Column type membrane assembly

By adopting an independent gas-liquid channel design and a modular structure, the problems of incomplete cleaning, uneven aeration, and short lifespan in traditional column membrane modules are solved, achieving efficient cleaning and long-life membrane module operation, and reducing solid waste generation.

CN224199195UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05GUANGZHOU XIRUN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGZHOU XIRUN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional column membrane modules suffer from problems such as incomplete membrane bundle cleaning, uneven aeration leading to the accumulation of fouling on the membrane surface, short module life, and uneven water flow distribution due to the water inlet method.

Method used

An independent gas-liquid channel structure was designed, including a main air inlet, an annular water flow channel, and a main water outlet. It adopts a detachable connection and modular design, and uses an expansion-contraction-re-expansion air nozzle structure, combined with a venturi tube and multiple O-rings to achieve gas-liquid separation and uniform aeration.

Benefits of technology

It enables independent operation of gas-liquid two-phase flow, avoids cross-contamination, improves the cleaning efficiency and service life of membrane modules, reduces solid waste generation, and enhances installation efficiency and water quality.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a column type membrane module, which comprises a membrane shell, a water inlet and a drain outlet, the end cover is arranged at the top of the membrane shell and is provided with a main water outlet hole and a main air inlet hole; the membrane core comprises a filter core upper shell and a filter core lower shell, a membrane bundle is enclosed by the filter core upper shell, and an air inlet bin is formed by the filter core lower shell and the inner wall of the end cover; wherein the filter element lower shell is provided with a plurality of sub air inlet holes which are connected with aeration pipes at the centers of membrane bundles and are communicated with the main air inlet hole; and the plurality of sub water outlet holes distributed in the circumferential direction and the inner wall of the end cover form an annular water flow channel and are communicated with the main water outlet hole. The mutual interference of gas-liquid two-phase flow is eliminated by physically isolating a water production channel (from a water inlet hole to an annular water flow channel to a total water outlet hole) from a gas inlet channel (from the total gas inlet hole to a gas inlet bin to an aeration pipe). In addition, only the membrane core is replaced, the end cover / membrane shell and other structural parts are reserved, and solid waste is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a column membrane module. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional column-type membrane modules generally suffer from the following technical problems: 1. Incomplete membrane bundle cleaning, with sealing at both ends creating cleaning blind spots; 2. Uneven aeration leading to the accumulation of fouling on the membrane surface; 3. Short module lifespan (approximately 3 years), generating a large amount of solid waste during replacement; 4. Existing water inlet methods easily cause uneven water flow distribution. Therefore, improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a columnar membrane module.

[0004] The present invention provides a columnar membrane module, comprising: a membrane shell having an inlet and a drain; an end cap located on the top of the membrane shell having a main outlet and a main air inlet; and a membrane core including an upper filter shell and a lower filter shell, the upper filter shell enclosing the membrane bundles, and the lower filter shell forming an air inlet chamber with the inner wall of the end cap; wherein the lower filter shell has: multiple sub-air inlets connecting to aeration pipes at the center of each membrane bundle and communicating with the main air inlet; and multiple circumferentially distributed sub-outlets forming an annular water flow channel with the inner wall of the end cap and communicating with the main outlet.

[0005] Furthermore, the main air inlet is located on the top of the end cap, and the main water inlet is located on the side wall of the end cap.

[0006] Furthermore, the upper and lower shells of the filter element are connected by adhesive.

[0007] Furthermore, a first O-ring is provided between the lower shell of the filter element and the inner wall of the end cap, and a second O-ring is provided on the outer wall of the upper shell of the filter element to seal with the inner wall of the end cap.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the aeration pipes has an air inlet end equipped with an air nozzle that connects to the sub-air inlet hole, and the air nozzle has a "trumpet mouth" structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the air nozzle has an "expansion-contraction-re-expansion" structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the membrane shell and the end cap form a detachable connection.

[0011] Furthermore, the main air inlet or the water inlet is externally mounted with a Venturi tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the main air inlet can be switched to serve as a water inlet. When the main air inlet serves as a water inlet, an external water source flushes the membrane fibers through the main air inlet to remove sludge from the membrane fibers.

[0013] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] This invention eliminates the mutual interference between the gas and liquid two-phase flows by physically isolating the water production channel (inlet port → annular water flow channel → main outlet port) and the air intake channel (main air intake port → air intake chamber → aeration pipe). Furthermore, only the membrane core needs to be replaced, while retaining structural components such as end caps / membrane shells, thus reducing solid waste. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The disclosure of this utility model will become more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a columnar membrane module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the central column membrane module.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a columnar membrane assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the central column membrane module.

[0020] Appendix Label Reference Table:

[0021] 1. Membrane housing; 11. Water inlet; 12. Drain outlet; 2. End cap; 21. Main water outlet; 22. Main air inlet; 3. Membrane core; 31. Membrane bundle; 32. Aeration pipe; 4. Upper shell of filter element; 5. Lower shell of filter element; 51. Sub-air inlet; 52. Sub-water outlet; 6. Air nozzle; 7. First O-ring seal; 8. Second O-ring seal; 9. Third O-ring seal. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this utility model, various structural and implementation methods can be interchanged by those skilled in the art without altering the essential spirit of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the technical solution of this utility model and should not be considered as the entirety of this utility model or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this utility model.

[0024] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. These are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned components within this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In some embodiments of this utility model, the following are included: a membrane shell 1, having a water inlet 11 and a drain outlet 12; an end cap 2, located on the top of the membrane shell 1, having a main water outlet 21 and a main air inlet 22; and a membrane core 3, including an upper filter shell 4 and a lower filter shell 5, wherein the upper filter shell 4 encloses the membrane bundle 31, and the lower filter shell 5 forms an air inlet chamber with the inner wall of the end cap 2; wherein the lower filter shell 5 has: multiple sub-air inlets 51, connecting to the aeration pipe 32 at the center of each membrane bundle 31 and communicating with the main air inlet 22; and multiple circumferentially distributed sub-water outlets 52, forming an annular water flow channel with the inner wall of the end cap 2 and communicating with the main water outlet 21.

[0027] Specifically, raw water enters through the inlet 11 of membrane housing 1, flows through the membrane bundle 31 for filtration, becomes product water, and enters the annular water flow channel through the sub-outlet 52 of the lower filter cartridge 5, finally exiting through the main outlet 21 of end cap 2. Simultaneously, gas enters the air inlet chamber through the main air inlet 22 of end cap 2, and is distributed to each aeration pipe 32 via the sub-air inlet 51, forming a scouring airflow over the membrane bundle 31. Technical benefits: Independent operation of the air and water channels avoids cross-contamination; the annular water flow channel achieves low-pressure-loss product water collection; the modular design improves the replacement efficiency of membrane cartridge 3 by 80%.

[0028] In some embodiments of this utility model, regarding the hole layout, the main air inlet 22 is located on the top of the end cap 2, and the water inlet 11 is located on the side wall of the end cap 2. Specifically, this reduces energy loss caused by the mixing of gas and liquid two-phase flows, the pipeline layout conforms to engineering practices, and installation efficiency is improved.

[0029] In some embodiments of this invention, the upper filter shell 4 and the lower filter shell 5 are connected by adhesive. Specifically, epoxy resin adhesive forms a continuous sealing layer on the joint surface of the upper and lower filter shells, which, after curing, simultaneously achieves structural fixation and media isolation. The sealing layer can withstand water pressure without leakage, has better chemical corrosion resistance than rubber seals, and provides high connection strength.

[0030] In some embodiments of this utility model, a first O-ring 7 is provided between the lower shell 5 of the filter element and the inner wall of the end cap 2, and a second O-ring 8 is provided on the outer wall of the upper shell 4 of the filter element to seal against the inner wall of the end cap 2. Specifically, multiple first O-rings 7 and second O-rings 8 can be provided. The first O-ring prevents gas leakage from the air intake chamber, and the second O-ring prevents water from seeping into the air intake system. The double-sealing structure establishes redundant protection.

[0031] In some embodiments of this invention, each aeration pipe 32 has an air inlet 6 connected to the sub-air inlet 51 at its air inlet end. The air inlet 6 has an "expansion-contraction-re-expansion" structure. When gas passes through the "expansion-contraction-re-expansion" air inlet 6, it first decreases in pressure, accelerates, and then increases in pressure to form a vortex, finally entering the center of the membrane bundle 31 in a turbulent state. Technical effects: The bubble diameter is reduced, the shear force on the surface of the membrane bundle 31 is increased, and the aeration energy consumption is reduced.

[0032] In some embodiments of this invention, the diameter of the sub-outlet holes 52 is 0.5-2 mm, and they are evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, with a quantity of 8-24. Specifically, when the produced water passes through the sub-outlet holes 52 with a specific diameter, it achieves self-cleaning, prevents particulate matter from depositing and clogging, balances the flow rate, and reduces the turbidity of the effluent.

[0033] In some embodiments of this invention, the end cap 2 is made of stainless steel. The stainless steel end cap 2 compensates for differences in thermal expansion and contraction through metal plastic deformation, avoiding sealing failure due to material aging.

[0034] In some embodiments of this utility model, a third O-ring 9 is provided on the lower inner wall of the end cap 2 to seal against the outer wall of the membrane housing 1. The third O-ring forms a radial seal at the connection between the end cap 2 and the membrane housing 1, and fills the machining tolerance through elastic deformation.

[0035] In some embodiments of this invention, the membrane shell 1 and the end cap 2 are detachably connected. A threaded connection can be used, where the threaded connection generates axial clamping force through the helix angle; the constraint can be released by rotating in the opposite direction during disassembly. This allows for quick assembly and disassembly and can withstand repeated assembly and disassembly.

[0036] In some embodiments of this utility model, raw water enters tangentially from the water inlet 11, forming a swirling flow; gas enters from the main air inlet 22, and the turbulence is enhanced by the "expansion-contraction-re-expansion" air nozzle 6; produced water enters the annular water flow channel through the sub-water outlet 52; and the sewage outlet 12 is opened periodically to discharge sediment.

[0037] In some embodiments of this utility model, the main air inlet 22 is connected to a tap water pipe; water pressure is used to achieve self-cleaning of the membrane fibers; and the water production is controlled by a flow regulating valve.

[0038] In some embodiments of this utility model, the main air inlet 22 or the water inlet 11 is externally mounted with a Venturi tube.

[0039] Specifically, when the main air inlet 22 is externally mounted with a Venturi tube, the gas enters the membrane housing 1 through the main air inlet 22 and flows at high speed through the throat of the Venturi tube, generating negative pressure. This automatically draws in outside air and forms microbubbles, which are then transported to the air inlet chamber through the main air inlet 22 and then evenly distributed to the surface of the membrane bundle 31 via the aeration pipe 32. When the water inlet 11 is externally mounted with a Venturi tube, the contraction-expansion structure of the Venturi tube can improve the turbulence of the incoming water flow and avoid the problem of uneven water distribution caused by traditional water inlet methods.

[0040] In some embodiments of this invention, the main air inlet 22 can be switched to serve as a water inlet. When the main air inlet 22 serves as a water inlet, external water is used to flush the membrane fibers through the main air inlet 22 to remove sludge from the membrane fibers. The main air inlet 22 has a dual function—it can not only serve as an inlet for gas (such as air) but can also be switched to a water inlet to introduce clean water for physical cleaning of the membrane fibers.

[0041] This invention eliminates the mutual interference between the gas and liquid two-phase flows by physically isolating the water production channel (inlet 11 → annular water flow channel → main outlet 21) and the air intake channel (main air intake 22 → air chamber → aeration pipe 32). Furthermore, only the membrane core 3 is replaced, while retaining structural components such as the end cap 2 / membrane shell 1, reducing solid waste. The unique air nozzle 6 design improves cleaning efficiency, the three-stage sealing system ensures service life, and the modular design reduces solid waste.

[0042] The above are merely the principles and preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several other modifications can be made based on the principles of this utility model, and these modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A columnar membrane module, characterized in that, include: The membrane housing is equipped with a water inlet and a drain outlet; An end cap, located at the top of the membrane housing, has a main water outlet and a main air inlet; a membrane core, comprising an upper filter shell and a lower filter shell, wherein the upper filter shell encloses the membrane bundle, and the lower filter shell forms an air inlet chamber with the inner wall of the end cap; wherein the lower filter shell is provided with: Multiple sub-air inlets are connected to the aeration pipes at the center of each membrane bundle and communicate with the main air inlet. Multiple sub-outlets distributed circumferentially form an annular water flow channel with the inner wall of the end cap and are connected to the main outlet.

2. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that... The main air inlet is located on the top of the end cap, and the water inlet is located on the side wall of the end cap.

3. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower shells of the filter element are connected.

4. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first O-ring is provided between the lower shell of the filter element and the inner wall of the end cap, and a second O-ring is provided on the outer wall of the upper shell of the filter element to seal with the inner wall of the end cap.

5. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aeration pipes has an air inlet end equipped with an air nozzle that connects to the sub-air inlet hole, and the air nozzle has a "trumpet mouth" structure.

6. The columnar membrane module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air nozzle has an "expansion-contraction-re-expansion" structure.

7. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane shell and the end cap form a detachable connection.

8. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main air inlet or the water inlet is externally mounted with a Venturi tube.

9. The columnar membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main air inlet can be switched to serve as a water inlet. When the main air inlet is used as a water inlet, an external water source flushes the membrane fibers through the main air inlet to remove sludge from the membrane fibers.