Hollow fiber air separation membrane assembly with suspended double-head structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a suspended hollow fiber air separation membrane assembly with a double-seal-head structure. Gaps are formed between an air inlet epoxy resin seal head and a membrane assembly shell cylinder and between an air outlet epoxy resin seal head and the membrane assembly shell cylinder, and the air inlet epoxy resin seal head is connected with the membrane assembly shell cylinder through an air inlet end damping suspension gasket; the air outlet epoxy resin sealing head is connected with the membrane module shell barrel through the air outlet end damping suspension gasket; and the hollow fiber membrane core piece is suspended in the membrane module shell cylinder through the air inlet end damping suspension gasket and the air outlet end damping suspension gasket. The defects that an epoxy resin sealing head is large in brittleness and prone to cracking or cracking due to external force (such as temperature change and mechanical stress) can be effectively overcome, and therefore the problem that due to the packaging structure and material factors, when a traditional membrane separator is used in the fields of ships, aviation and the like, the service life of the membrane separator is possibly prolonged can be solved. And the problems that the sealing head of the membrane module is broken and the hollow fiber membrane filaments are broken at an epoxy pouring climbing part due to strenuous vibration, impact and rapid temperature change are easily caused.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of hollow fiber gas separation membrane module preparation, and particularly relates to a suspended double-head packaging structure for a hollow fiber air separation membrane module, which is particularly suitable for gas separation applications in environments with severe vibration, impact and rapid temperature change, such as ships and aviation. BACKGROUND

[0002] A hollow fiber air separation membrane module is composed of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of hollow fiber membrane filaments. The manufacturing process generally involves first bundling the hollow fiber membrane filaments according to specifications into bundles and packaging them into a membrane shell. Then, a centrifugal casting machine is used to seal and bond the two ends with an adhesive (epoxy resin), and the excess sealing material on the end face is cut off. After inspection and detection, the product membrane module is obtained. The membrane module with the above packaging structure is directly cast into shape with an epoxy head and a metal shell outside the membrane. The biggest disadvantage of the epoxy head is its brittleness, and the three-dimensional cross-linked network structure of the cured product makes it have poor impact resistance and peeling resistance. It is easy to break or crack due to external forces (such as temperature change and mechanical stress). It is generally used in places without severe impact, vibration and temperature change.

[0003] To effectively solve the problems of cracking of the membrane module head and breaking of the hollow fiber membrane filaments at the epoxy casting climbing position due to severe vibration, impact and rapid temperature change in the fields of ships and aviation caused by the packaging structure and material factors of traditional membrane separators, a new type of suspended double-head structure design is developed, and a new type of air separation membrane module with high flow capacity and low resistance is developed. It can ensure that the hollow fiber gas separation membrane module can work reliably in the case of severe vibration, impact and large temperature change of the working environment.

[0004] The general structure of the hollow fiber air separation membrane module is shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1As shown, the membrane module consists of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of hollow fiber membrane filaments. The ends of the hollow fiber membrane filament bundles are cast with epoxy resin and placed in a pressure-bearing shell. The inlet epoxy end cap 24 and the outlet epoxy end cap 25 are directly cast with the membrane module outer shell 26, similar to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. Compressed air enters the hollow fiber air separation membrane module through the inlet (compressed air) port 21. Fast gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen permeate out through the permeate (oxygen-enriched) port 22, while slow gases such as nitrogen and argon flow out through the residual gas (nitrogen) outlet 23 of the hollow fiber membrane. Because the inlet epoxy resin end cap 24, the outlet epoxy resin end cap 25, and the membrane module outer metal shell 26 are directly cast, and the biggest drawback of epoxy resin end caps is their high brittleness, the cured three-dimensional cross-linked network structure makes them have poor impact and peel resistance, and they are prone to cracking or breaking due to external forces (such as temperature changes and mechanical stress). Therefore, the cured inlet epoxy resin end cap 4 and outlet epoxy resin end cap 5 are prone to cracking due to severe vibration, impact, and rapid temperature changes. They are generally used in places without severe impact, vibration, and temperature shear. For example, patent document (CN1100589C) discloses a membrane dehumidifier, which is a common hollow fiber membrane separator with epoxy resin end caps for cavity sealing and hollow fiber membranes built into the cavity with inlet and outlet ports. This patent has the following technical problems: the membrane dehumidifier still uses a traditional encapsulation structure, that is, the epoxy resin end caps and the membrane module outer metal shell are directly cast, which does not solve the problem of the high brittleness of epoxy resin end caps. Because the epoxy resin end caps are directly connected to the outer shell, they are highly susceptible to breakage under severe vibration, impact, and rapid temperature changes, leading to the failure of the entire membrane module and rendering it unsuitable for use in special environments such as ships and aviation. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane filaments in this structure are prone to breakage due to stress concentration at the epoxy casting and lifting points, affecting the service life and separation efficiency of the membrane module.

[0005] To effectively address the problems of membrane module end cap cracking and hollow fiber membrane filament breakage caused by severe vibration, impact, and rapid temperature changes when traditional membrane separators are used in fields such as shipbuilding and aviation due to their encapsulation structure and materials, a novel suspended double-end cap structure design is urgently needed to improve the reliability and service life of hollow fiber gas separation membrane modules in harsh environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module to solve the problems of membrane module head breakage and hollow fiber membrane fiber breakage caused by the encapsulation structure and materials of traditional membrane separators when used in fields such as shipbuilding and aviation due to severe vibration, impact and rapid temperature changes.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is: a suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module, comprising a membrane module outer shell, an inlet end cap, an outlet end cap, a hollow fiber membrane core, an inlet epoxy resin end cap, and an outlet epoxy resin end cap. A gap is provided between the inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap and the membrane module outer shell. The inlet epoxy resin end cap is connected to the membrane module outer shell via an inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad; the outlet epoxy resin end cap is connected to the membrane module outer shell via an outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad; thus, the hollow fiber membrane core is suspended within the membrane module outer shell via the inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad and the outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad.

[0008] Furthermore, the intake end shock-absorbing suspension pad and the exhaust end shock-absorbing suspension pad are made of elastic material.

[0009] Furthermore, the inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap are provided with annular hanging grooves.

[0010] Furthermore, the air inlet shock-absorbing suspension pad and the air outlet shock-absorbing suspension pad are embedded in the annular suspension groove to achieve an elastic connection between the hollow fiber membrane core and the outer shell of the membrane module.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the annular suspension groove is rectangular, trapezoidal, or V-shaped.

[0012] Furthermore, O-rings and gaskets are provided between the air inlet end cap and the air inlet epoxy resin end cap, and between the air outlet end cap and the air outlet epoxy resin end cap.

[0013] Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane core is a hollow fiber membrane core without an inlet epoxy end cap and an outlet epoxy end cap, formed by bundling hollow fiber membrane filaments according to specifications and dimensions.

[0014] Furthermore, the inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap are formed by sealing and bonding using a centrifugal casting machine and adhesive.

[0015] Furthermore, the adhesive is characterized in that it is an epoxy resin.

[0016] A method for preparing a suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module includes the following steps:

[0017] (1) Bundle the hollow fiber membrane fibers into bundles according to specifications and dimensions to form a hollow fiber membrane core without an inlet epoxy end cap and an outlet epoxy end cap.

[0018] (2) Insert the hollow fiber membrane core into the membrane module cylinder and install the centrifugal casting end caps at both ends;

[0019] (3) Use a centrifugal casting machine to seal and bond the air inlet epoxy head and the air outlet epoxy head with epoxy resin.

[0020] (4) The molded epoxy resin end caps are cured by gradient temperature increase;

[0021] (5) Remove the casting tooling for the end cap, machine the epoxy resin end cap to form a hanging groove and sealing surface; (6) Cut off the excess sealing material on the end face, clean and inspect the membrane end face; install the hollow fiber membrane core into the outer shell of the membrane module, and install the shock-absorbing suspension pad, sealing pad, O-ring and end cap.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] This invention provides a suspended double-endress hollow fiber air separation membrane module. The inlet and outlet epoxy resin end caps are not directly connected to the membrane module's outer shell; a gap exists between them. Vibration-damping suspension pads at the inlet and outlet ends connect to the membrane module's outer shell, allowing the hollow fiber membrane core to suspend within the outer shell. This effectively solves the problem of epoxy resin end caps being brittle and prone to cracking or breaking due to external forces (such as temperature changes and mechanical stress). It also addresses the issues that traditional membrane separators, due to their encapsulation structure and materials, are prone to membrane end cap breakage and hollow fiber membrane fiber breakage during use in marine and aerospace applications due to severe vibration, impact, and rapid temperature changes. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional hollow fiber air separation membrane module;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] See appendix Figure 2The present invention provides a suspended double-head hollow fiber air separation membrane, including an inlet end cap 1, an inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 2, a membrane module cylinder flange 3, a membrane module outer shell cylinder 4, an outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 5, an outlet end cap 6, an O-ring seal 7, a sealing gasket 8, a hollow fiber membrane core 9, an inlet epoxy end cap 10, and an outlet epoxy end cap 11.

[0028] The inlet epoxy resin end cap 10 and the outlet epoxy resin end cap 11 are not directly connected to the membrane module outer shell 4; there is a certain gap between them. These gaps are bridged by the inlet-end shock-absorbing suspension pad 2 and the outlet-end shock-absorbing suspension pad 5, which connect to the membrane module outer shell 4. This allows the hollow fiber membrane core 9 to suspend within the membrane module outer shell 4, effectively addressing the drawback of epoxy resin end caps being brittle and prone to cracking or breakage due to external forces (such as temperature changes or mechanical stress). This also solves the problems associated with traditional membrane separators, which, due to their encapsulation structure and materials, are prone to membrane module end cap breakage and hollow fiber membrane filament breakage during epoxy casting and lifting in applications such as shipbuilding and aviation due to severe vibration, impact, and rapid temperature changes.

[0029] This invention also provides a method for preparing a suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane, comprising the following steps:

[0030] Step 1: Bundle the hollow fiber membrane fibers into bundles according to specifications and dimensions to form a hollow fiber membrane core 9 with an inlet epoxy end cap 10 and an outlet epoxy end cap 11. Then, install the hollow fiber membrane core 9 into the membrane module cylinder 4 for sealing.

[0031] Step 2: Install the centrifugally cast end cap fixtures for the inlet epoxy end cap 10 and the outlet epoxy end cap 11. The internal dimensions of the end caps are slightly smaller than those of the inlet end cap 1 and the outlet end cap 6.

[0032] Step 3: Place the membrane core component with the end cap casting fixture installed into the centrifugal casting machine and fix it. Turn on the centrifugal casting machine and use adhesive (epoxy resin) to seal and bond the air inlet epoxy end cap 10 and the air outlet epoxy end cap 11.

[0033] Step 4: Control the epoxy resin pouring temperature and gradually increase the temperature. After a certain period of time, once the inlet epoxy head 10 and outlet epoxy head 11 have completely formed and cured, stop the machine.

[0034] Step 5: Remove the inlet epoxy end cap 10 and outlet epoxy end cap 11 from the completed hollow fiber membrane core 9, and remove the end cap casting fixture.

[0035] Step 6: Install machining fixtures on the completed hollow fiber membrane core 9. Machin the suspension groove of the air inlet end shock absorber 2 and the sealing surface of the O-ring 7 of the air inlet epoxy head 10; machine the suspension groove and sealing surface of the air outlet epoxy head 11 as required.

[0036] Step 7: Use a head cutting machine to remove excess sealing epoxy resin material from the end faces of the inlet epoxy head 10 and outlet epoxy head 11 of the machined hollow fiber membrane core 9. Clean and inspect the membrane end faces to ensure that there is no blockage on the cut surfaces of the hollow fiber membrane fibers.

[0037] Step 8: Install the hollow fiber membrane core 9, after the end caps have been cut and shaped, into the membrane module outer shell 4. Install the inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 2 and the matching sealing gasket 8, then install the O-ring seal 7, and then install the inlet end cap 1. Similarly, install the outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 5 and the outlet end cap 6. In this way, the hollow fiber membrane core 9 is suspended and connected to the membrane module outer shell 4 through the inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 2 and the outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad 5. Suspending the hollow fiber membrane core 9 in the membrane module outer shell 4 can solve the problem of the epoxy resin end caps being brittle and prone to cracking or breaking due to external forces (such as temperature changes and mechanical stress). This completes the assembly of the entire suspended double-end hollow fiber air separation membrane module. The above embodiments are merely examples to clearly illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all embodiments here. However, any obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A suspended double-endress hollow fiber air separation membrane module, comprising a membrane module outer shell, an inlet end cap, an outlet end cap, a hollow fiber membrane core, an inlet epoxy resin end cap, and an outlet epoxy resin end cap, characterized in that: Both the inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap are provided with gaps between themselves and the outer shell of the membrane module. The inlet epoxy resin end cap is connected to the outer shell of the membrane module through an inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad; the outlet epoxy resin end cap is connected to the outer shell of the membrane module through an outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad; thus, the hollow fiber membrane core is suspended inside the outer shell of the membrane module through the inlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad and the outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad.

2. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air intake end shock-absorbing suspension pad and the air outlet end shock-absorbing suspension pad are made of elastic material.

3. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap are provided with annular hanging grooves.

4. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inlet-end shock-absorbing suspension pad and the outlet-end shock-absorbing suspension pad are embedded in the annular suspension groove to achieve an elastic connection between the hollow fiber membrane core and the outer shell of the membrane module.

5. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the annular suspension groove is rectangular, trapezoidal, or V-shaped.

6. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: O-rings and gaskets are provided between the air inlet end cap and the air inlet epoxy resin end cap, and between the air outlet end cap and the air outlet epoxy resin end cap.

7. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow fiber membrane core is a hollow fiber membrane core without an inlet epoxy end cap and an outlet epoxy end cap, formed by bundling hollow fiber membrane filaments according to specifications and dimensions.

8. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet epoxy resin end cap and the outlet epoxy resin end cap are formed by sealing and bonding using a centrifugal casting machine and adhesive.

9. The suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adhesive is epoxy resin.

10. A method for preparing a suspended double-headed hollow fiber air separation membrane module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Bundle the hollow fiber membrane fibers into bundles according to specifications and dimensions to form a hollow fiber membrane core without an inlet epoxy end cap and an outlet epoxy end cap. (2) Insert the hollow fiber membrane core into the membrane module cylinder and install the centrifugal casting end caps at both ends; (3) Use a centrifugal casting machine to seal and bond the air inlet epoxy head and the air outlet epoxy head with epoxy resin. (4) The molded epoxy resin end caps are cured by gradient temperature increase; (5) Remove the casting tooling for the end cap and machine the epoxy resin end cap to form a hanging groove and sealing surface; (6) Remove excess sealing material from the end face, clean and inspect the membrane end face; install the hollow fiber membrane core into the membrane module housing, and install the shock-absorbing suspension pad, sealing gasket, O-ring and end cap.

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