Hollow fiber membrane separation device

Abstract

The application provides a hollow fiber membrane separation device, which comprises an end cover, a liquid inlet joint and a mounting chamber for sleeving and fixing the end of a cylindrical shell, a spiral vortex flow channel is formed in the liquid inlet joint, the vortex flow channel is communicated with the mounting chamber, and a flow uniformizing component is arranged in the mounting chamber, the flow uniformizing component is provided with a plurality of flow uniformizing holes facing the liquid inlet joint; the tangent direction of the vortex flow channel is arranged to be inclined relative to the surface of the flow uniformizing component, so that the liquid medium passing through the vortex flow channel can act on the surface of the flow uniformizing component in the form of tangential impact, and the liquid medium can uniformly enter the hollow fiber membrane in the cylindrical shell after passing through the flow uniformizing holes; the flow velocity is buffered and the impact force is reduced to avoid the vertical impact of blood on the fiber end face, the blood acts on the flow uniformizing component in the form of tangential impact, the shear stress generated by the vertical impact is reduced, the red blood cell membrane structure is protected, and the flow uniformizing component can uniformly distribute the blood flow to the fiber membrane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of fiber membrane filtration equipment, and more particularly to a hollow fiber membrane separation device. Background Technology

[0002] Blood purification technology is an important medical procedure that removes metabolic waste, toxins, abnormal plasma components, or maintains electrolyte balance from the blood through extracorporeal circulation. It is widely used in clinical settings such as acute and chronic renal failure, drug or toxin poisoning, autoimmune diseases, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This technology primarily mimics the physiological functions of the kidneys, including filtration, diffusion, convection, and adsorption, to remove harmful substances from the blood. Currently, blood purification technologies mainly include hemodialysis (HD), hemofiltration (HF), hemoperfusion (HP), plasma exchange (PE), and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Hemodialysis and hemofiltration rely primarily on the diffusion and convection of semipermeable membranes to remove small and medium-molecular-weight toxins; hemoperfusion utilizes adsorbent materials to directly bind to and remove specific toxins; plasma exchange involves separating and discarding the patient's plasma while simultaneously replenishing it with exogenous plasma or substitutes; and peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum as a natural semipermeable membrane for substance exchange. These technologies each have their own clinical focus, but all rely on highly efficient extracorporeal circulation devices to achieve therapeutic goals.

[0003] In the aforementioned blood purification technologies, the hollow fiber membrane separator is the core device for achieving the exchange of substances between blood and dialysate or replacement fluid. Its structure typically consists of a cylindrical shell, hollow fiber bundles, a sealing layer, and end caps at both ends. The hollow fiber bundles are composed of hundreds to tens of thousands of microporous membrane fibers with specific pore sizes, densely arranged within the cylindrical shell. Both ends are sealed and fixed with a non-toxic, biocompatible potting compound (such as polyurethane or epoxy resin), forming a uniform end-face sealing layer. The inner cavity of the hollow fiber opens onto the outside of the sealing layer, forming the first fluid channel after connecting with the end caps at both ends of the separator; this is typically the blood channel. The annular space between the outer periphery of the fiber bundle and the shell forms the second fluid channel, typically the dialysate or replacement fluid channel. During operation, blood flows through the hollow fiber cavity under pressure, while the dialysate flows in the opposite direction on the outside of the fiber. The concentration gradient across the membrane facilitates the diffusion removal of small molecule toxins, or the convective removal of water and solutes under transmembrane pressure. This dual-channel design effectively achieves efficient and controllable substance separation, making it a key component of modern blood purification equipment.

[0004] However, existing hollow fiber membrane separators still have some shortcomings in practical applications, affecting their treatment efficiency and biocompatibility. First, blood enters the separator at high speed from the inlet cap, directly impacting the end faces of the hollow fiber bundles vertically. This results in localized high-velocity regions at the fiber openings, generating extremely high fluid shear stress. This mechanical stress can directly damage the red blood cell membrane structure, causing hemolysis, and simultaneously activate platelets, triggering a coagulation cascade reaction. This not only reduces the safety of blood purification but also weakens the device's biocompatibility. Second, due to an unreasonable design of the blood inlet channel, blood often preferentially flows through fibers near the center or with lower resistance, causing uneven blood flow distribution within the fiber bundle. Some fibers have low utilization rates, while localized areas experience blood overload, leading to a decrease in overall mass transfer efficiency. This uneven blood flow distribution not only reduces the effective utilization area of ​​the hollow fiber membrane but may also exacerbate local concentration polarization and coagulation risks, limiting further improvements in blood purification efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a hollow fiber membrane separation device to solve the technical problems of high shear stress and uneven blood flow distribution caused by blood vertically impacting the end face of the hollow fiber membrane in the prior art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] This application provides a hollow fiber membrane separation device, including: an end cap, the end cap having a liquid inlet connector and an installation chamber for fitting and fixing to the end of a cylindrical shell; a spiral vortex flow channel is formed inside the liquid inlet connector, and the vortex flow channel is connected to the installation chamber; and a flow equalization component, disposed in the installation chamber, the flow equalization component having a plurality of flow equalization holes facing the liquid inlet connector.

[0007] The tangential direction of the vortex channel is inclined relative to the surface of the flow equalization component, so that the liquid medium passing through the vortex channel can act on the surface of the flow equalization component in the form of tangential impact, and the liquid medium can enter the hollow fiber membrane in the cylindrical shell evenly after passing through each flow equalization hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, the flow equalization component is configured as a plate-like structure, with each flow equalization hole forming a flow equalization area at the center of the flow equalization component, and an annular groove provided on the outer edge of the flow equalization component; an annular protrusion adapted to the annular groove is provided on the inner sidewall of the end cap, and the flow equalization component can be fixed on the inner sidewall of the end cap by the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the annular groove and the annular protrusion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flow equalization component is configured as a disk-shaped structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, each flow equalization hole is configured as a through hole extending axially along the flow equalization component, and the flow equalization holes are closely arranged on two axial sides of the flow equalization component to form a honeycomb array.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flow equalization component includes: a support frame configured as an annular structure, with an annular groove on the outer edge of the support frame and an annular protrusion on the inner wall of the end cap that matches the annular groove, wherein the support frame can be fixed to the inner wall of the end cap by the snap-fit ​​engagement of the annular groove and the annular protrusion; a plurality of fasteners, each fastener being circumferentially spaced and connected to the inner edge of the support frame and extending toward the center of the support frame, the gap between adjacent fasteners forming an overflow area for the flow of liquid medium; and a flow equalization plate configured as a plate structure, the outer edge of the flow equalization plate being connected to each fastener, and each flow equalization hole being arranged on the flow equalization plate to form a flow equalization area in the middle of the overflow area.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support frame is configured as a ring-shaped structure; each fastener is configured as a strip-shaped structure of equal length and is uniformly arranged radially along the support frame; the flow equalization plate is configured as a disc-shaped structure and is located at the center of the support frame through the support of each fastener.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flow equalization plate is configured as a multi-layer structure, including at least: a first layer and a second layer stacked together; the first layer and the second layer are respectively provided with a plurality of flow equalization holes;

[0014] In this arrangement, the flow equalization holes on the first layer are staggered with the flow equalization holes on the second layer; or, the second layer is located on the side of the first layer away from the liquid inlet connector, and the diameter of each flow equalization hole on the second layer is smaller than the diameter of each flow equalization hole on the first layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flow equalization component is configured as a one-piece molded composite structure;

[0016] The flow equalization area is made of rigid material, while the outer edge of the flow equalization component used to fix it to the end cap is made of flexible material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rigid material is a rigid plastic and the flexible material is rubber.

[0018] Compared to existing technologies, the hollow fiber membrane separation device proposed in the above technical solution significantly buffers the flow velocity and reduces impact force by setting a spiral vortex flow channel inside the inlet connector, allowing blood to flow in a spiral trajectory and avoiding high-speed vertical impact of blood on the fiber end face. Simultaneously, the tangential direction of the vortex flow channel is inclined relative to the surface of the flow equalization component, causing blood to act on the flow equalization component in a tangential impact manner, greatly reducing the shear stress generated by vertical impact, effectively protecting the red blood cell membrane structure, avoiding hemolysis and platelet activation, and significantly improving the biocompatibility of the device. Furthermore, multiple flow equalization orifices on the flow equalization component evenly distribute blood onto the fibers of the hollow fiber membrane, ensuring a balanced distribution of blood flow within the hollow fiber membrane. This completely solves the problem of insufficient utilization caused by blood preferentially flowing through the central region or fibers with lower resistance in traditional designs, increasing the effective utilization area and overall mass transfer efficiency of the hollow fiber membrane. This not only reduces local concentration polarization and the risk of coagulation but also makes the blood purification process safer and more efficient, providing more reliable technical support for the clinical application of blood purification equipment and significantly improving treatment efficacy and patient safety.

[0019] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of this application will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the end cap and flow equalization component of the hollow fiber membrane separation device in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flow equalization component in the first embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the flow equalization region on the flow equalization component in the first embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flow equalization component in the second embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the flow equalization region and the overflow region on the flow equalization component in the second embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. End cap;

[0028] 11. Liquid inlet connector; 12. Mounting chamber; 13. Vortex flow channel;

[0029] 2. Flow equalization components;

[0030] 21. Support frame; 22. Fasteners; 23. Flow equalization plate;

[0031] 200, flow equalization hole; 201, flow equalization area; 202, overflow area; 203, annular groove. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0033] First Embodiment

[0034] Reference Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this application proposes a hollow fiber membrane separation device, which may include: an end cap 1, the end cap 1 having a liquid inlet connector 11 and an installation chamber 12 for sleeved and fixed to the end of a cylindrical shell; a spiral vortex flow channel 13 is formed inside the liquid inlet connector 11, and the vortex flow channel 13 is connected to the installation chamber 12; and a flow equalization component 2, disposed in the installation chamber 12, the flow equalization component 2 having a plurality of flow equalization holes 200 facing the liquid inlet connector 11;

[0035] The tangential direction of the vortex channel 13 is inclined relative to the surface of the flow equalization component 2, so that the liquid medium passing through the vortex channel 13 can act on the surface of the flow equalization component 2 in the form of tangential impact, and the liquid medium can enter the hollow fiber membrane in the cylindrical shell evenly after passing through each flow equalization hole 200.

[0036] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the hollow fiber membrane separation device further includes: a cylindrical shell and a hollow fiber membrane disposed inside the cylindrical shell. When the end cap 1 is fixed to the end of the cylindrical shell in a sleeve manner through the mounting chamber 12, the vortex channel 13 connects to the interior of the cylindrical shell through the mounting chamber 12. In use, the liquid medium passes through the vortex channel 13 and the mounting chamber 12 in sequence, and then enters the interior of the cylindrical shell, where it is filtered and purified by the hollow fiber membrane. During the process of conveying the liquid medium through the vortex channel 13, the vortex channel 13 guides the movement trajectory of the liquid medium into a spiral shape to achieve a buffering effect on the liquid medium, smoothly reduce the flow rate of the liquid medium, and effectively prevent the liquid medium entering the mounting chamber 12 from being difficult to homogenize due to excessive impact force, that is, the hollow fiber membrane uniformly receives the liquid medium. The flow equalization component 2 directly receives the liquid medium ejected from the vortex channel 13, and divides the liquid medium into smaller flow rates through the equalization orifices 200. This ultimately ensures the liquid medium is evenly diffused onto several fibers of the hollow fiber membrane, effectively avoiding the problem of insufficient utilization of the hollow fiber membrane caused by the liquid medium only contacting a portion of the fibers. Since the tangential direction of the vortex channel 13 is inclined relative to the surface of the flow equalization component 2, the liquid medium ejected from the vortex channel 13 forms a tangential angle with the surface of the flow equalization component 2. This means that the liquid medium ejected from the vortex channel 13 is not sprayed at a perpendicular angle onto the flow equalization component 2, effectively reducing the shear stress generated when the liquid medium impacts the flow equalization component 2. For example, when the liquid medium is blood, it can effectively protect blood cells and prevent hemolysis caused by platelet activation.

[0037] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the flow equalization component 2 is configured as a plate structure, and each flow equalization hole 200 forms a flow equalization region 201 at the middle position of the flow equalization component 2. An annular groove 203 is provided on the outer edge of the flow equalization component 2. An annular protrusion adapted to the annular groove 203 is provided on the inner side wall of the end cap 1. The flow equalization component 2 can be fixed on the inner side wall of the end cap 1 by the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion.

[0038] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the flow equalization component 2 adopts a plate-like structure, which not only increases the contact area with the liquid medium, but also facilitates the opening of flow equalization holes 200 on the flow equalization component 2; the flow equalization area 201 formed by each flow equalization hole 200 on the flow equalization component 2 can correspond to several fibers of the hollow fiber membrane inside the cylindrical shell, so that after the liquid medium passes through each flow equalization hole 200 through the flow equalization component 2, it can uniformly contact the hollow fiber membrane to complete the filtration and purification. To prevent liquid medium from leaking through the gap between the flow equalization component 2 and the inner wall of the end cap 1, during installation, the flow equalization component 2 needs to be supported on the annular protrusion on the inner wall of the end cap 1. Then, through the snap-fit ​​engagement of the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion, the flow equalization component 2 can be fixed in the mounting chamber 12 of the end cap 1. When the cylindrical shell is inserted into the mounting chamber 12 of the end cap 1 in a plug-in manner, the end of the cylindrical shell can be tightly fitted to the flow equalization component 2, that is, the part between the outer edge of the flow equalization component 2 and the flow equalization area, so that the outer edge of the flow equalization component can seal the cylindrical shell and the end cap 1, thereby preventing liquid medium from leaking through the installation gap between the cylindrical shell and the end cap 1.

[0039] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the flow equalization component 2 is configured as a disk-shaped structure.

[0040] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the cylindrical shell typically adopts a cylindrical structure. To ensure that the end cap 1 can be stably fixed to the end of the cylindrical shell in a sleeved manner, the mounting chamber 12 of the end cap 1 can be configured as a cylindrical structure adapted to the end of the cylindrical shell. Based on this, the flow equalization component 2 is configured as a disc-shaped structure adapted to the mounting chamber 12, so that the outer edge of the flow equalization component 2 can be tightly supported on the inner wall of the end cap 1. Specifically, the stable support of the flow equalization component 2 in the mounting chamber 12 is ultimately achieved through the snap-fit ​​engagement between the annular groove 203 on the flow equalization component 2 and the annular protrusion on the inner wall of the end cap 1.

[0041] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, each flow equalization hole 200 is configured as a through hole extending along the axial direction of the flow equalization component 2, and each flow equalization hole 200 is closely arranged on the two axial sides of the flow equalization component 2 to form a honeycomb array.

[0042] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the flow equalization hole 200 is set as a through hole extending along the axial direction of the flow equalization component 2, which allows the liquid medium to pass through the flow equalization component 2 in a straight line along the axial direction of the flow equalization component 2, minimizing the flow resistance of the liquid in the hole, avoiding the liquid medium from being stuck due to the bend of the channel, and ensuring that the liquid medium is efficiently transported to the subsequent hollow fiber membrane. Meanwhile, the flow equalization holes 200 are arranged in a "honeycomb array" on the flow equalization component 2, which has two key functions: First, the regular arrangement of the honeycomb array can maximize the number of flow equalization holes 200 based on the area of ​​the flow equalization component 2, significantly improving the overall flow rate of the flow equalization component 2; compared with disordered arrangement, the honeycomb structure can minimize the gap between holes, avoid the waste of flow area caused by excessive hole spacing, thereby preventing the flow equalization component 2 from becoming a "bottleneck" for the liquid medium and ensuring that the filtration and purification efficiency is not seriously affected; Second, the tight and regular honeycomb array can ensure that the outflow flow of each flow equalization hole 200 is uniform; When the liquid medium is buffered by the vortex channel 13, it will be evenly distributed by the flow equalization holes 200 of the honeycomb array when it impacts the flow equalization component 2. Each stream of liquid flowing out through the flow equalization hole 200 can accurately correspond to one or more fibers of the hollow fiber membrane in the cylindrical shell, avoiding the "local overflow" caused by the liquid medium concentrating in some flow equalization holes 200.

[0043] Second Embodiment

[0044] Compared to the first embodiment described above, the structural features of the end cap 1 remain unchanged, therefore the detailed structure of the end cap 1 will not be described in detail. The difference lies in the further improvement made to the structure of the flow equalization component 2, as follows:

[0045] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the flow equalization component 2 includes: a support frame 21, configured as an annular structure, with an annular groove 203 on the outer edge of the support frame 21, and an annular protrusion on the inner sidewall of the end cap 1 that matches the annular groove 203. The support frame 21 can be fixed to the inner sidewall of the end cap 1 by the snap-fit ​​engagement of the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion; a plurality of fasteners 22, each fastener 22 being circumferentially spaced and connected to the inner edge of the support frame 21 and extending toward the center of the support frame 21, the gap between adjacent fasteners 22 forming an overflow area 202 for the flow of liquid medium; and a flow equalization plate 23, configured as a plate structure, with the outer edge of the flow equalization plate 23 connected to each fastener 22, and each flow equalization hole 200 arranged on the flow equalization plate 23 to form a flow equalization area 201 in the middle of the overflow area 202.

[0046] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the support frame 21 adopts an annular structure. On the one hand, it is to adapt to the cylindrical mounting chamber 12 of the end cover 1. The outer edge of the annular support frame 21 can fit against the inner wall of the mounting chamber 12, and through the snap-fit ​​of the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion, it can achieve precise positioning of the support frame 21 in the end cover 1, avoid misalignment of the flow equalization area 201 caused by installation offset, and form a circumferential seal to prevent the liquid medium from leaking from the installation gap between the cylindrical shell and the end cover 1, and ensure that the liquid medium enters the hollow fiber membrane through the subsequent flow equalization area 201 or overflow area 202. On the other hand, the inner edge of the annular support frame 21 provides a uniform connection base for the fastener 22, ensuring that the fastener 22 can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the support frame 21. The flow equalization plate 23 can be stably fixed at the center of the support frame 21 by multiple fasteners 22, ensuring that the flow equalization area 201 of the flow equalization plate 23 is located in the central area of ​​the hollow fiber membrane inside the cylindrical shell, corresponding to the vortex flow channel 13 in the liquid inlet connector 11, so that the flow equalization plate 23 can directly receive the liquid medium ejected from the vortex flow channel 13; at the same time, the gap between adjacent fasteners 22 is the overflow area 202; when the liquid medium impacts the flow equalization plate 23, part of the liquid medium can flow to the hollow fiber membrane through the overflow area 202, which can avoid the liquid medium flowing to the hollow fiber membrane only through the flow equalization hole 200, resulting in a sharp drop in flow rate. After the liquid medium impacts the flow equalization plate 23 at a certain tangential angle, it can buffer its impact force, thereby ensuring that the liquid medium passing through the overflow area 202 and the flow equalization component 2 will not generate strong shear stress on the hollow fiber membrane. The flow equalization plate 23 divides a portion of the liquid medium into multiple uniform, low-flow-rate liquid streams, ensuring that the liquid can evenly cover the fibers in the middle of the hollow fiber membrane. Meanwhile, the overflow area 202 surrounding the flow equalization area 201 distributes the remaining accumulated liquid medium to the fibers surrounding the hollow fiber membrane. Using the flow equalization component 2 in this embodiment not only homogenizes the liquid medium but also avoids the significant reduction in filtration and purification efficiency caused by insufficient flow.

[0047] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the support frame 21 is configured as a ring-shaped structure; each fixing member 22 is configured as a strip-shaped structure of equal length and is uniformly arranged along the radial direction of the support frame 21; the flow equalization plate 23 is configured as a disk-shaped structure, and the flow equalization plate 23 is located at the center of the support frame 21 by the support of each fixing member 22.

[0048] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the support frame 21 adopts a ring-shaped structure in order to form a shape fit with the cylindrical mounting chamber 12. The outer edge of the ring-shaped support frame 21 can completely fit with the inner sidewall of the end cover 1, ensuring that the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion can form a continuous and uniform snap-fit ​​fit along the circumference, avoiding local sealing failure due to shape mismatch; at the same time, the inner edge of the ring also provides a "360° circumferentially uniformly distributed" mounting base for the fastener 22. Setting each fixing member 22 as a strip structure of equal length ensures that the flow equalization plate 23 is located at the center of the annular support frame. Simultaneously, the fixing members 22 are evenly arranged radially along the support frame 21, for example, at intervals of 30° or 45°, creating overflow areas 202 of equal area between adjacent fixing members 22. This uniform overflow gap ensures that the liquid medium can be evenly distributed circumferentially. Furthermore, the strip-shaped fixing members 22 do not excessively occupy the overflow area 202, ensuring its effective area. The flow equalization plate 23 adopts a disc-shaped structure to create a shape synergy with the annular structure of the support frame 21 and the radially evenly arranged fixing members 22. The outer edge of the disc-shaped flow equalization plate 23 connects to multiple fixing members 22, ensuring uniform force distribution and effectively strengthening the connection between the flow equalization plate 23 and the fixing members 22, thus extending its service life.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flow equalization plate 23 is configured as a multi-layer structure, including at least: a first layer and a second layer stacked together; the first layer and the second layer are respectively provided with a plurality of flow equalization holes 200; wherein, the flow equalization holes 200 on the first layer and the flow equalization holes 200 on the second layer are arranged alternately; or, the second layer is located on the side of the first layer away from the liquid inlet connector 11, and the aperture of each flow equalization hole 200 on the second layer is smaller than the aperture of each flow equalization hole 200 on the first layer.

[0050] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, when the flow equalization holes 200 of the first layer and the second layer are arranged alternately, the liquid medium needs to undergo two diversions and splits. In use, the liquid medium is obliquely jetted to the first layer through the vortex channel 13, and then initially dispersed through the flow equalization holes 200 of the first layer to form multiple small-flow liquid streams. Since the flow equalization holes 200 of the first layer and the second layer are arranged alternately, the initially dispersed liquid medium cannot directly pass through the flow equalization holes 200 of the second layer. It needs to redistribute the flow direction in the gap between the two layers, flow around to the flow equalization holes 200 of the second layer, and then flow out. During this process, the flow path of the liquid medium is completely broken and further dispersed in the interlayer gap. When it finally flows out from the second layer, the uniformity of the diverted liquid medium is significantly improved. At the same time, the staggered flow equalization holes 200 can also extend the flow path of the liquid medium in the flow equalization plate 23, indirectly reducing the liquid flow velocity. Combined with the buffering effect of the vortex channel 13, it further reduces the shear stress when the liquid medium impacts the hollow fiber membrane, making it especially suitable for media that are sensitive to shear force, such as blood and biological drugs.

[0051] In another embodiment, when the diameter of the flow equalization holes 200 on the second layer is smaller than that of the flow equalization holes 200 on the first layer, and the second layer is located on the side of the first layer away from the liquid inlet connector 11, a graded flow equalization structure of coarse and fine flow can be formed. The flow equalization holes 200 on the first layer can quickly receive and initially disperse the liquid medium ejected from the vortex channel 13, avoiding increased flow resistance due to excessively small hole diameters; after the liquid medium is diverted by the first layer, the flow velocity has been initially reduced, and then it is diverted again by the flow equalization holes 200 on the second layer, which can more accurately control the flow rate of a single liquid stream, ensuring that the flow rate of the liquid medium finally flowing into the hollow fiber membrane is consistent and uniformly distributed;

[0052] The two multi-layer structures can be selected according to actual needs. For scenarios with high homogenization accuracy requirements, a staggered arrangement can be used; for scenarios with strict requirements on flow resistance, a gradient aperture design can be used, both of which can further optimize the homogenization effect on the basis of single-layer flow homogenization.

[0053] In some embodiments, the flow equalization component 2 in the first and second embodiments described above can be configured as an integrally formed composite structure.

[0054] The flow equalization region 201 is made of a rigid material, while the outer edge of the flow equalization component 2, which is used to fix it to the end cap 1, is made of a flexible material. The rigid material is rigid plastic, and the flexible material is rubber.

[0055] Specifically, in the technical solution adopted in this application, the flow equalization region 201, as the core part of liquid medium diversion, directly determines the flow equalization effect through the dimensional accuracy and structural stability of its flow equalization holes 200. In this embodiment, rigid plastic can be selected as the material for the flow equalization region 201. Rigid plastic has excellent rigidity, which can effectively prevent the flow equalization holes 200 from shrinking, expanding, or deforming under the impact pressure of the liquid medium or during long-term use. If the flow equalization holes 200 deform, it will lead to inconsistent flow areas in individual holes, with some channels having excessively large flow rates and others having excessively small flow rates, directly disrupting the uniform diversion of the liquid. In some cases, the narrowness of the channels of the flow equalization holes 200 may even cause a sharp drop in flow rate, affecting the overall filtration efficiency of the device. The molding process of rigid plastic is relatively mature, such as injection molding, which can precisely control the hole diameter, hole spacing, and arrangement accuracy of the flow equalization holes 200, ensuring that honeycomb arrays or multi-layer designs are not hindered by the manufacturing process. At the same time, rigid plastic has good corrosion resistance, extending the service life of the flow equalization component 2.

[0056] The outer edge of the flow equalization component 2, or the outer edge of the support frame 21, needs to be tightly fitted with the inner wall of the end cap 1 to achieve a seal. A flexible material such as rubber can be used; in one embodiment, silicone is preferred, achieving a sealed connection through its elastic deformation characteristics. It is difficult to achieve an absolutely perfect fit between the inner wall of the end cap 1 and the outer edge of the flow equalization component 2, inevitably resulting in minor gaps. Silicone or rubber possesses excellent elasticity; during assembly, for example, during the snap-fit ​​process between the annular groove 203 and the annular protrusion, it undergoes elastic deformation under pressure, actively filling the minor gaps to form an interference fit, significantly improving the sealing performance of the connection and preventing liquid leakage from the gap between the flow equalization component 2 and the end cap 1.

[0057] By using a one-piece molding process to combine rigid and flexible materials into the flow equalization component 2, the potential risks associated with "separate assembly" can be completely eliminated. If the flow equalization area 201 and the outer edge are assembled after separate processing, there may be tiny gaps at the connection points, which could allow liquid to seep into the gaps, leading to material peeling or corrosion. One-piece molding, on the other hand, enables a seamless connection between the two materials, improving the structural strength of the flow equalization component 2 while avoiding the risk of leakage through gaps.

[0058] In the description of this specification, the 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 described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0059] 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process. Furthermore, the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functionality involved.

[0061] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device).

[0062] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. All or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware, the program being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0063] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This storage medium can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0064] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane separation device, characterized in that, include: An end cap, the end cap being provided with a liquid inlet connector and an installation chamber for fitting and fixing to the end of a cylindrical shell; The liquid inlet connector has a spiral vortex flow channel inside, and the vortex flow channel is connected to the mounting chamber; and, A flow equalization component is disposed in the mounting chamber, and the flow equalization component is provided with a plurality of flow equalization holes facing the liquid inlet connector; The tangential direction of the vortex channel is inclined relative to the surface of the flow equalization component, so that the liquid medium passing through the vortex channel can act on the surface of the flow equalization component in the form of tangential impact, and the liquid medium can enter the hollow fiber membrane in the cylindrical shell evenly after passing through each of the flow equalization holes.

2. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow equalization component is configured as a plate structure, and each of the flow equalization holes forms a flow equalization region at the middle position of the flow equalization component. An annular groove is provided on the outer edge of the flow equalization component. The inner wall of the end cap is provided with an annular protrusion that matches the annular groove. The flow equalization component can be fixed on the inner wall of the end cap by the snap-fit ​​between the annular groove and the annular protrusion.

3. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow equalization component is configured as a disc-shaped structure.

4. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the flow equalization holes is configured as a through hole extending axially along the flow equalization component, and each of the flow equalization holes is closely arranged on the two axial sides of the flow equalization component to form a honeycomb array.

5. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow equalization component includes: The support frame is configured as a ring structure. The outer edge of the support frame is provided with an annular groove, and the inner sidewall of the end cap is provided with an annular protrusion that matches the annular groove. The support frame can be fixed to the inner sidewall of the end cap by the snap-fit ​​between the annular groove and the annular protrusion. Multiple fasteners are connected to the inner edge of the support frame at circumferential intervals and extend toward the center of the support frame. The gaps between adjacent fasteners form an overflow area for the liquid medium to flow through. The flow equalization plate is configured as a plate-shaped structure, with its outer edge connected to each of the fixing members, and each of the flow equalization holes arranged on the flow equalization plate to form a flow equalization area in the middle of the overflow area.

6. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support frame is configured as a circular ring structure; Each of the fasteners is configured as a strip structure of equal length and is evenly arranged radially along the support frame; The flow equalization plate is configured as a disc-shaped structure, and the flow equalization plate is located at the center of the support frame by the support of each of the fixing members.

7. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The flow equalization plate is configured as a multi-layer structure, including at least: a first layer and a second layer stacked together; The first layer and the second layer are respectively provided with a plurality of flow equalization holes; Wherein, the flow equalization holes on the first layer are arranged alternately with the flow equalization holes on the second layer; or... The second layer is located on the side of the first layer away from the liquid inlet connector, and the diameter of each of the flow equalization holes on the second layer is smaller than the diameter of each of the flow equalization holes on the first layer.

8. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The flow equalization component is configured as a one-piece molded composite structure; The flow equalization area is made of rigid material, while the outer edge of the flow equalization component used for fixing to the end cap is made of flexible material.

9. The hollow fiber membrane separation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rigid material is a rigid plastic, and the flexible material is rubber.

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