End cover of spiral-wound membrane element and spiral-wound membrane element

Abstract

The utility model provides an end cover of a spiral-wound membrane element. The end cover comprises an end cover body and a skirt edge, the skirt edge is arranged at one end of the end cover body, and an accommodating space is defined by the inner side of the skirt edge; the skirt edge comprises a plurality of sheet bodies which are arranged in sequence, every two adjacent sheet bodies are separated from each other, and the containing space is jointly defined by the inner sides of the sheet bodies. Meanwhile, the utility model further provides a spiral-wound membrane element. Compared with the prior art, the end cover of the spiral-wound membrane element and the spiral-wound membrane element have the advantage that the end cover can be more tightly attached to the filter element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of filtration equipment technology, and in particular to an end cap for a spiral wound membrane element and a spiral wound membrane element. Background Technology

[0002] A reverse osmosis membrane element is an artificial semi-permeable membrane with specific characteristics, mimicking a biological semi-permeable membrane. It is the core component of reverse osmosis technology. The principle of reverse osmosis is that, under pressure higher than the osmotic pressure of the solution, other substances cannot pass through the semi-permeable membrane, thus separating them from water. Reverse osmosis membrane elements feature high membrane area density and a compact design. The membrane pore size is extremely small, effectively removing dissolved salts, colloids, microorganisms, and organic matter from water. The system offers advantages such as good water quality, low energy consumption, no pollution, simple process, and easy operation, and is widely used in seawater desalination, industrial pure water production, and wastewater reuse.

[0003] Reverse osmosis membrane elements typically employ a spiral wound structure, also known as spiral wound membrane elements. A spiral wound membrane element includes a central tube, filter cartridge, end caps, and a housing. The filter cartridge is fitted around the outer circumference of the central tube, the end caps are located at both ends of the filter cartridge along its axial direction, and the housing is located around the outer circumference of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is the primary filtration component, typically employing a multi-layer membrane structure. The end caps are the sealing and support components at both ends of the spiral wound membrane element, primarily used to seal the membrane element, support and protect the internal structure, and ensure a reliable connection to the pressure vessel. The grooves in the end caps accommodate sealing rings, ensuring tight contact with the system membrane housing and providing a seal while also offering mechanical support to withstand pressure fluctuations during system operation. The housing is usually made of fiberglass. During reverse osmosis membrane element manufacturing, after the end caps are installed, the filter cartridge is wound with a layer of fiberglass yarn, typically 1.5–5 mm thick. After curing, this forms a fiberglass housing. The housing's main function is to enhance overall mechanical strength, ensuring the element maintains its integrity and does not disintegrate under high system pressure.

[0004] Currently, conventional end caps are typically skirted, with the inner diameter of the skirt determined by the diameter of the filter element. This inner diameter is fixed after the end cap is manufactured. The skirt length is generally controlled between 5 and 30 mm. When assembling the filter element with the skirt, the end of the filter element is inserted into the skirt, creating a skirt overlap between the end cap and the filter element. Ideally, after the end of the filter element is inserted into the skirt, the outer circumferential surface of the filter element should fit tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the skirt. However, in actual production, the diameter of the filter element may deviate due to factors such as manufacturing processes and material size fluctuations. Therefore, after assembling the filter element with the end cap, gaps may easily exist between the filter element and the skirt, preventing the skirt from completely fitting the filter element. When fiberglass yarn is wound after the end cap is assembled, due to the gap between the filter element and the end cap, there is a stepped height difference between the skirt seam and the filter element. To maintain the uniformity of the overall size of the spiral wound membrane element after the fiberglass yarn is wound, the steps are filled and made into a small-angle slope. This results in the fiberglass being thinner at the joints than at other locations. At the same time, the presence of gaps causes the fiberglass to be suspended under the outer skin, which reduces its mechanical strength. During use, the fiberglass may crack at these points when subjected to pressure differentials or impacts.

[0005] In addition, there is a type of end cap without a skirt in the existing technology. During assembly, the end face of this type of end cap fits snugly against the end face of the filter element, with no overlap between them. The end cap and filter element are joined using tape before the fiberglass yarn is wound and cured. However, in actual production, due to factors such as manufacturing processes, the end face of the filter element is not flat, and there are gaps between the end face of the end cap and the end face of the filter element. This causes the fiberglass yarn to easily break at these gaps after winding. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the technical problem in existing technologies where end caps with skirts tend to have gaps between the end cap and the filter element after assembly, potentially affecting the strength of the fiberglass, this invention provides an end cap for a spiral-wound membrane element. The skirt employs a split structure, replacing the single, ring-shaped structure with multiple spaced-apart pieces forming a "comb-like" skirt. This design provides the skirt with elasticity, allowing the fiberglass yarn to tightly bind the skirt to the filter element during winding, thus preventing gaps between the skirt and the filter element.

[0007] An end cap for a spiral wound membrane element, comprising an end cap body and a skirt;

[0008] The skirt is disposed at one end of the end cap body, and the inner side of the skirt forms an accommodating space;

[0009] The skirt comprises multiple pieces arranged sequentially, with adjacent pieces spaced apart from each other, and the inner sides of each piece together forming the receiving space.

[0010] Preferably, each of the sheets is arranged in a ring shape and the sheets are evenly spaced apart.

[0011] Preferably, all the sheet bodies have the same shape and size.

[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the sheet is provided with ribs, which extend along the width direction of the sheet and along the length direction of the sheet. Multiple ribs are provided, and adjacent ribs are spaced apart from each other.

[0013] Preferably, the ribs are evenly spaced along the length of the sheet.

[0014] Preferably, each of the sheet bodies has ribs on its outer surface, and the positions of the ribs on each sheet body are matched with each other.

[0015] Preferably, a central hole is provided at the center of the end cap body, and multiple through holes are also provided on the end cap body.

[0016] Preferably, the end cap body includes a plate, an outer ring, a central ring, and ribs;

[0017] The skirt is located at one end of the plate;

[0018] The outer ring is disposed at the other end of the plate;

[0019] The central ring is located at the center of the inner side of the plate, and the central hole is formed in the central ring;

[0020] The rib is disposed at the other end of the plate, and the two ends of the rib are respectively connected to the central ring and the outer ring;

[0021] The ribs are provided in multiple pieces, and two adjacent ribs form a cavity;

[0022] The through hole penetrates the plate and is provided corresponding to the cavity.

[0023] Preferably, the plate body is provided with a through hole corresponding to each cavity.

[0024] A spiral wound membrane element includes a central tube, a filter element, a housing, and end caps of the spiral wound membrane element as described in any one of the above descriptions.

[0025] The filter element is sleeved on the outer periphery of the central tube, and the end caps of the spiral membrane element are respectively provided at both ends of the filter element, with the end of the filter element located in the receiving space;

[0026] The outer casing is disposed outside the filter element and the skirt.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the end cap of the spiral wound membrane element provided by this utility model includes an end cap body and a skirt. The skirt is disposed at one end of the end cap body, and the inner side of the skirt forms an accommodating space. The skirt includes multiple sheets arranged sequentially, with adjacent sheets spaced apart from each other, and the inner sides of each sheet together form the accommodating space. The skirt, consisting of multiple sheets arranged sequentially at intervals, adopts a split design to form a "comb-like" skirt, giving it a certain elasticity. This allows the fiberglass yarn to tighten the skirt during the winding process, ensuring the sheets fit the filter element and preventing gaps between the filter element and the skirt. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent sheets creates gaps, allowing epoxy resin to seep through these gaps during assembly to fill the gaps between the filter element and the skirt. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the end cap of a spiral wound membrane element provided in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a partial area of ​​the end cap of the spiral wound membrane element shown;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of the end cap of the spiral wound membrane element shown.

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the end cap of the spiral wound membrane element shown.

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the end face structure of the end cap of the spiral wound membrane element shown.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] End cap 100 of the spiral wound membrane element;

[0036] End cap body 10, center hole 11, through hole 12, plate 13, outer ring 14, center ring 15, rib plate 16, cavity 17, inner cavity 171, outer cavity 172;

[0037] 20. Skirt edge; 21. Sheet body; 22. Gap; 23. Ribbon;

[0038] Capacity space: 30. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to", "mounted to", or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is "connected" to another component, or a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0041] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

[0044] This utility model provides an end cap for a spiral-wound membrane element, comprising an end cap body and a skirt. The skirt is disposed at one end of the end cap body, and the inner side of the skirt forms a receiving space. The skirt comprises multiple sheets arranged sequentially, with adjacent sheets spaced apart from each other, and the inner sides of each sheet together form the receiving space. The skirt comprises multiple sheets arranged sequentially and spaced apart, adopting a split design to form a "comb-like" skirt, giving the skirt a certain degree of elasticity. This allows the fiberglass yarn to tighten the skirt during the winding process, ensuring the sheets fit the filter element and preventing gaps between the filter element and the skirt. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent sheets creates gaps, allowing epoxy resin to seep through these gaps during assembly to fill the gaps between the filter element and the skirt.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, an end cap 100 for a spiral wound membrane element is provided. This end cap has a skirt and is mainly used to solve the problem that there is a gap between the skirt and the filter element.

[0046] The end cap 100 of the spiral membrane element includes an end cap body 10 and a skirt 20. The skirt 20 is disposed at one end of the end cap body 10, and the inner side of the skirt 20 forms a receiving space 30, which is mainly used to receive the end of the filter element. The skirt 20 includes multiple sheets 21 arranged sequentially, with adjacent sheets 21 spaced apart to form a gap 22 between adjacent sheets 21. The inner sides of each sheet 21 together form the receiving space 30. That is to say, in this embodiment, the skirt 20 is not an integral structure, but a split structure. The skirt 20 is a segmented structure of the existing integral skirt structure. The skirt 20 is composed of multiple sheets 21, thereby forming a "comb"-like structure composed of multiple toothed sheets.

[0047] Understandably, in existing technologies, the end cap skirt is an integral structure, typically a single ring. Theoretically, the inner diameter of the skirt should match the filter element diameter. However, in actual production, various factors can cause deviations in the filter element diameter. Since the skirt size is fixed and cannot be adjusted to accommodate fluctuations in the filter element diameter, the poor fit between the filter element and the skirt results in gaps between them after assembly. This leads to poor strength of the fiberglass at the joint after winding, and consequently, poor pressure and impact resistance. Furthermore, after fiberglass winding, noticeable breaks and whitening appear on the surface. Currently, solving this problem requires filling the area under the skirt with hot melt adhesive, which complicates the process.

[0048] In the end cap 100 of the spiral wound membrane element provided in this embodiment, the skirt 20 is composed of multiple sheets 21, with adjacent sheets 21 spaced apart. This gives each sheet 21 good elasticity. Through the deformation capability of the sheet 21, the sheet 21 is tightened by fiberglass yarn during the winding process, allowing it to deform inwards and fit tightly against the filter element. This prevents gaps between the skirt 20 and the filter element. After the fiberglass has cured, the skirt 20 remains tightly attached to the filter element. This tight fit between the skirt 20 and the filter element, preventing gaps, results in a smoother transition and more uniform thickness of the fiberglass after winding and curing, without any breaks in the middle. The fiberglass exhibits better overall integrity, stronger pressure differential resistance during the use of the spiral wound membrane element, and no obvious breaks or whitening in the winding appearance. This simplifies the operation process. Furthermore, during the assembly of the spiral wound membrane element, epoxy resin can also leak through the gaps 22 between the sheets 21 to fill the gaps between the filter element and the skirt 20 below the sheets 21, thereby further preventing the formation of gaps between the skirt 20 and the filter element. At the same time, because the sheets 21 have good deformation capabilities, the skirt 20 can accommodate a wider range of filter element diameters.

[0049] It is understandable that the width of the sheet 21 can be selected according to actual needs. If the sheet 21 is too wide, it will be too rigid, making it difficult to deform during assembly and easy to fit onto the filter element; while if the sheet 21 is too narrow, it will not be strong enough and will be prone to breakage during the production process.

[0050] Preferably, in one embodiment, each of the sheet bodies 21 is arranged in a ring shape and the sheet bodies 21 are evenly spaced apart. That is, the spacing between each of the sheet bodies 21 is equal, and the width of the plurality of gaps 22 formed in the skirt 20 is the same, which is more conducive to filling the gaps during the winding process.

[0051] Preferably, in one embodiment, each of the sheet bodies 21 has the same shape and size, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the skirt 20.

[0052] More preferably, in one embodiment, the sheet 21 is a rectangular sheet, that is, each sheet 21 is rectangular in structure, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the skirt 20, and also better ensures the structural strength of the sheet 21 itself. In addition, it is also beneficial to wrap the wire around the outside of the skirt 20 during assembly.

[0053] Preferably, in one embodiment, the outer surface of the sheet 21 is provided with ribs 23, wherein the outer surface of the sheet 21 refers to the surface away from the receiving space 30, specifically the surface for contact with the fiberglass. The ribs 23 extend along the width direction of the sheet 21 and are arranged in multiples along the length direction of the sheet 21, with adjacent ribs 23 spaced apart. That is, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the sheet 21 is provided with transverse ribs 23, and multiple ribs 23 are arranged, with the multiple ribs 23 distributed vertically at intervals on the outer surface of the sheet 21. The arrangement of the ribs 23 allows the fiberglass yarn and epoxy adhesive to be embedded into the rib 23 seams during winding, thereby increasing strength. This makes the fiber yarn and the end cap 100 of the spiral wound membrane element form a single unit, resulting in higher strength.

[0054] Preferably, in one embodiment, the ribs 23 are evenly spaced along the length of the sheet 21, that is, the spacing between two adjacent ribs 23 is the same.

[0055] Preferably, in one embodiment, each sheet 21 has ribs 23 on its outer surface, and the positions of the ribs 23 on each sheet 21 are matched with each other. That is, there is no misalignment of the ribs 23 on each sheet 21, and the ribs 23 on each sheet 21 are arranged sequentially, so that the overall structure can be flatter after winding.

[0056] Specifically, in one embodiment, the outer surface of each sheet 21 is provided with seven ribs 23.

[0057] Preferably, in one embodiment, a central hole 11 is provided at the center of the end cap body 10, and a plurality of through holes 12 are also provided on the end cap body 10. The central hole 11 is mainly used for docking with the central pipe, and the through holes 12 are water flow channels.

[0058] Preferably, in one embodiment, the end cap body 10 includes a plate 13, an outer ring 14, a central ring 15, and ribs 16. A skirt 20 is disposed at one end of the plate 13, and the outer ring is disposed at the other end 14 of the plate 13. The central ring 15 is located at the inner center of the plate 13, and a central hole 11 is formed in the central ring 15. The ribs 16 are disposed at the other end of the plate 13, and both ends of the ribs 16 are connected to the central ring 15 and the outer ring 14, respectively. Multiple ribs 16 are provided, and adjacent ribs 16 form a cavity 17. Through holes 12 penetrate the plate 13 and are provided corresponding to the cavity 17. This structural design of the end cap body 10 can improve the structural strength of the end cap body 10 itself.

[0059] Preferably, in one embodiment, the plate 13 is provided with a through hole 12 corresponding to each of the cavities 17.

[0060] Specifically, in one embodiment, the ribs 16 in the end cap body 10 are distributed in a "pentagram" structure.

[0061] Preferably, in one embodiment, the number of through holes 12 provided in each region of the plate 13 matches the size of the cavity 17. For example, in one embodiment, the cavity 17 is divided into an inner cavity 171 formed by the two ribs 16 and the central ring 15, and an outer cavity 172 formed by the two ribs 16 and the outer ring 14. The space of the outer cavity 172 is larger than the space of the inner cavity 171. The number of through holes 12 provided on the plate 13 corresponding to the outer cavity 172 is greater than the number of through holes 12 provided on the plate 13 corresponding to the inner cavity 171, so that the water is evenly distributed into the flow channel of the filter element. More specifically, in one embodiment, the inner cavity 171 and the outer cavity 172 are provided with a plurality of holes, and the number of through holes 12 provided on the plate 13 corresponding to each inner cavity 171 is the same, and the number of through holes 12 provided on the plate 13 corresponding to each outer cavity 172 is the same, so that the water inlet is evenly distributed into the flow channel of the filter element.

[0062] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, a spiral wound membrane element is also provided, which includes a central tube, a filter element, a housing, and an end cap 100 of the spiral wound membrane element. The central tube has water passage holes on its wall. The filter element is sleeved on the outer periphery of the central tube. The end caps 100 of the spiral wound membrane element are respectively provided at both ends of the filter element. The end of the filter element is located in the receiving space 30. The housing is disposed outside the filter element and the skirt 20.

[0063] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make improvements without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, but these improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An end cap for a spiral-wound membrane element, characterized by Including the end cap body and the skirt; The skirt is disposed at one end of the end cap body, and the inner side of the skirt forms an accommodating space; The skirt comprises multiple pieces arranged sequentially, with adjacent pieces spaced apart from each other, and the inner sides of each piece together forming the receiving space.

2. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet pieces are arranged in a ring shape and are evenly spaced apart.

3. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 2, characterized in that, All the sheet bodies described have the same shape and size.

4. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sheet is provided with ribs, which extend along the width direction of the sheet and along the length direction of the sheet. There are multiple ribs, and adjacent ribs are spaced apart from each other.

5. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ribs are evenly spaced along the length of the sheet.

6. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the sheet pieces has ridges on its outer surface, and the positions of the ridges on each sheet piece are matched with each other.

7. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap body has a central hole at its center and multiple through holes.

8. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end cap body includes a plate, an outer ring, a central ring, and ribs; The skirt is located at one end of the plate; The outer ring is disposed at the other end of the plate; The central ring is located at the inner center of the plate, and the central hole is formed in the central ring; The rib is disposed at the other end of the plate, and the two ends of the rib are respectively connected to the central ring and the outer ring; The ribs are provided in multiple pieces, and two adjacent ribs form a cavity; The through hole penetrates the plate and is provided corresponding to the cavity.

9. The end cap of the spiral wound membrane element according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plate body is provided with the through hole corresponding to each cavity.

10. A spiral wound membrane element, characterized in that, It includes a central tube, a filter element, a housing, and an end cap for a spiral wound membrane element as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The filter element is sleeved on the outer periphery of the central tube, and the end caps of the spiral membrane element are respectively provided at both ends of the filter element, with the end of the filter element located in the receiving space; The outer casing is disposed outside the filter element and the skirt.

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