A backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane microscale experiment apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of experimental equipment cleaning, and proposes a backwashing device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental equipment, including a backwash liquid storage tank, a peristaltic pump, a sealed balance tank, a flushing pipe, and a three-way valve. The peristaltic pump has an inlet pipe connected to its input end and an outlet pipe connected to its output end. The inlet pipe is connected to the backwash liquid storage tank, and the outlet pipe is connected to the sealed balance tank. The flushing pipe is connected at both ends to the sealed balance tank and the membrane housing outlet of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment. The three-way valve is installed on the flushing pipe. This application improves the situation where the ultrafiltration membrane of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment is easily damaged due to fluctuations in the flushing liquid pressure during backwashing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of cleaning experimental equipment, and in particular to a backflushing device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment is mainly used in the biopharmaceutical field for the separation and purification of bioactive substances, such as proteins and enzymes.

[0003] In related technologies, the ultrafiltration membrane module of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment includes a membrane shell and an ultrafiltration membrane core. The ultrafiltration membrane core is installed inside the membrane shell. The membrane shell has an inlet end and an outlet end at its front and rear ends, respectively. During daily experiments, the liquid to be treated enters the membrane shell through the inlet end, is filtered by the ultrafiltration membrane core, and is discharged from the outlet end.

[0004] During the experiment, the membrane pores inside the ultrafiltration membrane module can trap blockages (such as proteins, colloids, suspended solids, polysaccharides, etc.). Excessive blockages can cause pore clogging, affecting the filtration efficiency of the ultrafiltration membrane module. Therefore, it is necessary to backwash the membrane module periodically.

[0005] The conventional method for backwashing is to install a three-way valve on the flushing pipe, connect the flushing pipe to the outlet of the membrane housing, and then continuously pump backwash liquid into the flushing pipe using a peristaltic pump. By switching the connection state of the three-way valve, pulse-type backwashing can be achieved on the ultrafiltration membrane core inside the membrane housing.

[0006] The problem with the above technology is that, due to the structure of the peristaltic pump itself, the backwash fluid fluctuates periodically during actual delivery. This leads to an increase in flushing pressure during backwashing, which can easily exceed the reverse pressure limit of the ultrafiltration membrane core, causing irreversible expansion of the membrane pores and seriously affecting the service life of the ultrafiltration membrane core. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the issue of ultrafiltration membranes being easily damaged due to fluctuations in flushing fluid pressure during backwashing, this application provides a backwashing device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus.

[0008] This application provides a backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus, which adopts the following technical solution: A backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus includes a backflush liquid storage tank, a peristaltic pump, a sealed balance tank, a flushing pipe, and a three-way valve; The peristaltic pump has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe connected to its input and output ends, respectively. The inlet pipe is connected to the backflushing fluid storage tank, and the outlet pipe is connected to the sealed balance tank. The two ends of the flushing pipe are respectively connected to the water outlet of the membrane shell of the sealed balance tank and the ultrafiltration membrane experimental device. The three-way valve is installed in the flushing pipe.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, during backwashing, a peristaltic pump pumps the backwash liquid from the backwash liquid storage tank to a sealed balance tank for buffering and storage. Then, through a flushing pipe and a three-way valve, the backwash liquid is pulsedly delivered to the membrane housing of the ultrafiltration membrane device to backwash the ultrafiltration membrane element inside. The sealed balance tank forms a buffer structure to buffer the periodically fluctuating backwash liquid output from the peristaltic pump, transforming it into a stable output. This effectively mitigates the overpressure damage to the ultrafiltration membrane element caused by backwash liquid pressure fluctuations.

[0010] Preferably, a pressure reducing valve is also installed on the flushing pipe, and the pressure reducing valve is located between the three-way valve and the sealed balance tank.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the backflushing liquid buffered by the sealed balance tank can be further balanced by the pressure reducing valve, which helps to ensure that the backflushing liquid pressure output to the ultrafiltration membrane is more stable.

[0012] Preferably, a first pressure gauge and a second pressure gauge are installed on the sealed balance tank and the flushing pipe, respectively.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, during the operation of the backflushing equipment, the pressure inside the sealed balance tank and the pressure of the backflushing fluid flowing through the flushing pipe can be monitored in real time through the first pressure gauge and the second pressure gauge, so as to realize the visual monitoring of the backflushing hydraulic pressure.

[0014] Preferably, a self-operated pressure relief valve is also installed on the top of the sealed balance tank; When the pressure inside the sealed balance tank exceeds the preset threshold of the self-operated pressure relief valve, the self-operated pressure relief valve releases pressure to balance the pressure inside the sealed balance tank.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, when the pressure inside the sealed balance tank exceeds the preset threshold of the self-regulating pressure relief valve due to abnormal output of the peristaltic pump or blockage of the pipeline, the pressure can be automatically released by the self-regulating pressure relief valve, quickly reducing the pressure inside the tank to a safe range, which helps to ensure the operational stability of the backflushing equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the peristaltic pump is positioned above the sealed balance tank.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a natural pressure difference is formed by gravity, which allows the backflush fluid output by the peristaltic pump to flow smoothly into the sealed balance tank with the assistance of gravity, reducing backflush fluid flow loss and pressure fluctuations caused by pipeline resistance.

[0018] Preferably, the end of the water inlet pipe located in the backflushing fluid storage tank is wrapped with a filter mesh.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the filter cloth intercepts solid impurities, particulate matter and other contaminants in the backflushing fluid, preventing contaminants from entering the peristaltic pump, sealing balance tank or flushing pipeline with the backflushing fluid. This helps to limit the wear of impurities on components such as peristaltic pump hoses and flushing pipes, and also helps to reduce the blockage of various pipelines due to contaminants.

[0020] Preferably, the sealed balance tank includes a tank body and a tank lid; The top of the tank is connected to a connecting flange; the tank cover overlaps the connecting flange; the tank cover and the connecting flange are connected and fixed by a connecting assembly.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when it is necessary to clean, maintain or repair the inside of the sealed balance tank, the tank cover can be opened by disassembling the connecting components, which facilitates cleaning of the inside of the sealed balance tank.

[0022] Preferably, an annular sealing ring is provided on the upper surface of the connecting flange, and the annular sealing ring is tightly abutted against the tank cover.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the gap between the tank cover and the connecting flange is filled by the annular sealing ring, which helps to ensure the overall sealing effect of the sealing balance tank and limit the leakage of backflushing fluid and air in the sealing balance tank.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The backflush fluid delivered by the peristaltic pump is buffered and stabilized by a sealed balance tank, and the backflush fluid is further stabilized by a pressure reducing valve. This helps to improve the overall pressure fluctuation of the backflush fluid and limit the damage to the ultrafiltration membrane core caused by backflush fluid overpressure.

[0025] 2. By installing a self-regulating pressure relief valve on the top of the sealed balance tank, when the pressure inside the sealed balance tank is too high, the pressure can be released through the self-regulating pressure relief valve to maintain the pressure balance of the sealed balance tank, which helps to improve the overall stability of the backflushing equipment.

[0026] 3. By wrapping a filter screen around the end of the inlet pipe, it helps to limit contaminants and impurities from entering the peristaltic pump and flushing pipe with the backflushing liquid, effectively reducing the possibility of pipe blockage. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an existing ultrafiltration membrane experimental device, which is used in this application to illustrate the device.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment and backwashing device used in this application.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the sealed balance tank used in this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is an explosion diagram used in this application to illustrate a sealed balance vessel.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment; 11. Membrane housing; 111. Inlet end; 112. Outlet end; 2. Backwash liquid storage tank; 3. Peristaltic pump; 31. Inlet pipe; 32. Outlet pipe; 4. Sealed balance tank; 41. Tank body; 410. Base; 411. Connecting flange; 42. Tank cover; 43. Connecting screw; 44. Connecting nut; 45. Annular sealing ring; 5. Flushing pipe; 6. Three-way valve; 7. Pressure reducing valve; 8. Pressure relief valve; 9. First pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2-5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0034] This application discloses a backwashing device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus, referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 It includes a backflushing fluid storage tank 2, a peristaltic pump 3, a sealed balance tank 4, a flushing pipe 5, and a three-way valve 6. The input end of the peristaltic pump 3 is connected to the backflushing fluid storage tank 2 through the inlet pipe 31, and the output end of the peristaltic pump 3 is connected to the sealed balance tank 4 through the outlet pipe 32. The two ends of the flushing pipe 5 are respectively connected to the sealed balance tank 4 and the outlet end 112 of the membrane shell 11 of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental device 1. The three-way valve 6 is installed on the flushing pipe 5.

[0035] When backwashing the ultrafiltration membrane core of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment 1, the peristaltic pump 3 pumps the backwash liquid in the backwash liquid storage tank 2 into the sealed balance tank 4. The sealed balance tank 4 buffers and stores the fluid pumped by the peristaltic pump 3, and then the stabilized backwash liquid is delivered to the backwash pipe. This helps to limit the situation where the ultrafiltration membrane core is damaged due to the expansion of membrane pores caused by the pressure fluctuation of the backwash liquid delivered by the peristaltic pump 3.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The peristaltic pump 3 is positioned higher than the sealed balance tank 4, and uses gravity to create a natural pressure difference, so that the backflushing fluid output by the peristaltic pump 3 can flow smoothly into the sealed balance tank 4 with the assistance of gravity, reducing the backflushing fluid flow loss and pressure fluctuation caused by pipeline resistance.

[0037] Reference Figure 2The inlet pipe 31 is located at one end of the backflushing fluid storage tank 2 and is covered with a filter screen. The filter screen is tied to the outer periphery of the inlet pipe 31 with steel wire or cable ties. The filter screen is made of nylon mesh and is used to intercept solid impurities, particulate matter and other contaminants in the backflushing fluid. This prevents contaminants from entering the peristaltic pump 3, the sealed balance tank 4 or the flushing pipe 5 with the backflushing fluid. This helps to limit the wear of impurities on the peristaltic pump 3 hose and flushing pipe 5 and other components, and also helps to reduce the possibility of blockage in various pipelines due to contaminants.

[0038] The end of the outlet pipe 32 away from the peristaltic pump 3 is connected to an extension pipe via a connector. The end of the extension pipe away from the outlet pipe 32 extends to the bottom of the inner cavity of the sealed balance tank 4, which helps to reduce the generation of air bubbles in the backflushing liquid entering the sealed balance tank 4 due to the drop.

[0039] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sealed balance tank 4 includes a tank body 41 and a tank cover 42. The tank body 41 is made of high-strength transparent plastic. In other embodiments, the tank body 41 and the tank cover 42 may also be made of glass. A connecting flange 411 is connected to the outer periphery of the top of the tank body 41. The tank cover 42 overlaps the connecting flange 411, and the tank cover 42 is connected and fixed to the connecting flange 411 at the top of the tank body 41 through a connecting assembly. When cleaning the sealed balance tank 4, the tank cover 42 can be opened to facilitate cleaning and rinsing of the inner wall of the tank body 41.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A base 410 is coaxially connected to the bottom of the tank body 41. The outer diameter of the base 410 is larger than that of the tank body 41. Several connecting screws 43 are fixed vertically upward on the base 410. The connecting screws 43 are evenly distributed around the tank body 41. The top of each connecting screw 43 passes through the connecting flange 411 and the tank cover 42. A connecting nut 44 is threaded to the top of each connecting screw 43. The connecting nut 44 is pressed against the upper surface of the tank cover 42 by a washer, so as to achieve a stable connection between the tank cover 42 and the tank body 41.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 An annular sealing ring 45 is provided on the upper surface of the connecting flange 411. The annular sealing ring 45 has a square cross-section and is tightly fitted against the lower surface of the tank cover 42. The annular sealing ring 45 fills the gap between the tank cover 42 and the connecting flange 411, ensuring the overall sealing effect of the sealing balance tank 4 and limiting the leakage of backflushing fluid and air inside the sealing balance tank 4. The connecting flange 411 has an annular limiting groove corresponding to the annular sealing ring 45. The bottom of the annular sealing ring 45 is embedded in the annular limiting groove, which limits the annular sealing ring 45 from shifting during the subsequent installation and removal of the tank cover 42, and at the same time facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the annular sealing ring 45.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The top of the sealed balance tank 4 is also equipped with a self-regulating pressure relief valve 8. The self-regulating pressure relief valve 8 is installed on the tank cover 42. Before using the backflushing equipment, a preset threshold for the self-regulating pressure relief valve 8 is set according to actual needs. When the pressure inside the sealed balance tank 4 exceeds the preset threshold of the self-regulating pressure relief valve 8, the self-regulating pressure relief valve 8 automatically releases pressure from the sealed balance tank 4 to balance the pressure inside the sealed balance tank 4 and prevent damage to the sealed balance tank 4 and the ultrafiltration membrane due to excessive pressure.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sealed balance tank 4 is also equipped with a first pressure gauge 9. The first pressure gauge 9 is an existing pointer-type pressure gauge. The first pressure gauge 9 is installed on the tank cover 42 of the sealed balance tank 4 and is used to monitor the pressure inside the sealed balance tank 4 in real time.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A three-way valve 6 is installed on the flushing pipe 5. Specifically, the three-way valve 6 is an electric three-way valve 6, which is electrically connected to the background control system. The control system can precisely switch the connection state through control signals to realize the pulse delivery of backflushing fluid. In other embodiments, a manual three-way valve 6 can also be used. The vent end of the three-way valve 6 is connected to the backflushing fluid storage tank 2 through a pipeline so that when the three-way valve 6 is switched to close the flushing pipe 5, the discharged backflushing fluid can flow back to the backflushing fluid storage tank 2.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A pressure reducing valve 7 is installed on the flushing pipe 5, which is located between the three-way valve 6 and the sealed balance tank 4. When the backflushing fluid flows out of the sealed balance tank 4 and passes through the pressure reducing valve 7, the pressure of the backflushing fluid can be further balanced through the pressure reducing valve 7, so that the backflushing fluid pressure output to the ultrafiltration membrane is more stable, which is beneficial to further protect the ultrafiltration membrane from overpressure damage.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A second pressure gauge is also installed on the flushing pipe 5. The second pressure gauge is located between the three-way valve 6 and the membrane housing 11 of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental device 1. The second pressure gauge is used to monitor the backwash liquid pressure flowing through the flushing ultrafiltration membrane core.

[0047] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When backwashing the ultrafiltration membrane module of the ultrafiltration membrane experimental equipment 1, the peristaltic pump 3 pumps the backwash liquid in the backwash liquid storage tank 2 to the sealed balance tank 4 through the inlet pipe 31 and the outlet pipe 32. After the pumped backwash liquid is buffered and stored in the sealed balance tank 4, it flows out through the flushing pipe 5. Subsequently, the three-way valve 6 switches the state to pulse-deliver the backwash liquid to the membrane housing 11 of the ultrafiltration membrane equipment, thereby backwashing the ultrafiltration membrane core inside the membrane housing 11. The sealed balance tank 4, together with the pressure reducing valve 7 on the flushing pipe 5, stabilizes the backwash liquid pressure, effectively reducing the risk of overpressure damage to the ultrafiltration membrane core caused by backwash liquid pressure fluctuations.

[0048] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus, characterized in that: Includes a backflushing fluid storage tank (2), a peristaltic pump (3), a sealed balance tank (4), a flushing pipe (5), and a three-way valve (6); The peristaltic pump (3) has an inlet pipe (31) and an outlet pipe (32) connected to its input and output ends, respectively. The inlet pipe (31) is connected to the backflushing liquid storage tank (2), and the outlet pipe (32) is connected to the sealed balance tank (4). The two ends of the flushing pipe (5) are respectively connected to the water outlet (112) of the membrane shell (11) of the sealed balance tank (4) and the ultrafiltration membrane experimental device (1); The three-way valve (6) is installed on the flushing pipe (5).

2. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure reducing valve (7) is also installed on the flushing pipe (5), and the pressure reducing valve (7) is located between the three-way valve (6) and the sealed balance tank (4).

3. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed balance tank (4) and the flushing pipe (5) are respectively equipped with a first pressure gauge (9) and a second pressure gauge.

4. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the sealed balance tank (4) is also equipped with a self-operated pressure relief valve (8); When the pressure inside the sealed balance tank (4) exceeds the preset threshold of the self-operated pressure relief valve (8), the self-operated pressure relief valve (8) releases pressure to balance the pressure inside the sealed balance tank (4).

5. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peristaltic pump (3) is positioned above the sealed balance tank (4).

6. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water inlet pipe (31) is located at one end of the backflushing liquid storage tank (2) and is wrapped with a filter mesh.

7. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed balance tank (4) includes a tank body (41) and a tank cover (42); The top of the tank body (41) is connected to a connecting flange (411); the tank cover (42) overlaps the connecting flange (411); the tank cover (42) and the connecting flange (411) are connected and fixed by a connecting assembly.

8. The backflush device for an ultrafiltration membrane micro-experimental apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper surface of the connecting flange (411) is provided with an annular sealing ring (45), which is abutted against the can cover (42).

Images