Gas separation membrane element and assembly device thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of membrane separation, in particular to a gas separation membrane element and an assembling device thereof, the gas separation membrane element comprises a membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and connecting ends arranged at the two ends of the membrane bundle, through connecting holes are formed in the connecting ends, and the two ends of the membrane bundle are fixed in the connecting holes; the device further comprises two mounting ends, and a plurality of membrane elements are detachably arranged between the two mounting ends. According to the utility model, the membrane element is detachably mounted on the mounting end head and can be combined with various reactors to form a separation membrane system, when the membrane element is damaged, the membrane element can be detached from the mounting end head and replaced by a new membrane element, and the mounting end head and the end cover can be repeatedly used, so that the maintenance and replacement cost is reduced; the technical problem that an existing membrane element is inconvenient to disassemble is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of membrane separation, in particular to a gas separation membrane element and an assembly device thereof. Background Art

[0002] Gas separation is a key step in many important industrial processes and environmental applications. Traditional gas separation methods, such as absorption and adsorption, have problems such as high energy consumption, complex operation and high cost. Membrane separation has gradually become a research hotspot in the field of gas separation due to its high selectivity, low energy consumption and easy operation. Gas separation membranes separate target components from gas mixtures by applying a driving force, such as concentration difference, pressure difference or temperature difference, on both sides of the selective permeable membrane. Gas separation membranes have broad application prospects in the fields of energy and environment. For example, in natural gas processing, the quality and energy utilization efficiency of natural gas can be improved by separating high-purity methane. In addition, they can also be used in fields such as carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen purification and gas separation and recovery, providing support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and resource utilization.

[0003] The advantages of gas separation membrane technology are that it can achieve higher gas selectivity, and its separation capacity mainly depends on the chemical properties of the membrane material and the structural design of the membrane; secondly, compared with traditional gas separation technology, gas separation membrane has lower energy consumption, which can reduce the cost and energy consumption in the capture process; finally, gas separation membrane technology has strong scalability and flexibility, thus realizing modular engineering design, which is convenient for large-scale industrial application or decentralized installation of gas separation and capture. Gas separation membranes can be integrated with existing processes or designed as independent units to provide flexibility in system integration; they can also be combined with other energy technologies, such as membrane reactors, gas dialysis, etc., to achieve efficient energy utilization and gas resource utilization such as carbon dioxide recycling.

[0004] However, there are also some challenges in high-efficiency gas separation membrane systems, such as the low service life of membrane components. During the gas separation process, due to the influence of factors such as pressure, temperature and chemical properties, the membrane material may age, rupture or clog, which will not only reduce the service life of the membrane component, but also increase maintenance and replacement costs. However, the membranes and installation components in some existing separation membrane systems are often connected by non-detachable methods such as casting. When the membrane is damaged, the entire membrane component and the membrane shell need to be replaced, which increases maintenance time, replacement costs and industrial solid waste generation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model provides a gas separation membrane element and an assembling device, which can solve the technical problem that the existing membrane elements are inconvenient to disassemble and repair.

[0006] This application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A gas separation membrane element comprises a membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and connecting ends arranged at both ends of the membrane bundle. The connecting ends are provided with penetrating connecting holes, and the two ends of the membrane bundle are fixed in the connecting holes.

[0008] Furthermore, a plurality of latching protrusions are arranged in the circumferential direction of the connecting end.

[0009] Furthermore, an annular groove for installing a sealing ring is also provided on the connecting end.

[0010] Beneficial effects:

[0011] 1. By setting connecting ends at both ends of the membrane bundle, it is convenient to fix several hollow fiber membranes into a whole to form a membrane element, so that the membrane element can be installed in the membrane shell later to assemble into a gas separation membrane system; by designing the membrane bundle as a single membrane element, when a part of the fiber membrane is damaged, only a new membrane element needs to be replaced. Compared with directly casting the membrane bundle in the membrane shell, this application does not need to replace the entire membrane assembly, which is more economical and practical, and is easy to disassemble and replace.

[0012] 2. By arranging the clamping protrusions around the connection end, it is convenient to clamp the membrane element on the assembly device through the clamping protrusions. The structure is simple, easy to disassemble, repair and replace, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

[0013] 3. By providing an annular groove on the connecting end, the sealing ring is installed on the annular groove during use, which is helpful to ensure the sealing of the connection between the connecting end and the assembly device.

[0014] A gas separation membrane element assembly device is used to install the gas separation membrane element, comprising two installation ends, between which a plurality of membrane elements are detachably arranged.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The two ends of the membrane element are mounted on two mounting ends to form a membrane assembly. The membrane assembly can be installed on the separator when in use, and the number of membrane elements can be selected as needed; for example, according to the gas flow rate to be separated, the number of single membrane elements can be increased or decreased to achieve the ideal membrane area, thereby realizing a variety of combinations.

[0016] Furthermore, each mounting end is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and a card slot is provided on the hole wall of each mounting hole, and the card protrusion on the connecting end is inserted into the card slot.

[0017] Beneficial effect: The assembly of the membrane element is realized by inserting the connecting end into the mounting hole of the mounting end, and the clamping protrusion is inserted into the clamping groove in the mounting hole, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the card slot is L-shaped, including a horizontal slot and a vertical slot, the horizontal slot of the card slot extends along the circumference of the mounting hole, and the card protrusion passes through the vertical slot of the card slot and is inserted into the horizontal slot.

[0019] Beneficial effect: An L-shaped card slot is provided. When in use, the card protrusion is passed through the vertical slot of the card slot, and then the membrane element is rotated so that the card protrusion is inserted into the horizontal slot, thereby further ensuring the stability of the installation.

[0020] Furthermore, the horizontal groove of at least one clamping groove on the mounting hole gradually decreases away from the end of the vertical groove, the width of at least one clamping protrusion on the connecting end gradually decreases, and a guiding wedge surface is provided on the clamping protrusion.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Providing horizontal grooves and cams of varying sizes is conducive to further improving the tightness of the engagement between the cams and the grooves and improving the tightening effect; providing a guiding wedge surface on the cam can play a guiding role and reduce resistance during rotation.

[0022] Furthermore, each mounting end is provided with a through hole, one end of which is connected to the outside, and the other end is connected to the end of the membrane element disposed in the mounting hole. The gas to be separated is introduced into the membrane assembly through the through hole.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes two end covers, which are connected to the ends of the two mounting ends. The side of each end cover close to the mounting end is recessed inward to form a cavity, and the cavity is connected to the through hole. Each end cover is also provided with an air guide hole connected to the cavity.

[0024] Beneficial effect: By arranging end covers at the two ends of the membrane element mounting end, sealing is facilitated, so that the mixed gas to be separated enters from the gas guide hole and passes along the inside of several hollow fiber membranes, thereby achieving the purpose of gas separation.

[0025] The membrane element of the present application can be detachably mounted on an assembly device, and can be combined with various reactors to form a separation membrane system. When the membrane element is damaged after long-term use, the membrane element can be removed from the mounting end head and replaced with a new membrane element. The mounting end head and end cover can be reused, thereby reducing the generation of solid waste and lowering the maintenance and replacement costs compared to replacing the entire membrane assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the membrane element;

[0027] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the connection end;

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the membrane assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following is further described in detail through specific implementation methods:

[0031] The marks in the drawings of the specification include: membrane bundle 1, connecting end 2, cutting end 20, annular groove 21, clamping protrusion 3, reducing clamping protrusion 31, mounting end 4, mounting hole 40, clamping groove 401, vertical groove 4011, horizontal groove 4012, through hole 41, end cover 5, lower end cover 501, upper end cover 502, cavity 51, air guide hole 52.

[0032] Example

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a gas separation membrane element includes a membrane bundle 1 composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and connecting ends 2 arranged at both ends of the membrane bundle 1. In industrial applications, the hollow fiber membrane can be replaced with any form of membrane, including a flat membrane, a rolled membrane, etc.; the connecting end 2 is provided with a penetrating connecting hole, and the two ends of the membrane bundle 1 are fixed in the connecting hole; specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, one end of the connection end 2 is a cutting end 20, a membrane bundle 1 composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is placed flatly into the connection hole, the membrane bundle 1 is fixed in the connection hole by hot melt adhesive, and then the cutting end 20 is cut off to obtain a membrane element, and both ends of the membrane element are connected to the outside. A plurality of cams 3 are arranged around the connection end 2, and an annular groove 21 for installing a sealing ring is also arranged on the connection end 2.

[0034] This embodiment also provides a gas separation membrane element assembly device for installing the above membrane element, specifically as follows Figure 3-4 As shown, the assembly device includes two mounting ends 4, and a plurality of membrane elements are detachably arranged between the two mounting ends 4. The membrane elements and the mounting ends 4 constitute a membrane assembly. In this embodiment, three groups of membrane elements are used as an example for detailed installation instructions. In actual use, four, five, six groups of membrane elements, etc. can be arranged as needed.

[0035] Three mounting holes 40 are provided on each mounting end 4, and a slot 401 is provided on the hole wall of each mounting hole 40. Three protrusions 3 are provided on the connecting end 2, and the protrusions 3 are used to be inserted into the slots 401. Specifically, the slots 401 are L-shaped structures, including horizontal slots 4012 and vertical slots 4011. The horizontal slots 4012 of the slots 401 extend along the circumference of the mounting hole 40, and the protrusions 3 pass through the vertical slots 4011 of the slots 401 and are inserted into the horizontal slots 4012. In order to further improve the tightening effect of the protrusions 3 inserted into the slots 401, the horizontal slots 4012 of at least one slot 401 on the mounting hole 40 gradually shrink at one end away from the vertical slots 4011, such as Figure 2As shown, a corresponding latching protrusion 3 matching the diameter-reducing latching groove 401 is arranged on the connecting end 2, that is, the width of the latching protrusion 3 gradually decreases. For the sake of easy distinction, the latching protrusion 3 is called a diameter-reducing latching protrusion 31. The diameter-reducing latching protrusion 31 of this embodiment is also provided with a guiding wedge surface, and the guiding wedge surface is arc-shaped.

[0036] It also includes two end covers 5, which are connected to the ends of the two mounting terminals 4. Specifically, the two end covers 5 are an upper end cover 502 and a lower end cover 501. In order to further ensure the sealing of the installation, a sealing ring is provided on the connecting surface of the mounting terminal 4 and the end cover 5 in this embodiment, and a clamp is used to lock the two. A through hole 41 is also provided on each mounting terminal 4. One side of each end cover 5 close to the mounting terminal 4 is recessed inward to form a cavity 51. One end of the through hole 41 is connected to the cavity 51, and the other end is connected to the end of the membrane element arranged in the mounting hole 40; each end cover 5 is also provided with an air guide hole 52 connected to the cavity 51. Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the air guide hole 52 on the upper end cover 502 is set at the top center of the end cover 5, and the air guide hole 52 on the lower end cover 501 is set on the side wall of the end cover 5. The mixed gas to be separated enters from the air guide hole 52 on the lower end cover 501, passes through the inside of several hollow fiber membranes, and the remaining gas after separation is discharged from the air guide hole 52 on the upper end cover 502.

[0037] A method for manufacturing a gas separation membrane element and an assembly device is as follows:

[0038] Step 1, prepare materials: use 3D printing to manufacture connecting end 2, installation end 4, end cover 5 and other materials; then take 300 hollow fiber membranes with a length of 650 mm, divide them into three parts to form a membrane bundle 1, and use a hot melt glue gun to block the two ends of the hollow fiber membrane respectively.

[0039] Step 2, prepare the membrane element: place one end of the membrane bundle 1 in step 1 into the connecting hole of the connecting end 2 and keep it aligned, seal the cut end 20 of the connecting end 2 with plastic wrap, and then inject the mixed polyurethane glue into the connecting end 2 to seal the end. After the glue is completely cured, use a tube cutter to cut off the cut end 20, and ensure that the cut is flat to obtain an assembled end; repeat the above operation to make the other end of the membrane element, and then install an O-ring in the annular groove 21 of the connecting end 2 for sealing to obtain a membrane element.

[0040] Step 3, assemble the membrane element: align the single membrane element in step 2 with the mounting hole 40 on the mounting end 4, press the connecting end 2 of the membrane element to make the clamping protrusion 3 pass through the vertical groove 4011, and then rotate it clockwise to make the clamping protrusion 3 expand and tighten in the horizontal groove 2012 of the clamping groove 401, ensuring that the membrane element and the mounting end 4 fit tightly; repeat the above operation to connect the other end of the membrane element; the assembly of multiple membrane elements also refers to this step. Finally, use a clamp to connect the end cap 5 and the mounting end 4 together. In order to ensure the airtightness of the connection, add a layer of rubber sealing ring between the end cap 5 and the mounting end 4.

[0041] The assembled membrane assembly can be combined with various reactors to form a separation membrane system. When the membrane element is damaged after long-term use, the membrane element can be removed from the mounting end 4 and replaced with a new membrane element. The mounting end 4 and the end cover 5 can be reused, which reduces the generation of solid waste and reduces the maintenance and replacement costs compared to replacing the entire membrane assembly.

[0042] The above is only an embodiment of the utility model. The utility model is not limited to the field involved in this implementation case. The common knowledge such as the known specific structure and characteristics in the scheme is not described in detail here. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several deformations and improvements can be made without departing from the structure of the utility model, which should also be regarded as the protection scope of the utility model, and these will not affect the effect of the implementation of the utility model and the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection required by this application shall be based on the content of its claims, and the specific implementation methods and other records in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A gas separation membrane element, characterized in that: It includes a membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and connecting ends arranged at both ends of the membrane bundle, the connecting ends are provided with penetrating connecting holes, the two ends of the membrane bundle are fixed in the connecting holes, and the connecting ends are provided with a plurality of clamping protrusions in the circumference, and the membrane elements are clamped on the assembly device through the clamping protrusions.

2. A gas separation membrane element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting end is also provided with an annular groove for installing a sealing ring.

3. An assembly device for a gas separation membrane element, used for installing a gas separation membrane element as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: It comprises two mounting ends, between which a plurality of membrane elements are detachably arranged.

4. The gas separation membrane element assembly device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each mounting end is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and a clamping groove is provided on the hole wall of each mounting hole, and the clamping protrusion on the connecting end is inserted into the clamping groove.

5. The gas separation membrane element assembly device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The card slot is L-shaped and includes a horizontal slot and a vertical slot. The horizontal slot of the card slot extends along the circumference of the mounting hole, and the card protrusion passes through the vertical slot of the card slot and is inserted into the horizontal slot.

6. The gas separation membrane element assembly device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The horizontal groove of at least one clamping groove on the mounting hole gradually decreases away from the end of the vertical groove, the width of at least one clamping protrusion on the connecting end gradually decreases, and a guiding wedge surface is provided on the clamping protrusion.

7. The gas separation membrane element assembly device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each mounting end is also provided with a through hole, one end of the through hole is communicated with the outside, and the other end is communicated with the end of the membrane element arranged in the mounting hole.

8. The gas separation membrane element assembly device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes two end covers, which are connected to the ends of the two mounting ends. One side of each end cover close to the mounting end is recessed inward to form a cavity, and the cavity is connected to the through hole. Each end cover is also provided with an air guide hole connected to the cavity.

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