A membrane housing assembly and membrane separation apparatus employing the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a membrane shell subassembly and adopt its membrane separation equipment belongs to ultrafiltration equipment field, inside hollow and be equipped with the installation unit for installing membrane core, after membrane core is installed in installation unit, and the annular gap is formed between its outer wall and membrane shell inner wall, membrane shell is provided with feed section, connecting section and discharge section in proper order from top to bottom along the axial direction, be provided with one -way valve for controlling the one -way entry of gas between feed section with connecting section, when membrane core assembly is in place, the closed partition of connecting section and discharge section is formed through sealing element or sealing structure, make the product flow channel of discharge section and connecting section isolation, the side wall of connecting section is provided with air inlet, one -way valve is used for controlling gas by air inlet enters connecting section and flows to feed section direction, still include a kind of membrane separation equipment, including aforementioned membrane shell subassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrafiltration equipment, and in particular to a membrane housing assembly and a membrane separation device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Membrane separation technology, as a highly efficient, energy-saving, and continuously operable separation method, has been widely used in liquid processing processes such as dairy product concentration, protein purification, beverage clarification, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. In these applications, the liquid feedstock typically contains large amounts of protein, fat, and other colloidal substances, which readily form a fouling layer or concentration polarization layer on the membrane surface. This leads to decreased flux and separation efficiency, and requires frequent shutdowns for cleaning, severely impacting production continuity and economic efficiency. Although various membrane module structures and cleaning methods have been proposed in existing technologies, many limitations still exist.

[0003] Traditional membrane housing designs typically employ single-liquid backwashing or external high-pressure rinsing to remove deposits from the membrane surface. However, these methods often fail to generate effective membrane surface disturbance during operation, resulting in limited cleaning efficiency, especially when processing high-viscosity or high-protein dairy products, where the contaminant layer is difficult to completely remove. Furthermore, the gas disturbance path design in existing membrane housing structures is relatively simple, often making it difficult for gas to achieve directional transport within the membrane surface area. Gas may even enter the discharge end and mix with the product, causing bubble entrainment, unstable product flow, or affecting subsequent processes. Uncontrolled gas flow not only weakens the backwashing effect but can also impact equipment safety and product quality.

[0004] Existing membrane module sealing structures generally suffer from insufficient reliability. Most products employ only a single seal or a simple threaded connection structure, which is prone to leakage, loosening, or seal failure under long-term high-pressure operation or frequent cleaning. This not only increases maintenance costs but may also lead to gas-liquid crossflow, reducing the system's separation efficiency. Furthermore, the fit between the membrane core and membrane shell is relatively simple, with low assembly precision, making it difficult to ensure accurate alignment of the inlet channel, seals, and membrane surface area, further affecting the directionality of gas turbulence and the cleaning effect. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention proposes a membrane housing assembly and a membrane separation device using the same.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A membrane housing assembly is hollow inside and has a mounting part for installing a membrane core. After the membrane core is installed in the mounting part, an annular gap is formed between its outer wall and the inner wall of the membrane housing. The membrane housing is provided with a feeding section, a connecting section, and a discharging section in sequence from top to bottom along the axial direction. A one-way valve for controlling the one-way entry of gas is provided between the feeding section and the connecting section. When the membrane core is assembled in place, the connecting section and the discharging section are sealed by a sealing element or sealing structure, so that the product flow channel of the discharging section is isolated from the connecting section. An air inlet is provided on the side wall of the connecting section. The one-way valve is used to allow gas to enter the connecting section through the air inlet and flow towards the feeding section, while preventing the connecting section from communicating with the discharging section.

[0007] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that the width of the feeding section is greater than the width of the connecting section and the discharging section.

[0008] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that, at the junction of the connecting section and the discharge section, a radially inwardly protruding annular lower shoulder is formed on the outer side, and the lower shoulder is fitted with a sealing ring or sealing element to form an annular sealing partition structure.

[0009] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that the connecting section is provided with a threaded lock for fixing with the membrane core; the threaded lock is also provided with a radial sealing ring and an end face sealing ring.

[0010] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that the one-way valve is configured as a spring check valve, a plate check valve, or a ball valve.

[0011] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that, at the junction of the connecting section and the feeding section, a radially outward protruding annular upper shoulder is formed on the outer side, and the upper shoulder has an overall conical transition structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0012] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that the feeding section is provided with a feeding port, the discharging section is provided with a discharging port, the feeding port is located on the side wall of the feeding section, and the discharging port is located at the bottom end of the discharging section.

[0013] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that the one-way valve is arranged around the outside of the connecting section.

[0014] The superior technical solution of this utility model is that a feeding gap is provided between the top of the connecting section and the membrane core, and the feeding port is located above the feeding gap.

[0015] A membrane separation device includes a membrane housing assembly as described in any one of the above, and is connected to a feed pipeline, a discharge pipeline and a gas conveying or backflushing unit, for liquid filtration and separation and online gas disturbance cleaning.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. By setting an annular sealing barrier between the connecting section and the discharge section, the gas can only move in the feeding direction, avoiding gas from entering the product flow channel and causing bubbles or disturbances, thus ensuring the backwashing effect and discharge stability.

[0017] 2. The width of the feed section is greater than that of the connecting section and the discharge section, forming a fluid transition structure that is "larger at the top and smaller at the bottom", which can effectively reduce inlet turbulence, optimize liquid distribution and enhance gas disturbance effect.

[0018] 3. The system adopts a threaded locking connection structure and is equipped with radial sealing rings and end face sealing rings at the interface. The double sealing design effectively prevents gas or liquid leakage and improves the system's pressure resistance and long-term stability.

[0019] 4. The membrane housing structure is reasonably designed, and the membrane core is easy to install and disassemble. It is suitable for multi-module series / parallel system integration and meets the maintenance and replacement needs of continuous production. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the membrane shell assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the membrane shell assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is the membrane housing assembly provided in the specific embodiments of this utility model. Figure 2 Schematic cross-section view along the middle AA; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the one-way valve of the membrane housing assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the membrane separation device provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model; In the picture: 1. Membrane core; 2. Membrane shell; 3. Feed section; 4. Connecting section; 5. Discharge section; 6. Check valve; 7. Air inlet; 8. Lower shoulder; 9. Threaded lock; 10. Upper shoulder; 11. Feed inlet; 12. Discharge outlet; 15. Feed gap. Detailed Implementation The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Example 1 like Figure 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides a membrane housing assembly with a hollow internal structure, in which a mounting portion for installing the membrane core 1 is provided. During assembly, an annular gap is left between the membrane core 1 and the inner wall of the membrane housing 2 to facilitate the formation of liquid flow and gas disturbance paths. The entire membrane housing is divided into an infeed section 3, a connecting section 4, and an outlet section 5 from top to bottom.

[0022] After the membrane core 1 is installed in the mounting section, the space between the discharge section 5 and the connecting section 4 is sealed, ensuring that the product flow channel of the discharge section 5 is not disturbed by gas. Simultaneously, a one-way valve 6 is arranged between the feed section 3 and the connecting section 4 to control the fluid flow between them. During filtration, liquid enters from the feed section 3 and flows towards the membrane module surface; during backwashing, gas is introduced from the air inlet 7 on the side wall of the connecting section 4 and flows only upstream in the feed direction under the action of the one-way valve 6, thus achieving gas disturbance and reverse cleaning of the membrane surface.

[0023] To optimize fluid distribution and flow field stability, the width of the feed section 3 is significantly larger than that of the connecting section 4 and the discharge section 5, forming a gradually narrowing flow channel structure. This provides a larger cross-sectional area in the feed region, reducing the inlet velocity and turbulent impact, ensuring uniform liquid entry into the membrane module. Furthermore, it creates a more pronounced shear gradient during gas disturbance and backwashing stages, improving cleaning efficiency. At the junction of the connecting section 4 and the discharge section 5, a radially inwardly protruding annular lower shoulder 8 is formed on the outer side of the membrane shell 2. This lower shoulder 8 is used to install sealing rings or seals, forming an annular sealing barrier structure after close contact with the surface of the membrane core 1. The annular sealing barrier structure formed by the annular lower shoulder 8 and the surface of the membrane core 1 prevents gas from entering the discharge section 5, thus ensuring that gas disturbance only acts on the feed region, effectively preventing gas in the inlet path from diffusing downstream in the discharge direction, and ensuring that gas disturbance only acts on the upstream area of ​​the membrane surface.

[0024] To further improve sealing performance, the connection between the membrane housing 2 and the membrane core 1 adopts a threaded lock 9 structure. This structure not only facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of the components but also withstands high operating pressure. The threaded lock 9 interface is equipped with both radial sealing rings and end face sealing rings, enhancing overall sealing performance, preventing liquid or gas leakage along the threads, and improving the long-term stability of the system.

[0025] One-way valve 6 is used to control the on / off state between connecting section 4 and feed section 3. Its structure can be in the form of spring check valve, plate check valve or ball valve. These structures can prevent liquid backflow under normal filtration conditions, and automatically open during backwashing to allow gas to pass through and move in the feed direction, realizing automated airflow control function.

[0026] The one-way valve 6 is arranged around the periphery of the connecting section 4. The integrated arrangement effectively reduces the number of components, making the overall structure more compact, reducing the risk of leakage, and forming an integral sealing unit with the diaphragm body, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the system.

[0027] Furthermore, at the junction of the feed section 3 and the connecting section 4, a radially outwardly protruding annular upper shoulder 10 is formed on the outer side of the membrane housing 2. This upper shoulder 10 has an overall tapered transition structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It not only serves as a smooth connection between flow channels of different diameters, but also provides a stable structural foundation for the installation of the one-way valve 6, ensuring that it can maintain reliable sealing and opening performance under high-pressure airflow.

[0028] A feed inlet 11 is provided on the side wall of the feed section 3, through which liquid material enters the membrane module; a discharge outlet 12 is provided at the bottom of the discharge section 5, through which the liquid product filtered by the membrane module is discharged. A feed gap 15 is reserved between the top of the connecting section 4 and the membrane core 1, and the feed inlet 11 is located above the feed gap 15, so that the liquid material is pre-distributed before entering the membrane module, reducing impact force and improving filtration efficiency.

[0029] Example 2 like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also provides a membrane separation device, including the aforementioned membrane housing assembly. This device can be used in conjunction with modules such as a pumping system, pressure regulating device, and cleaning system, and is suitable for various liquid separation and concentration scenarios in dairy products, beverages, biopharmaceuticals, and deep food processing. By introducing gas disturbance and backwashing functions, the device can achieve online automatic cleaning and rapid flux recovery, significantly extending the service life of the membrane assembly and reducing maintenance frequency. A membrane housing assembly includes a membrane housing and a membrane core disposed inside the membrane housing. The membrane housing includes, from top to bottom, an inlet section 3, a connecting section 4, and an outlet section 5. The membrane core is arranged axially along the membrane housing and fixedly installed inside the membrane housing. The membrane core and the inner wall of the membrane housing are sealed together by a sealing structure to form an annular gap cavity. The entire interior of the membrane core forms a through-flow fluid channel for the flow and filtration separation of dairy materials.

[0030] The top of the feeding section 3 is equipped with a feed inlet 11, which is used to introduce the dairy product material to be processed into the internal flow channel of the membrane core. During operation, the dairy product material flows from top to bottom through the internal channel of the membrane core under the drive of the feed pump. Under the action of pressure difference, water, small molecule whey components and other components in the dairy product can permeate through the microporous structure of the membrane core into the annular gap cavity to form permeate; while large molecule proteins and non-permeable components continue to flow downward along the inside of the membrane core and are finally discharged through the discharge port 12 at the bottom of the discharge section 5, completing the filtration and concentration process.

[0031] When the equipment is in normal filtration operation, the material enters the feed section 3 through the feed inlet 11 and flows along the direction of the membrane core 1. Under pressure, the liquid phase passes through the filter membrane structure and enters the annular gap cavity.

[0032] When the system switches to backwashing or gas disturbance mode, an external air source enters the connecting section 4 through the air inlet 7 and applies pressure to the one-way valve 6. The one-way valve 6 opens under pressure, allowing gas to flow only upwards into the feed section 3 along the feed direction, while the annular sealing barrier prevents gas from diffusing into the discharge section 5. The gas flows upwards across the membrane surface, creating disturbance and shear force, which can peel off the fouling layer or concentration polarization layer adhering to the membrane surface, restoring membrane flux and reducing the frequency of downtime cleaning.

[0033] By designing the feed section 3 to be wider than the connecting section 4 and the discharge section 5, uniform liquid distribution can be achieved during the filtration stage, while enhancing the airflow diffusion area and disturbance coverage during the backwashing stage. The upper shoulder 10 and lower shoulder 8 define the flow path, allowing the one-way valve 6 to provide directional flow and the sealing element to isolate specific areas. The dual-sealing design of the threaded lock 9 and the sealing ring prevents gas-liquid leakage along the interface and ensures stable positioning of the membrane core 1 during operation. This structure allows for automatic switching between filtration and backwashing modes, enabling membrane surface cleaning without disassembling the membrane housing assembly.

[0034] This utility model has been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein; other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A membrane housing assembly, hollow inside and provided with a mounting portion for mounting a membrane core (1), characterized in that: After the membrane core (1) is installed in the mounting part, an annular gap is formed between its outer wall and the inner wall of the membrane shell (2). The membrane shell (2) is provided with a feeding section (3), a connecting section (4) and a discharging section (5) in sequence from top to bottom along the axial direction. A one-way valve (6) for controlling the one-way entry of gas is provided between the feeding section (3) and the connecting section (4). When the membrane core (1) is assembled in place, the connecting section (4) and the discharge section (5) are separated by a sealing element or sealing structure, so that the product flow channel of the discharge section (5) is isolated from the connecting section (4). An air inlet (7) is provided on the side wall of the connecting section (4), and the one-way valve (6) is used to control the gas to enter the connecting section (4) through the air inlet (7) and flow towards the feeding section (3).

2. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the feeding section (3) is greater than the width of the connecting section (4) and the discharge section (5).

3. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: At the junction of the connecting section (4) and the discharge section (5), a radially inward protruding annular lower shoulder (8) is formed on the outer side. The lower shoulder (8) is fitted with a sealing ring or sealing element to form an annular sealing partition structure.

4. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting section (4) is provided with a threaded lock (9) for fixing to the membrane core (1). The threaded lock (9) is also provided with a radial sealing ring and an end face sealing ring.

5. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve (6) is configured as a spring check valve, a plate check valve, or a ball valve.

6. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: At the junction of the connecting section (4) and the feeding section (3), an annular upper shoulder (10) is formed on the outer side, which is radially protruding. The upper shoulder (10) has a tapered transition structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

7. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding section (3) is provided with a feeding port (11), and the discharging section (5) is provided with a discharging port (12). The feeding port (11) is located on the side wall of the feeding section (3), and the discharging port (12) is located at the bottom of the discharging section (5).

8. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The one-way valve (6) is arranged around the outside of the connecting section (4).

9. The membrane housing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: A feeding gap (15) is provided between the top of the connecting section (4) and the membrane core (1), and the feeding port (11) is located above the feeding gap (15).

10. A membrane separation device, characterized in that: It includes the membrane housing assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, and is connected to the feed pipeline, the discharge pipeline and the gas conveying or backflushing unit, for liquid filtration and separation and online gas disturbance cleaning.

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