Gas separation module

Abstract

To provide a gas separation module that can enhance durability under high-temperature water vapor of a fixing member that fixes a filter member to a housing.SOLUTION: A gas separation module 1 includes a filter member 2 that separates a specific gas from a mixture gas, a housing 3 having an inflow port 35 through which the mixture gas flows and accommodating the filter member 2, and a fixing member 4 that fixes the filter member 2 to the housing 3 and seals a gap between the filter member 2 and the housing 3. At least a portion of an inflow side surface 42, which faces the inflow port 35 of the housing 3, among the surfaces of the fixing member 4, is covered with a protective layer 6. The protective layer 6 is formed of an inorganic material having a characteristic of shielding water vapor and a characteristic of being superior in heat resistance to the fixing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas separation module that separates a specific gas from a mixed gas containing two or more types of gases. [Background technology]

[0002] Gas separation using gas separation membranes is an energy-saving and compact method that can be achieved using equipment, and its use is expanding to various fields such as petrochemicals, chemicals, precision machinery, food, automobiles, nuclear power, and the environment, and its importance is increasing. Gas separation is performed by passing the mixed gas to be separated through a gas separation module equipped with a gas separation membrane.

[0003] A commonly known gas separation module is one in which a filter comprising a plurality of bundled hollow fiber membranes is housed within a housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The hollow fiber membrane module described in Patent Document 1 is a cylindrical case in which a plurality of first and second hollow fiber membranes are bundled and packed. At both ends of the case, the first and second hollow fiber membranes are fixed with potting members so that only the hollow portions are open. A first opening and a second opening are provided at both ends of the side surface of the case. The hollow fiber membrane module is used by being assembled into a housing having a pair of first piping connections and a pair of second piping connections. The pair of first piping connections in the housing are flow paths leading to the hollow portions of the first and second hollow fiber membranes, and the pair of second piping connections are flow paths leading to the outer wall surfaces of the first and second hollow fiber membranes via the first and second openings of the case.

[0004] In a gas separation module configured as described above, there are formed a first path from one first piping connection, passing through the hollow portions of the first and second hollow fiber membranes, to the other first piping connection, and a second path from one second piping connection, passing through a first opening in the case, along the outer wall surfaces of the first and second hollow fiber membranes, and flowing through a second opening in the case, to the other second piping connection. By flowing a fluid to be dehumidified (e.g., water or a moist gas such as water vapor) through one of the first and second paths and a fluid to be humidified (e.g., a dry gas) through the other, moisture permeates from one path to the other due to the membrane separation action of the first and second hollow fiber membranes.

[0005] Some gas separation modules are intended to be used in a high-temperature water vapor atmosphere. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for producing hollow fiber membranes intended to be used in a water vapor atmosphere under high-temperature conditions of 80 to 140°C. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003209418 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-255502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in Patent Document 1, the potting section is formed by solidifying an adhesive such as epoxy (thermosetting resin) filled in both ends of the case. If such a hollow fiber membrane module is used in an atmosphere of high-temperature steam as described in Patent Document 2, there is a concern that the potting section will be deteriorated by the high-temperature steam, reducing its durability.

[0008] The potting portion functions as a fixing member that fixes a filter element, such as a hollow fiber membrane, to a case (housing). The fixing member (potting portion) also functions to seal the gap between the filter element and the housing. If the fixing member (potting portion) deteriorates due to high-temperature steam, the filter element may peel off from the housing or cracks may develop in the fixing member. In this case, the fixing and sealing functions of the fixing member are impaired, making it impossible to maintain the gas separation function of the gas separation module.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a gas separation module that can increase the durability of the fixing member that fixes the filter member to the housing under high-temperature water vapor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above problems. A typical example of a gas separation module that is a means for solving the problems of the present application includes a filter member that separates a specific gas from a mixed gas, a housing that has an inlet through which the mixed gas flows and that accommodates the filter member, and a fixing member that fixes the filter member to the housing and seals a gap between the filter member and the housing, wherein at least a portion of a first surface of the fixing member that faces the inlet side of the housing is covered with a protective layer, and the protective layer is formed from an inorganic material that has the property of blocking water vapor and has superior heat resistance to the fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one example of the solution of the present application, by covering at least a part of the first surface of the fixing member on the inlet side of the mixed gas with a protective layer that has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance, it is possible to reduce the area of the first surface that is directly exposed to high-temperature water vapor during gas separation of the mixed gas containing high-temperature water vapor. This suppresses deterioration of the fixing member due to high-temperature water vapor, and therefore makes it possible to increase the durability of the fixing member under high-temperature water vapor. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the gas separation module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line II-II. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gas separation module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, taken along the line IV-IV. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gas separation module of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a mixed gas containing water vapor is supplied to the gas separation module and the water vapor is separated from other gases.

[0014] [First embodiment] First, the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the gas separation module according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, as viewed from the arrows II-II.

[0015] 1, gas separation module 1 is supplied with a mixed gas containing two or more types of gases and separates a specific gas contained in the mixed gas from other gases. The mixed gas supplied to gas separation module 1 is assumed to be a high-temperature gas of about 120 to 200°C, and contains, for example, high-temperature water vapor in the range of 120 to 200°C. Gas separation module 1 includes, for example, a filter member 2 that separates the specific gas from the mixed gas, and a housing 3 that accommodates filter member 2.

[0016] The housing 3 is, for example, a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant cylindrical container with a bottom. The housing 3 has, for example, a cylindrical main body 31 that forms an accommodation space for accommodating the filter member 2, a first bottom 32 that closes one end (the left end in FIG. 1 ) of the cylindrical main body 31, and a second bottom 33 that closes the other end (the right end in FIG. 1 ) of the cylindrical main body 31.

[0017] An inlet 35 is provided in the first bottom 32, and an outlet 36 is provided in the second bottom 33. The inlet 35 is a portion into which the mixed gas flows and is located at the most upstream side of the gas separation module 1. The outlet 36 is a portion from which the gas that does not permeate the filter member 2 flows out of the mixed gas.

[0018] An upstream opening 37 is provided in a portion of the cylindrical main body 31 on the side of the inlet 35 (first bottom 32). A downstream opening 38 is provided in a portion of the cylindrical main body 31 on the side of the outlet 36 (second bottom 33). The upstream opening 37 and the downstream opening 38 are configured as outlets that guide gas that has passed through the filter member 2 to the outside of the housing 3. Note that it is also possible to configure the cylindrical main body 31 so that multiple upstream openings 37 and downstream openings 38 are provided in the circumferential direction. It is also possible to configure the cylindrical main body 31 so that only one of the upstream openings 37 and the downstream openings 38 is provided.

[0019] The filter member 2 has the property of selectively allowing a specific gas from a gas mixture to pass through while not allowing gases with a molecular size (dynamic molecular diameter) larger than that of the specific gas to pass through (hereinafter referred to as selective permeability). The filter member 2 has the property of selectively allowing water vapor and hydrogen gas to pass through, for example, while not allowing gases with a molecular size (dynamic molecular diameter) larger than that of water vapor and hydrogen gas to pass through. An example of the filter member 2 is a polymer membrane formed from a material containing polyimide as a main component. Note that the filter member 2 is not limited to a polymer membrane, and any membrane having the above-mentioned properties may be used.

[0020] The filter member 2 is formed by bundling, for example, a large number of hollow fiber membranes 21 (hereinafter referred to as hollow fiber membranes). The filter member 2 is configured so that the bundled hollow fiber membranes 21 extend in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1 ) of the cylindrical main body 31 of the housing 3. The filter member 2 is fixed to the housing 3 by joining ends (ends on the inlet 35 side) on one side (left side in FIG. 1 ) of the bundled hollow fiber membranes 21 in the extension direction and ends (ends on the outlet 36 side) on the other side (right side in FIG. 1 ) to the cylindrical main body 31 by an upstream fixing member 4 and a downstream fixing member 5, respectively.

[0021] The upstream side fixing member 4 and the downstream side fixing member 5 are formed primarily from a resin such as a thermosetting resin. Examples of materials for the upstream side fixing member 4 and the downstream side fixing member 5 include, but are not limited to, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, urethane resin, urea resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, and silicone resin. Epoxy resin has a glass transition temperature of 100 to 120°C. For this reason, members formed from epoxy resin are often used in temperature ranges below that temperature.

[0022] The upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5 are formed, for example, by filling and solidifying the above-mentioned resin into gaps between the numerous hollow fiber membranes 21 and the cylindrical main body 31. As a result, the upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5 are joined to the inner peripheral surface 31a of the housing 3 (cylindrical main body 31) at joining interfaces 41, 51, which are their outer peripheral surfaces, thereby fixing the filter member 2 made up of the numerous hollow fiber membranes 21 to the housing 3 (fixing function) and sealing the gaps between both side ends of the filter member 2 and the cylindrical main body 31 while keeping the hollow portions of the numerous hollow fiber membranes 21 in communication without blocking them (sealing function).

[0023] The upstream-side fixing member 4 has, as its surfaces, an inlet-side surface 42 serving as a first surface that faces the inlet 35 side (first bottom 32 side) of the housing 3, and an outlet-side surface 43 serving as a second surface that is located on the opposite side of the inlet-side surface 42 and faces the outlet 36 side (second bottom 33 side) of the housing 3. The downstream-side fixing member 5 has, as its surfaces, an inlet-side surface 52 serving as a third surface that faces the inlet 35 side (first bottom 32 side) of the housing 3, and an outlet-side surface 53 serving as a fourth surface that is located on the opposite side of the inlet-side surface 52 and faces the outlet 36 side (second bottom 33 side) of the housing 3.

[0024] The inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4, which is located on the inlet 35 side, is covered with a protective layer 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the protective layer 6 covers the entire inlet-side surface 42. The protective layer 6 has water vapor blocking properties and is formed from an inorganic material that has better heat resistance than the upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5. Examples of inorganic materials that form the protective layer 6 include metals, metal oxides, ceramics, and glass. The protective layer 6 is preferably formed primarily from low-melting-point glass having a softening point of 300°C or higher and 360°C or lower. When a protective layer 6 having such a configuration is used, the temperature during formation of the protective layer 6 can be kept low, thereby reducing the thermal impact on the upstream fixing member 4 and the housing 3 that come into contact with the protective layer 6. One method for forming the protective layer 6 is to form a layer of a predetermined thickness over the entire inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4 and then scrape off the end surfaces of the layer so that the hollow fiber membranes 21 are open.

[0025] It is also preferable that the thermal expansion coefficients of the three components, the upstream fixing member 4, the housing 3, and the protective layer 6, are as close as possible to one another. This is to prevent peeling between the upstream fixing member 4 and the housing 3 and between the upstream fixing member 4 and the protective layer 6 due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of the three components 3, 4, and 6. It is preferable that the thermal expansion coefficients of the three components, the upstream fixing member 4, the housing 3, and the protective layer 6, have a relationship, for example, as shown in the following formula (1). α1 ≦ α2 ≦ α3 … (1)

[0026] Here, α1, α2, and α3 are the thermal expansion coefficients of the protective layer 6, the upstream fixing member 4, and the housing 3, respectively.

[0027] In order to lower the thermal expansion coefficient α2 of the upstream fixing member 4, the upstream fixing member 4 can be configured to contain additives such as inorganic fillers or fibers. Examples of additives to the primary material (resin) of the upstream fixing member 4 include metals, metal oxides, glass, and carbon materials. By making the thermal expansion coefficient of the upstream fixing member 4, which is in contact with both the protective layer 6 and the housing 3, closer to the thermal expansion coefficients of both the protective layer 6 and the housing 3, it is possible to prevent the components 3, 4, and 6 from peeling off from each other even if they thermally expand.

[0028] In this embodiment, of the surfaces of the upstream-side fixing member 4, the outlet-side surface 43 is not covered with a protective layer and is exposed within the housing 3. In addition, both surfaces of the downstream-side fixing member 5, i.e., the inlet-side surface 52 and the outlet-side surface 53, are not covered with a protective layer and are exposed within the housing 3.

[0029] In the gas separation module 1 configured in this manner, the gaps between both side ends of the filter element 2 and the cylindrical main body 31 are sealed by the upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5, completely separating the flow path through which the mixed gas flows from the flow path through which the gas that has permeated the filter element 2 (hollow fiber membranes 21) flows. That is, in the gas separation module 1, the mixed gas is prevented from flowing outside the hollow fiber membranes 21 of the filter element 2 and flows only through the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes 21, and specific gases permeate from the inside to the outside of the hollow fiber membranes 21, thereby performing gas separation.

[0030] Next, the effects of the gas separation module according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Here, the case where a mixed gas containing high-temperature and high-pressure water vapor is supplied will be described as an example.

[0031] A mixed gas containing high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor is supplied into the housing 3 through the inlet 35 of the gas separation module 1 (see the open arrow). The mixed gas that has flowed into the housing 3 is first introduced and passes through openings on the upstream side (left side in FIG. 1 ) of the hollow portions of the numerous hollow fiber membranes 21 that make up the filter member 2. At this time, water vapor and hydrogen gas selectively permeate from the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes 21 to the outside of the membranes and flow out of the housing 3 through the upstream opening 37 and the downstream opening 38 (see the dashed arrows). However, not all of the water vapor and hydrogen gas contained in the mixed gas permeates the filter member 2. The amount of permeation varies depending on various conditions, such as the fluid speed and pressure flowing through the hollow fiber membranes 21 and the diameter of the hollow fiber membranes 21. On the other hand, the water vapor and hydrogen gas in the mixed gas that are not transmitted through the filter member 2, as well as gases with molecular sizes (dynamic molecular diameters) larger than those of the water vapor and hydrogen gas, pass through the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 21 and then flow out of the housing 3 through the outlet 36 of the housing 3 (see the white arrow).

[0032] In this embodiment, the entire inlet surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4, which is located in the area where a mixed gas containing high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor flows into the housing 3, is covered with a protective layer 6 that has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance. This prevents the entire inlet surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4 from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor, thereby suppressing deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4, which is made mainly of a resin material, due to high-temperature water vapor and increasing the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 in high-temperature water vapor. This prevents deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 from impairing its fixing function for fixing the filter member 2 to the cylindrical main body 31 and its sealing function for sealing the gap between the filter member 2 and the cylindrical main body 31, thereby maintaining the gas separation performance of the gas separation module 1 in harsh environments.

[0033] The gas separation module 1 according to the first embodiment described above includes a filter member 2 that separates a specific gas from a mixed gas, a housing 3 that houses the filter member 2 and has an inlet 35 through which the mixed gas flows, and fixing members (an upstream fixing member 4 and a downstream fixing member 5) that fix the filter member 2 to the housing 3 and seal the gap between the filter member 2 and the housing 3. At least a portion of the inlet side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member), which faces the inlet 35 of the housing 3, is covered with a protective layer 6. The protective layer 6 has the property of blocking water vapor and is formed from an inorganic material that has superior heat resistance to the upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5 (fixing members).

[0034] According to this configuration, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) on the inlet side of the mixed gas of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) with the protective layer 6, which has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance, it is possible to reduce the area of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) that is directly exposed to high-temperature water vapor during gas separation of a mixed gas containing high-temperature water vapor. This suppresses deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature water vapor, and therefore makes it possible to increase the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature water vapor.

[0035] Moreover, the protective layer 6 according to the present embodiment is made of glass having a softening point of 300°C or higher and 360°C or lower.

[0036] According to this configuration, the temperature during molding of the protective layer 6 can be kept low, thereby reducing the thermal impact on the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) that comes into contact with the protective layer 6 during molding and on the housing 3 located near the protective layer 6.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, the thermal expansion coefficient of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) is a value between the thermal expansion coefficient of the housing 3 and the thermal expansion coefficient of the protective layer 6, or is the same as the thermal expansion coefficient of either the housing 3 or the protective layer 6.

[0038] According to this configuration, by making the thermal expansion coefficient of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member), which comes into contact with both the housing 3 and the protective layer 6, closer to the thermal expansion coefficient of the housing 3 and the protective layer 6, it is possible to simultaneously suppress peeling between the housing 3 and the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) and peeling between the protective layer 6 and the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the three members 3, 4, and 6.

[0039] In this embodiment, the protective layer 6 covers the entire inlet side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream side fixing member 4 (fixing member).

[0040] This configuration prevents the entire inlet surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) from being directly exposed to high-temperature steam, thereby reliably suppressing deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature steam. This further improves the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature steam.

[0041] [First Modification of the First Embodiment] Next, a gas separation module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gas separation module according to the first modified example of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, viewed from the arrows IV-IV. In Figures 3 and 4, parts having the same reference numerals as those shown in Figures 1 and 2 are similar parts, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] The gas separation module 1A according to the first modified example of the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 differs from the gas separation module 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that the coverage area of the protective layer 6A is limited to a part of the inlet surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4 rather than the entire surface. Other configurations of the first modified example of the first embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] 3 and 4, the protective layer 6A covers only the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixed member 4, which is a region that connects to a joining interface 41 of the upstream fixed member 4 that joins with the inner peripheral surface 31a of the housing 3 (cylindrical main body portion 31). In other words, the protective layer 6A is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixed member 4.

[0044] As described above, in this first modified example, the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4 is covered with the protective layer 6A. This prevents the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42, which is connected to the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4, from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This prevents deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 due to high-temperature steam, such as peeling of the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4 from the inner circumferential surface 31a of the housing 3, thereby improving the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 in high-temperature steam. This allows the gas separation performance of the gas separation module 1A to be maintained in harsh environments.

[0045] Furthermore, in this first modified example, the coverage area of the protective layer 6A is limited to the outer peripheral edge of the inlet-side surface 42, rather than the entire inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of material used to form the protective layer 6A compared to the protective layer 6 of the first embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, in this first modified example, the protective layer 6A only needs to be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream-side fixing member 4. Therefore, the process of forming the protective layer 6A does not require the process of scraping off the end surface of the protective layer to ensure openings in the hollow fiber membranes 21, as in the process of forming the protective layer 6 of the first embodiment. This simplifies the process of forming the protective layer 6A.

[0047] According to the first modification of the first embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) with the protective layer 6A, it is possible to reduce the area of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) that is directly exposed to high-temperature steam. This suppresses deterioration of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature steam, thereby improving the durability of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature steam.

[0048] In addition, in the gas separation module 1A of this first modified example, the protective layer 6A covers the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream fixed member 4 (fixed member), which is the area that connects to the joining interface 41 of the upstream fixed member 4 (fixed member) that joins to the housing 3.

[0049] According to this configuration, protective layer 6A can prevent the outer peripheral edge of inlet surface 42 (first surface) connected to bonding interface 41 from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This can suppress deterioration of upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member), such as peeling of bonding interface 41 of upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) from housing 3.

[0050] [Second Modification of the First Embodiment] Next, a gas separation module according to a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to the second modified example of the first embodiment. In Fig. 5, the same reference numerals as those shown in Figs. 1 to 4 indicate similar parts, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] Gas separation module 1B according to a second modified example of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5 differs from gas separation module 1A according to the first modified example (see Figure 3) in that inlet surface 42 of upstream fixing member 4 is covered with protective layer 6A, and in addition, part of outlet surface 43 of upstream fixing member 4 is covered with protective layer 7. Other configurations of the second modified example of the first embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Specifically, similarly to the first modified example, the protective layer 6A covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixed member 4, which is a region that connects to the joining interface 41 of the upstream fixed member 4 that joins with the housing 3 (cylindrical main body portion 31). That is, the protective layer 6A is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixed member 4.

[0053] Furthermore, unlike the first modified example, the protective layer 7 covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4, which is a region that connects to the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4 that joins with the housing 3 (cylindrical main body portion 31). That is, the protective layer 7 is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4. The protective layer 7 has properties similar to those of the protective layer 6A. That is, the protective layer 7 has the property of blocking water vapor and is made of an inorganic material that has higher heat resistance than the upstream fixing member 4 and the downstream fixing member 5.

[0054] As described above, in this second modified example, a portion of the outlet surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4 is covered with the protective layer 7, which has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance. The outlet surface 43 is the surface of the upstream fixing member 4 that faces the area through which high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor flows when high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor and hydrogen gas selectively permeate from the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 21 to the outside of the membrane and flow out of the housing 3 through the upstream opening 37 (see the dashed arrow). Therefore, the area of the outlet surface 43, which is the back side of the inlet surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4, that is directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor can be reduced. This suppresses deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 due to high-temperature water vapor, thereby improving the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 in high-temperature water vapor.

[0055] Furthermore, in this second modified example, the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4 is covered with the protective layer 7. This prevents the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet surface 43, which is connected to the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4, from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This prevents the upstream fixing member 4 from being deteriorated by high-temperature steam, such as when the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4 peels off from the housing 3, thereby increasing the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 in high-temperature steam. This allows the gas separation performance of the gas separation module 1B to be maintained in harsh environments.

[0056] According to the second modification of the first embodiment described above, similarly to the first modification, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) with the protective layer 6A, it is possible to reduce the area of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) that is directly exposed to high-temperature steam. This suppresses deterioration of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature steam, thereby improving the durability of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature steam.

[0057] In addition, in the gas separation module 1B of this second modified example, the protective layer 7 covers at least a portion of the outlet side surface 43 (second surface), which is the surface of the upstream side fixing member 4 (fixing member) that is located opposite the inlet side surface 42 (first surface).

[0058] According to this configuration, by covering at least a portion of the outlet surface 43 (second surface) with the protective layer 7, it is possible to further reduce the surface area of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) that is directly exposed to high-temperature steam. This further suppresses deterioration of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature steam, thereby further improving the durability of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature steam.

[0059] In addition, in the gas separation module 1B of this second modified example, the protective layer 7 covers the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet surface 43 (second surface), which is the area that connects to the joining interface 41 of the upstream fixing member 4 (fixing member) that joins to the housing 3.

[0060] According to this configuration, the protective layer 7 can prevent the outer peripheral edge of the outflow-side surface 43 (second surface) connected to the bonded interface 41 from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This can suppress deterioration of the upstream-side fixed member 4 (fixed member), such as peeling of the bonded interface 41 of the upstream-side fixed member 4 (fixed member) from the housing 3.

[0061] [Third Modification of the First Embodiment] Next, a gas separation module according to a third modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to the third modified example of the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals as those shown in Figs. 1 to 5 indicate similar parts, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] Gas separation module 1C according to the third modified example of the first embodiment shown in Figure 6 differs from gas separation module 1B according to the second modified example (see Figure 5) in that inlet side surface 42 and outlet side surface 43 of upstream fixing member 4 are covered with protective layer 6A and protective layer 7, respectively, and in addition, inlet side surface 52 of downstream fixing member 5 is covered with protective layer 8. The other configurations of the third modified example of the first embodiment are similar to those of the second modified example, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] Specifically, similar to the second modified example, the protective layer 6A covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixed member 4 that is connected to the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixed member 4 that is joined to the housing 3. The protective layer 7 covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream fixed member 4 that is connected to the joint interface 41 of the upstream fixed member 4 that is joined to the housing 3.

[0064] Furthermore, unlike the second modified example, the protective layer 8 covers a portion of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5. More specifically, the protective layer 8 covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 that is connected to the joint interface 51 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 that joins with the housing 3. That is, the protective layer 8 is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5. The protective layer 8 has properties similar to those of the protective layer 6A and the protective layer 7. That is, the protective layer 8 has the property of blocking water vapor and is formed from an inorganic material that has higher heat resistance than the upstream-side fixing member 4 and the downstream-side fixing member 5.

[0065] As described above, in this third modified example, a portion of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 is covered with a protective layer 8 that has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance. The inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 is the surface of the downstream-side fixing member 5 that faces the area through which high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor flows when high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor and hydrogen gas selectively permeate from the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 21 to the outside of the membrane and flow out of the housing 3 through the downstream opening 38 (see the dashed arrow). Therefore, the area of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 that is directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor can be reduced. This suppresses deterioration of the downstream-side fixing member 5 due to high-temperature water vapor, thereby improving the durability of the downstream-side fixing member 5 in high-temperature water vapor.

[0066] Furthermore, in this third modified example, the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 is covered with the protective layer 8. This prevents the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet-side surface 52 connected to the joint interface 51 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This prevents the downstream-side fixing member 5 from being deteriorated by high-temperature steam, such as when the joint interface 51 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 peels off from the housing 3, thereby increasing the durability of the downstream-side fixing member 5 in high-temperature steam. This allows the gas separation performance of the gas separation module 1C to be maintained in harsh environments.

[0067] According to the third modification of the first embodiment described above, similarly to the second modification, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) with the protective layer 6A, it is possible to reduce the area of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) that is directly exposed to high-temperature steam. This suppresses deterioration of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) due to high-temperature steam, thereby improving the durability of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (fixing member) under high-temperature steam.

[0068] Furthermore, in the gas separation module 1C according to the third modified example, the filter member 2 is configured to bundle a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 21, and one end and the other end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 21 in their extension direction are fixed to the housing 3 by fixing members (upstream fixing member 4 and downstream fixing member 5). The housing 3 has an inlet 35 on one side in the extension direction of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 21. The fixing members include an upstream fixing member 4 (first fixing member) that fixes one end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 21 to the housing 3, and a downstream fixing member 5 (second fixing member) that fixes the other end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 21 to the housing 3. Of the surfaces of the upstream fixed member 4 (first fixed member), at least a portion of the inlet side surface 42 (first surface), which is the surface facing the inlet 35 of the housing 3, is covered with a protective layer 6A, and at least a portion of the inlet side surface 52 (third surface), which is the surface facing the inlet 35 of the housing 3, is covered with a protective layer 8.

[0069] According to this configuration, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42 (first surface) of the upstream-side fixing member 4 (first fixing member) and the inlet-side surface 52 (third surface) of the downstream-side fixing member 5 (second fixing member) with the protective layers 6A and 8, it is possible to reduce the surface areas of both fixing members 4, 5 that are directly exposed to high-temperature steam. This suppresses deterioration of both fixing members 4, 5 due to high-temperature steam, thereby increasing the durability of both fixing members 4, 5 under high-temperature steam.

[0070] In addition, in the gas separation module 1C of this third modified example, the protective layer 8 covers the annular outer peripheral edge portion of the inlet side surface 52 (third surface) of the downstream side fixing member 5 (second fixing member), which is the area that connects to the joining interface 51 of the downstream side fixing member 5 (second fixing member) that joins to the housing 3.

[0071] According to this configuration, protective layer 8 can prevent the outer peripheral edge of inlet surface 52 (third surface) connected to bonded interface 51 from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This can suppress deterioration of downstream-side fixed member 5 (second fixed member), such as peeling of bonded interface 51 of downstream-side fixed member 5 (second fixed member) from housing 3.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Next, a gas separation module according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration and structure of a gas separation module according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same reference numerals as those shown in Figs. 1 to 6 indicate similar parts, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The main differences between the gas separation module 1D of the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 and the gas separation module 1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 1) are that the configuration of the filter member 2D is different, and therefore the configurations of the housing 3D, the fixing member 4D, and the protective layers 6D and 7D are different.

[0074] Specifically, the filter element 2D is not made of hollow fiber membranes but is a film-type filter element. The filter element 2D is formed by arranging a large number of film-type membranes 22 in series in the axial direction of the cylindrical main body 31D. Like the filter element 2 made of hollow fiber membranes 21 of the first embodiment, the filter element 2D (film-type membranes 22) has the property of selectively allowing water vapor and hydrogen gas to pass through while not allowing gases with molecular sizes (dynamic molecular diameters) larger than those of water vapor and hydrogen gas to pass through.

[0075] The housing 3D has a cylindrical main body 31D that forms an accommodation space for accommodating a large number of film-type membranes 22 that constitute the filter member 2D, a first bottom 32D that closes one end of the cylindrical main body 31D (the left end in FIG. 7), and a second bottom 33D that closes the other end of the cylindrical main body 31D (the right end in FIG. 7). An inlet 35D through which the mixed gas flows is provided in a portion of the cylindrical main body 31D on the first bottom 32D side. The inlet 35D is located at the most upstream position of the gas separation module 1D. An outlet 36D is provided in a portion of the cylindrical main body 31D on the first bottom 32D side opposite the inlet 35D, which guides the gas that does not permeate the filter member 2D out of the housing 3D. A downstream opening 37D, which is an outlet for guiding gas that has permeated the filter member 2D to the outside of the housing 3D, is provided in a portion of the cylindrical main body 31D on the second bottom 33D side. That is, the housing 3D is configured so that gas that has permeated the filter member 2D flows along the axial direction of the cylindrical main body 31D, while the mixed gas that has not permeated the filter member 2D flows at one end of the cylindrical main body 31D on the first bottom 32D side.

[0076] Each of the numerous film-type membranes 22 constituting the filter member 2D is fixed to the housing 3D by a fixing member 4D. The fixing member 4D is formed primarily from the same resin as in the first embodiment. The fixing member 4D is formed by solidifying the same resin as in the first embodiment between the outer peripheral surface 22a of each membrane 22 and the inner peripheral surface 31a of the cylindrical main body 31D. As a result, the fixing member 4D bonds a bonding interface 41a, which is its outer peripheral surface, to the inner peripheral surface 31a of the housing 3 (cylindrical main body 31), and bonds a bonding interface 41b, which is its inner peripheral surface, to the outer peripheral surface 22a of the membrane 22. This fixes the filter member 2D (each film-type membrane 22) to the housing 3 (fixing function) and seals the gap between the filter member 2D (each membrane 22) and the housing 3D (cylindrical main body 31D) (sealing function). The fixing member 4D has, as its surfaces, an annular inlet side surface 42D as a first surface which faces the first bottom 32D side (inlet 35D side) of the housing 3D, and an annular outlet side surface 43D as a second surface which is located on the opposite side of the inlet side surface 42D and faces the second bottom 33D side (downstream opening 37D) of the housing 3D.

[0077] Of the surfaces of the fixing member 4D, an inlet-side surface 42D located upstream in the flow direction of the gas permeating through the membrane 22 is covered with a protective layer 6D. The protective layer 6D covers the entire surface of the annular inlet-side surface 42D that is connected to a bonding interface 41a of the fixing member 4D that is bonded to the inner circumferential surface 31a of the housing 3D and a bonding interface 41b of the fixing member 4D that is bonded to the outer circumferential surface 22a of the filter member 2D.

[0078] Of the surfaces of the fixing member 4D, an outlet-side surface 43D located downstream in the flow direction of the gas permeating through the membrane 22 is covered with a protective layer 7D. The protective layer 7D covers the entire surface of the annular outlet-side surface 43D that is connected to a bonding interface 41a of the fixing member 4D that is bonded to the inner circumferential surface 31a of the housing 3D and a bonding interface 41b of the fixing member 4D that is bonded to the outer circumferential surface 22a of the filter member 2D.

[0079] As in the first embodiment, the protective layer 6D and the protective layer 7D are made of an inorganic material that has the property of blocking water vapor and is more heat-resistant than the fixing member 4D. The inorganic material of the protective layer 6D and the protective layer 7D is the same material as that of the protective layer 6 in the first embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferable that the thermal expansion coefficients among the three members, i.e., the fixing member 4D, the housing 3D, and the protective layers 6D and 7D, are as close as possible to one another, as in the first embodiment. The thermal expansion coefficients among the three members, i.e., the fixing member 4D, the housing 3D, and the protective layers 6D and 7D, have the relationship expressed by, for example, formula (1), as in the first embodiment.

[0081] Next, the effects of the gas separation module according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Here again, the explanation will be given taking as an example a case where a mixed gas containing high-temperature and high-pressure water vapor is supplied.

[0082] In this embodiment, a high-temperature, high-pressure mixed gas (see the open arrow) supplied into the housing 4D through the inlet 35D of the gas separation module 1D is first introduced into the membrane 22 of the filter member 2D located at the forefront of the upstream side. The water vapor and hydrogen gas contained in the mixed gas are selectively permeated by the multiple membranes 22 constituting the filter member 2D and then flow out of the housing 4D through the downstream opening 37D (see the dashed arrow). On the other hand, the water vapor and hydrogen gas of the mixed gas that are not permeated by the filter member 2D, as well as gases with molecular sizes (dynamic molecular diameters) larger than those of the water vapor and hydrogen gas, are guided to the outlet 36D (see the open arrow). In this way, in the gas separation module 1D, specific gases (water vapor and hydrogen gas) of the mixed gas permeate the membrane 22 and flow toward the second bottom 33D, while the remaining gases are prevented from flowing toward the second bottom 33D by the membrane 22 and flow toward the outlet 36D, thereby performing gas separation.

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, the entire annular inlet surface 42D and outlet surface 43D of the fixing member 4D, which fixes each membrane 22 of the filter member 2D, through which high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor permeates, to the housing 3D, are covered with protective layers 6D and 7D, which have excellent water vapor blocking and heat resistance. This prevents the entire inlet surface 42D and outlet surface 43D of the fixing member 4D from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor. This suppresses deterioration of the fixing member 4D, which is formed primarily of a resin material, due to high-temperature water vapor, thereby improving the durability of the fixing member 4D in high-temperature water vapor. This prevents deterioration of the fixing member 4D, which fixes the filter member 2D to the cylindrical main body 31D, and the fixing member 4D's sealing function, which seals the gap between the filter member 2D and the cylindrical main body 31D, from being impaired, thereby maintaining the gas separation performance of the gas separation module 1D in harsh environments.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire annular inlet-side surface 42D of the fixing member 4D is covered with the protective layer 6D. This prevents the inlet-side surface 42D, which is connected to the bonding interfaces 41a and 41b of the fixing member 4D, from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This prevents deterioration of the fixing member 4D due to high-temperature steam, such as peeling of the bonding interfaces 41a and 41b of the fixing member 4D from the inner circumferential surface 31a of the housing 3D and the outer circumferential surface 22a of the membrane 22, and thereby improves the durability of the fixing member 4D in high-temperature steam.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the entire annular outlet-side surface 43D of the fixing member 4D is covered with a protective layer 7D. This prevents the outlet-side surface 43D, which is connected to the bonding interfaces 41a and 41b of the fixing member 4D, from being directly exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This prevents deterioration of the fixing member 4D due to high-temperature steam, such as peeling of the bonding interfaces 41a and 41b of the fixing member 4D from the inner circumferential surface 31a of the housing 3D and the outer circumferential surface 22a of the membrane 22, and thereby improves the durability of the fixing member 4D in high-temperature steam.

[0086] According to the gas separation module 1D of the third embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, by covering at least a portion of the inlet-side surface 42D (first surface) of the fixing member 4D with a protective layer 6D that has excellent water vapor blocking properties and heat resistance, it is possible to reduce the area of the inlet-side surface 42D (first surface) that is directly exposed to high-temperature water vapor during gas separation of a mixed gas containing high-temperature water vapor. This suppresses deterioration of the fixing member 4D due to high-temperature water vapor, thereby increasing the durability of the fixing member 4D under high-temperature water vapor.

[0087] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments and their modifications, but includes various modifications. The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. The present invention can be appropriately combined and improved within the scope of the technical concept of the invention. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0088] For example, in the second modified example of the first embodiment described above, the protective layer 6A and the protective layer 7 are coated only on the annular outer peripheral edge portions that connect to the bonding interface 41 on both the inlet-side surface 42 and the outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4 (see FIG. 5 ). However, as in the first embodiment, it is also possible to configure the protective layer to coat the entire inlet-side surface 42 of the upstream fixing member 4. It is also possible to configure the entire outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream fixing member 4 to be coated with the protective layer.

[0089] In the third modified example of the first embodiment described above, the protective layer 8 is applied only to the annular outer peripheral edge portion that is connected to the bonding interface 51 on the inlet-side surface 52 of the downstream-side fixing member 5 (see FIG. 6 ). However, it is also possible to apply a protective layer to the entire inlet-side surface 52 of the upstream-side fixing member 5. It is also possible to apply a protective layer to the entire surfaces of both the inlet-side surface 42 and the outlet-side surface 43 of the upstream-side fixing member 4, as in the second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0090] In the first and second embodiments and their modifications described above, the filter members 2 and 2D are configured to separate water vapor and hydrogen from a gas mixture. However, the filter members may be configured to separate at least one specific gas from a gas mixture.

[0091] In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, an example has been shown in which one fluid (a gas mixture) is supplied to the gas separation module 1, 1A, 1B, or 1C to perform gas separation. However, a configuration in which two fluids are supplied to the gas separation module 1, 1A, 1B, or 1C to perform gas separation is also possible. Specifically, in the gas separation module 1, 1A, 1B, or 1C, for example, a fluid to be dehumidified as a gas mixture is supplied through the inlet 35 of the housing 3, and a fluid to be humidified is supplied through one of the upstream opening 37 and the downstream opening 38 of the housing 3. As a result, the fluid to be dehumidified passes through the hollow portion of the filter member 2 and flows out through the outlet 36 of the housing 3, and moisture in the fluid to be dehumidified permeates the filter member 2 and merges with the fluid to be humidified. The fluid to be humidified flows into the housing 3 through one of the upstream opening 37 and the downstream opening 38 and flows out through the other of the upstream opening 37 and the downstream opening 38 together with moisture that has permeated the filter member 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D... Gas separation module, 2, 2D... Filter member, 3, 3D... Housing, 4... Upstream fixing member (fixing member, first fixing member), 4D... Fixing member, 5... Downstream fixing member (fixing member, second fixing member), 6, 6A, 6D... Protective layer, 7, 7D... Protective layer, 8... Protective layer, 21... Hollow fiber membrane, 35, 35D... Inlet, 36, 36D... Outlet, 41... Bonding interface, 41a... Bonding interface, 41b... Bonding interface, 42, 42D... Inlet surface (first surface), 43, 43D... Outlet surface (second surface), 51... Bonding interface, 52... Inlet surface (third surface), 53... Outlet surface (fourth surface)

Claims

1. a filter member for separating a specific gas from a gas mixture; a housing having an inlet through which the mixed gas flows and accommodating the filter member; a fixing member that fixes the filter member to the housing and seals a gap between the filter member and the housing, At least a portion of a first surface of the fixing member, which is a surface facing the inlet of the housing, is covered with a protective layer; The protective layer is made of an inorganic material that has the property of blocking water vapor and has a superior heat resistance to the fixing member. A gas separation module characterized by:

2. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The protective layer is made of glass having a softening point of 300°C or higher and 360°C or lower. A gas separation module characterized by:

3. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The thermal expansion coefficient of the fixing member is between the thermal expansion coefficient of the housing and the thermal expansion coefficient of the protective layer, or is the same as the thermal expansion coefficient of either the housing or the protective layer. A gas separation module characterized by:

4. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The protective layer covers the entire first surface. A gas separation module characterized by:

5. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The protective layer covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the first surface, which is a region connected to a bonding interface of the fixing member that is bonded to the housing. A gas separation module characterized by:

6. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The protective layer covers at least a part of a second surface of the fixing member, the second surface being the surface opposite to the first surface. A gas separation module characterized by:

7. 7. The gas separation module of claim 6, The protective layer covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the second surface, which is a region connected to a bonding interface of the fixing member that is bonded to the housing. A gas separation module characterized by:

8. 10. The gas separation module of claim 1, The filter member is configured by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the filter member is fixed to the housing by the fixing member at one end and the other end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in the extending direction thereof, the housing has the inlet on the one side in the extension direction, the fixing member includes a first fixing member that fixes the one end portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the housing, and a second fixing member that fixes the other end portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the housing, At least a portion of a first surface of the first fixing member, which is a surface facing the inlet of the housing, is covered with the protective layer; and At least a portion of a third surface of the second fixing member, which is a surface facing the inlet port side of the housing, is covered with the protective layer. A gas separation module characterized by:

9. 9. The gas separation module of claim 8, The protective layer covers an annular outer peripheral edge portion of the third surface of the second fixing member, the outer peripheral edge portion being a region connected to a joining interface of the second fixing member that joins with the housing. A gas separation module characterized by:

Images