, for example, the external flow path is configured such that a moist gas having a higher humidity ratio than the dry gas flows from the pipe 111 through the accommodating portion of the housing 100 to the pipe 112 (refer to the dashed arrows in (b) of Figure 2 .

[0052] In addition, although not particularly shown, covers are installed at both ends of the housing 100, and the covers are provided with inlets and outlets for allowing fluid to flow in the internal flow path. Through these covers, the movement of the hollow fiber membrane unit 200 relative to the housing 100 is more reliably suppressed.

[0053] According to the above structure, through the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane, the moisture in the moist gas moves into the dry gas. Therefore, the dry gas is humidified and the moist gas is dehumidified, so that it can be used both as a humidifying device and as a dehumidifying device.

[0054] The hollow fiber membrane module 10 of the present embodiment can be suitably used as a humidifying device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane provided in the fuel cell 50. Refer to Figure 6, the structure in the case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is used as such a humidifying device will be described. As shown in the figure, dry air is sent to the inner flow path of the membrane in the hollow fiber membrane module 10 by a compressor 60 (refer to arrow R1). As described above, the dry air flowing in the inner flow path of the membrane is humidified and discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 10. This humidified moist air is sent to the fuel cell 50 (refer to arrow R2). Thereby, the electrolyte membrane provided in the fuel cell 50 is maintained in a moist state. Then, the moist air generated in the fuel cell 50 is sent to the outer flow path of the membrane in the hollow fiber membrane module 10 (refer to arrow R3), and the dry air dehumidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 10 (refer to arrow R4). In addition, the temperature of the moist air generated in the fuel cell 50 is high, but the temperature of the dry air sent from the compressor 60 is low, so the temperature of the moist air discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 10 becomes low. Thus, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 also functions as a heat exchanger.

[0055] <Advantages of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present embodiment>

[0056] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 10 of the present embodiment, since a pair of seal fixing portions 231 and 232 are fixed to the holding member 210, it is possible to suppress the independent movement of the pair of seal fixing portions 231 and 232 respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the stretching or flattening of the hollow fiber membrane 220. Thus, by suppressing the application of a load to the hollow fiber membrane 220, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the hollow fiber membrane 220.

[0057] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which a ring groove or the like is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing main body to hook a part of the seal fixing portion is not adopted. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform cutting processing or the like on the housing main body, and the manufacturing is also easy.

[0058] (Others)

[0059] In the above-described holding member 210, it is also preferable to adopt a structure in which a cavity portion 215a is provided inside the connecting portion 215 to communicate the passage between the plate-like portion 211 and the housing main body 110 and the passage between the plate-like portion 212 and the housing main body 110. If such a structure is adopted, a passage that does not pass through the region filled with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 but directly reaches the pipe 112 from the pipe 111 is formed. Thereby, for example, when the moist gas flows from the pipe 111 to the pipe 112, it is possible to suppress the pressure loss and suppress the application of a load to the hollow fiber membrane 220. Of course, depending on the usage conditions, it is not necessarily required to provide the cavity portion 215a. In the above embodiment, the case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is used as a humidifying device and a dehumidifying device has been described. However, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention can also be applied to other uses such as a filtering device (for example, a device for performing cross-flow filtration).

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0061] 10: Hollow fiber membrane module

[0062] 100: Housing

[0063] 110: Housing main body

[0064] 111, 112: Pipes

[0065] 200: Hollow fiber membrane unit

[0066] 210: Holding member

[0067] 211, 212: Plate-like parts

[0068] 211a, 212a: Through holes

[0069] 213, 214: Support parts

[0070] 215: Connecting part

[0071] 215a: Hollow part

[0072] 220: Hollow fiber membrane

[0073] 231, 232: Sealing and fixing parts

[0074] 232a: Potting material

[0075] 310: Liquid gasket

[0076] 400: Clamp

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane module, comprising: a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a housing that houses the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a housing portion that is open at both ends; a pair of sealing and fixing portions that seal the gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a state where the hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are open, on one end side and the other end side of the housing; The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that it further includes a holding member that is disposed in the housing and is used for holding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are fixed to the holding member by the pair of sealing and fixing portions.

2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein An annular gap between the pair of sealing and fixing portions and the housing is sealed by a sealing portion made of an elastic body.

3. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding member includes: a pair of plate-like portions that are arranged to sandwich the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and a connecting portion that connects the pair of plate-like portions.

4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of through holes are provided in the pair of plate-like portions, and the through holes serve as passages for fluid to pass through outside the membranes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.

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