Degassing elements, degassing modules, and liquid degassing methods

Abstract

A degassing element includes: a liquid flow tube; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed around the liquid flow tube; a suction tube extending along the liquid flow tube; a first fixing portion located at the end of a first element and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube; and a second fixing portion located at the end of a second element and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube. A degassing module includes: the aforementioned degassing element; a housing housing the degassing element; a first-end-connecting space forming portion; and a partition portion dividing a region within the housing into an inner region and an outer region by the plurality of hollow fiber membranes as boundaries, wherein the first-end-connecting space forming portion forms a first-end-connecting space that connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes with the hollow portions of the suction tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a degassing element, a degassing module, and a method for degassing liquids. Background Technology

[0002] A degassing module for degassing liquids using a degassing element having multiple hollow fiber membranes has been known for a long time. Furthermore, to cope with large-scale or high-flow-rate applications, a degassing module consisting of multiple degassing elements connected together has also been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 067512 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In recent years, efforts to mitigate climate change have called for reducing the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As one approach, methods for removing or recovering carbon dioxide from seawater are being researched. Since seawater retains a significant amount of carbon dioxide, it is believed that reducing its concentration can lower the concentration in the atmosphere.

[0008] Liquid degassing is often performed using a purging mode. The purging mode degassing method involves supplying liquid to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane and allowing purge gas to circulate within the membrane. However, for removing high concentrations of gas from liquids, a vacuum mode is effective. The vacuum mode degassing method involves supplying liquid to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane and drawing air (vacuuming) it from the inside. In the vacuum mode, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the hollow fiber membrane is greater than in the purging mode, resulting in more gas permeating through the membrane.

[0009] Here, the hollow fiber membrane is elongated (thin and long) to increase the membrane area (contact area with the liquid), resulting in high pressure loss of the fluid flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane. Therefore, when using conventional degassing modules and degassing the liquid in a vacuum mode, efficient suction inside the hollow fiber membrane requires suction from both ends of the degassing element. However, suction from both sides of the degassing element complicates the structure around the degassing element in the degassing module. This makes assembly and disassembly of the degassing module difficult, reducing its maintainability. Furthermore, if multiple degassing elements are connected in series to degas seawater at high flow rates, the structure around the degassing element in the degassing module becomes even more complex.

[0010] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a degassing element, a degassing module, and a liquid degassing method that have high degassing efficiency and improved maintainability.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] [1] The degassing element according to the present invention comprises: a liquid flow tube having a plurality of openings and extending in an extending direction; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending along the liquid flow tube and disposed around the liquid flow tube in such a way as to cover the plurality of openings; a suction tube extending along the liquid flow tube; a first fixing part located at the end of a first extending direction, i.e., a first element end, in the extending direction, sealing the liquid flow tube, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube, and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube in such a way that the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube are open; and a second fixing part located at the end of a second extending direction, i.e., a second element end, in the extending direction, which is a direction opposite to the first extending direction, sealing the liquid flow tube, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube, and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube in such a way that the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube are open.

[0013] In this degassing element, multiple hollow fiber membranes extending along a liquid flow tube are arranged around the liquid flow tube to cover multiple openings. Therefore, if the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes are suctioned and liquid is supplied to the liquid flow tube, the liquid flows out from the multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube and is degassed by contacting the multiple hollow fiber membranes. Here, the degassing element includes a suction tube extending along the liquid flow tube. Furthermore, a first fixing portion located at the end of the first element seals the liquid flow tube, the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and the suction tube, fixing the multiple hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube with the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube, the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and the hollow portions of the suction tube open. Similarly, a second fixing portion located at the end of the second element seals the liquid flow tube, the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and the suction tube, fixing the multiple hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube with the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube, the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and the hollow portions of the suction tube open. Therefore, at either the first element end or the second element end, the openings of the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are connected to the opening of the hollow portion of the suction tube, and suction is performed from either the first element end or the second element end to the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. This suction force is then transmitted to the hollow portion of the suction tube, thereby suctioning the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes from both the second element end side and the first element end side. That is, even if suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are not provided at the first element end and the second element end, suction can still be performed from both ends in the extending direction. This simplifies the structure of the degassing module using the degassing element, thus achieving high degassing efficiency and improving maintainability.

[0014] [2] In the degassing element described in [1] above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the suction tube can be greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. In this degassing element, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the suction tube is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portion of the suction tube is less than the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Therefore, when the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are connected to the hollow portion of the suction tube at either end of the first element or the second element, and suction is performed on the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube at either end of the first element or the second element, it is easy to suction the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes from either side of either end of the first element or the second element. In addition, the shape of the suction tube is not as restricted as that of multiple hollow fiber membranes, so it is easy to make the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow part of the suction tube larger than the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow parts of multiple hollow fiber membranes.

[0015] [3] In the degassing element described in [1] or [2] above, the suction tube can be disposed on the outside of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. In this degassing element, since the suction tube is disposed on the outside of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, it is easy to arrange the plurality of hollow fiber membranes around the liquid flow tube, and it is possible to prevent the degassing of the liquid from being obstructed by the suction tube.

[0016] [4] The degassing element described in [1] above may have multiple suction tubes. In this degassing element, since it has multiple suction tubes, it is easier to transmit suction force.

[0017] [5] In the degassing element described in [4] above, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes can be greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. In this degassing element, since the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the pressure loss caused by suction from the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes is less than the pressure loss caused by suction from the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Therefore, when the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are connected to the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes at either end of the first element or the second element, and suction is performed on the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes at either end of the first element or the second element, it is easy to perform suction on the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes from either side of either end of the first element or the second element.

[0018] [6] In the degassing element described in [4] or [5] above, a plurality of suction tubes may be disposed around a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. In this degassing element, since a plurality of suction tubes are disposed around a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, it is easy to dispose of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes around a liquid flow tube, and it is possible to prevent the degassing of the liquid from being obstructed by the plurality of suction tubes.

[0019] [7] In the degassing element described in [6] above, multiple suction tubes can be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the liquid flow tube. In this degassing element, multiple suction tubes are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the liquid flow tube. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the deviation in degassing performance between the multiple hollow fiber membranes when the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes are connected to the hollow portions of the multiple suction tubes at either the first element end or the second element end, and suction is performed on the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the multiple suction tubes at either the first element end or the second element end.

[0020] [8] The degassing element described in any one of [1] to [7] above may further include an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the intermediate portion of the element between the first element end and the second element end. In this degassing element, the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube is closed by the intermediate baffle at the intermediate portion of the element between the first element end and the second element end. Therefore, liquid supplied to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube can flow out from multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube on the upstream side of the intermediate baffle, and after contacting multiple hollow fiber membranes, return to the liquid flow tube from multiple openings on the downstream side of the intermediate baffle. As a result, the contact time between the liquid and the multiple hollow fiber membranes can be extended.

[0021] [9] The degassing module of the present invention comprises: a degassing element as described in any one of [1] to [8] above; a housing for accommodating the degassing element; a first end-connecting space forming portion connected to the end of the first element; and a partition portion for dividing the area inside the housing into an inner area and an outer area by a plurality of hollow fiber membranes as boundaries, the inner area including the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube, the outer area including the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube, the first end-connecting space forming portion forming a first end-connecting space that connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes with the hollow portion of the suction tube, the housing having: a liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube; a liquid discharge port for discharging liquid flowing out from the liquid flow tube; and a suction port for suctioning the inner area.

[0022] In this degassing module, a partition divides the area within the housing into an inner region and an outer region, each bounded by multiple hollow fiber membranes. The inner region includes the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube, while the outer region includes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube. The housing has: a liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube; a liquid discharge port for discharging liquid flowing out of the liquid flow tube; and a suction port for suction of the inner region. Furthermore, a first end-connecting space forming portion connected to the end of the first element forms a first end-connecting space that connects the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes with the hollow portion of the suction tube. Therefore, when suction is applied to the suction port, the suction force is transmitted from the hollow portion of the suction tube to the first end-connecting space, thereby suctioning the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes from both the second element end side and the first element end side. That is, even if the first element end and the second element end are not equipped with suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes, suction can still be performed on the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes from both ends in the extending direction. This simplifies the structure of the degassing module, resulting in high degassing efficiency and improved maintainability.

[0023]

[10] In the degassing module described in [9] above, the liquid supply port can be connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the second extension direction. In this degassing module, since the liquid supply port is connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the second extension direction, liquid can be supplied to the hollow part of the liquid flow pipe by supplying liquid to the liquid supply port.

[0024]

[11] In the degassing module described in [9] or

[10] above, an end baffle may also be provided, which closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the first element end of the degassing element. In this degassing module, since the end baffle closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the first element end, if liquid is supplied to the liquid supply port, the liquid is supplied to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube, flows out from multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube, and comes into contact with multiple hollow fiber membranes and is degassed. Then, the liquid that has been degassed by contacting multiple hollow fiber membranes does not return to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port. That is, the liquid does not flow in the direction that presses the multiple hollow fiber membranes toward the liquid flow tube, but flows in the direction that moves the multiple hollow fiber membranes away from the liquid flow tube. As a result, the pressure loss when the liquid passes through the multiple hollow fiber membranes can be suppressed, and thus the decrease in liquid flow rate can be suppressed. As a result, for example, a liquid supply device with relatively low output can be used as the liquid supply device for supplying liquid to the degassing module.

[0025]

[12] In the degassing module described in

[11] above, the partition can seal the space between the second fixing part and the housing. In this degassing module, since the partition seals the space between the second fixing part and the housing, the internal and external areas can be separated with a simple structure.

[0026]

[13] In the degassing module described in [8] or [9] above, a second end-connecting space communicating with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube can be formed on the second extension direction side of the degassing element. The suction port can be adjacent to and communicate with the second end-connecting space. In this degassing module, a second end-connecting space communicating with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube is formed on the second extension direction side of the degassing element. The suction port is adjacent to and communicates with the second end-connecting space. Therefore, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes can be suctioned from the suction port with a simple structure.

[0027]

[14] In the degassing module described in

[13] above, the degassing element may have an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the intermediate portion of the element between the first element end and the second element end. In this degassing module, the intermediate baffle closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the intermediate portion of the element between the first element end and the second element end. Therefore, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply port to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube is blocked by the intermediate baffle in its extension direction. As a result, upstream of the intermediate baffle, the liquid flows out from multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube and is degassed by contacting multiple hollow fiber membranes. Downstream of the intermediate baffle, the liquid returns to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube. This prolongs the contact time between the liquid and the multiple hollow fiber membranes.

[0028]

[15] In the degassing module described in

[14] above, the partition may have: a first sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part and the housing; and a second sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part and the housing. In this degassing module, the partition has a first sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part and the housing and a second sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part and the housing, thus enabling the internal and external regions to be separated with a simple structure.

[0029]

[16] In the degassing module described in

[14] or

[15] above, the liquid discharge port can be connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the first extension direction. In this degassing module, since the liquid discharge port is connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the first extension direction, the liquid flowing out from the multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow pipe can return from the multiple openings to the hollow part of the liquid flow pipe and then be discharged from the liquid discharge port.

[0030]

[17] In the degassing module described above [9], there may be multiple degassing elements. The multiple degassing elements may be arranged in the extension direction. Between adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction, the hollow parts of multiple hollow fiber membranes and the hollow parts of suction tubes may be connected to each other, and the hollow parts of liquid flow tubes may be connected to each other.

[0031] In this degassing module, multiple degassing elements are arranged in the extending direction. Between adjacent degassing elements in the extending direction, the hollow portions of multiple hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of suction tubes are interconnected, as are the hollow portions of liquid flow tubes. Therefore, when suction is applied to the suction port, the suction force is transmitted through the hollow portions of the suction tubes of the multiple degassing elements to the first-end communicating space, thereby suctioning the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes of the multiple degassing elements from both the second-end end side of the second-end degassing element and the first-end end side of the first-end degassing element. That is, even if suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes are not provided at the first and second-end ends of each degassing element, suction can still be applied to the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes from both ends in the extending direction. This simplifies the structure of the degassing module. Furthermore, it enables a large flow rate of degassed liquid, making it particularly suitable for degassing seawater, which is a liquid.

[0032]

[18] In the degassing module described in

[17] above, the liquid supply port can be connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the second extension direction of the second end degassing element located at the second extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements. In this degassing module, since the liquid supply port is connected to the end of the liquid flow pipe in the second extension direction of the second end degassing element, liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply port to the liquid flow pipe in a simple structure.

[0033]

[19] In the degassing module described in

[17] or

[18] above, it may further include an element connection portion, which allows the first-side degassing element located on the first extension direction side and the second-side degassing element located on the second extension direction side of the adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction to be separately arranged in the extension direction. The element connection portion may form: an intermediate connecting space that communicates with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the suction tube, and the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the second-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the suction tube; and an intermediate liquid flow path that communicates with the hollow portions of the liquid flow pipe of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the liquid flow pipe of the second-side degassing element.

[0034] In this degassing module, a first-side degassing element located on the first extension direction side and a second-side degassing element located on the second extension direction side of adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction are separately arranged in the extension direction through an element connecting portion. The element connecting portion forms: an intermediate connecting space communicating with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube of the second-side degassing element; and an intermediate liquid flow path communicating with the hollow portions of the liquid flow tubes of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the liquid flow tubes of the second-side degassing element. Therefore, between adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction, the suction force acting on the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube can be transmitted to each other, and liquid can flow. Furthermore, if suction is applied to the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes of the second-side degassing element and the hollow portions of the suction tube from the suction port, the suction force is transmitted through the hollow portions of the suction tubes of the multiple degassing elements to the intermediate connecting space and the first-end connecting space. Thus, suction can be applied to the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes of the multiple degassing elements from both the second-end end side of the second-end degassing element and the first-end end side of the first-end degassing element.

[0035]

[20] In the degassing module described in

[19] above, the component connecting part may have: a connecting cover, which is connected to the second fixing part of the first-side degassing element and the first fixing part of the second-side degassing element, and covers the space between the first-side degassing element and the second-side degassing element; and a connecting pipe, which is connected to the liquid flow pipe of the first-side degassing element and the liquid flow pipe of the second-side degassing element. In this degassing module, the component connecting part has: a connecting cover, which is connected to the second fixing part of the first-side degassing element and the first fixing part of the second-side degassing element, and covers the space between the first-side degassing element and the second-side degassing element; and a connecting pipe, which is connected to the liquid flow pipe of the first-side degassing element and the liquid flow pipe of the second-side degassing element. Therefore, with a simple structure, the hollow parts of multiple hollow fiber membranes and the hollow parts of the suction pipe can be interconnected between the first-side degassing element and the second-side degassing element, and the hollow parts of the liquid flow pipes can circulate with each other.

[0036]

[21] In the degassing module described in

[19] or

[20] above, the suction port can be connected to the component connection part and communicate with the intermediate communication space. In this degassing module, the suction port is connected to the component connection part and communicates with the intermediate communication space, thus shortening the discharge path length of the gas that has passed through multiple hollow fiber membranes. As a result, high degassing efficiency can be obtained.

[0037]

[22] In any of the above-mentioned

[17] to

[21] degassing modules, an end baffle may be further provided, which closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube of the first end degassing element located at the first extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements. The first end communication space forming portion may be connected to the first element end of the first end degassing element located at the first extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements. The first end communication space may connect the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first end degassing element. A second end communication space may be formed on the second extension direction side of the second end degassing element located at the second extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements, which communicates with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port may be adjacent to and communicate with the second end communication space.

[0038] In this degassing module, an end baffle closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube of the first-end degassing element. Furthermore, a first-end communication space forming portion is connected to the first element end of the first-end degassing element, and the first-end communication space connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first-end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first-end degassing element. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the liquid supply port, the liquid is supplied to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube in the plurality of degassing units, flows out from the outside of the liquid flow tube through the plurality of openings, and is degassed by contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Then, the liquid degassed by contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes does not return to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port. Moreover, in this degassing module, a second-end communication space is formed on the second-extending direction side of the second-end degassing element, communicating with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port is adjacent to and communicates with the second-end communication space. Therefore, the hollow portions of the multiple hollow fiber membranes of the multiple degassing elements can be drawn from both sides, namely the second element end side of the second degassing element and the first element end side of the first degassing element.

[0039]

[23] In the degassing module described in

[22] above, the housing may have a first-end suction port, which is connected to and communicates with the first-end communication space forming portion. In this degassing module, since the housing has a first-end suction port, which is connected to and communicates with the first-end communication space forming portion, a high degassing efficiency can be obtained. Moreover, the discharge path length of the gas that has passed through multiple hollow fiber membranes can be shortened, thus achieving an even higher degassing efficiency.

[0040]

[24] In the degassing module described in

[22] or

[23] above, the partition can seal the second fixing part of the second-end degassing element between the second fixing part and the housing. In this degassing module, since the partition seals the second fixing part of the second-end degassing element between the second fixing part and the housing, the internal and external regions can be separated with a simple structure.

[0041]

[25] In any of the above-mentioned

[17] to

[21] degassing modules, each of the plurality of degassing elements may have an intermediate baffle, which closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube in the middle portion of the element between the end of the first element and the end of the second element. The first end communication space forming portion may be connected to the end of the first end degassing element located at the end of the first extension direction among the plurality of degassing elements. The first end communication space may connect the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first end degassing element. A second end communication space may be formed on the second extension direction side of the second end degassing element located at the second extension direction among the plurality of degassing elements, which communicates with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port may be adjacent to and communicate with the second end communication space.

[0042] In this degassing module, each of the plurality of degassing elements has an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube between the ends of the first and second elements. Therefore, in each degassing element, the liquid supplied to the liquid supply port is obstructed in its extending direction by the intermediate baffle. Consequently, upstream of the intermediate baffle, the liquid flows out through multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube and comes into contact with multiple hollow fiber membranes, thus being degassed. Downstream of the intermediate baffle, the liquid returns to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube. This extends the contact time between the liquid and the multiple hollow fiber membranes. Furthermore, in this degassing module, the first end-connecting space forming part is connected to the first element end of the first end degassing element. The first end-connecting space connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first end degassing element. A second end-connecting space is formed on the second extending direction side of the second end degassing element, communicating with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port is adjacent to and communicates with the second end-connecting space. Therefore, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the plurality of degassing elements can be suctioned from both the second element end side of the second end degassing element and the first element end side of the first end degassing element.

[0043]

[26] In the degassing module described in

[25] above, the partition may have: a first sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part of the first side degassing element located on the first extension direction side of the adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction and the housing; a second sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part of the first side degassing element and the housing; a third sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part of the second side degassing element located on the second extension direction side of the adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction and the housing; and a fourth sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part of the second side degassing element and the housing. In this degassing module, since the partition has a first sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part of the first side degassing element and the housing, a second sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part of the first side degassing element and the housing, a third sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part of the second side degassing element and the housing, and a fourth sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part of the second side degassing element and the housing, the internal region and the external region can be separated with a simple structure.

[0044]

[27] In the degassing module described in

[25] or

[26] above, the liquid discharge port can be connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the first extension direction of the first end degassing element located at the first extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements. In this degassing module, since the liquid discharge port is connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the first extension direction of the first end degassing element, the liquid flowing out from the plurality of openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube can return from the plurality of openings to the hollow part of the liquid flow tube and then be discharged from the liquid discharge port.

[0045]

[28] In any of the above-described [9] to

[27] degassing modules, the housing may have: a cylindrical portion for housing the degassing element; a first cover portion connected to one end of the cylindrical portion and having a liquid discharge port; and a second cover portion connected to the end of the cylindrical portion opposite to the first cover portion and having a liquid supply port, wherein at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion may have a suction port. In this degassing module, the housing has: a cylindrical portion for housing the degassing element; a first cover portion connected to one end of the cylindrical portion and having a liquid discharge port; and a second cover portion connected to the end of the cylindrical portion opposite to the first cover portion and having a liquid supply port, wherein at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion has a suction port. Therefore, the degassing module can be easily manufactured.

[0046]

[29] The liquid degassing method of the present invention is a method of degassing liquid using the degassing module described in any one of [9] to

[28] above, wherein the suction port of the degassing module is suctioned and the liquid is supplied to the liquid supply port of the degassing module.

[0047] In this liquid degassing method, in any of the aforementioned degassing modules, if suction is applied to the suction port, the suction force is transmitted to the first end communication space through the hollow portion of the suction tube. This allows suction of the hollow portions of multiple hollow fiber membranes from both the second element end side and the first element end side. Furthermore, by supplying liquid to the liquid supply port, the liquid can flow out from multiple openings to the outside of the liquid flow tube, be degassed by contact with the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and be discharged from the liquid discharge port.

[0048] The effects of the invention

[0049] According to the present invention, it has high degassing efficiency and can improve maintainability. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the degassing element according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the degassing element shown.

[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line III-III shown.

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line IV-IV is shown.

[0054] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0055] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown.

[0058] Figure 9 It means Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing module shown.

[0059] Figure 10 It means Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing module shown.

[0060] Figure 11This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the second embodiment.

[0061] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown.

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the third embodiment.

[0063] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown.

[0064] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the fourth embodiment.

[0065] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown.

[0066] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the fifth embodiment.

[0067] Figure 18 This is a schematic front view of the degassing element according to the second embodiment.

[0068] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view along the XIX-XIX line shown.

[0069] Figure 20 It means Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0070] Figure 21 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the sixth embodiment.

[0071] Figure 22 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0072] Figure 23 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0073] Figure 24 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0074] Figure 25 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown.

[0075] Figure 26 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the seventh embodiment.

[0076] Figure 27 It means Figure 26 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing element shown. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Hereinafter, the degassing element, degassing module, and liquid degassing method of the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in all the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0078] [Degassing element according to the first embodiment]

[0079] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the degassing element according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the degassing element shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line III-III shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line IV-IV is shown. Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. Figure 6 It means Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. (See attached image.) Figures 1-6 As shown, the degassing element 2 according to this embodiment is used to degas liquid L, for example, by assembling it in the degassing module described later. Liquid L is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, seawater, drinking water, pure water, ultrapure water, aqueous solutions containing ammonium sulfate, surfactants, etc., organic solvents such as alcohols and hydrocarbons, ionic liquids, etc. The degassing element 2 includes a liquid flow tube 21, multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, multiple suction tubes 23, a first fixing part 24, and a second fixing part 25.

[0080] The liquid flow tube 21 is a cylindrical component extending along the extension direction D. One of the two directions of the extension direction D is called the first extension direction D1, and the other is called the second extension direction D2. Figure 3 In the middle, the upper part is designated as the first extension direction D1, and the lower part is designated as the second extension direction D2. The end of the degassing element 2 on the side of the first extension direction D1 is referred to as the first element end 2a, and the end of the degassing element 2 on the side of the second extension direction D2 is referred to as the second element end 2b.

[0081] The hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 is a flow path (internal flow path) for the flow of liquid L, formed by the inner circumferential surface of the liquid flow tube 21. The liquid flow tube 21 extends throughout the entire region along the extension direction D of the degassing element 2. That is, the liquid flow tube 21 extends from the end of the degassing element 2 in the first extension direction D1 to the end of the degassing element 2 in the second extension direction D2. The hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 is open in both the first extension direction D1 and the second extension direction D2. The opening of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 in the first element end 2a, i.e., the opening on the first extension direction D1 side of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, is called the first end liquid flow tube opening 21b. The opening of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 in the second element end 2b, i.e., the opening on the second extension direction D2 side of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, is called the second end liquid flow tube opening 21c. Furthermore, in the degassing element 2, no baffle or other components are provided in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 to prevent the liquid L from moving along the extension direction D.

[0082] Multiple openings 21d are formed on the liquid flow tube 21. These openings 21d are independent of the first end liquid flow tube opening 21b and the second end liquid flow tube opening 21c, and are used to allow liquid L to flow out from the hollow portion 21a to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21. That is, the multiple openings 21d are used to allow liquid L to flow out from the hollow portion 21a to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 in the radial direction. The multiple openings 21d are formed on the peripheral wall of the liquid flow tube 21, opening the hollow portion 21a to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21.

[0083] Multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extend along the liquid flow tube 21 and are arranged around the liquid flow tube 21 in a manner that covers multiple openings 21d. The multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extending along the liquid flow tube 21 means that, in the initial state (unused state) of the degassing element 2, the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extend along the extension direction D. The multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 form a membrane bundle that is generally cylindrical as a whole.

[0084] Multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are formed, for example, from a hollow fiber membrane fabric (not shown) woven into a curtain shape. The hollow fiber membrane fabric is a fabric woven from multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 forming the weft and warp threads (not shown). In the hollow fiber membrane fabric, the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are arranged in a curtain shape. Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane fabric is wound around the liquid flow tube 21 such that the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extend along the extension direction D and cover multiple openings 21d.

[0085] The hollow portion 22a of the hollow fiber membrane 22 is a flow path (intramembrane flow path) for gas G to pass through, and it is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the hollow fiber membrane 22. Multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extend throughout the entire region along the extension direction D of the degassing element 2. That is, multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 extend from the end of the degassing element 2 in the first extension direction D1 to the end of the degassing element 2 in the second extension direction D2. The hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are open in both the first extension direction D1 and the second extension direction D2. Furthermore, the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 refers to the hollow portion 22a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. The opening of the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 in the first element end 2a, i.e., the opening on the first extension direction D1 side of the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, is called the first end hollow fiber membrane opening 22b. The opening of the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 in the end 2b of the second element, that is, the opening on the second extension direction D2 side of the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, is called the second end hollow fiber membrane opening 22c.

[0086] Hollow fiber membrane 22 is a hollow fiber membrane that allows gas G to pass through but not liquid L. The material, shape, and morphology of hollow fiber membrane 22 are not particularly limited. Examples of materials for hollow fiber membrane 22 include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polymethylpentene; silicone resins such as polydimethylsiloxane and its copolymers; and fluorine resins such as PTFE and vinylidene fluoride. Examples of membrane shapes (sidewall shapes) for hollow fiber membrane 22 include porous membranes, microporous membranes, and homogeneous membranes without porosity (non-porous membranes). Examples of morphologies for hollow fiber membrane 22 include symmetrical membranes with a homogeneous overall chemical or physical structure (homogeneous membranes) and asymmetrical membranes (heterogeneous membranes) whose chemical or physical structure varies depending on the portion of the membrane. Asymmetrical membranes (heterogeneous membranes) are membranes with both a non-porous dense layer and porosity. In this case, the dense layer can be formed at any location within the membrane, such as on the surface or inside the porous membrane. Heterogeneous membranes also include composite membranes with different chemical structures and multilayer membranes such as 3-layer structures. In particular, heterogeneous membranes using poly(4-methylpentene-1) resin have a dense layer that blocks liquid L, and are therefore especially preferred.

[0087] The outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane 22 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of increasing the membrane area, the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane 22 can be set to 500 μm or less, preferably 350 μm or less, and more preferably 250 μm or less. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing breakage, the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane 22 can be set to 50 μm or more, preferably 150 μm or more, and more preferably 200 μm or more.

[0088] The suction tube 23 extends along the liquid flow tube 21. The suction tube 23 extending along the liquid flow tube 21 means that in the initial state (unused state) of the degassing element 2, the suction tube 23 extends along the extension direction D.

[0089] Multiple suction tubes 23 are disposed on the outer side of multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. The outer side of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 refers to the side of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 opposite to the liquid flow tube 21. That is, the multiple suction tubes 23 are disposed around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Furthermore, the multiple suction tubes 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the liquid flow tube 21.

[0090] The hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23 is a flow path (inner flow path) for gas G to pass through, and it is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the suction tube 23. Multiple suction tubes 23 extend throughout the entire region along the extension direction D of the degassing element 2. That is, multiple suction tubes 23 extend from the end of the degassing element 2 in the first extension direction D1 to the end of the degassing element 2 in the second extension direction D2. The hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 are open in both the first extension direction D1 and the second extension direction D2. Furthermore, the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 refers to the hollow portion 23a of each of the multiple suction tubes 23. The opening of the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 in the first element end 2a, that is, the opening on the first extension direction D1 side of the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23, is called the first end suction tube opening 23b. The opening of the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 in the end 2b of the second element, that is, the opening on the second extension direction D2 side of the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, is called the second end suction tube opening 23c.

[0091] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. The cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 23a of each suction tube 23 is the area of ​​the hollow portion 23a on a section orthogonal to the central axis of each suction tube 23. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow portions 23a of each suction tube 23. The cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 22a of each hollow fiber membrane 22 is the area of ​​the hollow portion 22a on a section orthogonal to the central axis of each hollow fiber membrane 22. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow portions 22a of each hollow fiber membrane 22.

[0092] The first fixing part 24 is located at the end 2a of the first element, sealing the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the suction tube 23, and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 to the liquid flow tube 21 with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 open. That is, the first fixing part 24 fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 on the first extension direction D1 side to the liquid flow tube 21. Moreover, the first fixing part 24 seals the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the plurality of suction tubes 23. Furthermore, since the first fixing part 24 is not provided in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 are open. The first fixing part 24 is, for example, formed of resin.

[0093] The second fixing part 25 is located at the end 2b of the second element, sealing the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the suction tube 23, and fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 to the liquid flow tube 21 with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 open. That is, the second fixing part 25 fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 on the second extension direction D2 side to the liquid flow tube 21. Moreover, the second fixing part 25 seals the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the plurality of suction tubes 23. Furthermore, since the second fixing part 25 is not provided in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 are open. The second fixing part 25 is, for example, formed of resin.

[0094] In addition, multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and multiple suction tubes 23 are not covered by components such as the housing, but are exposed on the outside of the degassing element 2 between the first fixing part 24 and the second fixing part 25.

[0095] As explained above, in the degassing element 2 of this embodiment, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 extending along the liquid flow tube 21 are arranged around the liquid flow tube 21 to cover a plurality of openings 21d. Therefore, if the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 are sucked in and liquid L is supplied to the liquid flow tube 21, the liquid L flows out from the plurality of openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 and is degassed by contacting the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22. Here, the degassing element 2 includes a plurality of suction tubes 23 extending along the liquid flow tube 21. Furthermore, the first fixing portion 24 located at the first element end 2a seals the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the plurality of suction tubes 23, and fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 to the liquid flow tube 21 such that the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 are open. Furthermore, the second fixing part 25 located at the end 2b of the second element seals the liquid flow tube 21, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23, and fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the plurality of suction tubes 23 to the liquid flow tube 21 by opening the hollow part 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, the hollow part 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow part 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. Therefore, at either the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b, the openings of the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 are connected to the openings of the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. That is, any one of the openings of the first-end hollow fiber membrane 22b or the second-end hollow fiber membrane 22c is connected to any one of the openings of the first-end suction tube 23b or the second-end suction tube 23c, and suction is performed from the other end of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. Thus, the suction force is transmitted to the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, thereby suction is performed from both the second element end 2b side and the first element end 2a side to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22. That is, even if the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b are not provided with suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, suction can still be performed on the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 from both ends in the extending direction D. This simplifies the structure of the degassing module using the degassing element 2, thus achieving high degassing efficiency and improving maintainability.

[0096] Furthermore, since the degassing element 2 has multiple suction tubes 23, it is easier to transmit suction force.

[0097] Furthermore, in this degassing element 2, since the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 is less than the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22. Therefore, when the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 are connected to the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 at either end of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b, and suction is performed on the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 at either end of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b, it is easy to suction the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 from either side of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b.

[0098] Furthermore, in this degassing element 2, since multiple suction tubes 23 are arranged on the outside of multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, it is easy to arrange multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 around the liquid flow tube 21, and it is possible to prevent the degassing of liquid L from being blocked by multiple suction tubes 23.

[0099] Furthermore, in this degassing element 2, since multiple suction tubes 23 are arranged around multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, it is easy to arrange multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 around the liquid flow tube 21, and it is possible to prevent the degassing of liquid L from being blocked by multiple suction tubes 23.

[0100] Furthermore, in this degassing element 2, multiple suction tubes 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the liquid flow tube 21. Therefore, when the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are connected to the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 at either end of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b, and suction is performed on the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 at either end of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b, the deviation in degassing performance among the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 can be reduced.

[0101] [Degassing module according to the first embodiment]

[0102] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown. Figure 9 It means Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing module shown. Figure 10 It means Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing module shown. Figures 7-10 As shown, the degassing module 1 of this embodiment is a module for degassing liquid L. The degassing module 1 includes the degassing element 2, housing 3, end baffle 4, first end communication space forming portion 5, and partition portion 6 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the middle, only the shell 3 is shown in cross-section.

[0103] The housing 3 accommodates the degassing element 2 in such a way that a space is formed between it and the degassing element 2. This space is the space between the degassing element 2 and the housing 3 that allows liquid L to flow through.

[0104] The housing 3 includes a cylindrical portion 31 for accommodating a degassing element 2, a first cover portion 32 connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31, and a second cover portion 33 connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 opposite to the first cover portion 32. The degassing element 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 31 such that the extending direction D of the degassing element 2 is the same as the extending direction of the cylindrical portion 31, i.e., the first cover portion 32 and the second cover portion 33 are opposite to each other. Thus, the extending direction D of the degassing element 2 and the extending direction of the cylindrical portion 31 are the same, and therefore the extending direction of the cylindrical portion 31 is also called the extending direction D. The first cover portion 32 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the first extending direction D1 side in a manner that covers the opening on the second extending direction D2 side of the cylindrical portion 31. The second cover portion 33 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the second extending direction D2 side in a manner that covers the opening on the second extending direction D2 side of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0105] End baffle 4 closes the end of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 on the first extending direction D1 side. That is, end baffle 4 closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 at the first element end 2a of the degassing element 2. The end 21f of the liquid flow pipe 21 in the first extending direction D1 is embedded in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21. That is, end baffle 4 is embedded in the end of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 on the first extending direction D1 side. End baffle 4 prevents the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 from being discharged along the first extending direction D1. Therefore, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 is not discharged along the first extending direction D1, but is discharged radially outward from the plurality of openings 21d formed in the liquid flow pipe 21.

[0106] The first end-connecting space forming portion 5 is connected to the end portion 2a of the first element to form a first end-connecting space S1. The first end-connecting space S1 is a space that connects the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 with the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. The first end-connecting space S1 is adjacent to the first extending direction D1 side of the degassing element 2. Furthermore, the first end-connecting space S1 is adjacent to the opening 22b of the first end hollow fiber membrane and the opening 23b of the first end suction tube. The first end-connecting space forming portion 5 is connected to the first fixing portion 24 of the degassing element 2 in a manner that covers the end portion 2a of the first element. Moreover, the first end-connecting space forming portion 5 forms the first end-connecting space S1 between itself and the end portion 2a of the first element.

[0107] The partition 6 divides the area within the housing 3 into an inner region R1 and an outer region R2, with multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 as boundaries. The inner region R1 includes the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23. The outer region R2 includes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21. Therefore, the hollow fiber membranes 22 form the boundary between the inner region R1 and the outer region R2. That is, the inner side (hollow portion 22a) of the hollow fiber membranes 22 becomes the inner region R1, and the outer side of the hollow fiber membranes 22 becomes the outer region R2. Furthermore, the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 prevent liquid L from permeating from the outer region R2 to the inner region R1, while allowing gas G (dissolved gas in liquid L, bubbles contained in liquid L, etc.) to permeate from the outer region R2 to the inner region R1. Furthermore, since the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 is connected to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 through a plurality of openings 21d formed in the liquid flow tube 21, the outer region R2 also includes a space S2 on the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 that is connected to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21.

[0108] The partition 6 seals the second fixing part 25 of the degassing element 2 with the housing 3. Therefore, a second end-connecting space S3 is formed on the second extending direction D2 side of the degassing element 2, communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. The second end-connecting space S3 is adjacent to the second extending direction D2 side of the second element end 2b. Furthermore, the second end-connecting space S3 is adjacent to the second end hollow fiber membrane opening 22c and the second end suction tube opening 23c. Moreover, since the second end-connecting space S3 communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, it is also part of the internal region R1.

[0109] Furthermore, the partition 6 secures the second fixing portion 25 of the degassing element 2 to the housing 3 by sealing the second fixing portion 25 of the degassing element 2 with the housing 3. The partition 6 is, for example, formed of resin.

[0110] The housing 3 has a liquid supply port 3a for supplying liquid L to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, a liquid discharge port 3b for discharging the liquid L flowing out of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, and a suction port 3c for evacuating (vacuuming) the internal region R1. The suction port 3c is also referred to as a vacuum port, etc. The liquid supply port 3a, the liquid discharge port 3b, and the suction port 3c can be integral with the housing 3, or they can be separate components from the housing 3.

[0111] The liquid supply port 3a is a port provided on the second cover 33 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3. The liquid supply port 3a extends from the second cover 33 into the inside of the housing 3 in a tubular shape and is connected to the end 21e on the second extension direction D2 side of the liquid flow pipe 21. Moreover, the liquid supply port 3a communicates with the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21.

[0112] The liquid discharge port 3b is a port provided on the first cover 32 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3. The liquid discharge port 3b is adjacent to and communicates with the space S2 on the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21.

[0113] The suction port 3c is a port provided on the second cover 33 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3. The suction port 3c is adjacent to and communicates with the second end communication space S3.

[0114] [Degassing method for liquid according to the first embodiment]

[0115] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the first embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the first embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1.

[0116] In this degassing method, suction is performed at the suction port 3c of the degassing module 1, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1. Suction at the suction port 3c can be performed, for example, by connecting a suction device (not shown) such as a vacuum pump to the suction port 3c via piping, and operating the suction device. The supply of liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a can be performed, for example, by connecting a liquid supply device (not shown) such as a liquid pump that delivers liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a via piping, and operating the liquid supply device.

[0117] If suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the internal region R1 connected to the suction port 3c is suctioned, thus reducing the pressure in the internal region R1. Meanwhile, liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a, and the liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to the liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, and discharged from the multiple openings 21d of the liquid flow pipe 21 to the space S2 outside the liquid flow pipe 21, where it contacts the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. At this time, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are under reduced pressure, dissolved gases in the liquid L, gas bubbles contained in the liquid L, and other gases G will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, the liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b through the space between the degassed element 2 and the housing 3. Gas G that has passed through multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 is discharged from the suction port 3c through the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, the first end communication space S1, the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 and the second end communication space S3.

[0118] As explained above, in the degassing module 1 of this embodiment, the end baffle 4 closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 at the end 2a of the first element, and the first end communication space forming portion 5 forms a first end communication space S1. This first end communication space S1 connects the first end hollow fiber membrane opening 22b of the hollow portion 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 in the end 2b of the second element with the first end suction tube opening 23b of the hollow portion 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 in the end 2b of the second element. The partition 6 divides the area within the housing 3 into an internal region R1 comprising hollow portions 22a of multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and hollow portions 23a of multiple suction tubes 23, and an external region R2 comprising hollow portions 21a of a liquid flow tube 21. The housing 3 has a liquid supply port 3a for supplying liquid L to the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, a liquid discharge port 3b for discharging liquid L flowing out of the liquid flow tube 21, and a suction port 3c for suctioning the internal region R1. Therefore, if suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the suction force is transmitted to the first end-connecting space S1 through the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23, thereby suctioning the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 from both the second element end 2b side and the first element end 2a side. That is, even if the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b are not provided with suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, suction can still be performed on the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 from both ends in the extending direction D. As a result, the structure of the degassing module 1 can be simplified, thus achieving high degassing efficiency and improving maintainability.

[0119] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, the liquid supply port 3a is connected to the end 21e of the liquid flow pipe 21 in the second extension direction D2. Therefore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L can be supplied to the hollow part 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21.

[0120] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, the end baffle 4 closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 at the first element end 2a. Therefore, if liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a, the liquid L is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, flows out from the multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21, and comes into contact with the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 to be degassed. Then, the liquid L that has been degassed by contacting the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 does not return to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b. That is, the liquid L does not flow in the direction that presses the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 against the liquid flow pipe 21, but flows in the direction that moves the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 away from the liquid flow pipe 21. As a result, the pressure loss of liquid L when passing through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 can be suppressed, and thus the decrease in the flow rate of liquid L can be suppressed. As a result, for example, a liquid supply device with relatively low output can be used as the liquid supply device for supplying liquid L to the degassing module 1.

[0121] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, since the partition 6 seals between the second fixing part 25 and the housing 3, the inner region R1 and the outer region R2 can be separated with a simple structure.

[0122] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, a second end-connecting space S3 is formed on the second extending direction D2 side of the degassing element 2, communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23. The suction port 3c is adjacent to and communicates with the second end-connecting space S3. Therefore, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 can be suctioned from the suction port 3c with a simple structure.

[0123] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, the housing 3 has a cylindrical portion 31 that accommodates the degassing element 2, a first cover portion 32 connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31 and having a liquid discharge port 3b, and a second cover portion 33 connected to the end opposite to the cylindrical portion 31 and the first cover portion 32 and having a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c. Therefore, the degassing module 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0124] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1, in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, there are no components, except for the end baffle 4, to prevent the liquid L from moving along the extension direction D. Therefore, the liquid L flowing out of the liquid flow pipe 21 does not return to the liquid flow pipe 21, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b.

[0125] Here, consider a comparative example of a degassing module where a baffle or similar component is provided in the hollow portion of the liquid flow pipe to seal the hollow portion, allowing liquid supplied to the liquid flow pipe to flow out and return to the liquid flow pipe. In this comparative example of a degassing module, when the liquid flowing out of the liquid flow pipe returns to the liquid flow pipe, it presses multiple hollow fiber membranes against the liquid flow pipe, thus narrowing the liquid flow path and increasing the liquid pressure loss. The higher the flow rate, the more pronounced this increase in liquid pressure loss becomes. Consequently, the liquid flow rate decreases, therefore, a high-output liquid supply device (not shown) is required as the liquid supply pump or other liquid supply device that delivers liquid L to supply liquid to the degassing module.

[0126] In contrast, in this degassing module 1, apart from the end baffle 4 that closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 at the first element end 2a, no component is provided in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 to prevent the liquid L from moving along the extending direction D. Therefore, the liquid L flowing out of the liquid flow pipe 21 does not return to the liquid flow pipe 21, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b. Therefore, compared with the degassing module of the comparative example, the pressure loss of the liquid is reduced while the flow rate of the liquid is increased, thus enabling the use of a liquid supply device with relatively low output.

[0127] In the liquid degassing method according to this embodiment, in the degassing module 1, if suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the suction force is transmitted to the first end communication space S1 through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. This allows suction of the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 from both the second element end 2b side and the first element end side. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L can flow out from the plurality of openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21, degassing it through contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and then being discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b.

[0128] In addition, by degassing seawater (which is liquid L), the concentration of carbon dioxide in the seawater can be reduced, thereby reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

[0129] [Degassing module according to the second embodiment]

[0130] Next, the degassing module according to the second embodiment will be described. The degassing module according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the degassing module 1 according to the first embodiment, but it differs from the degassing module 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has multiple degassing elements 2. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing module 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the descriptions that are the same as the degassing module 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0131] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the degassing module 1A according to this embodiment includes multiple degassing elements 2, a housing 3A, an end baffle 4, a first end communication space forming part 5, a partition part 6, and an element connecting part 7A. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the middle, only the shell 3A is shown in cross section.

[0132] Multiple degassing elements 2 are arranged in the extension direction D. The multiple degassing elements 2 are adjacent to each other in the extension direction D. Furthermore, the hollow portions 22a of multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of multiple suction tubes 23 are interconnected between adjacent degassing elements 2 in the extension direction D, and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tubes 21 are interconnected. In this embodiment, the multiple degassing elements 2 are composed of a first-end degassing element 2α located at the end in the first extension direction D1 and a second-end degassing element 2β located at the end in the second extension direction D2. That is, the degassing module 1A has two degassing elements. The first-end degassing element 2α is also the first-side degassing element located on the first extension direction D1 side among two adjacent degassing elements 2 in the extension direction D. And the second-end degassing element 2β is also the second-side degassing element located on the second extension direction D2 side among two adjacent degassing elements 2 in the extension direction D.

[0133] The housing 3A accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β in such a way that a space is formed between them. The housing 3A includes a cylindrical portion 31A accommodating the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β, a first cover portion 32 connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31A and having a liquid discharge port 3b, and a second cover portion 33 connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31A opposite to the first cover portion 32 and having a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c. The first cover portion 32 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31A on the first extension direction D1 side in such a way that it covers the opening on the second extension direction D2 side of the cylindrical portion 31A. The second cover portion 33 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31A on the second extension direction D2 side in such a way that it covers the opening on the second extension direction D2 side of the cylindrical portion 31A.

[0134] The component connection portion 7A connects the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β. Furthermore, the component connection portion 7A causes the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β to be separately arranged in the extending direction D.

[0135] The component connection portion 7A forms an intermediate connecting space S4 and an intermediate liquid flow path S5. The intermediate connecting space S4 is a space communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, and with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. Furthermore, the intermediate connecting space S4 is adjacent to the second-end hollow fiber membrane opening 22c and the second-end suction tube opening 23c of the first-end degassing element 2α, and the first-end hollow fiber membrane opening 22b and the first-end suction tube opening 23b of the second-end degassing element 2β. The intermediate liquid flow path S5 is a liquid flow path communicating with the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β. Furthermore, the intermediate liquid flow path S5 is a liquid flow path adjacent to the second end liquid flow pipe opening 21c of the first end degassing element 2α and the first end liquid flow pipe opening 21b of the second end degassing element 2β.

[0136] The component connection part 7A has a connection cover 71A and a connection tube 72A.

[0137] The connecting cover 71A is a cover that connects to the second fixing part 25 of the first end degassing element 2α and the first fixing part 24 of the second end degassing element 2β, and covers the space between the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β. The connecting cover 71A is connected to the second fixing part 25 of the first end degassing element 2α by being embedded in the connecting cover 71A. Furthermore, the connecting cover 71A is connected to the first fixing part 24 of the second end degassing element 2β by being embedded in the connecting cover 71A.

[0138] The connecting pipe 72A is a pipe that connects to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first degassing element 2α and the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second degassing element 2β. The connecting pipe 72A is connected to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first degassing element 2α by embedding its end in the first extension direction D1. Furthermore, the connecting pipe 72A is connected to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second degassing element 2β by embedding its end in the second extension direction D2.

[0139] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 72A forms an intermediate liquid flow path S5, thereby connecting the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2α with the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β. Additionally, the connecting cover 71A and the connecting pipe 72A form an intermediate connecting space S4, thereby connecting the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction pipes 23 of the first-end degassing element 2α with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction pipes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β.

[0140] End baffle 4 closes the end of the hollow portion 22a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first end degassing element 2α on the first extension direction D1 side. That is, end baffle 4 closes the hollow portion 21a at the end 21f of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first end degassing element 2α on the first extension direction D1 side. End baffle 4 is embedded in the end of the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first end degassing element 2α on the first extension direction D1 side. End baffle 4 is only installed on the first end degassing element 2α and does not close the hollow portion 22a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second end degassing element 2β. Therefore, liquid L will not be discharged from the second end degassing element 2β to the first extension direction D1, but will be discharged radially outward from the multiple openings 21d formed in the liquid flow tube 21 in both the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β.

[0141] In addition, in the hollow portion 21a and the intermediate connecting space S4 of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β, no component is provided to prevent the liquid L from moving along the extension direction D, except for the end baffle 4.

[0142] The first end-connecting space forming portion 5 is connected to the first fixing portion 24 of the first end-degassing element 2α in a manner that covers the first element end 2a of the first end-degassing element 2α. Furthermore, the first end-connecting space forming portion 5 forms a space as the first end-connecting space S1 that connects the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end-degassing element 2α with the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first end-degassing element 2α. This first end-connecting space S1 is adjacent to the first extending direction D1 side of the first end-degassing element 2α. Moreover, this first end-connecting space S1 is adjacent to the first end hollow fiber membrane openings 22b of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end-degassing element 2α and the first end suction tube openings 23b of the plurality of suction tubes 23.

[0143] The partition 6 divides the area within the housing 3A into an inner region R1 and an outer region R2 by sealing the second fixing part 25 of the second-end degassing element 2β with the housing 3A. The partition 6 forms a second-end communication space S3 on the second extension direction D2 side of the second-end degassing element 2β, communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. This second-end communication space S3 is adjacent to the second element end 2b of the second-end degassing element 2β on the second extension direction D2 side. Furthermore, this second-end communication space S3 is adjacent to the second-end hollow fiber membrane opening 22c and the second-end suction tube opening 23c of the second-end degassing element 2β.

[0144] [Degassing method for liquid according to the second embodiment]

[0145] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the second embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the second embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1A.

[0146] In this degassing method, suction is performed at the suction port 3c of the degassing module 1A, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1A.

[0147] If suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the internal region R1 connected to the suction port 3c is suctioned, thus the internal region R1 becomes depressurized. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to the liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α. Then, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of each liquid flow tube 21 is discharged from the multiple openings 21d of the liquid flow tube 21 to the space S2 outside the liquid flow tube 21, and contacts the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. At this time, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are in a depressurized state, the dissolved gas of liquid L, the gas G such as bubbles contained in liquid L, etc., will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L is discharged from liquid discharge port 3b through the space between the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α and the housing 3A. Gas G that has passed through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α is discharged from suction port 3c through the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α, the intermediate connecting space S4, the first-end connecting space S1, the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α, and the second-end connecting space S3.

[0148] As explained above, in the degassing module 1A of this embodiment, a plurality of degassing elements 2 are arranged in the extending direction. Between adjacent degassing elements 2 in the extending direction, the hollow portions 22a of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of a plurality of suction tubes 23 are interconnected, and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tubes 21 are interconnected. Therefore, if suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the suction force is transmitted through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α to the intermediate connecting space S4 and the first-end connecting space S1, thereby suctioning the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β from both the second element end 2b side of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first-end degassing element 2α. That is, even if suction ports for suctioning the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 are not provided at the ends 2a and 2b of the first element and the second element respectively, suction of the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 can still be performed from both ends in the extending direction D. This simplifies the structure of the degassing module 1A. Furthermore, it enables a large flow rate of the degassed liquid L, making it particularly suitable for degassing seawater, which is the liquid L.

[0149] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, since the liquid supply port 3a is connected to the end 21e of the liquid flow pipe 21 on the second extension direction D2 of the second end degassing element 2β, liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply port 3a to the liquid flow pipe 21 in a simple structure.

[0150] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β, which are adjacent in the extension direction D, are separately arranged in the extension direction D through the element connection portion 7A. The element connection portion 7A forms: an intermediate connecting space S4, which is connected to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, and the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23; and an intermediate liquid flow path S5, which is connected to the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β. Therefore, between the adjacent first-end degassing element 2α and second-end degassing element 2β in the extending direction D, the suction force acting on the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 can be transmitted to each other, and liquid L can flow. Moreover, if suction is applied to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β from the suction port 3c, the suction force is transmitted through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β to the intermediate connecting space S4 and the first-end connecting space S1. Thus, suction can be applied to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β from both the second element end 2b side of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first-end degassing element 2α.

[0151] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, the element connection portion 7A includes: a connecting cover 71A, which connects to the second fixing portion 25 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the first fixing portion 24 of the second-end degassing element 2β, and covers the space between the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β; and a connecting pipe 72A, which connects to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β. Therefore, with a simple structure, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction pipes 23 can be interconnected between the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β, and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipes 21 can flow between each other.

[0152] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, the end baffle 4 closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first end degassing element 2α. Moreover, the first end communication space forming portion 5 is connected to the first element end 2a of the first end degassing element 2α, and the first end communication space S1 connects the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2α with the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first end degassing element 2α. Therefore, if liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a, the liquid L is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 in the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β, flows out from the plurality of openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21, and is degassed by contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22. Then, the liquid L degassed by contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 does not return to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21, but is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b. Furthermore, in this degassing module, a second end communication space S3 is formed on the second extension direction D2 side of the second-end degassing element 2β, which communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23. The suction port 3c is adjacent to and communicates with the second end communication space S3. As a result, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β can be suctioned from both the second element end 2b side of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first-end degassing element 2α.

[0153] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, the partition 6 seals between the second fixing part 25 of the second end degassing element 2β and the housing 3A, thus enabling the internal region R1 and the external region R2 to be separated with a simple structure.

[0154] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1A, the housing 3A has: a cylindrical portion 31A that houses a first-end degassing element 2α and a second-end degassing element 2β; a first cover portion 32 that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31A and has a liquid discharge port 3b; and a second cover portion 33 that is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31A opposite to the first cover portion 32 and has a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c. Therefore, the degassing module 1A can be easily manufactured.

[0155] In the liquid degassing method according to this embodiment, in the degassing module 1A, if suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the suction force is transmitted to the first end communication space S1 through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. This allows suction to be applied to the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β from both the second element end 2b side and the first element end 2a side. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L can flow out from the plurality of openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 in the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β, and be degassed by contact with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, and discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b.

[0156] [Degassing module according to the third embodiment]

[0157] Next, the degassing module according to the third embodiment will be described. The degassing module according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment, except that it has a first suction port that is different from the suction port. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be described, and the points that are the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0158] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the degassing module 1B according to this embodiment includes multiple degassing elements 2, a housing 3B, an end baffle 4, a first end communication space forming portion 5B, a partition portion 6, and an element connecting portion 7A. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In the middle, only the shell 3B is shown in cross-section.

[0159] Similar to the first end-connecting space forming portion 5 of the second embodiment, the first end-connecting space forming portion 5B is connected to the first fixing portion 24 of the first end-degassing element 2α in a manner that covers the first element end 2a of the first end-degassing element 2α. Furthermore, similar to the first end-connecting space forming portion 5 of the second embodiment, the first end-connecting space forming portion 5B forms a first end-connecting space S1 that connects the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end-degassing element 2α with the hollow portions 23a of the suction tube 23 of the first end-degassing element 2α. Moreover, the first end-connecting space forming portion 5B is formed to be larger than the first end-connecting space forming portion 5 of the second embodiment, so that the first end-connecting space S1 is larger than that of the second embodiment.

[0160] The housing 3B accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β in such a way that a space is formed between them. The housing 3B includes: a cylindrical portion 31A that accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β; a first cover portion 32B that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31A and has a liquid discharge port 3b and a first-end suction port 3d; and a second cover portion 33 that is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31A opposite to the first cover portion 32B and has a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c.

[0161] The first suction port 3d is a port provided on the first cover portion 32 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3B. The first suction port 3d extends from the first cover portion 32 into a tubular shape towards the inside of the housing 3B and connects to the first end communication space forming portion 5B. Furthermore, the first suction port 3d communicates with the first end communication space S1. The first suction port 3d can be integral with the housing 3B or it can be a component different from the housing 3B.

[0162] [Degassing method for liquid according to the third embodiment]

[0163] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the third embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the third embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1B.

[0164] In this degassing method, suction is performed on the suction port 3c and the first end suction port 3d of the degassing module 1B, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1A.

[0165] If suction is applied to suction port 3c and first-end suction port 3d, the internal region R1 connected to suction port 3c and first-end suction port 3d is suctioned, thereby reducing the pressure in internal region R1. Furthermore, liquid L is supplied to liquid supply port 3a, and liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α. Then, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of each liquid flow tube 21 is discharged from the multiple openings 21d of the liquid flow tube 21 to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 and contacts the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. At this time, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are in a depressurized state, the dissolved gas in the liquid L, the gas G contained in the liquid L, and other gases will pass through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. As a result, the liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b through the space between the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α and the shell 3A. The gas G that has passed through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α is discharged from the suction port 3c and the first suction port 3d through the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, the intermediate connecting space S4, the first-end connecting space S1, the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, and the second-end connecting space S3.

[0166] As explained above, in the degassing module 1B according to this embodiment, the housing 3B has a first-end suction port 3d that is connected to the first-end communication space forming portion 5B and communicates with the first-end communication space S1. Therefore, if the internal region R1 is suctioned from the suction port 3c and the first-end suction port 3d, the suction force is transmitted to the intermediate communication space S4 and the first-end communication space S1 through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α. As a result, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β can be suctioned from both the second element end 2b side of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first-end degassing element 2α. Moreover, by suctioning the internal region R1 from both the suction port 3c and the first-end suction port 3d, the discharge path length of the gas G that has passed through the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 can be shortened, thus achieving higher degassing efficiency.

[0167] [Degassing module according to the fourth embodiment]

[0168] Next, the degassing module according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The degassing module according to the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment, except that it differs from the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment in the connection between the suction port and the component connection portion. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be described, and the descriptions that are the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0169] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the degassing module 1C according to this embodiment includes multiple degassing elements 2, a housing 3C, an end baffle 4, a first end communication space forming part 5, a partition part 6, and an element connecting part 7C. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In the middle, only the shell 3C is shown in cross section.

[0170] Similar to the component connection portion 7A in the second embodiment, the component connection portion 7C forms an intermediate connecting space S4 that communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, and the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. Furthermore, the component connection portion 7C forms an intermediate liquid flow path S5 that communicates with the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first-end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β. Moreover, the component connection portion 7C is larger than the component connection portion 7A in the second embodiment, so that the intermediate connecting space S4 and the intermediate liquid flow path S5 are larger than those in the second embodiment.

[0171] Similar to the component connection portion 7C in the second embodiment, the component connection portion 7C has: a connecting cover 71A, which is connected to the second fixing portion 25 of the first end degassing element 2α and the first fixing portion 24 of the second end degassing element 2β, and covers the space between the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β; and a connecting pipe 72A, which is connected to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α and the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second end degassing element 2β.

[0172] The housing 3C accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β in such a way that a space is formed between them. The housing 3C includes: a cylindrical portion 31C that accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α and the second-end degassing element 2β and has an intermediate suction port 3e; a first cover portion 32 that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31C and has a liquid discharge port 3b; and a second cover portion 33C that is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31C opposite to the first cover portion 32 and has a liquid supply port 3a.

[0173] The intermediate suction port 3e is a port provided in the cylindrical portion 31C that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3C. The intermediate suction port 3e extends tubularly from the cylindrical portion 31C toward the inside of the housing 3C and connects to the connecting cover 71A of the component connecting portion 7C. Furthermore, the intermediate suction port 3e communicates with the intermediate communicating space S4 formed by the component connecting portion 7C. The intermediate suction port 3e can be integral with the housing 3C, or it can be a separate component from the housing 3C.

[0174] [Degassing method for liquid according to the fourth embodiment]

[0175] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the fourth embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1C.

[0176] In this degassing method, the intermediate suction port 3e of the degassing module 1C is suctioned, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1C.

[0177] If the intermediate suction port 3e is suctioned, the internal region R1 connected to the intermediate suction port 3e is suctioned, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal region R1. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to the liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α. Then, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of each liquid flow tube 21 is discharged from the multiple openings 21d of the liquid flow tube 21 to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 and contacts the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. At this time, in the second-end degassing element 2β and the first-end degassing element 2α, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are in a reduced pressure state, the dissolved gas of liquid L, the gas G such as bubbles contained in liquid L, etc., will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L is discharged from liquid discharge port 3b through the space between the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α and the housing 3A. Gas G that has passed through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α is discharged from intermediate suction port 3e through the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α, the intermediate connecting space S4, the first-end connecting space S1, the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassed element 2β and the first-end degassed element 2α, and the second-end connecting space S3.

[0178] As explained above, in the degassing module 1C of this embodiment, the housing 3C has an intermediate suction port 3e that is connected to the element connection portion 7C and communicates with the intermediate communication space S4. Therefore, when the internal region R1 is suctioned from the intermediate suction port 3e, the suction force is transmitted from the intermediate communication space S4 to the first end communication space S1 and the second end communication space S3 through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the second end degassing element 2β and the first end degassing element 2α. As a result, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β can be suctioned from both the second element end 2b side of the second end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first end degassing element 2α. Moreover, by connecting the intermediate suction port 3e to the element connection portion 7C and communicating with the intermediate communication space S4, the discharge path length of the gas G that has permeated through the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 can be shortened. As a result, high degassing efficiency can be obtained.

[0179] [Degassing module according to the fifth embodiment]

[0180] Next, the degassing module according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The degassing module according to the fifth embodiment is basically the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment, except that it has three degassing elements. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be described, and the points that are the same as the degassing module 1A according to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0181] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the fourth embodiment. (Example) Figure 17 As shown, the degassing module 1D involved in this embodiment includes three degassing elements 2, a housing 3D, and an end baffle 4 (see reference). Figure 12 The first end connects to the space forming part 5, the partition part 6, and the two component connecting parts 7A. Additionally, in... Figure 17 In the image, only the 3D of the shell is shown in cross-section.

[0182] Three degassing elements 2 are arranged and adjacent to each other in the extension direction D. Each degassing element 2 consists of a first end degassing element 2α located at the end in the first extension direction D1, a second end degassing element 2β located at the end in the second extension direction D2, and an intermediate degassing element 2γ located between the first end degassing element 2α and the second end degassing element 2β. Therefore, between the adjacent first end degassing element 2α and intermediate degassing element 2γ in the extension direction D, the first end degassing element 2α becomes the first side degassing element located on the first extension direction D1 side, and the intermediate degassing element 2γ becomes the second side degassing element located on the second extension direction D2 side. Furthermore, between the adjacent intermediate degassing element 2γ and second end degassing element 2β in the extension direction D, the intermediate degassing element 2γ becomes the first side degassing element located on the first extension direction D1 side, and the second end degassing element 2β becomes the second side degassing element located on the second extension direction D2 side.

[0183] The two element connection parts 7A are composed of a first element connection part 7Aα that connects the first end degassing element 2α and the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and a second element connection part 7Aβ that connects the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the second end degassing element 2β.

[0184] The first element connecting portion 7Aα forms a space that communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, as well as the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, as an intermediate communicating space S4. Furthermore, the first element connecting portion 7Aα forms a liquid communicating path that communicates with the hollow portions 21a of the liquid communicating pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid communicating pipe 21 of the intermediate degassing element 2γ, as an intermediate liquid communicating path S5.

[0185] The second element connection portion 7Aβ forms a space that communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, as well as the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, as an intermediate communication space S4. Furthermore, the second element connection portion 7Aβ forms a liquid flow path that communicates with the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β, as an intermediate liquid flow path S5.

[0186] The housing 3D accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the second-end degassing element 2β in such a way that a space is formed between them. The housing 3D includes: a cylindrical portion 31D that accommodates the first-end degassing element 2α, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the second-end degassing element 2β and has an intermediate suction port 3e; a first cover portion 32 that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31D and has a liquid discharge port 3b; and a second cover portion 33 that is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31D opposite to the first cover portion 32 and has a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c.

[0187] The intermediate suction port 3e is a port provided in the cylindrical portion 31D that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3D. The intermediate suction port 3e extends from the cylindrical portion 31D into a tubular shape towards the inside of the housing 3D, and connects to the connecting cover 71A (reference) of the first element connecting portion 7Aα. Figure 12 Furthermore, the intermediate suction port 3e is connected to the intermediate communication space S4 formed by the first element connection portion 7Aα. The intermediate suction port 3e can be integrally formed with the housing 3D, or it can be a component different from the housing 3D.

[0188] The end baffle 4 closes the end of the hollow portion 22a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the first end degassing element 2α in the first extending direction D1. The end baffle 4 is only installed on the first end degassing element 2α and does not close the hollow portion 22a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the second end degassing element 2β.

[0189] In addition, in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α, the intermediate degassing element 2γ and the second end degassing element 2β and each intermediate connecting space S4, except for the end baffle 4, no component is provided to prevent the liquid L from moving along the extension direction D.

[0190] The first end-connecting space forming part 5 is connected to the first fixing part 24 of the first end-degassing element 2α in such a way that it covers the first element end 2a of the first end-degassing element 2α. Moreover, the first end-connecting space forming part 5 forms a space as the first end-connecting space S1 that connects the hollow parts 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end-degassing element 2α with the hollow parts 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first end-degassing element 2α.

[0191] The partition 6 divides the area within the housing 3D into an inner region R1 and an outer region R2 by sealing the second fixing part 25 of the second end degassing element 2β with the housing 3D.

[0192] [Fifth Embodiment's Method for Degassing Liquids]

[0193] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the fifth embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1D.

[0194] In this degassing method, suction is performed on the suction port 3c and the intermediate suction port 3e of the degassing module 1D, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1A.

[0195] If suction is applied to suction port 3c and intermediate suction port 3e, the internal region R1 connected to suction port 3c and intermediate suction port 3e is suctioned, thereby reducing the pressure in internal region R1. Furthermore, liquid L is supplied to liquid supply port 3a, and liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 of the second-end degassing element 2β, intermediate degassing element 2γ, and first-end degassing element 2α. Then, in the second-end degassing element 2β, intermediate degassing element 2γ, and first-end degassing element 2α, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of each liquid flow tube 21 is discharged from multiple openings 21d of the liquid flow tube 21 to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 and contacts multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. At this time, in the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the first-end degassing element 2α, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are under reduced pressure, the dissolved gas in the liquid L, the gas bubbles contained in the liquid L, and other gases G will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, the liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3b through the space between the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, the first-end degassing element 2α, and the housing 3D. Gas G that has passed through multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the first-end degassing element 2α is discharged from the suction port 3c and the intermediate suction port 3e through the hollow portion 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the first-end degassing element 2α, the intermediate connecting space S4 formed by the second element connecting portion 7Aβ, the intermediate connecting space S4 formed by the first element connecting portion 7Aα, the first-end connecting space S1, the hollow portion 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the first-end degassing element 2α, and the second-end connecting space S3.

[0196] As explained above, in the degassing module 1D of this embodiment, the housing 3D has an intermediate suction port 3e that is connected to the first element connection portion 7Aα and communicates with the intermediate communication space S4. Therefore, if the internal region R1 is suctioned from the suction port 3c and the intermediate suction port 3e, the suction force is transmitted through the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the second-end degassing element 2β, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the first-end degassing element 2α to the intermediate communication space S4 formed by the first element connection portion 7Aα, the intermediate communication space S4 formed by the second element connection portion 7Aβ, and the first-end communication space S1. As a result, the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2α, the intermediate degassing element 2γ, and the second-end degassing element 2β are suctioned from both sides, namely the second element end 2b side of the second-end degassing element 2β and the first element end 2a side of the first-end degassing element 2α. This allows for high degassing efficiency, thus reducing the number of components connected to the degassing element 2 and the housing 3D for suctioning the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Furthermore, by suctioning the internal region R1 from both the suction port 3c and the intermediate suction port 3e, the exhaust path length of the gas G permeating the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 can be shortened, thereby achieving even higher degassing efficiency.

[0197] [Degassing element according to the second embodiment]

[0198] Next, the degassing element according to the second embodiment will be described. The degassing element according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the degassing element 2 according to the first embodiment, except that it also has an intermediate baffle. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing element 2 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the points that are the same as the degassing element 2 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0199] Figure 18 This is a schematic front view of the degassing element according to the second embodiment. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view along the XIX-XIX line shown. Figure 20 It means Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. (See attached image.) Figures 18-20 As shown, the degassing element 2E involved in this embodiment includes a liquid flow pipe 21, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22, a plurality of suction pipes 23, a first fixing part 24, a second fixing part 25, and an intermediate baffle 26.

[0200] An intermediate baffle 26 closes the hollow portion 22a of the liquid flow tube 21 at the intermediate portion 2c between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b. The intermediate portion 2c is, for example, the central portion located between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b. The intermediate baffle 26 is embedded in the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 at the intermediate portion 2c. The intermediate baffle 26 prevents liquid L from flowing between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b of the liquid flow tube 21. Therefore, liquid L supplied from either the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 cannot flow to either the other side of the first element end 2a or the second element end 2b unless it flows out from the plurality of openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow tube 21 and returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 from the plurality of openings 21d.

[0201] As explained above, in the degassing element 2E according to this embodiment, the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 is closed by an intermediate baffle 26 in the middle portion 2c of the element between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b. Therefore, the liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 can flow out from multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21 on the upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26, and after contacting multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, return to the liquid flow pipe 21 from multiple openings 21d on the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26. This extends the contact time between the liquid L and the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22.

[0202] [Degassing module according to the sixth embodiment]

[0203] Figure 21 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing element shown. Figure 23 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. Figure 24 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. Figure 25 It means Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the degassing element shown. (See attached image.) Figures 21-25 As shown, the degassing module 1E according to this embodiment includes the degassing element 2E, housing 3E, first end communication space forming portion 5E, and partition portion 6E according to the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, in Figure 21 In the middle, only the shell 3E is shown in cross section.

[0204] The housing 3E accommodates the degassing element 2E in such a way that a space is formed between it and the degassing element 2E. This space is a space between the degassing element 2E and the housing 3E that allows liquid L to flow through.

[0205] The housing 3E includes: a cylindrical portion 31 housing a degassing element 2E; a first cover portion 32E connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31 and having a liquid discharge port 3f; and a second cover portion 33 connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 opposite to the first cover portion 32E and having a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c. The first cover portion 32E is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the first extension direction D1 side in such a way that it covers the opening on the first extension direction D1 side. The second cover portion 33 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the second extension direction D2 side in such a way that it covers the opening on the second extension direction D2 side.

[0206] The liquid discharge port 3f is a port provided on the first cover portion 32E and connects the inside and outside of the housing 3E. The liquid discharge port 3f extends from the first cover portion 32E into the inside of the housing 3E in a tubular shape and connects to the end 21f on the first extension direction D1 side of the liquid flow pipe 21. Moreover, the liquid discharge port 3f communicates with the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21.

[0207] Similar to the first end-connecting space forming part 5 in the first embodiment, the first end-connecting space forming part 5E forms a first end-connecting space S1 that is connected to the end 2a of the first element and connects the hollow part 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 with the hollow part 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23.

[0208] The partition 6E divides the area within the housing 3E into an inner region R1 and an outer region R2, with multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 as boundaries. The partition 6E has a first sealing portion 6Ea that seals the first fixing portion 24 of the degassing element 2E between itself and the housing 3E, and a second sealing portion 6Eb that seals the second fixing portion 25 of the degassing element 2E between itself and the housing 3E. Therefore, a second end-connecting space S3 is formed on the second extending direction D2 side of the degassing element 2E, communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23.

[0209] [Degassing method for liquid according to the sixth embodiment]

[0210] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the sixth embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1E.

[0211] In this degassing method, suction is performed at the suction port 3c of the degassing module 1E, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1E.

[0212] If suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the internal region R1 connected to the suction port 3c is suctioned, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal region R1. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to the liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is supplied from the second element end 2b to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21. Then, the liquid L, bypassing the intermediate baffle 26, is discharged from multiple openings 21d to the space S2 outside the liquid flow tube 21 on the upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26, and after contacting multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow tube 21 on the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 through multiple openings 21d. The upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 refers to the side of the second element end 2b of the intermediate baffle 26 or the side of the second extension direction D2, and the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 refers to the side of the first element end 2a of the intermediate baffle 26 or the side of the first extension direction D1. At this time, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are under reduced pressure, the dissolved gas in the liquid L, the gas G contained in the liquid L, and other gases G will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, the liquid L is degassed. The degassed liquid L, returning to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21, is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3f through the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21. The gas G that has permeated through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 is discharged from the suction port 3c through the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, the first end communication space S1, the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction pipes 23, and the second end communication space S3.

[0213] As explained above, in the degassing module 1E of this embodiment, the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 is closed in the middle portion 2c of the element between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b by the intermediate baffle 26. Therefore, the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply port 3a to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 is blocked by the intermediate baffle 26 in its extension direction D. Upstream of the intermediate baffle 26, the liquid flows out from multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21 and is degassed by contact with multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Downstream of the intermediate baffle 26, the liquid returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21. This prolongs the contact time between the liquid L and the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22.

[0214] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1E, since the partition 6E has a first sealing part 6Ea that seals between the first fixing part 24 and the housing 3E and a second sealing part 6Eb that seals between the second fixing part 25 and the housing 3E, the inner region R1 and the outer region F2 can be separated with a simple structure.

[0215] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1E, since the liquid discharge port 3f is connected to the end 21f of the liquid flow pipe 21 in the first extending direction D1, the liquid flowing out from the multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21 can return from the multiple openings 21d to the hollow part 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 and then be discharged from the liquid discharge port 3f.

[0216] [Degassing module according to the seventh embodiment]

[0217] Next, the degassing module according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The degassing module according to the seventh embodiment is basically the same as the degassing module 1E according to the sixth embodiment, except that it has multiple degassing elements 2E. Therefore, in the following description, only the points that are different from the degassing module 1E according to the sixth embodiment will be described, and the points that are the same as the degassing module 1E according to the sixth embodiment will be omitted.

[0218] Figure 26 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A schematic cross-sectional view of the degassing module shown. Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the degassing module 1F according to this embodiment includes multiple degassing elements 2E, a housing 3F, a first end communication space forming portion 5E, a partition portion 6F, and an element connecting portion 7A. Furthermore, in Figure 26 In the middle, only the shell 3F is shown in cross section.

[0219] Multiple degassing elements 2E are arranged in the extending direction D. The multiple degassing elements 2E are adjacent to each other in the extending direction D. In this embodiment, the multiple degassing elements 2E are composed of a first end degassing element 2Eα located at the end in the first extending direction D1 and a second end degassing element 2Eβ located at the end in the second extending direction D2. That is, the degassing module 1F has two degassing elements. The first end degassing element 2Eα is also the first end degassing element located on the first extending direction D1 side among the two adjacent degassing elements 2E in the extending direction D. Furthermore, the second end degassing element 2Eβ is also the second end degassing element located on the second extending direction D2 side among the two adjacent degassing elements 2E in the extending direction D.

[0220] The housing 3F accommodates the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ in such a way that a space is formed between them. The housing 3F includes: a cylindrical portion 31F that accommodates the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ; a first cover portion 32E that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 31F and has a liquid discharge port 3f; and a second cover portion 33 that is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31F opposite to the first cover portion 32E and has a liquid supply port 3a and a suction port 3c.

[0221] The component connection portion 7A connects the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ. Furthermore, the component connection portion 7A forms a space as an intermediate communication space S4 that communicates with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23, and with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second-end degassing element 2Eβ and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. Additionally, the component connection portion 7A forms a liquid flow path as an intermediate liquid flow path S5 that communicates with the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the hollow portions 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2Eβ.

[0222] The component connection portion 7A includes: a connecting cover 71A, which connects to the second fixing portion 25 of the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the first fixing portion 24 of the second-end degassing element 2Eβ, and covers the space between the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ; and a connecting pipe 72A, which connects to the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2Eβ. Furthermore, the connecting pipe 72A forms an intermediate liquid flow path S5, thereby connecting the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first-end degassing element 2Eα with the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second-end degassing element 2Eβ. Furthermore, the connecting cover 71A and the connecting pipe 72A form an intermediate connecting space S4, thereby connecting the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2Eα and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction pipes 23 with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the second end degassing element 2Eβ and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction pipes 23.

[0223] The liquid discharge port 3f is a port provided on the first cover portion 32E that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3F. The liquid discharge port 3f extends in a tubular shape from the first cover portion 32E toward the inside of the housing 3F and is connected to the end 21f on the first extension direction D1 side of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2Eα. Moreover, the liquid discharge port 3f communicates with the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2Eα.

[0224] The first end-connecting space forming part 5E is connected to the first fixing part 24 of the first end-degassing element 2Eα in such a way that it covers the first element end 2a of the first end-degassing element 2Eα. Moreover, the first end-connecting space forming part 5E forms a space as the first end-connecting space S1 that connects the hollow parts 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end-degassing element 2Eα with the hollow parts 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first end-degassing element 2Eα.

[0225] The partition 6F divides the area within the housing 3F into an inner region R1 and an outer region R2, with multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 as boundaries. The partition 6F includes: a first sealing portion 6Fa, sealing the first fixing portion 24 of the first end degassing element 2Eα between it and the housing 3F; a second sealing portion 6Fb, sealing the second fixing portion 25 of the first end degassing element 2Eα between it and the housing 3F; a third sealing portion 6Fc, sealing the first fixing portion 24 of the second end degassing element 2Eβ between it and the housing 3F; and a fourth sealing portion 6Fd, sealing the second fixing portion 25 of the second end degassing element 2Eβ between it and the housing 3F. Therefore, a second end communication space S3 is formed on the second extending direction D2 side of the second end degassing element 2Eβ, communicating with the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23. Furthermore, the space S2 outside the liquid flow pipe 21 is divided into two spaces: a first outer space S2α located between the first sealing part 6Fa and the second sealing part 6Fb, and a second outer space S2β located between the third sealing part 6Fc and the fourth sealing part 6Fd.

[0226] [Method for degassing liquid according to the seventh embodiment]

[0227] Next, the liquid degassing method according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The liquid degassing method according to the seventh embodiment is a method of degassing liquid L using a degassing module 1F.

[0228] In this degassing method, suction is performed at the suction port 3c of the degassing module 1F, and liquid L is supplied to the liquid supply port 3a of the degassing module 1F.

[0229] If suction is applied to the suction port 3c, the internal region R1 connected to the suction port 3c is suctioned, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal region R1. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L to the liquid supply port 3a, liquid L is supplied to the external region R2 connected to the liquid supply port 3a. The liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second end degassing element 2β. The liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the second end degassing element 2β is discharged from multiple openings 21d on the upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 to the second outer space S2β outside the liquid flow pipe 21, and contacts multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. The upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 refers to the side of the second element end 2b or the side of the second extending direction D2. Then, the liquid L does not flow to the first outer space S2α, but returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 from multiple openings 21d on the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26, and is supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α through the intermediate liquid flow path S5. Furthermore, the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26 refers to the side of the first element end 2a or the side of the first extension direction D1. The liquid L supplied to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 of the first end degassing element 2α is discharged from the first outer space S2α outside the liquid flow pipe 21 from multiple openings 21d on the upstream side of the intermediate baffle 26, and contacts multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Then, the liquid L does not flow to the second outer space S2β, but returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 from multiple openings 21d on the downstream side of the intermediate baffle 26, and is discharged from the liquid discharge port 3f. At this time, since the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 are under reduced pressure, the dissolved gas in the liquid L, the gas bubbles contained in the liquid L, and other gases G will permeate through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, the liquid L is degassed. The gas G that has permeated through the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 passes through the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, the intermediate connecting space S4, the first end connecting space S1, the hollow portions 23a of the multiple suction tubes 23, and the second end connecting space S3, and is discharged from the suction port 3c.

[0230] As explained above, in the degassing module 1F of this embodiment, the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ each have an intermediate baffle 26 that closes the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 between the first element end 2a and the second element end 2b. Therefore, in each of the first-end degassing element 2Eα and the second-end degassing element 2Eβ, the liquid L supplied to the liquid supply port 3a is blocked by the intermediate baffle 26 in its extension direction D. Therefore, upstream of the intermediate baffle 26, the liquid L flows out from multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21 and comes into contact with multiple hollow fiber membranes 22 to be degassed. Downstream of the intermediate baffle 26, the liquid returns to the hollow portion 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21. This prolongs the contact time between the liquid L and the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Furthermore, in this degassing module 1F, the first end-connecting space forming part 5E is connected to the first element end 2a of the first end degassing element 2Eα. The first end-connecting space S1 connects the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2Eα with the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23 of the first end degassing element 2Eα. A second end-connecting space S3 is formed on the second extension direction D2 side of the second end degassing element 2Eβ, which connects with the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and the hollow portions 23a of the plurality of suction tubes 23. The suction port 3c is adjacent to and connects with the second end-connecting space S3. Therefore, suction can be performed on the hollow portions 22a of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 of the first end degassing element 2Eα and the second end degassing element 2Eβ from both the second element end 2b side of the second end degassing element 2Eβ and the first element end 2a side of the first end degassing element 2Eα.

[0231] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1F, the partition 6F has: a first sealing part 6Fa, which seals the first fixing part 24 of the first end degassing element 2Eα between the first fixing part 24 and the housing 3F; a second sealing part 6Fb, which seals the second fixing part 25 of the first end degassing element 2Eα between the second fixing part 25 and the housing 3F; a third sealing part 6Fc, which seals the first fixing part 24 of the second end degassing element 2Eβ between the second fixing part 24 and the housing 3F; and a fourth sealing part 6Fd, which seals the second fixing part 25 of the second end degassing element 2Eβ between the second fixing part 25 and the housing 3F. Therefore, the internal region R1 and the external region F2 can be separated with a simple structure.

[0232] Furthermore, in this degassing module 1F, the liquid discharge port 3f is connected to the end 21f of the liquid flow pipe 21 on the first extension direction D1 of the first end degassing element 2Eα, so that the liquid L flowing out from the multiple openings 21d to the outside of the liquid flow pipe 21 can return to the hollow part 21a of the liquid flow pipe 21 and then be discharged from the liquid discharge port 3f.

[0233] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0234] For example, in the above embodiment, the degassing element was described as having multiple suction tubes, but the degassing element may also have only one suction tube. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23 can be larger than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Thus, when the degassing element 2 has only one suction tube 23, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23 is larger than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22, the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portion 23a of the suction tube 23 can be less than the pressure loss (suction loss) caused by suction from the hollow portions 22a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 22. Therefore, the same effect as when the degassing element has multiple suction tubes can be achieved.

[0235] Furthermore, the number of degassing elements in the degassing module is not particularly limited. For example, as in the first embodiment, the degassing module may have one degassing element; as in the second and third embodiments, the degassing module may have two degassing elements; or as in the fourth embodiment, the degassing module may have three degassing elements. Additionally, the degassing module may have four or more degassing elements.

[0236] Furthermore, when the degassing module has multiple degassing elements, adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction D can be arranged separately from each other as described in the above embodiment, or they can be arranged together without separation as long as they can be directly connected.

[0237] Furthermore, while the structure of the housing has been specifically described in the above embodiments, the housing can be of any structure as long as it accommodates the degassing unit and has a liquid supply port, a liquid discharge port, and a suction port. For example, the liquid discharge port can be located in the cylindrical portion. Also, for example, the cylindrical portion can be divided into multiple sections. Dividing the cylindrical portion into multiple sections is particularly effective when multiple degassing elements are difficult to accommodate within the cylindrical portion.

[0238] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0239] 1-Degassing module, 1A-Degassing module, 1B-Degassing module, 1C-Degassing module, 1D-Degassing module, 1E-Degassing module, 1F-Degassing module, 2-Degassing element, 2a-First element end, 2b-Second element end, 2c-Element middle section, 2E-Degassing element, 2Eα-First end degassing element, 2Eβ-Second end degassing element, 2α-First end degassing element, 2β-Second end degassing element, 2γ-Intermediate degassing element, 3-Housing, 3A-Housing, 3B-Housing, 3C-Housing, 3D-Housing, 3E-Housing, 3F-Housing, 3a-Liquid supply port, 3b- Liquid discharge port, 3c-suction port, 3d-first end suction port, 3e-intermediate suction port, 3f-liquid discharge port, 4-end baffle, 5-first end communicating space forming part, 5B-first end communicating space forming part, 5E-first end communicating space forming part, 6-separation part, 6E-separation part, 6Ea-first sealing part, 6Eb-second sealing part, 6F-separation part, 6Fa-first sealing part, 6Fb-second sealing part, 6Fc-third sealing part, 6Fd-fourth sealing part, 7A-component connection part, 7Aα-first component connection part, 7Aβ-second component connection part, 7C - Component connection part, 21- Liquid flow tube, 21a- Hollow part, 21b- First end liquid flow tube opening, 21c- Second end liquid flow tube opening, 21d- Opening, 21e- End, 21f- End, 22- Hollow fiber membrane, 22a- Hollow part, 22b- First end hollow fiber membrane opening, 22c- Second end hollow fiber membrane opening, 23- Suction tube, 23a- Hollow part, 23b- First end suction tube opening, 23c- Second end suction tube opening, 24- First fixing part, 25- Second fixing part, 26- Intermediate baffle, 31- Cylindrical part, 31A- Cylindrical part, 31C- Cylindrical part 31D-Cylindrical section, 31F-Cylindrical section, 32-First cover section, 32B-First cover section, 32E-First cover section, 33-Second cover section, 33C-Second cover section, 71A-Connecting cover, 72A-Connecting pipe, D-Extension direction, D1-First extension direction, D2-Second extension direction, F2-Outer region, G-Gas, L-Liquid, R1-Inner region, R2-Outer region, S1-First end connecting space, S2-Space, S2α-First outer space, S2β-Second outer space, S3-Second end connecting space, S4-Intermediate connecting space, S5-Intermediate liquid flow path.

Claims

1. A degassing element, comprising: A liquid flow tube having multiple openings and extending along the extension direction; Multiple hollow fiber membranes extend along the liquid flow tube and are arranged around the liquid flow tube in a manner that covers the multiple openings; A suction tube extends along the liquid flow tube; The first fixing part, located at the end of the first extension direction, i.e. the end of the first element, in the extension direction, seals the liquid flow tube, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube, and fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube by opening the hollow parts of the liquid flow tube, the hollow parts of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow parts of the suction tube. and The second fixing part, located at the end of the second extension direction, which is opposite to the first extension direction, i.e., the end of the second element, seals the liquid flow tube, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and the suction tube, and fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the suction tube to the liquid flow tube by making the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and the hollow portions of the suction tube open.

2. The degassing element according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the suction tube is greater than the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.

3. The degassing element according to claim 1, wherein, The suction tube is disposed on the outside of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.

4. The degassing element according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the suction tubes.

5. The degassing element according to claim 4, wherein, The combined cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of suction tubes is greater than the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.

6. The degassing element according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Multiple suction tubes are disposed around the multiple hollow fiber membranes.

7. The degassing element according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of suction tubes are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the liquid flow tube.

8. The degassing element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the middle portion of the element between the first element end and the second element end.

9. A degassing module, comprising: The degassing element according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Housing, which houses the degassing element; The first end communication space forming portion is connected to the first element end portion. and The partition divides the area within the housing into an inner region and an outer region, with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes as boundaries. The inner region includes the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube, while the outer region includes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube. The first end-connecting space forming portion forms a first end-connecting space that connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes with the hollow portion of the suction tube. The housing has: A liquid supply port is used to supply liquid to the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube; A liquid discharge port is used to discharge the liquid flowing out of the liquid flow pipe; and The suction port is used to suction the internal area.

10. The degassing module according to claim 9, wherein, The liquid supply port is connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the second extension direction.

11. The degassing module according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an end baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the first element end of the degassing element.

12. The degassing module according to claim 11, wherein, The partition seals the space between the second fixing part and the housing.

13. The degassing module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, A second end communication space is formed on the second extending direction side of the degassing element, which communicates with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port is adjacent to and connected to the second end communication space.

14. The degassing module according to claim 13, having an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow pipe at the middle portion of the element between the end of the first element and the end of the second element.

15. The degassing module according to claim 14, wherein, The partition has: a first sealing part for sealing between the first fixing part and the housing; and a second sealing part for sealing between the second fixing part and the housing.

16. The degassing module according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The liquid discharge port is connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the first extension direction.

17. The degassing module according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of the said degassing elements, The plurality of the degassing elements are arranged in the extending direction. Between adjacent degassing elements in the extending direction, the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portions of the suction tube are interconnected, and the hollow portions of the liquid flow tube are interconnected.

18. The degassing module according to claim 17, wherein, The liquid supply port is connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the second extension direction of the second end degassing element located at the second extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements.

19. The degassing module according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising a component connection portion, the component connection portion causing a first-side degassing element located on the first extension direction side among adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction and a second-side degassing element located on the second extension direction side among adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction to be separately arranged in the extension direction. The component connection portion is formed as follows: The intermediate connecting space communicates with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portion of the suction tube, and with the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the second-side degassing element and the hollow portion of the suction tube; and The intermediate liquid flow path is connected to the hollow portion of the liquid flow pipe of the first-side degassing element and the hollow portion of the liquid flow pipe of the second-side degassing element.

20. The degassing module according to claim 19, wherein, The component connection portion has: A connecting cover is connected to the second fixing part of the first side degassing element and the first fixing part of the second side degassing element, and covers the space between the first side degassing element and the second side degassing element; and A connecting pipe is connected to the liquid flow pipe of the first-side degassing element and the liquid flow pipe of the second-side degassing element.

21. The degassing module according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The suction port is connected to the component connection part and communicates with the intermediate communication space.

22. The degassing module according to any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising an end baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube of the first end degassing element located at the first end in the first extending direction among the plurality of degassing elements. The first end-connecting space forming portion is connected to the first element end of the first end degassing element located at the first end in the first extending direction among the plurality of degassing elements. The first end communication space connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first end degassing element. A second-end degassing element located at the second extension direction end of one of the plurality of degassing elements has a second-end communication space formed on its second extension direction side, which communicates with the hollow portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port is adjacent to and connected to the second end communication space.

23. The degassing module according to claim 22, wherein, The housing has a first end suction port, which is connected to and communicates with the first end communicating space forming part.

24. The degassing module according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, The partition seals the second fixing part of the second end degassing element with the housing.

25. The degassing module according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein, Each of the plurality of degassing elements has an intermediate baffle that closes the hollow portion of the liquid flow tube at the middle portion of the element between the end of the first element and the end of the second element. The first end-connecting space forming portion is connected to the first element end of the first end degassing element located at the first end in the first extending direction among the plurality of degassing elements. The first end communication space connects the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the first end degassing element with the hollow portion of the suction tube of the first end degassing element. A second-end degassing element located at the second extension direction end of one of the plurality of degassing elements has a second-end communication space formed on its second extension direction side, which communicates with the hollow portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the hollow portion of the suction tube. The suction port is adjacent to and connected to the second end communication space.

26. The degassing module according to claim 25, wherein, The partition has a first sealing portion for sealing the first fixing portion of the first side degassing element located on the first extension direction side of the adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction with the housing. The second sealing part seals the space between the second fixing part of the first side degassing element and the housing; A third sealing portion seals between the first fixing portion of the second-side degassing element located on the second extension direction side of the adjacent degassing elements in the extension direction and the housing; and a fourth sealing portion seals between the second fixing portion of the second-side degassing element and the housing.

27. The degassing module according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The liquid discharge port is connected to the end of the liquid flow tube in the first extension direction of the first end degassing element located at the first extension direction of the plurality of degassing elements.

28. The degassing module according to any one of claims 9 to 27, wherein, The housing has: The cylindrical section houses the degassing element; A first cover portion is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion and has the liquid discharge port; and The second cover is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion opposite to the first cover and has the liquid supply port. At least one of the first cover and the second cover has the suction port.

29. A method for degassing a liquid, comprising using the degassing module according to any one of claims 9 to 28 to degas the liquid, wherein, The suction port of the degassing module is used for suction, and liquid is supplied to the liquid supply port of the degassing module.

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