Manifold for membrane modules and membrane module

Abstract

The disclosure provides a membrane group device and a manifold applied to the membrane group device, the manifold comprising a main pipe and at least one branch pipe arranged on the main pipe, wherein a first flange plate and a second flange plate are arranged at two opposite ends of the main pipe respectively, and a lumen of the branch pipe is in communication with a lumen of the main pipe. Through process and structural improvement, the pipe loss of an aeration system and a water production system can be greatly reduced. Through reasonable structural design, the demand of non-standard product specification diversification can be solved by realizing the block type splicing. Through reasonable splicing structure, the internal stress problem of thermal expansion and cold contraction and the deformation leakage problem can be solved, and the manifold has the advantages of high production efficiency, low comprehensive cost, size stability and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of membrane module technology, and in particular to a membrane module and a manifold fitting used in a membrane module. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of wastewater treatment, membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has become the mainstream technology. Within MBR technology, the application of membrane modules is increasingly widespread. Through the highly efficient separation function of membrane modules, sludge-water separation efficiency is significantly improved, reducing the footprint of the wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, the increased concentration of activated sludge in the aeration tank and the efficient retention of dominant bacteria enhance the biochemical reaction rate. In addition, the use of membrane modules significantly reduces the production of excess sludge, solving the problems of large excess sludge production, large footprint, and low operating efficiency inherent in traditional biological treatment methods.

[0003] The effluent and aeration supply pipes of membrane modules are typical manifolds, with one main pipe connecting to multiple branch pipes. The main pipe connects to the main interface, and the branch pipes connect to individual membrane elements or aerators. These manifolds typically employ one-piece welded pipes, one-piece molding, or socket-type structures, and are then connected using various types of sealing and locking fittings to form the membrane module's manifold for water production or aeration. However, due to manufacturing limitations, these manifolds often have right angles at corners, resulting in significant pipe losses, reduced gas or liquid flow rates, and increased energy consumption. One-piece molded manifolds in wastewater are also subject to internal stress due to seasonal temperature changes causing continuous contraction or expansion. This internal stress can even tear or crack some membrane element interfaces. Furthermore, the one-piece molded structure is not conducive to customizing membrane modules of different sizes; too many models lead to exceptionally high manufacturing and inventory costs. While socket-type manifold fittings can solve the problem of internal stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction and the problem of numerous non-standard product specifications, the joint of the socket structure is particularly sensitive to deformation. Once the joint deforms too much or the sealing ring ages after a long service life, leakage will easily occur at the socket joint, thereby increasing after-sales costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the lack of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a manifold fitting and a membrane module for use in membrane modules, so as to solve various problems in the related technologies.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a manifold fitting for use in a diaphragm module, comprising:

[0006] The main pipeline has a first flange and a second flange at its two opposite ends; and

[0007] At least one branch pipe is provided on the main pipe; the lumen of each branch pipe is connected to the lumen of the main pipe by a circular arc transition.

[0008] In some examples of the first aspect, the flange splicing surface of the first flange is provided with a sealing structure, and the flange splicing surface of the second flange is a smooth and flat surface; when the two manifolds are spliced, the flange splicing surface of the first flange in the first manifold is connected to the flange splicing surface of the second flange in the second manifold.

[0009] In some examples of the first aspect, the sealing structure is a sealing groove structure.

[0010] In some examples of the first aspect, when splicing two manifolds, a sealing element is added between the flange splicing face of the first flange in the first manifold and the flange splicing face of the second flange in the second manifold.

[0011] In some examples of the first aspect, the seal is an O-ring or a gasket.

[0012] In some examples of the first aspect, there are multiple branch pipes, which are arranged on the main pipe to form a single row, double row, or multiple rows, and the line connecting the centers of each branch pipe in each row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe.

[0013] In some examples of the first aspect, all branch pipes have the same lumen size to achieve optimal water production balance.

[0014] In some examples of the first aspect, multiple branch tubes in the same row have the same lumen size.

[0015] In some examples of the first aspect, the lumen of the main pipe is larger than the lumen of the branch pipe.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a membrane module including a manifold as described above for use in a membrane module.

[0017] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure provide a membrane module and a manifold fitting applied to the membrane module. The manifold fitting includes a main pipe and at least one branch pipe disposed on the main pipe. A first flange and a second flange are respectively provided at two opposite ends of the main pipe, and the lumen of the branch pipe is connected to the lumen of the main pipe. Through improvements in process and structure, pipe losses in the aeration system and permeate system can be significantly reduced. A reasonable structural design allows for modular assembly to address the diverse specifications of non-standard products. Furthermore, a reasonable assembly structure solves the problems of internal stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as deformation and leakage. This design offers advantages such as high production efficiency, low overall cost, and dimensional stability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a first-view schematic of a manifold component used in a membrane module according to this disclosure in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a second-view schematic of a manifold component used in a membrane module according to this disclosure in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shows a configuration of multiple manifolds connected using the manifolds disclosed herein for use in membrane modules.

[0021] Figure 4 Displayed as Figure 1 Bottom view of a manifold fitting in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the information disclosed herein. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this disclosure can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application modules without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0023] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can readily implement it. This disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] In this disclosure, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic represented in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or a group of embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples represented in this disclosure, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative 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 at least one of that feature. In the representation of this disclosure, "a set" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] For the purpose of clarity, devices unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.

[0027] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other components in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a device "comprises" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather implies that other constituent elements may be included.

[0028] While the terms first, second, etc., are used in some examples herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, module, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0029] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in this specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0030] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the message of the present disclosure, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0031] In membrane module technologies, manifolds often have right angles at corners due to manufacturing limitations, resulting in significant pipe losses. This reduces the flow rate of gas or liquid within the pipe, increasing energy consumption. Furthermore, manifolds cannot be customized to different sizes, leading to inconvenient maintenance and high manufacturing costs.

[0032] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a manifold fitting and a membrane module for use in membrane modules. Through improvements in process and structure, pipe losses in the aeration system and water production system can be greatly reduced. Through reasonable structural design, modular splicing can be achieved to meet the diverse needs of non-standard product specifications. The reasonable splicing structure can also solve the problems of internal stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as deformation and leakage. It has the advantages of high production efficiency, low overall cost, and dimensional stability.

[0033] This disclosure provides a manifold fitting for use in diaphragm modules.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in, Figure 1 The diagram shown is a first-view schematic of a manifold fitting used in a membrane module according to this disclosure in one embodiment. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a second-view schematic of a manifold component used in a membrane module according to this disclosure in one embodiment.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the manifold fitting applied to the membrane module in this embodiment may include: a main pipe 11 and at least one branch pipe 13.

[0036] The main pipe 11 is a cylindrical pipe with two opposite ends, which are openings in the main pipe. A first flange 111 and a second flange 113 are respectively provided at the two opposite ends of the main pipe 11. The flange joint surface of the first flange 111 has a sealing structure 1111, and the flange joint surface of the second flange 113 is a smooth and flat surface. Bolt locking holes are provided on the flange joint surface of the first flange 111 and the flange joint surface of the second flange 113.

[0037] When the manifold in this embodiment is applied to a membrane module, it can include multiple manifolds. Multiple manifolds 1 can be joined end-to-end to achieve different length requirements. For example, when splicing two manifolds 1, the flange splicing surface of the first flange 111 in the first manifold 1 is aligned with the flange splicing surface of the second flange 113 in the second manifold 1. That is, the sealing structure of the flange splicing surface of the first flange 111 in the first manifold 1 is aligned with the smooth, flat surface of the flange splicing surface of the second flange 113 in the second manifold 1. Furthermore, the bolt locking holes on the flange splicing surface of the first flange 111 in the first manifold 1 correspond to the bolt locking holes on the flange splicing surface of the second flange 113 in the second manifold 1. After tightening the bolts through the bolt locking holes, the spliced ​​first manifold 1 and second manifold 1 can be securely connected to each other. According to the above splicing method, multiple manifolds can be spliced ​​together according to actual working conditions, forming a structure such as... Figure 3 The structure shown.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sealing structure 1111 provided on the flange splicing surface of the first flange 111 is a sealing groove structure. Exemplarily, the sealing groove structure may include one or more annular groove structures.

[0039] In some embodiments, when splicing two manifolds 1, a sealing element can be added between the flange splicing surface of the first flange 111 in the first manifold 1 and the flange splicing surface of the second flange 113 in the second manifold 1, thereby achieving a reliable seal when splicing the two manifolds 1. Exemplarily, the sealing element can be, for example, an O-ring or a gasket. Thus, by adding a sealing element at the flange splicing surface of the manifold 1 and tightening it with bolts, the sealing effect can be improved, and even if deformation occurs, leakage will not occur, making the product particularly robust and with low after-sales costs. Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness of the sealing element or the pre-tightening degree of the bolts, various dimensional deviations or thermal expansion and contraction problems can be flexibly addressed. The elasticity of the sealing element is less than the internal stress of the manifold's thermal expansion and contraction, thus absorbing dimensional changes and adapting to various errors in the actual product, as well as autonomously expanding and contracting underwater according to water temperature changes.

[0040] By utilizing the first flange 111 and the second flange 113 on the main pipe 11, multiple manifold fittings 1 can be configured to achieve modular splicing, meeting the needs of products of different lengths or solving the diverse requirements of non-standard product specifications. Furthermore, when a section or a manifold fitting 1 malfunctions, only the corresponding manifold fitting 1 needs to be removed for repair or replacement. Each manifold fitting 1 is directly replaceable, a feature not found in other types of manifold fittings (e.g., one-piece welded pipes, one-piece molded pipes, or socket-type structures), simplifying the after-sales process.

[0041] On the main pipe 11, at least one branch pipe 13 is provided, and the lumen of each branch pipe 13 is connected to the lumen of the main pipe 11 by an arc transition.

[0042] The branch pipe 13 has a connecting end and a free end, and the free end of the branch pipe 13 is a branch opening.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lumen of the main pipe 11 is larger than the lumen of the branch pipe 13.

[0044] In some embodiments, the main pipe 11 and branch pipe 13 may be made of PVC material, for example, and can be integrally molded using rotational molding, which simplifies processing, effectively shortens the processing time, and greatly reduces processing costs. Simultaneously, it offers high dimensional accuracy, effectively ensuring the size and deformation of the pipe fittings. Furthermore, since the manifold fitting in this embodiment is manufactured using integral injection molding, many optimizations can be made to the mold structure, resulting in a completely smooth interior or ample space at bends, significantly reducing pipe resistance.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connection between the branch pipe 13 and the outer wall of the main pipe 11, as well as the connection between the branch pipe 13 and the inner wall of the main pipe 11, have the same curvature. During the rotational molding process, the connection between the branch pipe 13 and the outer wall of the main pipe 11 is first controlled by the mold to be a circular arc transition. Then, during the rotation and rolling of the mold, the plastic particles gradually melt and accumulate on the inner wall of the mold. Since the mold is constantly rolling in the oven, the wall thickness of the product is also uniform. Therefore, the connection between the branch pipe 13 and the inner wall of the main pipe 11 forms the same circular arc transition as described above, which can effectively reduce the pipe loss of fluid or air in the main pipe, thereby reducing the energy consumption in the main pipe and having good energy-saving benefits.

[0046] In some embodiments, the branch opening of the branch pipe 13 adopts a standard size, so that it can be flexibly connected to various PVC standard parts, which facilitates expanded use.

[0047] As previously mentioned, at least one branch pipe 13 may be provided on the outer wall of the main pipe 11. In some embodiments, one branch pipe 13 may be provided on the outer wall of the main pipe 11. In some embodiments, multiple branch pipes 13 may be provided on the outer wall of the main pipe 11.

[0048] When there are multiple branch pipes 13, they are arranged on the main pipe 11 to form a single row, double row, or multiple rows. Each row may include one or more branch pipes. If each row includes multiple branch pipes, the line connecting the centers of each branch pipe in each row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe. The branch pipes 13 can be flexibly designed as single rows, double rows, or multiple rows. The number of branch pipes 13 in each row can be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or other numbers of branch pipes, thereby adapting to various needs, such as single-row membrane modules or double-row membrane modules.

[0049] For example, the multiple branch pipes are installed on the main pipe to form a single row, and the line connecting the centers of each branch pipe in the single row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe. Each branch pipe can be used to connect various subsystems in the sewage treatment system.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of branch pipes 13 are arranged in double rows on the main pipe 11. The double rows of branch pipes 13 are arranged in parallel, and the line connecting the centers of each branch pipe 13 in each row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe 11. Each branch pipe 13 can be used to connect to a sewage treatment subsystem. Because the double rows of branch pipes 13 are arranged in parallel, interference between sewage treatment subsystems connecting the branch outlets in each row can be prevented. Further, in some embodiments, the branch pipes 13 in the same order in the double rows of branch pipes 13 are in the same position along the length of the main pipe 11. For example, the first branch pipe 13 in the first row of branch pipes 13 and the first branch pipe 13 in the second row of branch pipes 13 are in the same position along the length of the main pipe 11 and are arranged in parallel. The second branch pipe 13 in the first row of branch pipes 13 and the second branch pipe 13 in the second row of branch pipes 13 are in the same position along the length of the main pipe 11 and are arranged in parallel. Figure 4 The structure shown.

[0051] For example, the plurality of branch pipes are installed on the main pipe to form three or more rows. The three or more rows of branch pipes are arranged in parallel, and the line connecting the centers of each branch pipe in each row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe. Each branch pipe can be used to connect a subsystem in the sewage treatment system.

[0052] However, this is not a limitation. For example, the line connecting the centers of the various branch pipes in the same row may not coincide with the axis of the main pipe.

[0053] In addition, the lumen size of all branch pipes can be the same or different.

[0054] In some embodiments, all branch pipes have the same lumen size, thus achieving optimal water production balance.

[0055] In some embodiments, the lumen sizes of the individual branch pipes may differ. For example, multiple branch pipes in the same row may have the same lumen size, but two branch pipes belonging to different rows may have different lumen sizes. Alternatively, some branch pipes may have the same lumen size, while others may have different lumen sizes, regardless of whether they belong to the same row. Or, all branch pipes may have different lumen sizes.

[0056] This disclosure also provides a membrane module, which may include the manifolds as described above. In some embodiments, the membrane module may include multiple manifolds, which are connected together to form the membrane module.

[0057] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure provide a membrane module and a manifold fitting applied to the membrane module. The manifold fitting includes a main pipe and at least one branch pipe disposed on the main pipe. A first flange and a second flange are respectively provided at two opposite ends of the main pipe, and the lumen of the branch pipe is connected to the lumen of the main pipe. Through improvements in process and structure, pipe losses in the aeration system and permeate system can be significantly reduced. A reasonable structural design allows for modular assembly to address the diverse specifications of non-standard products. Furthermore, a reasonable assembly structure solves the problems of internal stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as deformation and leakage. This design offers advantages such as high production efficiency, low overall cost, and dimensional stability.

[0058] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this disclosure should still be covered by the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A manifold fitting for use in a membrane module, characterized in that, include: The main pipeline has a first flange and a second flange at its two opposite ends. as well as At least one branch pipe is provided on the main pipe; the lumen of each branch pipe is connected to the lumen of the main pipe by a circular arc transition.

2. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange splicing surface of the first flange is provided with a sealing structure, and the flange splicing surface of the second flange is a smooth and flat surface; when the two manifolds are spliced, the flange splicing surface of the first flange in the first manifold is connected to the flange splicing surface of the second flange in the second manifold.

3. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing structure is a sealing groove structure.

4. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 2, characterized in that, When splicing two manifolds, a sealing element is added between the flange splicing surface of the first flange in the first manifold and the flange splicing surface of the second flange in the second manifold.

5. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing element is an O-ring or a gasket.

6. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of branch pipes is multiple, and the multiple branch pipes are installed on the main pipe to form a single row, double row, or multiple rows. The line connecting the centers of each branch pipe in each row is consistent with the axis of the main pipe.

7. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 6, characterized in that, All branch pipes have the same lumen size.

8. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple branch pipes in the same row have the same lumen size.

9. The manifold fitting for a membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lumen of the main pipe must be larger than the lumen of the branch pipe.

10. A membrane module, characterized in that, Includes the manifold fittings used in membrane modules as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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