Separation membrane element and manufacturing method of the same

Abstract

To provide a separation membrane element which can easily inhibit reduction of an effective area caused by a bonding portion of a separation membrane.SOLUTION: In a separation membrane element 100, a bag-like body 11 formed by a separation membrane 111 is connected to a water collection pipe 2 and a sealing part 113 for preventing mixing of a supply side fluid and a penetration side fluid is formed on an end surface of the bag-like body 11. A manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100 includes: a lamination step in which the separation membrane 111 and a thread 12 and a non-woven fabric 112, functioning as passage materials for securing a fluid passage, are laminated to form a cylindrical lamination body 1; and a sealing step in which the sealing part 113 for preventing mixing of the supply side fluid and the penetration side fluid is formed on the end surface of the bag-like body 11 after the lamination step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation membrane element and a method for producing a separation membrane element. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a separation membrane element used in reverse osmosis filtration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, gas separation, etc. has been known, which comprises a feed-side flow path to which a feed-side fluid is supplied, a separation membrane that separates substances from the feed-side fluid, and a permeate-side flow path that guides the permeate-side fluid that has permeated the separation membrane and separated from the feed-side fluid to a water collection pipe, all of which are arranged around a water collection pipe.

[0003] Such a separation membrane element is formed, for example, by bonding separation membranes into a bag-like shape with a permeation-side flow path material sandwiched therebetween to form a permeation-side flow path, and then alternately stacking such bag-like bodies and supply-side flow path materials that form a supply-side flow path, and then connecting the stack to a water collection pipe by, for example, spirally winding the stack (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-199141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such a separation membrane element, two separation membranes are bonded together with an adhesive or the like to form a sealing portion that prevents the feed side fluid and the permeate side fluid from mixing, thereby producing a bag-like body.

[0006] In this case, the surfaces of the separation membranes have conventionally been bonded together, but such bonded areas no longer function for separation, and the bonded areas reduce the area of ​​the separation membrane that can be used to separate substances (hereinafter referred to as the "effective area"). Therefore, it is preferable to prevent such a reduction in the effective area due to the bonded areas.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to easily suppress a reduction in the effective area of ​​a separation membrane element due to adhesion portions of the separation membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is: A separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collection pipe, A sealing portion for preventing the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid from mixing is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body.

[0009] The invention described in claim 11 is A method for producing a separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collection pipe, comprising: a lamination step of laminating the separation membrane and a flow path material to form a laminate; a sealing step of forming a sealing portion on an end surface of the bag-shaped body after the laminating step to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0010] The invention described in claim 17 is A separation membrane element in which a separation membrane-forming member is wound around a tubular member, and an inner peripheral side of the separation membrane-forming member wound around and stacked on the tubular member, facing the tubular member, is in contact with the tubular member, In the separation membrane-forming member wound and laminated around the tubular member, a sealing portion is formed on the end surface along the axial direction of the tubular member to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid. It is characterized by:

[0011] The invention described in claim 19 is A method for manufacturing a separation membrane element, in which a separation membrane-forming member is wound around a tubular member, and an inner peripheral side of the separation membrane-forming member wound around and stacked on the tubular member, facing the tubular member, is in contact with the tubular member, a flow path material forming step of forming a flow path material that ensures a flow path for a fluid in a separation membrane forming member; a winding step of winding the separation membrane-forming member on which the flow path material has been formed around the tubular member; a sealing step of forming a sealing portion on an end surface of the tubular member along the axial direction in the separation membrane-forming member wound and stacked around the tubular member to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a separation membrane element according to an embodiment, and the number of bag-shaped bodies shown is smaller than in reality. This also applies to the other drawings. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Note that the number of threads shown is smaller than in reality, and the arrangement of the threads is not accurate. This also applies to the other drawings. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of an end surface in the axial direction of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which only one bag-shaped body according to the embodiment is connected to a water collection pipe and the bag-shaped body is unfolded. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a separation membrane element according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a separation membrane tape and a nonwoven fabric tape in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to an embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the first cutting tape is placed on a folding table and an elevator in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a thread is stretched over the first cutting tape in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the first cutting tape is folded in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a first cutting tape has been folded and a second cutting tape has been placed on a folding table and an elevator in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a stack in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a deformed laminate in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area where the bag-shaped body contacts the water collection pipe. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which only one bag-shaped body according to the prior art is connected to a water collection pipe and the bag-shaped body is unfolded. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which one leaf is unfolded. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the functional tape. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a preparation step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 26]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first implantation positioning step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a second functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a second functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a second implantation positioning step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a third functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a third functional tape implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the final functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 39]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the final functional tape pulling-out step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a cutting step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a winding step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a winding step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the axial end surface sealing step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a separation membrane element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the functional tape. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a preparation step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first functional tape drawing and implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first functional tape drawing and implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first implantation positioning step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the final implantation positioning step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the final functional tape drawing and implanting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 53]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the final functional tape drawing / implanting step and cutting step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a winding step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a separation membrane element according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a manufacturing process of a separation membrane laminate. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a manufacturing process of a separation membrane laminate. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first separation membrane stack insertion step in the method for manufacturing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first separation membrane stack insertion step in the method for manufacturing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the first separation membrane stack pushing step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the second and subsequent separation membrane stack insertion steps in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the second and subsequent separation membrane stack pushing steps in the separation membrane element manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a molding step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a molding step in a method for producing a separation membrane element according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 64. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0014] [1. Configuration Description] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the separation membrane element 100 of this embodiment is configured such that a cylindrical laminate 1 consisting of multiple laminated bag-shaped bodies 11 is wound around a water collection pipe 2, and fluid is taken into the bag-shaped bodies 11 from the flow paths formed between the bag-shaped bodies 11 through the separation membranes 111 that form the bag-shaped bodies 11, and is collected by the water collection pipe 2 through the flow paths formed in the bag-shaped bodies 11.

[0015] In the following, the longitudinal direction of the water collection pipe 2 (the direction of fluid flow) is referred to as the axial direction. The fluid before passing through the separation membrane 111 is referred to as the supply-side fluid, and the fluid after passing through the separation membrane 111 is referred to as the permeate-side fluid. The flow path through which the supply-side fluid flows (in this case, the flow path outside the bag-shaped body 11) is referred to as the supply-side flow path, and the flow path through which the permeate-side fluid flows (in this case, the flow path inside the bag-shaped body 11) is referred to as the permeate-side flow path.

[0016] The separation membrane 111 can be a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, a microfiltration membrane, a gas separation membrane, or the like. As an example, here, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, a reverse osmosis membrane is described, which has a separation membrane body 1111 having a separation function and a support layer 1112 which is a porous, water-permeable layer that supports the separation membrane body 1111, and is used for desalination of seawater (when the supply side fluid is seawater and the permeate side fluid is freshwater).

[0017] [(1) Cylindrical laminate] 1 and 2, the cylindrical laminate 1 is formed by stacking a plurality of bag-like bodies 11 formed by separation membranes 111 and winding them in a spiral shape. The term "spiral shape" generally refers to a state in which a planar object is wound. Anything formed by separation membrane 111 and having a flow path that prevents fluid from passing between the inside and outside without passing through separation membrane 111 is considered to be a bag-like body 11, regardless of its shape, etc. Furthermore, to be formed by separation membrane 111, it is not necessary for the entire body to be formed by separation membrane 111; for example, a part of the body may be formed by another sheet-like member that does not allow fluid to pass through.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the bag-shaped body 11 has two rectangular separation membranes 111 arranged with their support layers 1112 facing each other, and two nonwoven fabrics 112 arranged between them.

[0019] The nonwoven fabric 112 is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric whose fibers extend perpendicular to the axial direction. Because the nonwoven fabric 112 allows the permeate-side fluid to pass through perpendicular to the axial direction, it functions as a permeate-side flow path material for securing the permeate-side flow path.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the end faces of both axial ends of the bag-shaped body 11 and the end face on the outer circumferential side (the end farthest from the water collection pipe 2 when the bag-shaped body 11 is unfolded as shown in Figure 5) are sealed with adhesive to form sealed portions 113.

[0021] The sealing portions formed at both axial ends are referred to as axial sealing portions 1131, and the sealing portion formed at the outer peripheral end is referred to as outer peripheral sealing portion 1132, and these are collectively referred to as sealing portion 113. In addition, in a flat member having two parallel surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "parallel surfaces"), the surface other than the parallel surfaces (if there are two or more sets of parallel surfaces, the surface with the largest sum of areas) is called an end surface.

[0022] In the sealed portion 113, as shown in Fig. 6, the end faces of the two separation membranes 111 and the two nonwoven fabrics 112 are sealed with an adhesive to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid in that portion. Note that Fig. 6 shows the axial sealed portion 1131, but the outer peripheral sealed portion 1132 is also similar in that the end faces of the two separation membranes 111 and the two nonwoven fabrics 112 are sealed with an adhesive.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, at the axial end face of the bag-shaped body 11, the nonwoven fabric 112 is formed shorter than the separation membrane 111, so that the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 penetrates between the separation membrane 111. This strengthens the anchor effect, making it difficult for the adhesive that forms axial sealing portion 1131 to peel off from separation membrane 111, and therefore axial sealing portion 1131 can be formed more firmly.

[0024] Furthermore, when the separation membrane element 100 is in use, the pressure outside the bag-shaped body 11 is higher than that inside the bag-shaped body 11, so the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 is subjected to a force toward the inside of the bag-shaped body 11, resulting in a stronger adhesion.

[0025] In order to ensure that the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 penetrates between the separation membrane 111, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric 112 is formed shorter than the separation membrane 111 at the axial end face of the bag-shaped body 11, as shown in Figure 6.However, even if the end face of the separation membrane 111 and the end face of the nonwoven fabric 112 are aligned, it is possible to achieve a state substantially similar to that shown in Figure 6 by having the adhesive penetrate into the gaps in the nonwoven fabric 112.

[0026] Therefore, there is no problem even if the end face of the separation membrane 111 and the end face of the nonwoven fabric 112 are formed flush with each other at the end face of the bag-shaped body 11. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral sealing portion 1132 is formed in this manner.

[0027] In this embodiment, as described below, any adhesive may be used as long as it adheres to and seals the hydrophilic parts and does not adhere to the water-repellent parts, and for example, a urethane adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, etc. may be used.

[0028] 2 and 3, the cylindrical laminate 1 is formed by spirally winding a plurality of such bag-like bodies 11 stacked with threads 12, which function as a feed-side channel material for securing a feed-side channel, sandwiched between the bag-like bodies 11. Thus, the cylindrical laminate 1 is formed by stacking a separation membrane 111, a nonwoven fabric 112, which functions as a permeation-side channel material for securing a permeation-side channel, and the threads 12, which function as a feed-side channel material for securing a feed-side channel.

[0029] 2 and 3, a plurality of threads 12 are provided between the bag-shaped bodies 11 so as to extend parallel to the axial direction. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, the threads 12 are provided continuously from between the bag-shaped bodies 11 located on the outer periphery to between the bag-shaped bodies 11 located on the inner periphery, so as to be alternately folded back at the axial end portions of the bag-shaped bodies 11.

[0030] [(2) Water collection pipe] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water collection pipe 2 is a perforated tubular member provided at the center of the cylindrical laminate 1, and as shown in Figure 2, a hole 21 is formed at the connection part with the bag-shaped body 11 to introduce the fluid flowing through the permeation side flow path formed in the bag-shaped body 11 into the water collection pipe 2.

[0031] [2. Manufacturing method] A method for manufacturing the separation membrane element 100 according to this embodiment will be described. As an example, the case where the outer diameter of the water collection pipe 2 is 65 mm, the outer size of the separation membrane element 100 is 200 mm, and 200 bags 11 are provided will be described.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 8, the manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100 according to this embodiment includes a preliminary processing step (step S1), a cutting step (step S2), a stacking step (step S3), a laminate deformation step (step S4), a winding step (step S5), and a sealing step (step S6).

[0033] 9, three perpendicular axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) are defined for explanation. That is, the axis along the short side of the rectangular separation membrane tape 111A is the X-axis, the axis along the long side of the separation membrane tape 111A is the Y-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is the Z-axis, and the direction along the X-axis is the X-direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the Z-direction. Also, one side in the X direction is the front and the other is the back, one side in the Y direction is the right and the other is the left, and one side in the Z direction is the top and the other is the bottom.

[0034] [(1) Step S1: Preparatory processing] First, as shown in Figure 9, a reverse osmosis membrane (referred to as separation membrane tape 111A) is prepared that has a length in the X direction that is the same as the axial length of the separation membrane 111 of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100 and a very long length in the Y direction, and is then arranged so that the separation membrane main body 1111 is located on the upper side and the support layer 1112 is located on the lower side. In addition, a nonwoven fabric tape 112A, which is a nonwoven fabric having a length in the X direction that is the same as the axial length of the nonwoven fabric 112 of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100, and a very long length in the Y direction, is superimposed on the underside of the separation membrane tape 111A.

[0035] In this case, the nonwoven fabric tape 112A is formed slightly shorter in the X direction than the separation membrane tape 111A, so that the nonwoven fabric tape 112A is not overlapped on part of both ends of the separation membrane tape 111A in the X direction, and the underside is left exposed. This part is called the exposed underside part K.

[0036] Next, a hydrophilic agent (an agent that improves wettability to the sealing liquid used in step S6) is applied to the end surfaces of both ends of the separation membrane tape 111A and the nonwoven fabric tape 112A in the X direction and to the exposed lower surface K of the separation membrane tape 111A, and a water-repellent agent (an agent that reduces wettability to the sealing liquid used in step S6) is applied to the portion of the upper surface of the separation membrane tape 111A located opposite the exposed lower surface K.

[0037] Whether or not a hydrophilic agent and a water repellent agent are applied may be determined depending on the properties of the separation membrane tape 111A and nonwoven fabric tape 112A used. That is, if the end faces of both ends in the X direction of the separation membrane tape 111A and the nonwoven fabric tape 112A and the underside of the separation membrane tape 111A are hydrophilic to begin with, there is no need to apply a hydrophilic agent. Also, if the upper surface of the separation membrane tape 111A is water-repellent to begin with, there is no need to apply a water-repellent agent.

[0038] Furthermore, hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, as well as hydrophilic and water-repellent properties, are examples of adhesives used that have properties similar to water. In accordance with the properties of the adhesive used as the sealing liquid in step S6, the wettability of the sealing liquid to the areas to which the sealing liquid is to be applied can be improved (if the wettability is originally high, it can be left as is), and the wettability of the sealing liquid to the areas to which the sealing liquid is not to be applied can be reduced (if the wettability is originally low, it can be left as is).

[0039] [(2) Step S2: Cutting Process] Next, in step S1, the overlapping separation membrane tape 111A and nonwoven fabric tape 112A is cut in the Y direction to a length that is twice the circumferential length of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100 (this refers to the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the bag-shaped body 11 when the bag-shaped body 11 is unfolded as shown in FIG. 5). The cut separation membrane and nonwoven fabric in the overlapping state that is formed in this way is referred to as cut tape T1.

[0040] For example, if the circumferential length of the bag-shaped body 11 is 50 cm, it will be cut to a length of 100 cm in the Y direction.

[0041] In addition, to make it easier to fold back in step S3-3 described later, a cut C is made in the center of the cut tape T1 in the Y direction, which is a cut that is parallel to the X direction but does not cut the tape. It is also possible to make a fold without making a cut C.

[0042] [(3) Step S3: Lamination Process] Subsequently, the following steps S3-1 to S3-4 are repeated to form a laminate L1.

[0043] First, the cutting tape T1 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10 (step S3-1).

[0044] Specifically, when the product is divided in half in the Y direction, one side (in this case the left half) is placed on folding plate B, and the other side (in this case the right half) when the product is divided in half in the Y direction is placed on elevator E.

[0045] The folding plate B is a plate-like member having approximately the same size as the cut tape T1 cut in half in the Y direction, and is rotatable around its right end as a fulcrum. The elevator E is a plate-like member that has approximately the same size as half of the cutting tape T1 in the Y direction and is movable in the Z direction.

[0046] 11, in the portion of the cutting tape T1 not placed on the folding plate B (the portion placed on the elevator E, the right half in FIG. 11), a plurality of threads 12 extending in the X direction are arranged parallel to each other and at equal intervals in the Y direction (step S3-2). In this case, 50 threads 12 are arranged at intervals of 1 cm in the Y direction.

[0047] To stretch the thread 12 in this way, a thread tensioning machine M is prepared, which is configured to be able to stretch the thread 12 unwound from 50 bobbins M2 at equal intervals as the shuttle M1 moves, as shown in Figure 11, and then the thread 12 is tensioned by moving the shuttle M1 in the X direction on the cutting tape T1.

[0048] Only before tensioning the thread 12 on the first cutting tape T1, for example, the ends of 50 threads 12 may be attached to a 50 cm long tape at 1 cm intervals, and the tape may then be attached to, for example, any end in the X direction of the portion of the cutting tape T1 where the thread 12 will be tensioned (near the front end in FIG. 11), thereby attaching the thread 12 to the cutting tape T1. After this, by moving the shuttle M1 backward, the thread 12 can be tensioned on the cutting tape T1 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0049] When stringing the thread 12 on the second cutting tape T1, the shuttle M1 is moved from rear to front, and when stringing the thread 12 on the third cutting tape T1, the shuttle M1 is moved from front to rear. By alternately moving the shuttle back and forth, each of the 50 threads 12 is alternately folded back at the front and rear ends and strung continuously in the Z direction.

[0050] Next, the cut tape T1 is folded back at the center in the Y direction (step S3-3). Specifically, the folding plate B is rotated 180 degrees around the right end in the Y direction as a fulcrum, and the cutting tape T1 is folded back so as to sandwich the thread 12 therebetween, as shown in Figure 12. The cutting tape T1 in the folded state is called folded back tape T2.

[0051] Next, the folding plate B is returned to its original position by rotating it in the opposite direction to step S3-3, using its left end in the Y direction after step S3-3 (its right end in the Y direction before step S3-3) as a fulcrum, and the elevator E is moved slightly downward (step S3-4).

[0052] After that, the process returns to step S3-1, and as shown in FIG. 13, one side of the cut tape T1 when it is divided in the Y direction (in this case, the left half) is placed on the folding plate B, and the other side when it is divided in the Y direction (in this case, the right half) is placed on the first folding tape T2 placed on the elevator E, and it is folded again through steps S3-2 to S3-4.

[0053] By repeating steps S3-1 to S3-4 200 times, a laminate L1 can be formed in which 200 folded tapes T2 are stacked with 50 threads 12 extending in the Y direction sandwiched between them, as shown in Figure 14.

[0054] After folding the last cut tape T1 to form the folded tape T2, the 50 threads 12 are folded onto the top surface of the top folded tape T2 and attached at 1 cm intervals in the Y direction. The threads are then cut, so that each of the 50 threads 12 is folded back and forth alternately and passes between each folded tape T2, as shown in Figure 14.

[0055] [(4) Step S4: Laminate Deformation Process] Next, the laminate L1 is deformed so as to have a predetermined substantially diamond shape when viewed from the Y direction, to form a deformed laminate L2 as shown in FIG. The deformed laminate L2 can be obtained, for example, by applying an inclined plate, which is a plate-shaped member inclined at a predetermined angle so that the upper end portion tilts to the right, to the laminate L1 from the left.

[0056] In this case, the laminate L1 can be easily deformed by simply applying an inclined plate because the laminate L1 is simply a laminate of the folded tape T2 and the thread 12, and is not bonded. To make deformation even easier, the laminate L1 may be deformed by applying an inclined plate to the laminate L1 while vibrating it.

[0057] The laminate L1 is stacked in a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the X direction by stacking the elevator E while moving it slightly downward in step S3-4, but by going through step S4, it can be made into a predetermined shape in which the length of the left end as viewed from the X direction matches the outer periphery of the water collection pipe 2. In other words, since it can be easily deformed into the designed shape in step S4, it does not matter if the accuracy of the stacking position in step S3 is not very high.

[0058] [(5) Step S5: Winding process] 16, the deformed laminate L2 deformed in step S4 is wound around and fixed to the water collection pipe 2 with the left end (the folded portion of the fold-back tape T2) in contact with the water collection pipe 2. In this case, too, the deformed laminate L2 can be easily wound around the water collection pipe 2 because it is simply a laminate of the fold-back tape T2 and the thread 12 and is not bonded.

[0059] [(6) Step S6: Sealing process] Next, in step S4, with the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collection pipe 2, the surfaces at both ends in the X direction and the outer peripheral surface perpendicular to the X direction (the surfaces located on the side surfaces of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 and has become cylindrical) are immersed in a sealing liquid (for example, a urethane adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, etc.) and sealed.

[0060] Specifically, the entire front end of the deformed laminate L2, which has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape, is immersed in a container thinly filled (about 2 mm) with sealing liquid to seal it (step S6-1).

[0061] Subsequently, the entire rear end portion of the deformed laminate L2, which has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape, is immersed in a similar container and sealed (step S6-2).

[0062] Next, the outer surface of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape, which is perpendicular to the X direction (the surface located on the side of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape), is immersed in a similar container, and the deformed laminate L2 is rotated around the X axis as the rotation axis one or more times, thereby immersing the entire surface in the sealing liquid and sealing it (step S6-3).

[0063] In addition, if there are water-repellent portions on the outer peripheral end surfaces of the separation membrane 111 and the nonwoven fabric 112, for example, before the process of step S6-3, a hydrophilic material is applied to the entire outer peripheral surface perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape, thereby making the portion that forms the outer peripheral sealing portion 1132 adhere to the sealing liquid.

[0064] The sealing liquid may be any liquid that adheres to the hydrophilic portion and seals it but does not adhere to the water-repellent portion, and may be, for example, a hydrophilic adhesive, such as a urethane adhesive or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0065] As a result, at the front and rear ends (both axial ends) of the deformed laminate L2 (cylindrical laminate 1 of the separation membrane element 100) wound around the water collection pipe 2, as shown in Figure 4, only the parts between the separation membrane bodies 1111 of the separation membrane 111 to which the water repellent agent was applied in step S1 are not sealed, and all other hydrophilic parts are sealed with the sealing liquid, forming axial sealing parts 1131.

[0066] Furthermore, by sealing the entire surface of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape, which is perpendicular to the X direction (the surface located on the side of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape), the portion located on the end face of the outer peripheral end of the bag-shaped body 11 is also sealed, and an outer peripheral sealing portion 1132 is formed.

[0067] [3 Explanation of effects] According to the separation membrane element 100 of this embodiment, the sealing portion 113 (axial sealing portion 1131 and outer peripheral sealing portion 1132) for preventing mixing of the supply side fluid and the permeate side fluid is formed on the end face of the bag-shaped body 11, so there is no need to form a sealing portion by bonding the surfaces of the separation membranes together in order to prevent mixing of the supply side fluid and the permeate side fluid.

[0068] Therefore, it becomes easier to prevent a reduction in the effective area due to the adhesion portion of the separation membrane.

[0069] Specifically, when the sealing portion 113A is formed by bonding the surfaces of the separation membranes 111 together, as in the bag-shaped body 11A of a conventional separation membrane element shown in Figures 17 and 18, adhesive is applied between the two separation membranes 111 with the separation membrane main body 1111 facing outward (the surfaces facing the support layer 1112), and this adhesive penetrates into the support layer 1112, filling the voids therein and also filling the spaces between the support layers 1112, thereby forming the sealing portion 113A.

[0070] When sealing portion 113A is formed in this manner, a large area of ​​separation membrane 111 is used to form sealing portion 113A, and in the areas where sealing portion 113A is formed in this manner, separation membrane 111 does not function for separation, so the effective area of ​​separation membrane 111 is greatly reduced.

[0071] In order to make the adhesive penetrate into the small gaps in the support layer 1112 located directly below the separation membrane body 1111 (the support layer 1112 is generally formed so that the gaps become larger the further away from the separation membrane body 1111), it is necessary to use an adhesive with low viscosity, and an adhesive with low viscosity tends to have a wider application area. Furthermore, if the adhesive does not penetrate into these small gaps directly below the separation membrane body 1111, the supply side fluid will penetrate into the bag-shaped body 11A from the end face without passing through the separation membrane body 1111.

[0072] Therefore, when separation membrane 111 comprising separation membrane body 1111 and support layer 1112 is bonded face to face in this manner, the area to which the adhesive is applied tends to spread, and the effective area of ​​the separation membrane tends to decrease.

[0073] In contrast, according to the separation membrane element 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the sealing portion 113 is formed on the end face of the bag-shaped body 11, and mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid can be prevented at the end face of the bag-shaped body 11, eliminating the need to bond the separation membranes 111 face-to-face. This makes it possible to form the sealing portion without bonding faces together, which would significantly reduce the effective area of ​​the separation membranes as described above, making it easier to suppress a reduction in the effective area due to the bonded portions of the separation membranes.

[0074] Furthermore, compared to when the surfaces are bonded together and the adhesive is allowed to penetrate into the support layer 1112, a more reliable seal is possible. That is, when bonding surfaces together, there is a risk that adequate sealing will not be achieved if the adhesive does not penetrate sufficiently into the support layer 1112, but it is difficult to make the adhesive penetrate deep into the support layer 1112 near the separation membrane main body 1111, and it is often difficult to completely prevent the supply-side fluid from penetrating into the bag-shaped body 11A. In contrast, with the separation membrane element 100 according to this embodiment, this risk can be reduced by sealing the end faces.

[0075] Furthermore, a common problem with separation membrane elements is that there is a difference in the concentration of the substance to be separated in the supply-side fluid between the inlet portion where the fluid is supplied (the front side in the axial direction of fluid flow) and the outlet portion where the fluid is discharged (the back side in the axial direction of fluid flow) (the concentration is higher the closer to the outlet portion), so the amount of permeate-side fluid produced increases closer to the inlet portion, resulting in the problem of rapid deterioration of the separation membrane in the portion closer to the inlet. This problem becomes more severe the longer the axial length of the separation membrane element.

[0076] Therefore, in order to prevent such problems, it would be more rational to shorten the separation membrane element in the axial direction and increase the number of bag-shaped bodies. However, in this case, increasing the number of bag-shaped bodies inevitably increases the number of sealing parts, and the percentage reduction in the effective area of ​​the separation membrane caused by the application of adhesive to the sealing parts also increases.

[0077] In contrast, according to the separation membrane element 100 of this embodiment, the sealing portion 113 is formed on the end face of the bag-shaped body 11, thereby suppressing the reduction in the effective area of ​​the separation membrane due to the sealing portion 113. Therefore, even if the number of bag-shaped bodies 11 is increased, the reduction in the effective area of ​​the separation membrane 111 due to this can be suppressed.

[0078] Therefore, this embodiment can be said to be particularly effective in a separation membrane element having a short axial length and a large number of pouch-shaped bodies.

[0079] In addition, shortening the axial length of the bag-shaped bodies and increasing their number means that the number of permeation side flow paths increases and their lengths become shorter, which is also preferable from the viewpoint of reducing flow path resistance.

[0080] Furthermore, the yarn 12, which functions as the supply-side flow path material, is fixed to the separation membrane 111 at both axial ends of the separation membrane 111 by an adhesive that forms axial sealing portions 1131, but is not fixed to other parts of the separation membrane 111 (the surface of the separation membrane main body 1111). Therefore, the supply-side flow path material does not reduce the effective area of ​​the separation membrane, and the swaying of the yarn 12 also helps to reduce the problem of fouling (membrane contamination).

[0081] Furthermore, the threads 12 are arranged to extend axially along the direction in which the fluid to be separated flows, and there are no threads extending in a direction that is likely to obstruct the flow of the fluid (a direction nearly perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows), so the flow resistance in the supply-side flow path can be reduced compared to when a mesh or the like is used as the supply-side flow path material.

[0082] If the flow path resistance can be reduced, the flow path spacing (the spacing between the separation membrane bodies 1111 in the supply side flow path) can be narrowed accordingly. As a result, the flow rate on the surface of the separation membrane body 1111 can be improved, further reducing the problem of fouling.

[0083] Furthermore, if the separation membrane element 100 has the same outer shape, a narrower flow path interval allows the area of ​​the separation membrane 111 to be increased, and therefore narrowing the flow path interval is also preferable in terms of increasing the effective area of ​​the separation membrane.

[0084] Furthermore, since the axial end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1 are sealed with adhesive, the end faces of the separation membrane element 100 can also be strengthened.

[0085] If the cylindrical laminate 1 does not have sufficient strength, the layers may shift and the central part may protrude in the axial direction in the direction of fluid flow. To prevent this, separate reinforcing members may be provided at both axial ends; however, by sealing and strengthening the end faces with adhesive, sufficient strength can be obtained without providing such members, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned phenomenon can be suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, by using threads 12 that are continuously provided between multiple bag-shaped bodies 11 as the supply side flow path material, the threads 12 connect the bag-shaped bodies 11 at their end faces, which further strengthens the end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1 and further suppresses the occurrence of the above-mentioned phenomenon.

[0087] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100 according to this embodiment, in step S3, the separation membrane 111 and the yarn 12 and nonwoven fabric 112 that function as flow path materials are laminated to form a cylindrical laminate 1, and then a sealing portion 113 is formed on the end face of the bag-shaped body 11 of the formed cylindrical laminate 1, which makes it easier to suppress a reduction in the effective area of ​​the separation membrane 111, and since the sealing portion 113 is formed after the cylindrical laminate 1 is formed, the following advantages can be obtained in manufacturing.

[0088] That is, in the conventional method for manufacturing a separation membrane element, first, the separation membrane 111 is sandwiched between the permeate-side channel material and bonded to form a bag-like body, and then such bag-like bodies are stacked.

[0089] When forming the pouches in this manner, sufficient quality bonding is required to prevent the feed-side fluid from entering the permeate-side flow path, and so when producing the pouches one by one, a great deal of time and effort is required for the bonding of the separation membranes 111. In particular, for large separation membrane elements, the number of pouches can reach 100 or more, and the time and effort required to bond these pouches one by one is extremely large.

[0090] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, by forming the sealing portions 113 after forming the cylindrical laminate 1, it is possible to form the axial sealing portions 1131 collectively for each of the axial ends, and to form the outer peripheral sealing portions 1132 collectively for the circumferential ends, thereby reducing the time and effort required to form the sealing portions.

[0091] Furthermore, the bag-shaped bodies 11 are aligned so as to be arranged in the separation membrane element 100, that is, in this case, wound around the water collection pipe 2 to form a cylindrical laminate 1, and then the sealing portion 113 is formed, thereby obtaining the following advantages.

[0092] That is, when the pouches are formed in advance and then stacked as in the conventional method, the process of aligning the pouches (winding them spirally) so that they are arranged in the separation membrane element after stacking is performed after the adhesive has been applied, while the adhesive is still applied. However, in this case, once the adhesive hardens, the bonded positions of the two bonded separation membranes 111 become fixed, making it difficult to wind the pouches.

[0093] Therefore, in this case, it was necessary to roll the bag-shaped body into a cylindrical shape before the adhesive hardened, but in order to make this possible, since it was necessary to roll it before the adhesive hardened, it was necessary to adjust the type and viscosity of the adhesive that could be used, the application area, application thickness, work timing, etc., from the perspective of hardening time, etc. However, it was not easy to make adjustments so that the bag-shaped body could be easily rolled into a cylindrical shape and sufficient adhesive strength could be obtained, and problems related to adhesion often occurred.

[0094] Furthermore, the application of adhesive and then winding the adhesive into a spiral shape causes the following problems.

[0095] First, the pressure applied during rolling causes the adhesive to spread unevenly, making it difficult to determine the exact adhesive area after manufacturing, which makes it difficult to determine the exact effective area of ​​the separator. Also, the sliding resistance of the separator differs between the adhesive-coated and non-adhesive areas, making it prone to wrinkling during rolling. Furthermore, since the separation membrane is wound after the adhesive is applied, the separation membrane is subjected to resistance from the adhesive, and excessive force is applied, increasing the risk of damage to the separation membrane during winding. Furthermore, since there is a difference in the thickness of the laminate (thickness of the cylindrical laminate) when rolled up between the adhesive-coated and uncoated parts, it becomes difficult to produce a cylindrical laminate with a uniform cylindrical shape.

[0096] According to the separation membrane element 100 of this embodiment, in the manufacturing method thereof, the formation of the plugging portions occurs after the formation of the cylindrical laminate 1, thereby making it possible to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0097] Furthermore, because the laminate L1 is formed without any adhesive applied, the shape after lamination can be easily changed. Therefore, even if the laminate L1 is formed by performing the process of step S3 without worrying about positional accuracy, by shifting the lamination position in the process of step S4, it can be made into a shape suitable for winding around the water collection pipe 2 (a roughly diamond shape in which the length of the left end as viewed from the X direction matches the outer periphery of the water collection pipe 2), which also helps to reduce the working time during manufacturing.

[0098] Furthermore, by using the nonwoven fabric 112 as the permeate side flow path material, it is possible to provide the permeate side flow path material in the bag-shaped body 11 simply by overlapping and connecting the nonwoven fabric tape 112A to the separation membrane tape 111A in advance in the preliminary processing step (step S1), and it is no longer necessary to insert the permeate side flow path material between the separation membranes 111, which also contributes to reducing the working time during manufacturing.

[0099] [4 Variations] Modifications of the above embodiment will now be described.

[0100] [(1) Change of channel material] As described above, in this embodiment, it is preferable to use the yarn 12 as the channel material on the feed side and the nonwoven fabric 112 as the channel material on the permeate side, but the channel materials are not limited to these.

[0101] For example, a mesh-like spacer similar to that conventionally used may be used as the feed-side channel material. Alternatively, a spacer may be formed as the feed-side channel material by pressure membrane printing on the surface of the separation membrane 111 facing the separation membrane body 1111.

[0102] [(2) Change in lamination method] In the explanation of the above manufacturing method, after cutting in the cutting process of step S2, the separation membrane 111, the yarn 12 and the nonwoven fabric 112 are laminated in the lamination process of step S3. However, it is also possible to laminate a continuous separation membrane tape 111A by folding it back and forth alternately left and right without cutting it, without going through the cutting process of step S2.

[0103] In this case, the separation membrane 111 is folded back at the outer peripheral end and is already connected at that portion, so there is no need to go through step S6-3 to form the outer peripheral sealing portion 1132. In this case, after completion, the product may be used in a state where it is prevented from losing its shape by being wrapped with, for example, a plastic film.

[0104] Furthermore, in the explanation of the above manufacturing method, the elevator E moves downward in step S3-4 to form the laminate L1 so that it has a rectangular shape when viewed from the X direction, and this is then deformed in step S4 to form the deformed laminate L2 so that it has an approximately diamond shape when viewed from the X direction. However, the elevator E may be moved to the lower left in step S3-4 to form the laminate from the beginning so that it has an approximately diamond shape when viewed from the X direction. Alternatively, in step S3-4, the metal layer may be formed to have a substantially diamond shape when viewed from the X direction, and then the shape may be adjusted through step S4.

[0105] That is, as described in the description of the manufacturing method above, it is preferable in terms of manufacturing efficiency to deform the laminate in the laminate deformation step of step S4 so that it has a desired approximately diamond shape when viewed from the X direction, since this allows the lamination in step S3 to be performed without consideration of accuracy. However, if the laminate is accurately laminated in step S3 so that it has the desired approximately diamond shape when viewed from the X direction, the laminate deformation step of step S4 may be omitted.

[0106] [(3) Change in the shape of the separation membrane element] In the above, the separation membrane element 100 has been described as a spiral element in which separation membranes and flow path materials are stacked in a spiral shape. In this regard, considering the pressure resistance and ease of expanding the area of ​​the separation membrane, the spiral type as described above is preferable, but the shape of the separation membrane element is not limited to this spiral type.

[0107] For example, each bag-shaped body 11 may be formed so that it radiates from the water collection pipe when viewed in the axial direction (so that it is linear when viewed in the axial direction, rather than being wrapped around the water collection pipe, as in the spiral type described above), or it may be stacked flat and then connected to the water collection pipe on one side.

[0108] Regardless of the final shape of the separation membrane element, the effects of sealing the end faces of the bag-shaped body as described above and the effects of forming the sealing portions after lamination in the manufacturing process as described above can be obtained.

[0109] (4) Changes in the composition and use of separation membranes In the above, the separation membrane element 100 is used for desalination of seawater, and the separation membrane 111 is a reverse osmosis membrane, but the use of the separation membrane element 100 and the configuration of the separation membrane 111 are not limited to this.

[0110] For example, the separation membrane 111 may be used for ultrafiltration using an ultrafiltration membrane, for microfiltration using a microfiltration membrane, or for gas separation using a gas separation membrane.

[0111] Furthermore, the fluid to be filtered is not limited to a liquid, but may be a gas.

[0112] (5) Changes in preliminary processing steps In the above description of the manufacturing method, the case where a water repellent agent and a hydrophilic agent are applied in the preliminary processing step has been described. However, in the preliminary processing step, the sealing liquid is applied to the axial end portions of the cylindrical laminate 1 where the sealing portions will be formed in steps S6-1 and S6-2, and the sealing liquid is not applied to the portions where the sealing portions will not be formed in steps S6-1 and S6-2. Therefore, the type of preliminary processing that can be performed may be determined depending on the properties of the sealing liquid used in steps S6-1 and S6-2.

[0113] Furthermore, before the process of step S6-3, the processing to be performed on the outer surface perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 that has been wound around the water collection pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape is not limited to application of a hydrophilic material, and may be determined depending on the characteristics of the sealing liquid to be used so that the sealing liquid adheres to the portion that forms the outer sealing portion 1132.

[0114] [(6) Changes in the sealing process] In the above description of the manufacturing method, in the sealing step of step S6, the surfaces of both ends in the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collection pipe 2 and the outer peripheral surface perpendicular to the X direction (the surface located on the side surface of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collection pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape) are immersed in the sealing liquid. In this regard, although such a method is preferable for reliable sealing, the method for forming the sealing portion is not limited to this.

[0115] For example, the sealing liquid may be applied by other methods, such as by applying it with a brush.

[0116] Furthermore, instead of sealing in one step using one type of sealing liquid, multiple applications may be performed by first applying a predetermined type of adhesive or sealant as an undercoat and then applying another type of adhesive or sealant on top of that.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above description of the manufacturing method, steps S6-1 to S6-3 are performed individually, but for example, in step S5, the deformed laminate L2 may be wound around the water collection pipe 2 and then immersed in a sealing liquid for a short period of time, thereby forming the axial sealing portion 1131 and the outer peripheral sealing portion 1132 at the same time.

[0118] [5. Configuration example of separation membrane element according to second embodiment] 18 and 19, a separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment includes a cylindrical laminate 1B wound around a water collection pipe 2B. The cylindrical laminate 1B is made of a functional tape 110.

[0119] The functional tape 110 is a tape-shaped separation membrane 111B, which is composed of a separation membrane body 1111 and a support layer 1112, and the lower portion of the support layer 1112, which is distant from the separation membrane body 1111, is configured to allow a certain degree of permeate flow. In other words, the functional tape 110 can also be viewed as a tape-shaped material in which the separation membrane 111B and the permeate-side channel 1104 are integrated. As will be described later, in this embodiment, a large number of leaves 1110, each short in the direction perpendicular to the axis, are used, so the channel resistance of each permeate-side channel 1104 can be quite large, and the support layer 1112 of the separation membrane 111B can be used instead of a dedicated permeate-side channel material.

[0120] The functional tape 110 is folded over at predetermined lengths, forming a plurality of inner circumferential folds 1101 on the side facing the water collection pipe 2B and a plurality of outer circumferential folds 1102 on the side facing away from the water collection pipe 2B.

[0121] The cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collection pipe 2B in such a manner that a leaf 1110, which is made up of the functional tape 110 between the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 and the outer circumferential folded portion 1102, is laminated along the circumferential surface of the water collection pipe 2B. The leaf 1110 is made up of a pair of functional tapes 110 connected at the outer circumferential folded portion 1102 in the functional tape 110 between the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 and the outer circumferential folded portion 1102.

[0122] In the cylindrical laminate 1B, multiple inner circumferential folded portions 1101 of the functional tape 110 are aligned along the circumferential surface of the water collection pipe 2B, and each inner circumferential folded portion 1101 contacts the water collection pipe 2B and serves as the base end from which each leaf 1110 starts to be wound around the water collection pipe 2B. The cylindrical laminate 1B is then wound around the water collection pipe 2B from the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 toward the outer circumferential folded portion 1102, such that the leaves 1110 describe a spiral that expands radially outward from the water collection pipe 2B.

[0123] In the cylindrical laminate 1B, a supply-side flow path 1103 and a permeate-side flow path 1104 are formed between the functional tapes 110 that are wound around and stacked on the water collection pipe 2B. The supply-side flow path 1103 is formed between a pair of functional tapes 110 connected by an inner circumferential fold portion 1101. In addition, the permeate-side flow path 1104 is formed between a pair of functional tapes 110 that are connected by an outer circumferential fold portion 1102. As a result, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the supply-side flow path 1103 is formed between the stacked leaves 1110. In addition, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the permeate-side flow path 1104 is formed inside each of the stacked leaves 1110.

[0124] The cylindrical laminate 1B has axial sealing portions 1105 that seal the axial end faces of the water collection pipes 2B, selectively formed according to the supply-side flow paths 1103 and the permeate-side flow paths 1104. The axial sealing portions 1105 seal voids in the support layers 1112 at the end faces of the laminated functional tapes 110 that are exposed at the axial end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1B of the water collection pipes 2B. Note that if a gap B occurs between the pair of functional tapes 110 forming the permeate-side flow path 1104 (gap B is likely to occur near the inner circumferential fold portion 1101 and the outer circumferential fold portion 1102), the gap B is also sealed at both axial end faces of the water collection pipe 2B.

[0125] The axial sealing portion 1105 is made of a sealant. The functional tape 110 is provided with, for example, regions that have a predetermined wettability (good wettability) with respect to the sealant and regions that do not have the desired wettability (poor wettability). By forming portions with good wettability and portions with poor wettability in the functional tape 110, the gap between the stacked functional tapes 110 can be sealed within a predetermined range. Furthermore, by determining whether or not the sealant is absorbed and the range of the sealant absorption depending on the size of the gap between a pair of functional tapes 110, the gap between the stacked functional tapes 110 can be sealed within a predetermined range.

[0126] 20 and 21, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the pair of functional tapes 110 and the gap therebetween, where the permeate-side flow path 1104 is formed, are sealed at both ends along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B, but the area between them is not sealed, thereby forming an axially sealed portion 1105. Furthermore, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the area between the pair of functional tapes 110 where the supply-side flow path 1103 is formed can be left unsealed.

[0127] As a result, the leaf 1110 is sealed in three directions by the outer circumferential folded portion 1102 and the axial sealing portion 1105, forming a bag-like body with the pair of functional tapes 110 forming the permeate side flow path 1104.

[0128] Therefore, the separation membrane element 100B is configured such that a cylindrical stack 1B, in which multiple leaves 1110 are stacked, is wound around a water collection pipe 2B, and fluid taken into the leaves 1110 through the separation membranes 111B from the supply side flow paths 1103 formed between the leaves 1110 is collected by the water collection pipe 2B through the permeation side flow paths 1104 formed in the leaves 1110.

[0129] As described above, the separation membrane 111B can be a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, a microfiltration membrane, a gas separation membrane, or the like, but here, as an example, it is a reverse osmosis membrane including a separation membrane body 1111 having a separation function and a support layer 1112 which is a porous, water-permeable layer that supports the separation membrane body 1111. As described above, the separation membrane 111B is used for desalination of seawater, with the feed fluid being seawater and the permeate fluid being freshwater.

[0130] The functional tape 110 is folded at the inner circumferential fold portion 1101 and the outer circumferential fold portion 1102 so that the separation membrane body 1111 faces the feed side flow path 1103 and the support layer 1112 faces the permeation side flow path 1104.

[0131] As a result, each leaf 1110 is arranged such that the pair of functional tapes 110 connected by the outer circumferential fold portion 1102 face each other with their support layers 1112 facing each other. Furthermore, each leaf 1110 is unsealed except for the outer circumferential fold portion 1102 and both ends of the pair of functional tapes 110 along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B, which are sealed by the axial sealing portion 1105. As a result, the inner portions of each leaf 1110, sandwiching the support layer 1112 between the pair of functional tapes 110, function as the permeate-side flow channels 1104, except for the portions where the axial sealing portion 1105 and the outer circumferential fold portion 1102 are formed. Furthermore, each leaf 1110 prevents the feed-side fluid from entering the permeate-side flow channels 1104 from both end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1B along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B. Because the permeate-side flow channels 1104 are at a lower pressure than the outside, the permeate-side fluid does not flow out of the permeate-side flow channels 1104.

[0132] In contrast, between the leaves 1110, both ends of the pair of functional tapes 110 aligned along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B are not sealed with a sealant and are open. Furthermore, between the leaves 1110, a space formed by the yarn 12 (described later) as a supply-side flow path material between both ends of the pair of functional tapes 110 aligned along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B is also free of sealant. As a result, between the leaves 1110, the space between the pair of functional tapes 110 facing each other across the separation membrane body 1111 functions as a supply-side flow path 1103. Furthermore, between the leaves 1110, a supply-side fluid can enter from one end face of the cylindrical laminate 1B aligned along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B and exit from the other end face.

[0133] The cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collection pipe 2B in a state in which a plurality of leaves 1110 are stacked with threads 12 sandwiched between them, the threads 12 functioning as a feed-side flow path material for securing the feed-side flow path 1103. As a result, the cylindrical laminate 1B has the leaves 1110 stacked between the separation membrane bodies 1111 with the threads 12 interposed therebetween.

[0134] 22 and 23 , the threads 12 extend in the width direction of the functional tape 110 so as to be oriented along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B, and a plurality of threads 12 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the functional tape 110. Both ends of the threads 12 in the width direction of the functional tape 110 are fixed to the functional tape 110 by adhesive or the like. Furthermore, portions of the threads 12 other than both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 are not adhered to the functional tape 110 and are therefore able to move slightly relative to the functional tape 110.

[0135] The water collection pipe 2B is cylindrical and has multiple grooves 20B extending axially at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The grooves 20B are an example of a locking portion, into which the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 of the functional tape 110 is fitted, thereby locking the functional tape 110 to the water collection pipe 2B. The grooves 20B are longer from the bottom side to the opening side, and opposing sides have a reverse-tapered cross-sectional shape. This prevents the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 from coming loose. Note that the opposing sides of the grooves 20B may be parallel, or may have a tapered cross-sectional shape, as long as they have a shape that allows the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 to be locked.

[0136] The water collection pipe 2B has grooves 20B arranged in the circumferential direction and holes 21B formed at the bottom of the grooves 20B, which penetrate to the inside of the water collection pipe 2B.

[0137] [6. Configuration example of the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 24, a separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 for manufacturing a separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment includes a water collection pipe rotating device 301 that supports and rotates a water collection pipe 2B, and a reel support section 303 that supports a reel 302 on which a functional tape 110 is wound.

[0138] The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 also includes a transport path 304 along which the functional tape 110 passes as it is fed from a reel 302 supported by a reel support unit 303 to a water collection pipe 2B, and a phase detector 306 that detects the phase of the functional tape 110 passing through the transport path 304, such as the position of the yarn 12. The functional tape 110, on which the yarn 12 has been previously provided, may be provided wound around the reel 302. The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 may also be configured to include a yarn providing device between the reel 302 supported by the reel support unit 303 and the phase detector 306, that provides the yarn 12 on the functional tape 110 passing through the transport path 304.

[0139] Furthermore, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 is equipped with a pull-out member 307 that pulls out the functional tape 110 from the reel 302, and a pull-out member drive device 308 that drives the pull-out member 307. The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 is also equipped with an implantation member 309 that implants the functional tape 110 into the water collection pipe 2B, and an implantation member drive device 310 that drives the implantation member 309.

[0140] The conveying path 304 forms a path for feeding the functional tape 110 horizontally via guide rollers 304a and 304b. The pull-out member 307 is provided to be movable up and down between the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301 and the guide roller 304b. The pull-out member drive device 308 is driven by a motor (not shown) and moves the pull-out member 307 back and forth up and down. The embedding member 309 is provided to be movable horizontally toward and away from the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301, sandwiching the functional tape 110 hanging down from the guide roller 304b. The embedding member drive device 310 is driven by a motor (not shown) and moves the embedding member 309 back and forth horizontally.

[0141] [7 Example of manufacturing method for separation membrane element according to second embodiment] [7-1 1st process] (1) Thread placement process (channel material formation process) As the first step in the method for producing the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, a flow path material forming step of arranging the threads 12 in the functional tape 110 will be described.

[0142] In the first step, threads 12 that function as a feed-side channel material for securing the feed-side channel 1103 are arranged in the width direction of the functional tape 110. The threads 12 are arranged on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110 on which the separation membrane body 1111 is formed.

[0143] The threads 12 are formed by, for example, arranging a resin in a linear shape using a hot melt. In addition, in areas other than both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110, to prevent the threads 12 from adhering to the separation membrane main body 1111, a hydrophobic treatment or the like is performed on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110 as needed. A method of cooling the separation membrane surface immediately before applying the resin using a hot melt is also an effective treatment method for preventing the hot melt resin from adhering.

[0144] The thread 12 is not provided in the areas corresponding to the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 and the outer circumferential folded portion 1102 when the leaf 1110 is formed. Furthermore, before the thread 12 is provided, both end faces in the width direction of the functional tape 110 may be trimmed obliquely as necessary to increase the area of ​​the portion where the thread 12 is adhered.

[0145] (2) Pre-sealing process A water repellent or the like is applied to the separation film surface at both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 on which the threads 12 are arranged, to control the wettability with the sealant so that the sealant does not wet and spread. Note that if a material whose wettability with the sealant has been taken into consideration is used in advance, pre-sealing processing is not necessary.

[0146] [7-2 2nd process] As the second step in the method for producing the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, a process for implanting the functional tape 110 into the water collection pipe 2B will be described.

[0147] (1) Preparation process As described above, the reel 302 on which the functional tape 110 with the thread 12 disposed thereon is wound is attached to the reel support part 303. The functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302, and as shown in Figure 25, half the length of the functional tape 110 that constitutes one leaf 1110 is set in a state where it hangs down from the guide roller 304b.

[0148] The water collection pipe 2B is set in the water collection pipe rotation device 301. The water collection pipe 2B is then rotated by the water collection pipe rotation device 301, and the position of the groove 20B of the water collection pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be implanted is aligned with the implantation position of the implantation member 309.

[0149] (2) First functional tape implantation process 26, in the functional tape implantation step, which is an example of the locking step, the implantation member driving device 310 is driven to move the implantation member 309 in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301. When the implantation member 309 moves in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301, the implantation member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B.

[0150] After the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction toward the water collection pipe 2B to an implanting position where the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2B as shown in Figure 27, and the implanting member 309 is retracted to a standby position.

[0151] (3) First implantation alignment process In the implantation positioning process, which is an example of a rotation process, the implantation member 309 is moved away from the water collection pipe 2B, and as shown in Figure 28, the water collection pipe rotation device 301 rotates the water collection pipe 2B by one pitch of the groove portion 20B, and the position of the next groove portion 20B of the water collection pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be implanted is aligned with the implantation position by the implantation member 309.

[0152] (4) First functional tape drawing process Next, as shown in FIG. 29 , the pull-out member driving device 308 is driven to move the pull-out member 307 toward the functional tape 110 stretched between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b. Because one end of the functional tape 110 is engaged in the groove 20B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. A phase detector 306 detects the phase of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 being pulled out from the reel 302, and a tension applying device (not shown) adjusts the tension applied to the functional tape 110 so that a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out. Once the predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 has been pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in FIG. 30 , the pull-out member driving device 308 is driven to move the pull-out member 307 away from the functional tape 110 hanging down between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b, and the pull-out member 307 is retracted to its standby position.

[0153] (5) Second functional tape implantation process When a predetermined amount of functional tape 110 has been pulled out from the reel 302 and the pull-out member 307 has been retracted, as shown in Figure 31, the implanting member driving device 310 is driven to move the implanting member 309 in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301. As the implanting member 309 moves in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301, the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the next groove 20B. This forms one leaf 1110.

[0154] After the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction toward the water collection pipe 2B to an implanting position where the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2B as shown in Figure 32, and the implanting member 309 is retracted to a standby position.

[0155] (6) Second implantation alignment process While moving the implanting member 309 away from the water collection pipe 2B, the water collection pipe 2B is rotated by one pitch of the groove 20B using the water collection pipe rotation device 301, as shown in Figure 33, and the position of the next groove 20B of the water collection pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be implanted is aligned with the implanting position by the implanting member 309.

[0156] (7) Second functional tape drawing process Next, as shown in Fig. 34, the pull-out member driving device 308 is driven to move the pull-out member 307 in a direction toward the functional tape 110 stretched between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b. One end of the functional tape 110 is engaged in the groove 20B, so the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. The phase detector 306 detects the phase of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 being pulled out from the reel 302, and when a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 has been pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in Fig. 35, the pull-out member driving device 308 is driven to move the pull-out member 307 in a direction away from the functional tape 110 hanging down between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b, and the pull-out member 307 is retracted to the standby position.

[0157] (8) Third functional tape implantation process When a predetermined amount of functional tape 110 has been pulled out from the reel 302 and the pull-out member 307 has been retracted, as shown in Figure 36, the implanting member driving device 310 is driven to move the implanting member 309 in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301. As the implanting member 309 moves in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301, the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the next groove 20B. This forms the second leaf 1110.

[0158] After the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction toward the water collection pipe 2B until it reaches a position where it implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2B, as shown in Figure 37, and the implanting member 309 is retracted to a standby position.

[0159] (9) nth (final) functional tape implantation process Thereafter, the implantation positioning step, the functional tape drawing step, and the functional tape implanting step are repeated until the functional tape 110 is implanted in all of the grooves 20B of the water collection pipe 2B.

[0160] The last groove portion 20B(n) is located next to the first groove portion 20B(1) into which the functional tape 110 was implanted in the first functional tape implanting step.

[0161] In the implantation alignment step, the position of the last groove portion 20B(n) is aligned with the implantation position by the implanting member 309, in the nth functional tape pulling-out step, a predetermined amount of functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302, and in the nth functional tape implanting step, the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the last groove portion 20B(n).

[0162] (10) Final functional tape drawing and cutting process Next, in the final functional tape pulling-out process, as shown in Fig. 38, the pulling member driving device 308 is driven to move the pulling member 307 in a direction toward the functional tape 110 stretched between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b. One end of the functional tape 110 is engaged in the groove 20B, so the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. The phase detector 306 detects the phase of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 being pulled out from the reel 302, and when a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 has been pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in Fig. 40, the pulling member driving device 308 is driven to move the pulling member 307 in a direction away from the functional tape 110 hanging down between the groove 20B and the guide roller 304b, and the pulling member 307 is retracted to the standby position.

[0163] In the cutting process, the functional tape 110 planted in the last groove portion 20B(n) is cut to half the length that constitutes one leaf 1110, as shown in Figures 40 and 41. Then, the outer peripheral ends of the functional tape 110 planted in the first groove portion 20B(1) and the functional tape 110 planted in the last groove portion 20B(n) are bonded together with adhesive tape, glue, or the like.

[0164] (11) Winding process As shown in Fig. 41, a tightening roller 13 is attached to a separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300, and a water collection pipe 2B is continuously rotated in the direction of the arrow by a water collection pipe rotation device 301, and the functional tape 110 is wound around the water collection pipe 2B and tightly tightened as shown in Fig. 42. Then, an exterior tape (not shown) is wound around the outer periphery of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B.

[0165] [7-3 3rd process] As the third step in the method for producing the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, a sealing step for sealing the axial end face of the functional tape 110 along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B will be described.

[0166] As shown in Figure 43, both axial end surfaces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B are immersed in the sealing liquid 15, and a fixed amount of the sealing liquid is absorbed into both axial end surfaces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B. To ensure that a fixed amount of the sealing liquid 15 is absorbed, the axial end surfaces of the functional tape 110 may be immersed in the sealing liquid 15 for a fixed time determined by the viscosity, etc. In this case, the sealing liquid 15 is sucked up into relatively large gaps by capillary action and penetrates into even narrower gaps before hardening. To prevent the sealing liquid 15 from entering through the inlet and outlet of the water collection pipe 2B and to prevent the sealing liquid 15 from adhering to the exposed parts of the water collection pipe 2B, a simple sealing process using masking tape, etc., is necessary, as needed.

[0167] [8. Examples of Effects of the Separation Membrane Element Manufacturing Apparatus and Manufacturing Method According to the Second Embodiment] In the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, the functional tape 110 can be implanted into the groove portion 20B formed in the water collection pipe 2B by the reciprocating motion of the implanting member 309 to form the leaf 1110, so that it is possible to implant, for example, about 10 leaves per second.

[0168] Furthermore, the functional tape 110 can be drawn out by the reciprocating motion of the drawing member 307, simplifying the device configuration. Furthermore, by providing the water collection pipe rotating device 301 and attaching the tightening roller 13, the functional tape 110 (leaf 1110) can also be wound around the water collection pipe 2B using the same device.

[0169] Furthermore, since the functional tape 110 is long and the outer circumferential folded portion 1102 is formed in the step of embedding the embedding member 309, the step of forming the outer circumferential sealing portion can be omitted.

[0170] In addition, the phase of the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out from the reel 302 is detected by the phase detector 306, and the movement amount of the pulling member 307 is controlled accordingly, so that the phase shift in each leaf 1110 is suppressed and the thread 12 is arranged at the desired position within the leaf.

[0171] Furthermore, in the functional tape pulling-out step, the pulling member 307 comes into contact with the support layer 1112 of the functional tape 110, so damage to the separation membrane body 1111 can be suppressed.

[0172] Furthermore, since the inner circumferential folded portion 1101 is embedded in the groove portion 20B of the water collection pipe 2B with the support layer 1112 side of the functional tape 110 facing outward, the flow resistance near the water collection pipe 2B becomes extremely small.

[0173] Furthermore, since the leaves 1110 are embedded in the grooves 20B formed at equal intervals on the circumferential surface of the water collection pipe 2B, the circularity of the cylindrical laminate 1B after winding is improved.

[0174] If the separation membranes are the same size and surface area, using 10 times the number of leaves will reduce the leaf length to 1 / 10 and the flow resistance of the permeate side flow path to 1 / 100. If the support layer of the separation membrane is sufficiently permeable to the permeate, additional flow path material such as tricot will not be necessary, the leaf thickness will be thinner, and the membrane density can be further increased.

[0175] In the separation membrane element 100B of the second embodiment, there is no need to apply a sealant to form the outer peripheral sealing portion. The sealant only needs to spread wet to the area where the axial sealing portion 1105 is to be formed. Therefore, even if the number of leaves is increased, the effective membrane area is not reduced by applying adhesive, and performance can be improved by increasing the number of leaves. On the other hand, increasing the number of leaves increases the work time required to arrange the leaves in the water collection pipe. In contrast, the above manufacturing method makes it possible to speed up the work of arranging the leaves 1110 in the water collection pipe 2B.

[0176] Furthermore, one of the biggest problems with separation membrane elements, particularly spiral-wound elements made of stacked flat membranes, is the short lifespan due to contamination of the separation membrane surface. The separation membrane element 100B of the second embodiment allows the use of many short leaves. By increasing the number of leaves, the winding angle of each leaf can be made small (e.g., 30 degrees). If the winding angle of the leaves is small, the outer case can be removed, the individual leaves can be spread out, and the membrane surface can be cleaned and regenerated. However, in normal use, it is sufficient to simply seal gaps and voids to prevent the feed liquid from entering the permeate flow path through paths other than the membrane body, and adhesive force is not necessary. However, in this case, the separation membranes must not only be sealed but also bonded to each other with a certain strength.

[0177] If a strong adhesive is used as the sealant and the adhesive depth (depth or width of adhesive penetration) is set to 0.2 mm or more, the thickness of the separation membrane, e.g., 0.5 mm, the adhesive strength will be sufficient (when sealing from the edge, the practical limit is about 2 mm). In this case, the adhesive width for a conventional element is about 15 mm, so the deterioration rate of the effective area is about 3.3% of the previous level. It is also possible to remove the exterior and loosen the gap between adjacent leaves with the conventional method, but because the winding angle is large, it is not practical to unwind the leaf while the adhesive is still solidified. This is only possible if the winding angle is small. Furthermore, with the conventional method, winding is not possible once the adhesive has hardened, so the winding is performed before the adhesive has hardened. Similarly, hardened leaves cannot be unfolded in a wound state; forcing them to unfold damages the membrane under stress and causes deep wrinkles in the leaf, making rewinding virtually impossible.

[0178] In the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment, instead of the pull-out member 307, the implanting member 309 may be provided with a gripping member that grips and releases the grip of the functional tape 110, and without the pull-out member 307, the implanting member 309 may move forward to pull out and implant the functional tape 110 while holding the functional tape 110 with the gripping member, and then release the grip of the functional tape 110 by the gripping member to retract (move backward) the implanting member 309. In this case, implantation and pulling out of the functional tape are performed simply by the reciprocating motion of the implanting member, which allows for even higher speeds.

[0179] [9 Configuration example of a manufacturing apparatus for a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment] 44, a separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B according to the third embodiment includes a water collection pipe rotating device 301B that supports and rotates a water collection pipe 2B, a conveying path 304B along which the functional tape 110 passes as it is fed to the water collection pipe 2B from a reel supported on a reel support (not shown), and a phase detector 306B that detects the phase of the functional tape 110 passing through the conveying path 304, such as the position of the yarn 12B. Note that the functional tape 110, on which the yarn 12B has already been provided, may be provided wound around a reel. Alternatively, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B may be configured to include a yarn arrangement device between the reel (not shown) and the phase detector 306B that arranges the yarn 12B on the functional tape 110 passing through the conveying path 304B.

[0180] The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B also includes a pull-out / insertion member 309B that pulls out the functional tape 110 from a reel (not shown) and inserts the pulled-out functional tape 110 into the water collection pipe 2B.

[0181] Furthermore, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B includes a rod link 311B that is arranged around the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B.

[0182] The conveying path 304B is provided with a guide roller 304c on the outer circumferential side of the rod row link 311B, which guides the functional tape 110 pulled out by the pull-out / insertion member 309B. The pull-out / insertion member 309B is driven by a motor (not shown) and moves back and forth toward and away from the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B.

[0183] A plurality of rod links 311B are arranged circumferentially around the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B, according to the number of leaves to be formed. The length of the leaf is determined by the distance between the water collection pipe 2B and the rod link 311B. The rod link 311B rotates in conjunction with the water collection pipe rotation device 301B. The rod link 311B also serves to guide the functional tape 110 pulled out by the pull-out / insertion member 309B. Once the functional tape 110 has been implanted around the entire circumference of the water collection pipe 2B, the rod link 311B moves in the depth direction of the drawing to a retracted position by means not shown.

[0184] [10 Example of manufacturing method for separation membrane element according to the third embodiment] [10-1 1st process] (1) Thread placement process (channel material formation process) As the first step of the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment, a process for arranging threads 12B on the functional tape 110 will be described.

[0185] 45 and 46, in the first step, threads 12B that function as a supply-side channel material for securing the supply-side channel 1103 are arranged in the width direction of the functional tape 110. The threads 12B are arranged on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110 on which the separation membrane main body 1111 is formed.

[0186] The threads 12B are formed by linear pressure membrane printing on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110. Note that the example of the manufacturing method for the separation membrane element according to the third embodiment may also have a configuration in which the threads 12 are arranged by hot melt as described above.

[0187] The thread 12B is formed on the functional tape 110 within a length corresponding to one side of the functional tape 110 to form one leaf 1110.

[0188] (2) Pre-sealing process A water repellent or the like is applied to the separation film surface at both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 on which the threads 12B are arranged, and the wettability with the sealant is controlled to prevent the sealant from spreading. Note that if a material whose wettability with the sealant has been taken into consideration is used in advance, pre-sealing processing is not necessary.

[0189] [10-2 2nd process] As the second step of the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment, a process of pulling out the functional tape 110 and implanting it into the water collection pipe 2B will be described.

[0190] (1) Preparation process As described above, the functional tape 110 having the thread 12B disposed thereon is pulled out from a reel (not shown), and as shown in FIG. 47, the leading end of the functional tape 110 is temporarily secured with tape or the like to one of the two rod row links 311B that sandwich the movement path of the pulling-out / inserting member 309B.

[0191] The water collection pipe 2B is set in the water collection pipe rotation device 301B. The water collection pipe 2B is then rotated by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B, and the position of the groove 20B of the water collection pipe 2B into which the functional tape 110 is to be implanted is aligned with the implantation position of the pull-out / implantation member 309B.

[0192] (2) First functional tape drawing and implantation process As shown in Figure 48, the pull-out-insertion member 309B is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B. When the pull-out-insertion member 309B is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B, the functional tape 110, which is stretched between the rod row link 311B and the guide roller 304c, is pushed toward the water collection pipe 2B by the pull-out-insertion member 309B. Because one end of the functional tape 110 is temporarily fastened to the rod row link 311B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel. When the pull-out-insertion member 309B further moves in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2B, the pull-out-insertion member 309B inserts the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B. The phase, such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out by the pulling-out / inserting member 309B, is detected by a phase detector 306B, and the tension applied to the functional tape 110 is adjusted by a tensioning device (not shown) so that a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out.

[0193] After the pull-out / insertion member 309B is moved in a direction toward the water collection pipe 2B to an implantation position where the pull-out / insertion member 309B implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, the pull-out / insertion member 309B is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2B, as shown in Figure 49, and the pull-out / insertion member 309B is retracted to a standby position.

[0194] (3) First implantation alignment process While moving the pull-out / insertion member 309B away from the water collection pipe 2B, the water collection pipe 2B is rotated by one pitch of the groove 20B by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B, as shown in Figure 50, so that the position of the next groove 20B of the water collection pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be inserted is aligned with the insertion position by the pull-out / insertion member 309B. At this time, the rod row link supported by the water collection pipe rotation device also rotates at the same time.

[0195] (4) nth (final) implantation positioning, functional tape extraction, implantation, and cutting process Thereafter, the implantation positioning step and the functional tape drawing-out and implantation step are repeated until the functional tape 110 is implanted in all of the groove portions 20B of the water collection pipe 2B.

[0196] The last groove portion 20B(n) is located next to the first groove portion 20B(1) into which the functional tape 110 was implanted in the first functional tape drawing-out and implanting step.

[0197] As shown in Figure 51, in the final implantation alignment step, the position of the last groove portion 20B(n) is aligned with the implantation position by the pull-out-implanting member 309B, and then, in the nth functional tape pull-out-implanting step, as shown in Figures 52 and 53, the pull-out-implanting member 309B pulls out a predetermined amount of functional tape 110 and implants it into the last groove portion 20B(n).

[0198] In the cutting process, the functional tape 110 planted in the last groove portion 20B(n) is cut to half the length that constitutes one leaf 1110. Then, the outer peripheral ends of the functional tape 110 planted in the first groove portion 20B(1) and the functional tape 110 planted in the last groove portion 20B(n) are bonded together with adhesive tape, glue, or the like.

[0199] (5) Winding process As shown in Figure 54, the rod link 311B is moved to the retracted position. Then, a tightening roller (not shown) is attached to the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B, and the water collection pipe 2B is continuously rotated by the water collection pipe rotation device 301B, and the functional tape 110 is wound around the water collection pipe 2B and tightly tightened. Then, an exterior tape (not shown) is wound around the outer periphery of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B.

[0200] [10-3 3rd process] As the third step in the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the third embodiment, a process for sealing the axial end face of the functional tape 110 along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B will be described.

[0201] Both axial end faces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B are immersed in the sealing liquid 15 in the same process as in Figure 43, and a fixed amount of the sealing liquid is absorbed by both axial end faces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collection pipe 2B.

[0202] [11 Configuration example of a manufacturing apparatus for a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment] 55, a separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C according to the fourth embodiment includes a water collection pipe rotation device 301C that supports and rotates a water collection pipe 2C, a cylindrical outer periphery guide plate 312C that covers the periphery of the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C, and a cover unit 313C that can open and close a portion of the outer periphery guide plate 312C. The outer periphery guide plate 312C includes a stopper unit 314C that protrudes toward the inner periphery near an opening that is opened and closed by the cover unit 313C.

[0203] The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C also includes an insertion member 315C that inserts the separation membrane stack 115C into the outer circumferential guide plate 312C, and a pushing member 316C that pushes the separation membrane stack 115C inserted into the outer circumferential guide plate 312C. The surface of the insertion member that faces the pushing member has only both ends formed into a large slit-like opening, and is configured so that the upper end of the pushing member can come into contact with the side surface of the stored separation membrane stack.

[0204] The insertion member 315C is driven by a motor (not shown), moves from the outside of the outer periphery guide plate 312C to the inside of the outer periphery guide plate 312C, and moves back and forth toward and away from the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C. The pushing member 316C is driven by a motor (not shown), and moves back and forth along the circumferential direction of the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C. The outer periphery guide plate 312C is separated from and fixed to the water collection pipe rotation device 301C.

[0205] [12 Example of manufacturing method for separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment] [12-1 1st process] As the first step of the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment, a process for producing a separation membrane stack 115C will be described.

[0206] (1) Pre-sealing process A water-repellent agent or the like is applied to the separation membrane surface at both ends of the width direction of the functional tape 110 to control the wettability with the sealant to prevent the sealant from spreading. If a material with a good wettability with the sealant is used, pre-sealing processing is not necessary. The functional tape 110 is cut to a length twice that of one leaf.

[0207] (2) Separation membrane laminate manufacturing process In the separation membrane laminate manufacturing process, as shown in Fig. 56, a mesh material 116C cut to the length of one leaf is placed on functional tape 110 cut to twice the length of one leaf, with the mesh material 116C biased to one side in the longitudinal direction of functional tape 110. Then, as shown in Fig. 57, functional tape 110 is folded to manufacture separation membrane laminate 115C in which mesh material 116C is sandwiched between functional tapes 110.

[0208] [12-2 2nd process] As the second step of the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment, a process of pushing and stacking the separation membrane stack 115C into the outer periphery guide plate 312C will be described.

[0209] (1) Preparation process As shown in Figure 55, the cover portion 313C of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C is opened. Furthermore, a plurality of separation membrane stacks 115C are set in a storage portion (not shown) so that they can be inserted one by one using the insertion members 315C. Furthermore, a water collection pipe 2C is set in the water collection pipe rotation device 301C. Furthermore, the water collection pipe 2C is rotated by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C, and the position of the insertion piece 22C formed on the water collection pipe 2C is aligned with the insertion position of the separation membrane stack 115C using the insertion member 315C.

[0210] (2) First separation membrane stack insertion process 58, the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C. When the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2C, the leading end of the separation membrane laminate 115C supported by the insertion member 315C in the movement direction is inserted into the acute angle formed by the insertion piece 22C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C. Note that the folded-back portion of the separation membrane laminate 115C does not have to be inserted to a position where it contacts the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C.

[0211] After the insertion member 315C has moved to a position where the leading end of the separation membrane stack 115C in the movement direction is inserted into the acute angle formed by the insertion piece 22C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C, the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2C and retracted to the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C, as shown in Figure 59. Note that when the insertion member 315C is retracted, the underside of the separation membrane stack 115C is in contact with the pushing member 316C, and therefore the separation membrane stack 115C is supported by the pushing member 316C due to friction between the separation membrane stack 115C and the pushing member 316C.

[0212] (3) First separation membrane stack pressing process 60, the pushing member 316C supporting the separation membrane stack 115C is moved along the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C until the separation membrane stack 115C assumes a curved shape and is pushed into a position where the separation membrane stack 115C climbs over the stopper portion 314C. By pushing the separation membrane stack 115C into a position where it climbs over the stopper portion 314C, even when the pushing member 316C retreats and moves away from the separation membrane stack 115C, the separation membrane stack 115C is supported in a curved shape by the insertion piece 22C and the stopper portion 314C.

[0213] (4) Second and subsequent separation membrane stack insertion processes The water collection pipe 2C is rotated one pitch by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C, and the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C, as shown in Fig. 61. When the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collection pipe 2C, the leading end in the movement direction of the next separation membrane stack 115C supported by the insertion member 315C is inserted into the portion between the previously inserted separation membrane stack 115C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C.

[0214] The insertion member 315C moves to a position where the leading edge of the next separation membrane stack 115C in the movement direction is inserted into the portion between the previously inserted separation membrane stack 115C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C. At this time, the underside of the next separation membrane stack 115C is in contact with the pushing member 316C. The insertion member 315C is moved in a direction away from the water collection pipe 2C and is retracted to the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. Once the insertion member 315C has retracted, the next separation membrane stack 115C is supported by the pushing member 316C due to friction between the separation membrane stack 115C and the pushing member 316C.

[0215] (5) Second and subsequent steps of pressing the separation membrane stack 62, the pushing member 316C supporting the next separation membrane stack 115C is moved along the water collection pipe 2C supported by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C, and the next separation membrane stack 115C is pushed in until it assumes a curved shape and climbs over the stopper portion 314C. By pushing the next separation membrane stack 115C into a position where it climbs over the stopper portion 314C, even when the pushing member 316C retreats and moves away from the separation membrane stack 115C, the stacked separation membrane stacks 115C are supported in a curved shape by the insertion piece 22C and the stopper portion 314C.

[0216] (6) Molding process Once the insertion and pushing steps for all of the separation membrane laminates 115C are completed, as shown in FIG. 63, the insertion members 315C and pushing members 316C are retracted to the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. The stopper portion 314C is also removed. Then, as shown in FIG. 64, the cover portion 313C is closed, and the outer peripheral guide plate 312C is rotated a predetermined amount in the forward direction indicated by arrow A1, and then rotated in the reverse direction indicated by arrow A2 by an amount less than the forward rotation amount, repeating this operation to radially form the separation membrane laminates 115C. When the outer peripheral guide plate 312C rotates in the forward direction, friction between the outer peripheral guide plate 312C and the separation membrane laminates 115C is small. In contrast, when the outer peripheral guide plate 312C rotates in the reverse direction, friction between the outer peripheral guide plate 312C and the separation membrane laminates 115C is large. Therefore, by slightly rotating the outer peripheral guide plate 312C in the reverse direction, the separation membrane stack 115C is pushed toward the water collection pipe 2C, and by repeating forward and reverse rotation, it is vibrated, and the folded portion of the separation membrane stack 115C is brought into a stable state in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the water collection pipe 2C.

[0217] (7) Winding process A tightening roller (not shown) is attached to the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C, and the water collection pipe 2C is continuously rotated by the water collection pipe rotation device 301C to wind the separation membrane laminate 115C around the water collection pipe 2C and tighten it tightly. Then, an exterior tape (not shown) is wrapped around the outer periphery of the separation membrane laminate 115C wound around the water collection pipe 2C. Note that the outer periphery needs to be tightly wrapped with the exterior tape to prevent the separation membrane laminate 115C from unwinding during the sealing operation, but since a sealant needs to penetrate between the rear end of the separation membrane laminate 115C and the outer periphery (sealing the outer periphery side), it is recommended to use a coarse-meshed cloth, for example a mesh-like cloth, that has good wettability and is easy for the sealant to penetrate.

[0218] [10-3 3rd process] As the third step of the method for producing a separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment, a process for sealing the axial end face and outer peripheral side face of the separation membrane stack 115C along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2C will be described.

[0219] As in the first embodiment, the shaft end face and the outer peripheral side face may be sealed separately, but after the winding step is completed, the entire body may be immersed in a sealing liquid for a short time and sealed at once.

[0220] In the first embodiment, an adhesive is used as the sealant, but of course, since only sealing is required and adhesive strength is not necessary, a sealant without adhesive strength may also be used.

[0221] Furthermore, in the present invention, the axial end faces of the two flow paths (the first flow path, the feed flow path, and the second flow path, the permeate flow path) can be selectively sealed, i.e., selectively opened and closed, so that various types of elements can be realized in combination with the water collection pipe. The following is an example.

[0222] Type A: Uses a collection pipe First flow path: The inlet end face is open, and the outlet end face is open. Second flow path: The inlet end face is closed, and the outlet end face is closed.

[0223] Type B: No collection pipe used (used as a central support pipe without using the collection pipe function) First flow path: The inlet end is open and the outlet end is closed. Second flow path: The inlet end is closed and the outlet end is open.

[0224] Type C: No collection pipe used (used as a central support pipe without using the collection pipe function) First flow path: The inlet end face is open, the inner circumferential side of the outlet end face is closed, and the outer circumferential side is open. Second flow path: The inlet end face is closed, the inner circumferential side of the outlet end face is open, and the outer circumferential side is closed.

[0225] Type A is a cross-flow type in each embodiment, Type B is a dead-end filtration type, and Type C is a cross-flow type in which an outlet for the second flow path is formed in the inner part near the central tube and an outlet for the first flow path is formed in the outer part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 100, 100B Separation membrane element 1, 1B Cylindrical laminate (laminate) 11 Bag-like body 111 Separation membrane 1111 Separation membrane body 1112 Support layer 112 Nonwoven fabric (second channel material) 113 Sealing part 1131 Axial seal 1132 Outer sealing part 110 Functional Tape 111B Separation membrane 1110 Leaf 1101 Inner circumference side folding part 1102 Outer circumference folded part 1103 Supply side flow path 1104 Permeate side flow path 1105 Axial seal 12, 12B Thread (first flow path material, thread-like member) 2, 2B water collection pipe 20B Groove 21, 21B hole

Claims

1. A separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collection pipe, A separation membrane element characterized in that a sealing portion for preventing mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body.

2. 2. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion includes an axial sealing portion formed on an end surface of the bag-shaped body in the axial direction.

3. 2. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion includes an outer peripheral sealing portion formed on an end surface on the outer peripheral side of the bag-shaped body.

4. A laminate is formed in which the separation membrane and a flow path material for securing a flow path for a fluid are laminated, The flow path material includes a first flow path material that secures a flow path on a fluid supply side and a second flow path material that secures a flow path on a fluid permeation side, The separation membrane element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the laminate is stacked so that the first flow path material and the second flow path material are sandwiched between a plurality of the separation membranes.

5. 5. The separation membrane element according to claim 4, wherein the first flow path material is a filamentous member extending in the direction of flow of the fluid.

6. 6. The separation membrane element according to claim 5, wherein the filamentous members are provided so as to be continuous between the plurality of separation membranes.

7. The separation membrane element according to claim 4, wherein the second flow path material is a nonwoven fabric.

8. The separation membrane element according to claim 4, wherein the plugging portion is formed at a portion where the second flow path material is sandwiched between the laminates.

9. 4. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the separation membrane element is a spiral-type separation membrane element in which the bag-shaped body is spirally wound around the water collection pipe.

10. 2. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the sealant used to seal the end faces of the bag-shaped body is an adhesive, and the adhesive depth is 0.2 mm or more.

11. A method for producing a separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collection pipe, comprising: a lamination step of laminating the separation membrane and a flow path material for securing a flow path for a fluid to form a laminate; a sealing step of forming a sealing portion on an end surface of the bag-shaped body after the laminating step to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid; A method for producing a separation membrane element, comprising:

12. The method further includes, after the laminating step, an aligning step of aligning the separation membranes and the flow path materials forming the laminate so as to be arranged in the separation membrane element, 12. The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 11, wherein in the sealing step, the sealing portion is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body after the aligning step.

13. the separation membrane element is a spiral separation membrane element in which the laminate is spirally wound around the water collection pipe, In the aligning step, the stack is wound around the water collection pipe to align the separation membranes and the flow path materials forming the stack in a spiral shape, 13. The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 12, wherein in the sealing step, the sealing portion is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body in a state in which the laminate is wound around the water collection pipe in the aligning step.

14. 14. The method for manufacturing a separation membrane element according to claim 11, wherein in the laminating step, the separation membranes are laminated so as to sandwich a filamentous member as the flow path material therebetween.

15. 15. The method for manufacturing a separation membrane element according to claim 14, wherein in the stacking step, the separation membranes are folded so as to sandwich the thread-like members therebetween, and the folded separation membranes are stacked.

16. 14. The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 11, wherein in the laminating step, the separation membranes are laminated with a nonwoven fabric as the flow path material superposed thereon.

17. A separation membrane element in which a separation membrane-forming member is wound around a tubular member, and an inner peripheral side of the separation membrane-forming member wound around and stacked on the tubular member, facing the tubular member, is in contact with the tubular member, In the separation membrane-forming member wound and laminated around the tubular member, a sealing portion for preventing mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid is formed on an end surface along the axial direction of the tubular member. A separation membrane element characterized by:

18. the tubular member includes a plurality of locking portions along a circumferential direction to which the separation membrane-forming member is locked, The separation membrane-forming member is long, and the inner circumferential side facing the tubular member and the outer circumferential side away from the tubular member are alternately folded, and the inner circumferential folded portion on the inner circumferential side facing the tubular member is engaged with the engaging portion. The separation membrane element according to claim 17.

19. A method for manufacturing a separation membrane element, wherein a separation membrane-forming member is wound around a tubular member, and an inner peripheral side of the separation membrane-forming member wound around and stacked on the tubular member, facing the tubular member, is in contact with the tubular member, a flow path material forming step of forming a flow path material that ensures a flow path for a fluid in the separation membrane forming member; a winding step of winding the separation membrane-forming member on which the flow path material has been formed around the tubular member; a sealing step of forming a sealing portion on an end surface of the separation membrane-forming member wound around the tubular member and stacked thereon along the axial direction of the tubular member to prevent mixing of the feed-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid; A method for producing a separation membrane element, comprising:

20. the tubular member includes a plurality of locking portions along a circumferential direction to which the separation membrane-forming member is locked, A drawing step of drawing out the long separation membrane-forming member; a locking step of locking the pulled-out separation membrane-forming member to the locking portion; a rotating step of rotating the tubular member in accordance with the pitch of the plurality of locking portions; further comprising 20. The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 19, wherein the winding step is carried out after the drawing step, the locking step, and the rotating step are repeatedly carried out.

21. the tubular member includes a plurality of locking portions along a circumferential direction to which the separation membrane-forming member is locked, a drawing / locking step of drawing out the long separation membrane-forming member and locking the drawn-out separation membrane-forming member to the locking portion; a rotating step of rotating the tubular member in accordance with the pitch of the plurality of locking portions; further comprising 20. The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 19, wherein the winding step is carried out after the drawing-out and locking step and the rotating step are repeatedly carried out.

22. an insertion step of inserting the short separation membrane-forming member into the inside of an outer periphery guide portion that covers the outer periphery of the tubular member; a pushing step of pushing the separation membrane-forming members inserted into the outer circumferential guide portion to stack a plurality of the separation membrane-forming members; further comprising After the inserting step and the pushing step are repeatedly performed, a molding step is performed in which a plurality of the separation membrane-forming members are molded by relative rotation of the tubular member and the outer circumferential guide portion, The method for producing a separation membrane element according to claim 19, wherein the winding step is carried out after the molding step.

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