End cap for spiral-wound membrane element and spiral-wound membrane element

Abstract

The application relates to an end cover of a spiral membrane element and the spiral membrane element. The end cover of the spiral membrane element comprises an inner ring body, an outer ring body and a supporting unit; the outer ring body is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the inner ring body and is concentric with the inner ring body; the supporting unit comprises a plurality of supporting members which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body and the outer ring body along the axial direction of the outer ring body, the supporting member comprises a plurality of supporting ribs which are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer ring body, the supporting rib comprises a first supporting part and a second supporting part which are connected and have an included angle; each supporting rib is connected with the corresponding supporting rib in the adjacent supporting member and the two supporting ribs face opposite directions, and the directions of any two adjacent supporting ribs of the same supporting member face opposite directions. The end cover can improve the ability to prevent the deformation of the membrane leaf in the membrane element, and can also make the structure of the end cover more stable, thereby ensuring the long-term stable operation of the spiral membrane element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to an end cap for a spiral wound membrane element and the spiral wound membrane element itself. Background Technology

[0002] Spiral wound membrane elements are currently the main type of membrane element in water treatment technology. Typically, a spiral wound membrane element consists of a membrane sheet, a permeate flow guide cloth, and a concentrate separator spirally wound onto a central tube. To prevent deformation of the membrane sheet, permeate flow guide cloth, and concentrate separator, end caps are installed on both sides of the spiral wound membrane element. The main function of the end caps is to improve the high flow rate tolerance or high pressure tolerance of the spiral wound membrane element.

[0003] Currently, most end caps used in spiral wound membrane elements employ ribs with a centrally radiating structure for support, but this type of end cap has limited ability to prevent membrane deformation. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an end cap for a spiral wound membrane element and a spiral wound membrane element to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] An end cap for a spiral wound membrane element, comprising:

[0006] Inner ring body;

[0007] An outer ring body is located on the outer periphery of the inner ring body and is concentric with the inner ring body;

[0008] A support unit includes multiple support members, which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body and the outer ring body along the axial direction of the outer ring body. Each support member includes multiple support ribs spaced apart circumferentially along the outer ring body. Each support rib includes a first support portion and a second support portion connected together and having an included angle. Each support rib is connected to a corresponding support rib in an adjacent support member and the two ribs face opposite directions. Any two adjacent support ribs in the same support member face opposite directions.

[0009] The aforementioned end cap bends the support ribs by creating an angle between the first and second support portions. Compared to traditional straight support ribs, the bent support ribs are more evenly distributed on the membrane end face, increasing the contact area and enhancing the ability to prevent membrane deformation in the membrane element. Furthermore, by connecting each support rib of the support member to the corresponding support rib in the adjacent support member with opposite orientations, and by having any two adjacent support ribs of the same support member have opposite orientations, the stress-bearing capacity of the support member is increased, making the end cap structure more stable and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the spiral wound membrane element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the number of support members is 2 to 3.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the supporting members has 8 to 16 supporting ribs.

[0012] In one embodiment, the included angle is 100° to 150°.

[0013] In one embodiment, the end cap is an integral structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the axial end faces of the outer ring, the inner ring, and the support unit are flush.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring body is provided with an interference protrusion, and the interference protrusion is arranged in a circle along the circumference of the inner ring body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the number of interference protrusions is 1 to 6.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the interference protrusion is semi-circular, and the diameter of the semi-circle is 0.1mm to 0.8mm.

[0018] A spiral wound membrane element includes a central tube, a membrane sheet, and two end caps as described in any one of the above descriptions; the membrane sheet is wound around the outer periphery of the central tube, the axial end of the central tube is located outside the membrane sheet and inserted into the inner ring of the corresponding end cap, and the axial end face of the membrane sheet is in contact with the support unit of the end cap.

[0019] In the aforementioned spiral wound membrane element, the end cap bends the support ribs by creating an angle between the first and second support portions. Compared to the traditional straight support ribs, the bent support ribs are more evenly distributed on the membrane end face, increasing the contact area and enhancing the ability to prevent membrane deformation. Furthermore, by connecting each support rib of the support member to the corresponding support rib in the adjacent support member with opposite orientations, and by ensuring that any two adjacent support ribs of the same support member have opposite orientations, the stress-bearing capacity of the support member is increased, making the end cap structure more stable and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the spiral wound membrane element. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an end cap provided in an embodiment of this application, viewed from a first angle.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an end cap provided in an embodiment of this application, viewed from a second angle.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of water flow in a spiral wound membrane element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0024] 100. End cap; 110. Inner ring body; 111. Interference fit protrusion; 120. Outer ring body; 130. Support unit; 131. Support component; 1311. Support rib; 1311a. First support part; 1311b. Second support part; 200. Central tube; 300. Membrane sheet; 400. Fiberglass shell. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0027] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0031] Traditional spiral wound membrane elements mostly use ribs with a centrally radiating structure as support for the end caps. However, the ribs with a centrally radiating structure cannot be evenly distributed on the end face of the membrane element, which limits their ability to prevent the membrane sheets in the membrane element from deforming.

[0032] In this regard, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, one embodiment of this application provides an end cap 100 for a spiral wound membrane element. The end cap 100 includes an inner ring body 110, an outer ring body 120, and a support unit 130. The outer ring body 120 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner ring body 110 and is concentric with the inner ring body 110. The support unit 130 includes a plurality of support members 131, which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body 110 and the outer ring body 120 along the axial direction of the outer ring body 120. Each support member 131 includes a plurality of support ribs 1311 spaced apart along the circumference of the outer ring body 120. Each support rib 1311 includes a first support portion 1311a and a second support portion 1311b connected and having an included angle. Each support rib 1311 is connected to a corresponding support rib 1311 in an adjacent support member 131 and the two face opposite directions. Any two adjacent support ribs 1311 of the same support member 131 face opposite directions.

[0033] The end caps 100 are installed on both sides of the spiral wound membrane element, and their main function is to prevent the membrane sheet 300 from deforming during operation. The central tube 200 of the spiral wound membrane element is inserted into and fixed in the inner ring 110 of the end caps 100. At the same time, the end faces of the membrane sheet 300 are in contact with the support unit 130 of the end caps 100. After assembly, the two end caps 100 form opposing clamping forces on the membrane sheet 300, fixing it by this axial compression, thereby effectively restraining the membrane sheet 300 and preventing its deformation.

[0034] This application bends the support rib 1311 by providing an included angle α between the first support portion 1311a and the second support portion 1311b. Compared with the traditional straight support rib 1311, the bent support rib 1311 can be more evenly distributed on the end face of the membrane 300, which can increase the contact area with the end face of the membrane 300 and improve the ability to prevent the membrane 300 in the membrane element from deforming.

[0035] like Figure 3As shown, in the water treatment process, feed water enters the fiberglass housing 400 of the spiral wound membrane element through the annular flow channel between the inner and outer rings 120 of the end cap 100. The water flows axially through the flow channel network outside the membrane 300, splitting into two paths: one part of the water, driven by pressure, radially passes through the membrane 300 for filtration, and the resulting permeate flows into the central pipe 200; the other part becomes concentrate and is discharged from the annular flow channel at the other end. The area of ​​the fiberglass housing 400 and the outer ring 120 of the end cap 100 experiences higher feed water pressure, while the area inside the central pipe 200 and the inner ring 110 of the end cap 100 experiences permeate at near-normal pressure. This significant pressure difference between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 results in the outer ring 120 of the end cap 100 experiencing a much greater force than the inner ring 110. This unbalanced force will generate huge stress on the support member 131 connecting the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120, which may easily cause the end cap 100 to deform or be damaged, affecting its structural stability. Figure 3 The dashed arrows in the diagram represent the direction of water flow.

[0036] In this regard, this application connects each support rib 1311 of the support member 131 to the corresponding support rib 1311 in the adjacent support member 131 with the two facing opposite directions, and makes any two adjacent support ribs 1311 of the same support member 131 face opposite directions, which can increase the stress-bearing capacity of the support member 131, make the structure of the end cap 100 more stable, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the spiral wound membrane element.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the number of support members 131 is 2 to 3, for example, 2 or 3. This arrangement can ensure the structural stability of the end cap 100, simplify the structure of the end cap 100, and facilitate production and processing.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the number of support ribs 1311 in each support member 131 is 8 to 16, for example, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16. This arrangement can ensure both the structural stability of the end cover 100 and the water supply throughput of the end cover 100, so that water can pass smoothly through the end cover 100.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the included angle α between the first support portion 1311a and the second support portion 1311b of the support rib 1311 is 100°~150°, for example, it can be set to 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, etc. This setting allows the support ribs 1311 to be more evenly distributed on the end face of the membrane sheet 300, improving the ability to prevent deformation of the membrane sheet 300 in the membrane element, and also makes the structure of the end cap 100 more stable, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the spiral wound membrane element.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the end cap 100 is a one-piece structure. This further improves the stability of the end cap 100 structure. It can be injection molded from materials with good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the axial end faces of the outer ring body 120, the inner ring body 110, and the support unit 130 are flush. It is understood that the axial end faces of the outer ring body 120, the inner ring body 110, and the support member 131 closest to and furthest from themselves in the support unit 130 are flush. This arrangement increases the connection strength between the support unit 130 and the outer ring body 120 and the inner ring body 110, and also ensures that after the outer ring body 120 and the inner ring body 110 are installed, the support unit 130 can effectively contact the end face of the membrane 300.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring body 110 is provided with an interference fit protrusion 111, which is arranged in a circle around the circumference of the inner ring body 110. The interference fit protrusion 111 allows the central tube 200 to be fixed in the inner ring body 110 by interference fit, which facilitates the replacement of the end cap 100. It also serves as a seal, sealing the gap between the inner ring body 110 and the central tube 200.

[0043] Optionally, the number of interference protrusions 111 can be 1 to 6, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. This arrangement can ensure an effective interference fit between the central tube 200 and the inner ring body 110, and also simplify the structure of the end cap 100.

[0044] Optionally, the cross-section of the interference fit protrusion 111 is semi-circular, with a diameter of 0.1mm to 0.8mm, such as 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, etc. This design ensures an effective interference fit between the central tube 200 and the inner ring 110, while also preventing deformation of the end cap 100 or the central tube 200.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 120 has threads. The fiberglass outer shell 400 is fitted around the outer circumference of the central shaft and is threadedly connected to the outer ring 120.

[0046] On the other hand, such as Figure 3As shown, one embodiment of this application also provides a spiral wound membrane element, which includes a central tube 200, a membrane sheet 300, and two end caps 100 as described in any one of the above. The membrane sheet 300 is wound around the outer periphery of the central tube 200, and the axial end of the central tube 200 is located outside the membrane sheet 300 and inserted into the inner ring 110 of the corresponding end cap 100. The axial end face of the membrane sheet 300 is in contact with the support unit 130 of the end cap 100.

[0047] The end caps 100 are installed on both sides of the spiral wound membrane element, and their main function is to prevent the membrane sheet 300 from deforming during operation. The central tube 200 of the spiral wound membrane element is inserted into and fixed in the inner ring 110 of the end caps 100. At the same time, the end faces of the membrane sheet 300 are in contact with the support unit 130 of the end caps 100. After assembly, the two end caps 100 form opposing clamping forces on the membrane sheet 300, fixing it by this axial compression, thereby effectively restraining the membrane sheet 300 and preventing its deformation.

[0048] This application bends the support rib 1311 by providing an included angle α between the first support portion 1311a and the second support portion 1311b. Compared with the traditional straight support rib 1311, the bent support rib 1311 can be more evenly distributed on the end face of the membrane 300, which can increase the contact area with the end face of the membrane 300 and improve the ability to prevent the membrane 300 in the membrane element from deforming.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in the water treatment process, feed water enters the fiberglass housing 400 of the spiral wound membrane element through the annular flow channel between the inner and outer rings 120 of the end cap 100. The water flows axially through the flow channel network outside the membrane 300, splitting into two paths: one part of the water, driven by pressure, radially passes through the membrane 300 for filtration, and the resulting permeate flows into the central pipe 200; the other part becomes concentrate and is discharged from the annular flow channel at the other end. The area of ​​the fiberglass housing 400 and the outer ring 120 of the end cap 100 experiences higher feed water pressure, while the area inside the central pipe 200 and the inner ring 110 of the end cap 100 experiences permeate at near-normal pressure. This significant pressure difference between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 results in the outer ring 120 of the end cap 100 experiencing a much greater force than the inner ring 110. This unbalanced force will generate huge stress on the support member 131 connecting the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120, which may easily cause the end cap 100 to deform or be damaged, affecting its structural stability.

[0050] In this regard, this application connects each support rib 1311 of the support member 131 to the corresponding support rib 1311 in the adjacent support member 131 with the two facing opposite directions, and makes any two adjacent support ribs 1311 of the same support member 131 face opposite directions, which can increase the stress-bearing capacity of the support member 131, make the structure of the end cap 100 more stable, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the spiral wound membrane element.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] This embodiment provides an end cap 100 for a spiral wound membrane element. The end cap 100 includes an inner ring body 110, an outer ring body 120, and a support unit 130. The outer ring body 120 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner ring body 110 and is concentric with the inner ring body 110. The support unit 130 includes two support members 131, which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body 110 and the outer ring body 120 along the axial direction of the outer ring body 120. Each support member 131 includes eight support ribs 1311 spaced apart circumferentially along the outer ring body 120. Each support rib 1311 includes a first support portion 1311a and a second support portion 1311b connected and having an included angle of 120°. Each support rib 1311 is connected to the corresponding support rib 1311 in the adjacent support member 131 and the two face opposite directions. Any two adjacent support ribs 1311 of the same support member 131 face opposite directions.

[0053] The outer ring 120 has a threaded outer circumferential surface, and the inner ring 110 has an inner diameter of 38.0 mm. Its inner circumferential surface has three interference protrusions 111 spaced axially. The cross-section of each interference protrusion 111 is semi-circular with a radius of 0.4 mm.

[0054] The outer ring 120, the inner ring 110 and the support unit 130 are flush with each other on the axial end face. The three are formed into an integral structure by injection molding and the material is ABS.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] This embodiment provides an end cap 100 for a spiral wound membrane element. The end cap 100 includes an inner ring body 110, an outer ring body 120, and a support unit 130. The outer ring body 120 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner ring body 110 and is concentric with the inner ring body 110. The support unit 130 includes two support members 131, which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body 110 and the outer ring body 120 along the axial direction of the outer ring body 120. Each support member 131 includes 10 support ribs 1311 spaced apart circumferentially along the outer ring body 120. Each support rib 1311 includes a first support portion 1311a and a second support portion 1311b connected and having an included angle of 130°. Each support rib 1311 is connected to the corresponding support rib 1311 in the adjacent support member 131 and the two face opposite directions. Any two adjacent support ribs 1311 of the same support member 131 face opposite directions.

[0057] The outer ring 120 has a threaded outer circumferential surface, and the inner ring 110 has an inner diameter of 38.1 mm. Its inner circumferential surface has 5 interference protrusions 111 spaced axially. The cross-section of each interference protrusion 111 is semi-circular with a radius of 0.3 mm.

[0058] The outer ring 120, the inner ring 110 and the support unit 130 are flush with each other on the axial end face. The three are formed into an integral structure by injection molding and the material is ABS.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An end cap for a spiral wound membrane element, characterized in that, include: Inner ring (110); An outer ring body (120) is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner ring body (110) and is concentric with the inner ring body (110); The support unit (130) includes a plurality of support members (131), which are sequentially connected between the inner ring body (110) and the outer ring body (120) along the axial direction of the outer ring body (120). Each support member (131) includes a plurality of support ribs (1311) spaced apart circumferentially along the outer ring body (120). Each support rib (1311) includes a first support portion (1311a) and a second support portion (1311b) connected and having an included angle. Each support rib (1311) is connected to the corresponding support rib (1311) of the adjacent support member (131) and the two face opposite directions. Any two adjacent support ribs (1311) of the same support member (131) face opposite directions.

2. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the support components (131) is 2 to 3.

3. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of support ribs (1311) in each of the aforementioned support members (131) is 8 to 16.

4. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle is 100°~150°.

5. The end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The end cap (100) is an integral structure.

6. The end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The axial end faces of the outer ring (120), the inner ring (110), and the support unit (130) are flush.

7. The end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring body (110) is provided with an interference protrusion (111), and the interference protrusion (111) is arranged in a circle along the circumference of the inner ring body (110).

8. The end cap according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the interference protrusions (111) is 1 to 6.

9. The end cap according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cross-section of the interference protrusion (111) is semi-circular, and the diameter of the semi-circle is 0.1mm~0.8mm.

10. A spiral wound membrane element, characterized in that, It includes a central tube (200), a membrane (300), and two end caps (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; the membrane (300) is wound around the outer periphery of the central tube (200), the axial end of the central tube (200) is located outside the membrane (300) and inserted into the inner ring (110) corresponding to the end cap (100), and the axial end face of the membrane (300) is in contact with the support unit (130) of the end cap (100).

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