A plug flow membrane contactor

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of flat push flow membrane contactor, including several membrane tube pieces, the membrane tube piece top and bottom end are all connected fixed block, several top end's fixed block is stacked as top fixed block group, several bottom end's fixed block is stacked as bottom fixed block group, several the membrane tube piece is stacked as membrane tube piece group, several the membrane tube piece is divided into odd membrane tube piece and even membrane tube piece, the membrane tube number of odd membrane tube piece is odd, the membrane tube number of even membrane tube piece is even, odd membrane tube piece and even membrane tube piece are adjacent, and any three adjacent membrane tube of adjacent membrane tube piece is equilateral triangle distribution.The utility model has the beneficial effects that: fluid can be made to move as much as possible along axial direction on the surface of membrane tube, and adjacent membrane tube can also be made to contact as little as possible, greatly reduce the shear resistance of membrane tube to fluid, improve the mass transfer efficiency of membrane contactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of membrane contactors, and in particular relates to a push flow membrane contactor. Background Technology

[0002] A membrane contactor is a device that uses a membrane to separate two phases of fluid, allowing the two phases to contact each other through the membrane's pores, thus achieving interphase mass transfer. Hollow fiber membranes are the most widely used membrane material in membrane contactors. Unlike hollow fiber ultrafiltration and microfiltration, more membrane tubes in a membrane contactor are not necessarily better. The membrane tubes in a membrane contactor are very thin, generally with an outer diameter of less than 1 mm, and they need to be arranged at a certain spacing so that the fluid can pass over a relatively large area of ​​the membrane surface. Commercially available membrane contactors maintain this spacing using a braiding method: the membrane tubes are woven into "curtains" with fine threads, the spacing between the membrane tubes is less than 1 mm, and the distance between the threads is 10-100 mm. Longer membrane contactors have wider thread spacing. These "curtains" are then overlapped into a multi-layer structure and encapsulated in a membrane housing. Because the cords need to be wound around the membrane tube, they extend beyond the outer edge of the membrane tube. When multiple "curtains" are stacked, the cords form a barrier layer perpendicular to the membrane tube, similar to the baffles in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. This causes the fluid moving axially along the membrane tube to move tangentially, shearing the membrane tube. The driving force of the fluid flow is mainly used to overcome shear resistance. Shearing is detrimental to improving the efficiency of the membrane contactor. The membrane tube of the membrane contactor is thin and flexible, and radial shearing will cause the membrane tubes to come into contact with each other, reducing the surface area of ​​the membrane tube. In the use of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), radial shearing can also promote mechanical hemolysis and thrombosis. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of the membrane contactor and avoid other associated problems, it is necessary to reduce the shearing effect of the fluid on the membrane tube. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a flat-push flow film contactor to solve the problem in the prior art where the membrane tubes bend and come into contact with each other due to radial shearing.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: A push-flow membrane contactor includes several membrane tubes. Each membrane tube has a fixing block connected to its top and bottom. Each fixing block has several membrane tube holes, all of which are connected to a membrane tube. The top fixing blocks are stacked to form a top fixing block group, and the bottom fixing blocks are stacked to form a bottom fixing block group. The membrane tubes are also stacked to form a membrane tube group. The membrane tube group, top fixing block group, and bottom fixing block group are all located inside a membrane shell. The top fixing block group is connected to the top of the membrane shell, and the bottom fixing block group is connected to the bottom of the membrane shell. Both the top and bottom fixing block groups are covered by a buffer container, which is connected to a straight fluid pipe. Slits are formed at the top and bottom of the membrane shell, with the surfaces of the two slits facing each other. The membrane shell is connected to a fluid reversing pipe through the slits. The membrane segments are divided into odd-numbered membrane segments and even-numbered membrane segments. The number of membrane tubes in the odd-numbered membrane segments is odd, and the number of membrane tubes in the even-numbered membrane segments is even. The odd-numbered membrane segments and the even-numbered membrane segments are adjacent to each other, and any three adjacent membrane tubes of an adjacent membrane segment are distributed in an equilateral triangle.

[0005] Furthermore, the fixing block is sealed to the membrane sheet.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixing blocks are sealed together.

[0007] Furthermore, the top fixing block assembly is sealed to the top of the membrane shell, and the bottom fixing block assembly is sealed to the bottom of the membrane shell.

[0008] Furthermore, the fluid straight pipe is sealed to the buffer container.

[0009] Furthermore, the fluid switching pipe is sealed to the diaphragm housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the slit is directly opposite the membrane segment.

[0011] Furthermore, the fluid reversing pipe is provided with a reversing groove on its side, and the reversing groove is connected to the membrane shell through a slit.

[0012] Furthermore, the buffer container is provided with a protective cover.

[0013] Furthermore, a protective cover is provided on the outside of the fluid switching pipe.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the flat-film contactor of this utility model has the following advantages: (1) It enables the fluid to move along the axial direction as much as possible on the surface of the membrane tube, while minimizing the contact between adjacent membrane tubes, thus significantly reducing the shear resistance of the membrane tube to the fluid and improving the mass transfer efficiency of the membrane contactor.

[0015] (2) It significantly reduced the hemolytic effect of ECMO oxygenators and improved the contact efficiency of membrane contactors. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure as described in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the overall structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the overall structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-section as described in the embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-section of the present utility model embodiment.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Membrane sheet; 2. Fixing block; 3. Membrane shell; 4. Buffer container; 5. Fluid straight pipe; 6. Fluid diversion pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a push-flow membrane contactor includes several membrane tubes 1. Each membrane tube 1 has a fixing block 2 connected to its top and bottom ends. Each fixing block 2 has several membrane tube holes, each connected to a membrane tube. The fixing blocks 2 at the top are stacked to form a top fixing block group, and the fixing blocks 2 at the bottom are stacked to form a bottom fixing block group. The membrane tubes 1 are also stacked to form a membrane tube group. The membrane tube group, top fixing block group, and bottom fixing block group are all located inside a membrane shell 3. The top fixing block group is connected to the top of the membrane shell 3, and the bottom fixing block group is connected to the bottom of the membrane shell 3. Both the top and bottom fixing block groups are covered by a buffer container 4, which is connected to a fluid straight pipe 5. Slits are formed at the top and bottom ends of the membrane shell 3, with the surfaces of the two slits facing each other. The membrane shell 3 is connected to a fluid reversing pipe 6 through the slits.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the plurality of membrane segments 1 are divided into odd-numbered membrane segments 1 and even-numbered membrane segments 1. The number of membrane tubes in the odd-numbered membrane segments 1 is odd, and the number of membrane tubes in the even-numbered membrane segments 1 is even. The odd-numbered membrane segments 1 and the even-numbered membrane segments 1 are adjacent, and any three adjacent membrane tubes of adjacent membrane segments 1 are distributed in an equilateral triangle. The fixing block 2 is sealed to the membrane segment 1. The fixing block 2 is sealed to the fixing block 2. The top fixing block group is sealed to the top of the membrane shell 3, and the bottom fixing block group is sealed to the bottom of the membrane shell 3. The fluid straight pipe 5 is sealed to the buffer container 4. The fluid reversing pipe 6 is sealed to the membrane shell 3. The slit is directly opposite the membrane segment group. The fluid reversing pipe 6 has a reversing groove on its side, and the reversing groove communicates with the membrane shell 3 through the slit. The buffer container 4 is provided with a protective cover one. The fluid reversing pipe 6 is provided with a protective cover two. In this embodiment, the membrane tubes are arranged in an alternating pattern of odd and even rows, with equal spacing between adjacent tubes. Fluid 1 flows into the bottom fluid diverter 6, then into the membrane shell 3 through a slit at the bottom. Fluid 1 flows horizontally from the bottom of the membrane shell 3 to the top, then into the top fluid diverter 6 through a slit at the top, and finally out of the membrane shell 3 through the top fluid diverter 6. Fluid 2 flows from the top fluid straight pipe 5 into the top buffer container 4, then into the membrane tube array, then into the bottom buffer container 4, and finally into the fluid straight pipe 5, from which it flows out. Fluid 1 consists of macromolecules, while fluid 2 consists of small molecules. The membrane tube matrix has a certain number of pores, the size and density of which are set according to actual conditions. During the circulation of fluids 1 and 2, their flow directions are opposite. Based on the concentration difference between the fluids inside and outside the membrane tube, the small molecules of fluid 2 flow from the inside of the membrane tube through the pores to the outside, while the... The large molecules of fluid 1 cannot flow into the membrane tube from the outside through the pores. Fluid 1 and fluid 2 are in contact and mix on the surface of the membrane tube. When fluid 1 flows vertically into the bottom slit, it is divided into several streams by the bottom membrane tube. Each stream rises to a certain height through the "gap" between the membrane tubes and then flows vertically out from the slit on the other side. The distance traveled by each stream is almost equal, and the resistance experienced by each stream is also almost equal. Therefore, the flow velocity of each stream in the "gap" is almost equal. Since the flow velocity of the fluid around the membrane tube is almost equal, a stable spacing can be maintained, and it has self-balancing properties, similar to the oscillation of the float in a float flowmeter. Fluid 1 only exerts a shearing effect on the membrane tube when flowing in and out. At other times, it moves at the same speed along the axial direction of the membrane tube. When fluid 1 enters the bottom slit, it is divided into multiple streams by the membrane tube and then merges into a liquid surface parallel to the bottom. The liquid surface flows horizontally along the axial direction of the membrane tube to the top. During this period, the membrane tube maintains a stable self-balancing spacing. Finally, the fluids merge at the top and flow out.

[0024] Example 1: Can replace ECMO oxygenators: Blood flows into the fluid diversion tube 6 at the bottom, and then into the membrane shell 3 through the slit at the bottom. The blood flows horizontally from the bottom of the membrane shell 3 to the top, and then into the fluid diversion tube 6 at the top, exiting the membrane shell 3. Oxygen flows from the fluid straight tube 5 at the top into the buffer container 4 at the top, then into the membrane tube assembly, and from the membrane tube assembly into the buffer container 4 at the bottom, and from the buffer container 4 into the fluid straight tube 5, exiting from the fluid straight tube 5. Blood molecules are large molecules, while oxygen molecules are small molecules. The membrane tube matrix has a certain number of pores, the size and density of which are set values. During the circulation of blood and oxygen, the flow directions of blood and oxygen are opposite. Based on the concentration difference between blood and oxygen inside and outside the membrane tube, small oxygen molecules flow from the inside of the membrane tube through the pores to the outside, while large blood molecules cannot flow from the outside of the membrane tube into the inside through the pores. Blood and oxygen are miscible at the surface of the membrane tube. When blood flows from the bottom slit... The blood flows vertically into the membrane tubes and is divided into several streams by the bottom membrane tubes. Each stream rises to a certain height through the "gap" between the membrane tubes and then flows vertically out through the narrow slit on the other side. The distance traveled by each stream is almost equal, and the resistance experienced by each stream is also almost equal. Therefore, the flow velocity of each stream within the "gap" is almost equal. Because the flow velocity of the blood around the membrane tubes is almost equal, a stable spacing can be maintained, and it has self-balancing properties, similar to the oscillation of a float in a float flowmeter. The blood only exerts a shearing effect on the membrane tubes when flowing in and out. At other times, it moves at the same speed along the axial direction of the membrane tubes. When the blood enters the bottom narrow slit, it is divided into multiple streams by the membrane tubes and then merges into a liquid surface parallel to the bottom. The liquid surface flows horizontally along the axial direction of the membrane tubes to the top. During this process, the membrane tubes maintain a stable self-balancing spacing. Finally, the fluids merge and flow out at the top, which greatly reduces the shearing effect during the flow process, significantly reduces the hemolytic effect of the ECMO oxygenator, and improves the contact efficiency of the membrane contactor.

[0025] The advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: (1) It enables the fluid to move along the axial direction as much as possible on the surface of the membrane tube, while minimizing the contact between adjacent membrane tubes, thus significantly reducing the shear resistance of the membrane tube to the fluid and improving the mass transfer efficiency of the membrane contactor.

[0026] (2) It significantly reduced the hemolytic effect of ECMO oxygenators and improved the contact efficiency of membrane contactors.

[0027] It should be noted that this push-flow membrane contactor is not only suitable for mass transfer of gases and liquids, but also for other fluids, as long as the fluid inside the membrane tube can be transferred out of the membrane tube and the fluid outside the membrane tube cannot enter the membrane tube.

[0028] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flat-film contactor, characterized in that: The system includes several membrane tubes (1), each membrane tube (1) is connected to a fixing block (2) at both its top and bottom ends. Each fixing block (2) has several membrane tube holes, each membrane tube hole is connected to a membrane tube. Several fixing blocks (2) at the top ends are stacked to form a top fixing block group, several fixing blocks (2) at the bottom ends are stacked to form a bottom fixing block group, and several membrane tubes (1) are stacked to form a membrane tube group. The membrane tube group, the top fixing block group, and the bottom fixing block group are all located inside a membrane shell (3). The top fixing block group is connected to the top of the membrane shell (3), and the bottom fixing block group is connected to the bottom of the membrane shell (3). The top fixing block group and the bottom fixing block group are both covered by a buffer container (4). The buffer container (4) is connected to a fluid straight pipe (5). Slits are opened at both the top and bottom ends of the membrane shell (3). The surfaces where the two slits are located are opposite to each other. The membrane shell (3) is connected to a fluid reversing pipe (6) through the slits. The membrane segments (1) are divided into odd-numbered membrane segments (1) and even-numbered membrane segments (1). The number of membrane tubes in the odd-numbered membrane segments (1) is odd, and the number of membrane tubes in the even-numbered membrane segments (1) is even. The odd-numbered membrane segments (1) and the even-numbered membrane segments (1) are adjacent, and any three adjacent membrane tubes of adjacent membrane segments (1) are distributed in an equilateral triangle.

2. The flat-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing block (2) is sealed to the membrane tube (1).

3. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing block (2) is sealed to the fixing block (2).

4. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top fixing block assembly is sealed to the top of the membrane shell (3), and the bottom fixing block assembly is sealed to the bottom of the membrane shell (3).

5. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid straight pipe (5) is sealed to the buffer container (4).

6. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid reversing pipe (6) is sealed to the membrane housing (3).

7. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slit is directly opposite the membrane segment (1).

8. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid reversing pipe (6) has a reversing groove on its side, and the reversing groove is connected to the membrane shell (3) through a slit.

9. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer container (4) is provided with a protective cover.

10. A push-film contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid reversing pipe (6) is provided with a protective cover.

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