Conveniently replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane group device, including frame structure, membrane element unit and water collecting system.Frame structure is composed of upper fixed plate, lower fixed plate and support column.Membrane element unit contains multiple independent membrane elements, and is installed between upper fixed plate and lower fixed plate by quick connecting structure.Each independent membrane element includes hollow fiber membrane bundle, upper end and lower end, upper end is equipped with water outlet, lower end is equipped with air inlet, and is equipped with sealing groove and annular sealing ring.Water collecting system includes water collecting main pipe, branch hose and connector assembly, branch hose is connected with the water outlet of independent membrane element and water collecting main pipe by connector assembly.Frame structure is also provided with guide chute and positioning slot, to realize the quick positioning and reliable fixing of membrane element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of membrane bioreactor technology, and in particular to a replaceable hollow fiber membrane module for MBR. Background Technology

[0002] Hollow fiber membrane modules are the core component of membrane bioreactor systems, widely used in wastewater treatment and reuse. Existing hollow fiber membrane modules mostly adopt an integral encapsulated structure, with membrane fibers and collection pipes connected by epoxy resin curing. When some membrane fibers become fouled or break, the entire membrane module needs to be replaced or returned to the factory for repair, resulting in high maintenance costs and long downtime. Traditional membrane modules often use welding or bolts to fix the collection pipes and frame, requiring specialized tools for disassembly and easily damaging the membrane fibers. Furthermore, existing membrane modules lack standardized interface designs, resulting in poor compatibility between products from different manufacturers, limiting the interchangeability of membrane elements and the flexibility of system upgrades. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hollow fiber membrane module with a modular structure, easy on-site maintenance, and the ability to quickly replace membrane elements. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] This invention is achieved by providing a conveniently replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module. The system includes a frame structure, membrane element units, and a water collection system. The frame structure comprises an upper fixed plate, a lower fixed plate, and multiple supporting columns connecting the upper and lower fixed plates. Each membrane element unit consists of multiple independent membrane elements, which are detachably installed between the upper and lower fixed plates via a quick-connect structure. Each independent membrane element includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle, an upper end cap, and a lower end cap. The upper end cap has an outlet water port, and the lower end cap has an air inlet water port. Both the upper and lower end caps have sealing grooves on their outer periphery, with annular sealing rings embedded within these grooves.

[0005] The water collection system includes a main water collection pipe, multiple branch hoses, and a connector assembly. The main water collection pipe is fixed to the top of the frame structure, and its side wall has multiple outlet branch pipe interfaces. One end of each branch hose is connected to the outlet interface of an individual membrane element via the connector assembly, and the other end is connected to the outlet branch pipe interface of the main water collection pipe. The connector assembly includes a male connector, a female connector, and a locking collar. The male connector is fixedly connected to the outlet interface of the individual membrane element, and the female connector is fixedly connected to the end of the branch hose. The inner wall of the locking collar has a threaded structure, which mates with the thread on the outer wall of the male connector.

[0006] The frame structure also includes guide grooves mounted on the supporting columns, extending vertically. Guide sliders are located on both sides of the upper and lower ends of the independent membrane element, and these sliders slide in conjunction with the guide grooves. The upper fixing plate has positioning slots with elastic buckles. The top of the upper end of the independent membrane element has a snap-fit ​​flange that engages with the elastic buckles.

[0007] This utility model discloses a replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module. A frame structure provides a stable support foundation, and the independent membrane elements of the membrane element unit, combined with a quick-connect structure, allow for convenient assembly and disassembly of individual membrane elements. Flexible connection to the main water collection pipe is achieved through branch hoses and connector assemblies in the water collection system. This structural arrangement enables individual replacement of membrane elements, significantly reducing maintenance costs while improving compatibility with products from different manufacturers and the flexibility of system upgrades.

[0008] As a further improvement, both the upper and lower fixing plates adopt a rectangular frame structure with mounting holes at their four corners. There are four support columns, and both ends of each support column are connected to the upper and lower fixing plates via flanges.

[0009] As a further improvement, the hollow fiber membrane bundles of the independent membrane elements are arranged in a curtain-like pattern, with consistent spacing between the membrane fibers. The upper and lower ends are injection molded from engineering plastics, and their interiors contain water distribution channels.

[0010] As a further improvement, the sealing groove has a trapezoidal cross-section, and the annular sealing ring is made of EPDM rubber. The compression of the annular sealing ring is 20% to 30%.

[0011] As a further improvement, the branch hose is made of reinforced polyurethane material with a smooth inner wall. The length of the branch hose is 10% to 15% longer than the straight-line distance between the individual membrane element and the main water collection pipe.

[0012] As a further improvement, the male connector has a tapered sealing surface at its end, and the female connector has a tapered cavity inside that mates with the tapered sealing surface. The inner thread of the locking collar is a fine thread with a pitch of 0.8 mm.

[0013] As a further improvement, the guide groove has a dovetail-shaped cross-section, and the cross-sectional shape of the guide slider matches that of the guide groove. The guide slider is made of self-lubricating engineering plastic.

[0014] As a further improvement, the positioning slot has a depth of ten to fifteen millimeters, and the elastic buckle is made of stainless steel. The engagement flange has a thickness of three to five millimeters, and its lower surface is chamfered.

[0015] As a further improvement, the main water collection pipe is equipped with a buffer baffle, which has a porous plate structure. The opening ratio of the buffer baffle is 30% to 40%.

[0016] As a further improvement, the frame structure is equipped with a base support at the bottom, and the height of the base support is adjustable. The bottom of the base support is equipped with anti-slip pads.

[0017] In summary, this utility model's easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module effectively solves the technical challenges of difficult maintenance and poor technical compatibility inherent in traditional membrane modules through its unique structural design. The modular, independent membrane element design, combined with guide grooves and positioning clips, enables rapid positioning and reliable fixation of the membrane elements. The combination of flexible branch hoses and conical sealing connectors ensures the sealing of the water circuit connections and ease of installation. The synergistic effect of these structural features significantly improves the maintenance efficiency, system flexibility, and product versatility of the membrane module, providing a reliable technical guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the MBR system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the independent membrane element in this utility model; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Frame structure; 2. Upper fixing plate; 3. Lower fixing plate; 4. Support column; 5. Membrane element unit; 6. Independent membrane element; 7. Hollow fiber membrane bundle; 8. Upper end; 9. Lower end; 10. Water outlet; 11. Air inlet; 12. Sealing groove; 13. Annular sealing ring; 14. Water collection system; 15. Main water collection pipe; 16. Branch hose; 17. Connector assembly; 18. Male connector; 19. Female connector; 20. Locking collar; 21. Guide groove; 22. Guide slider; 23. Positioning slot; 24. Elastic buckle; 25. Snap-fit ​​flange; 26. Base bracket; 27. Buffer baffle.

[0019] Detailed Description of the Utility Model The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0020] Please see Figures 1 to 3This utility model provides a replaceable hollow fiber MBR membrane module, whose overall structure includes a frame structure 1, membrane element units 5, and a water collection system 14. The frame structure 1 provides a stable physical support foundation, the membrane element units 5 perform water filtration, and the water collection system 14 is responsible for collecting and discharging the treated water. The core design of this device lies in enabling independent replacement and maintenance of the membrane elements.

[0021] Specifically, the frame structure 1 is the main supporting structure of the entire membrane module, mainly comprising an upper fixing plate 2, a lower fixing plate 3, and multiple supporting columns 4 connecting the upper fixing plate 2 and the lower fixing plate 3. The upper fixing plate 2 is a rectangular frame structure with external dimensions of 2000 mm in length, 1000 mm in width, and 20 mm in thickness. It is made of 304 stainless steel and welded together, with a passivated surface treatment. The upper fixing plate 2 has 15 mm diameter mounting holes at its four corners for connecting to other equipment or structures. The bottom of the upper fixing plate 2 has multiple positioning slots 23, the number of which corresponds to the number of independent membrane elements 6, for example, one slot every 150 mm, for a total of 20 positioning slots 23. Each positioning slot 23 is 12 mm deep and 40 mm wide, and has an elastic buckle 24 on one side inside. The elastic buckle 24 is made of 0.8 mm thick stainless steel sheet and has an L-shaped bending structure. Its free end extends 5 mm into the slot and is fixed to the side wall of the positioning slot 23 by an M4 screw. The elastic buckle 24 has a certain elastic deformation capability. When the membrane element is linearly pushed in, its free end is pushed open by the snap-fit ​​flange 25 of the membrane element. After the snap-fit ​​flange 25 passes its position, the elastic buckle 24 returns to its original position, thereby realizing the positioning and locking of the membrane element.

[0022] The lower fixing plate 3 also has a rectangular frame structure, with the same external dimensions as the upper fixing plate 2: 2000 mm in length, 1000 mm in width, and 20 mm in thickness. It is made of 304 stainless steel and welded together, with a passivated surface. The lower fixing plate 3 also has mounting holes with a diameter of 15 mm at its four corners. The upper surface of the lower fixing plate 3 has multiple grooves for positioning the bottom of the membrane element, whose positions correspond to the positioning slots 23 of the upper fixing plate 2. The dimensions of the grooves precisely match the outer contour of the lower end 9 of the independent membrane element 9.

[0023] There are four support columns 4, each with a rectangular tubular structure, for example, a cross-section of 50 mm x 50 mm and a wall thickness of 3 mm, made of 304 stainless steel. Each support column 4 is connected to the upper fixing plate 2 and the lower fixing plate 3 at both ends via flanges. The flanges are made of 8 mm thick stainless steel and are fastened with M12 bolts to ensure the overall rigidity and stability of the frame structure 1. The support columns 4 are 2500 mm high, ensuring sufficient installation space for the membrane element unit 5. The inner surface of each support column 4 is provided with a guide groove 21, which extends vertically and runs the entire length of the support column 4. The guide groove 21 has a dovetail-shaped cross-section, with a groove width of 25 mm and a depth of 15 mm, and is machined using high-precision CNC milling to ensure a smooth surface.

[0024] The bottom of the frame structure 1 is provided with a base bracket 26, which is welded from H-beams or rectangular tubes, such as H200 steel, and the material is 304 stainless steel. The base bracket 26 is connected to the bottom of the lower fixed plate 3 by flange connection or welding. The height of the base bracket 26 is adjustable within a range of 100 mm, achieved through a pre-set threaded adjustment mechanism and locking nut at the bottom, facilitating level calibration during installation. An anti-slip pad is welded to the bottom of the base bracket 26. The anti-slip pad is made of 5 mm thick wear-resistant rubber material, which increases friction with the ground and prevents the device from sliding during operation.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The membrane element unit 5 is the core component of the membrane module for solid-liquid separation, and it mainly comprises multiple independent membrane elements 6. Each independent membrane element 6 is detachably installed between the upper fixed plate 2 and the lower fixed plate 3 via a quick-connect structure. The membrane element unit 5 can be configured with 20 or more independent membrane elements 6 according to actual processing requirements.

[0026] Specifically, each of the independent membrane elements 6 includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 7, an upper end 8, and a lower end 9. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 7 is composed of thousands of hollow fiber membrane filaments arranged in a curtain-like pattern, with a consistent filament spacing, for example, 2 mm, to ensure uniform fluid distribution among the filaments. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 7 is made of high-strength PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) material, which has good antifouling properties and chemical stability, and its effective membrane area is 20 square meters.

[0027] The upper end head 8 is injection molded from engineering plastic, such as modified ABS or PVC, with external dimensions of 500 mm in length, 80 mm in width, and 50 mm in height. The upper end head 8 has an internal water distribution channel with a porous structure to ensure uniform collection of water from the membrane fibers. The upper end head 8 has a water outlet 10, which is a threaded pipe with an outer diameter of 25 mm and communicates internally with the water distribution channel. Guide sliders 22 are located on both sides of the upper end head 8. The cross-sectional shape of the guide sliders 22 precisely matches the dovetail structure of the guide groove 21 on the support column 4. These guide sliders are injection molded from self-lubricating engineering plastic, such as POM, to facilitate smooth sliding of the independent membrane element 6 within the guide groove 21, enabling easy installation and disassembly. A sealing groove 12 is located on the outer periphery of the upper end head 8. The sealing groove 12 has a trapezoidal cross-section with a depth of 7 mm and a width of 10 mm. An annular sealing ring 13 is embedded in the sealing groove 12. The annular sealing ring 13 is made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, which has excellent aging resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, and its cross-sectional diameter is 8 mm. The compression of the annular sealing ring 13 is 25%, ensuring a reliable static seal after installation to prevent water leakage. The top of the upper end 8 is provided with a snap-fit ​​flange 25 that cooperates with the elastic buckle 24 of the upper fixing plate 2. The snap-fit ​​flange 25 is a rectangular boss with a thickness of 4 mm and a length of 40 mm. The lower surface is chamfered at a chamfer angle of 45 degrees to facilitate smooth insertion into the snap-fit ​​position of the elastic buckle 24 during installation.

[0028] The lower end 9 is also injection molded from engineering plastic, and its material, dimensions, and internal structure (water distribution channel) are basically the same as those of the upper end 8. The lower end 9 is provided with an air inlet 11, which has a threaded pipe structure and an outer diameter of 25 mm, used to connect to the aeration system for periodic cleaning of the membrane fibers. Guide sliders 22 are also provided on both sides of the lower end 9, with the same structure as those on the upper end 8, forming a sliding fit with the guide grooves 21 on the support column 4. A sealing groove 12 is also provided on the outer periphery of the lower end 9, with the same structure as the sealing groove 12 and annular sealing ring 13 on the upper end 8, ensuring the bottom is sealed.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The water collection system 14 is responsible for collecting and discharging the purified water filtered by the membrane element. It mainly includes a main water collection pipe 15, multiple branch hoses 16, and a connector assembly 17. The main water collection pipe 15 is fixed to the top of the frame structure 1, for example, by a U-shaped clamp or welded bracket above the upper fixing plate 2. The main water collection pipe 15 is a circular cross-section tube with an outer diameter of 150 mm and a wall thickness of 5 mm, made of 304 stainless steel. The side wall of the main water collection pipe 15 has multiple outlet branch pipe interfaces, the number of which corresponds to the number of branch hoses 16, for example, 20. Each outlet branch pipe interface is a threaded interface with a diameter of 25 mm. The main water collection pipe 15 has an internal buffer baffle 27, which is a perforated plate structure made of 304 stainless steel with an opening rate of 35%, used to disperse the water flow and reduce the impact on downstream elements.

[0030] One end of each of the multiple branch hoses 16 is connected to the outlet port 10 of the independent membrane element 6 via the connector assembly 17, and the other end is connected to the outlet branch port of the main water collection pipe 15 via a threaded connection. The branch hoses 16 are made of reinforced polyurethane material with a smooth inner wall, exhibiting good pressure resistance, wear resistance, and aging resistance. They have an outer diameter of 25 mm and an inner diameter of 18 mm. The length of the branch hose 16 is 12% longer than the straight-line distance between the outlet port 10 of the independent membrane element 6 and the outlet branch port of the main water collection pipe 15. This reserved length allows the branch hoses 16 to have a certain degree of flexibility, enabling them to adapt to displacement of the membrane element during installation or minor vibrations, while simultaneously preventing additional stress on the interface from the water flow.

[0031] The connector assembly 17 includes a male connector 18, a female connector 19, and a locking collar 20. The male connector 18 is made of 304 stainless steel, and one end is fixedly connected to the outlet interface 10 of the independent membrane element 6 via thread or welding. The other end of the male connector 18 has a tapered sealing surface with a cone angle of 60 degrees, and its surface is precision ground to ensure smoothness. The outer wall of the male connector 18 has fine threads, such as M25x0.8 threads. The female connector 19 is also made of 304 stainless steel, and one end is fixedly connected to the end of the branch hose 16 via a compression fitting or welding. The interior of the female connector 19 has a tapered cavity that mates with the tapered sealing surface of the male connector 18; the tapered cavity also has a cone angle of 60 degrees and a smooth surface. The locking collar 20 is made of 304 stainless steel and is annular in shape. Its inner wall has fine threads with a pitch of 0.8 mm, which precisely match the threads on the outer wall of the male connector 18. After the conical sealing surface and conical cavity of the male connector 18 are aligned with those of the female connector 19, the locking collar 20 is rotated so that its threads engage with the threads on the outer wall of the male connector 18. By tightening the locking collar 20, the conical sealing surface of the male connector 18 is tightly fitted with the conical cavity of the female connector 19, achieving a reliable conical seal and preventing liquid leakage.

[0032] This utility model's easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module, through the detailed structural design described above, achieves a highly efficient and easy-to-maintain membrane separation system. The dovetail-shaped guide groove 21 inside the supporting column 4 of the frame structure 1 cooperates with the self-lubricating guide sliders 22 on both sides of the upper and lower ends 8 and 9 of the independent membrane element 6, allowing each independent membrane element 6 to slide smoothly into and out vertically without disassembling the entire frame, greatly facilitating the installation and replacement of the membrane elements. The positioning slot 23 on the upper fixing plate 2 and its internal stainless steel elastic buckle 24 interact with the 45-degree chamfered lower surface of the snap-fit ​​flange 25 at the top of the upper end 8 of the independent membrane element 6, achieving rapid automatic positioning and reliable locking of the membrane element after installation, preventing the membrane element from loosening due to water flow impact or vibration during operation. The EPDM annular sealing rings 13 embedded in the trapezoidal sealing grooves 12 on the outer periphery of the upper and lower ends 8 and 9 of the independent membrane element 6 form a static seal with the corresponding contact surfaces of the upper and lower fixing plates 3 and 2 after the membrane element is installed in place, ensuring strict separation between raw water and purified water. The flexible branch hose 16 in the water collection system 14, with its reserved length of 12% longer than the straight distance, can compensate for minor deviations that may occur during the installation of the independent membrane element 6, avoiding stress concentration caused by rigid connections. The male connector 18 of the connector assembly 17 and the female connector 19, with their conical sealing surface and conical cavity respectively, are then tightened by the fine thread of the locking collar 20, forming a highly reliable conical sealing connection, ensuring zero leakage in the purified water collection pipeline. The buffer baffle 27 inside the main water collection pipe 15 can effectively prevent the water from the membrane element outlet from directly scouring the pipe wall, protecting the pipe structure. The height adjustment function and anti-slip pads of the base bracket 26 enable the entire device to be installed stably and adapt to different site environments. The synergistic effect of these structural features enables the device to achieve rapid and convenient replacement of individual membrane elements 6, significantly reducing the operation and maintenance costs and downtime of the MBR system. At the same time, the standardized interface design improves the compatibility of membrane element products from different manufacturers and the flexibility of system upgrades.

[0033] 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 and improvements 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 replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module, comprising: The frame structure (1), membrane element unit (5), and water collection system (14) are characterized in that the frame structure (1) includes an upper fixing plate (2), a lower fixing plate (3), and a plurality of supporting columns (4) connecting the upper fixing plate (2) and the lower fixing plate (3); the membrane element unit (5) includes a plurality of independent membrane elements (6), each of the independent membrane elements (6) being detachably installed between the upper fixing plate (2) and the lower fixing plate (3) through a quick-connect structure; the independent membrane element (6) includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle (7), an upper end (8), and a lower end (9). The upper end (8) is provided with a water outlet (10), and the lower end (9) is provided with an air inlet (11); both the upper end (8) and the lower end (9) are provided with sealing grooves (12) on their outer periphery, and an annular sealing ring (13) is embedded in the sealing grooves (12); the water collection system (14) includes a main water collection pipe (15), multiple branch hoses (16) and a connector assembly (17). The main water collection pipe (15) is fixed to the top of the frame structure (1), and its side wall is provided with multiple water outlet branch pipe interfaces. One end of each of the multiple branch hoses (16) is connected to a connector. The component (17) is connected to the outlet port (10) of the independent membrane element (6), and the other end is connected to the outlet branch pipe port of the main water collection pipe (15); the connector component (17) includes a male connector (18), a female connector (19) and a locking collar (20), the male connector (18) is fixedly connected to the outlet port (10) of the independent membrane element (6), the female connector (19) is fixedly connected to the end of the branch hose (16), and the inner wall of the locking collar (20) is provided with a threaded structure, which forms a fit with the thread on the outer wall of the male connector (18); the frame structure ( 1) It also includes a guide groove (21) set on the support column (4), the guide groove (21) extending in the vertical direction; the upper end (8) and lower end (9) of the independent membrane element (6) are provided with guide sliders (22) on both sides, the guide sliders (22) and the guide groove (21) form a sliding fit; the upper fixing plate (2) is provided with a positioning slot (23), the positioning slot (23) is provided with an elastic buckle (24); the upper end (8) of the independent membrane element (6) is provided with a snap-fit ​​flange (25) that cooperates with the elastic buckle (24).

2. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow fiber membrane bundles (7) of the independent membrane element (6) are arranged in a curtain-like manner, and the spacing between the membrane fibers is consistent; the upper end (8) and the lower end (9) are made of engineering plastic injection molding, and a water distribution cavity is provided inside; the cross section of the sealing groove (12) is trapezoidal, and the annular sealing ring (13) is made of EPDM rubber material.

3. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch hose (16) is made of reinforced polyurethane material and has a smooth inner wall; the end of the male connector (18) is provided with a tapered sealing surface, and the inside of the female connector (19) is provided with a tapered cavity that matches the tapered sealing surface; the inner wall thread of the locking collar (20) is a fine thread.

4. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide groove (21) has a dovetail-shaped cross-section, and the cross-sectional shape of the guide slider (22) matches that of the guide groove (21). The guide slider (22) is made of self-lubricating engineering plastic. The positioning slot (23) has a depth of 10 to 15 millimeters, and the elastic buckle (24) is made of stainless steel sheet.

5. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection main pipe (15) is equipped with a buffer baffle (27) inside, and the buffer baffle (27) has a porous plate structure; the opening rate of the buffer baffle (27) is 30% to 40%.

6. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the frame structure (1) is provided with a base support (26), the height of which is adjustable; the bottom of the base support (26) is provided with an anti-slip pad.

7. The easily replaceable MBR hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper fixing plate (2) and the lower fixing plate (3) both adopt a rectangular frame structure, and their four corners are provided with mounting holes; the number of the supporting columns (4) is four, and the two ends of each supporting column (4) are connected to the upper fixing plate (2) and the lower fixing plate (3) through flanges.

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