High-temperature spiral-wound modules made of metallic components

Abstract

The invention relates to a spiral wound module (0) comprising a permeation tube (1), a spiral wound (6), two ATDs (2f, 2r) and an outer tube (3) extending coaxially with the permeation tube (1), surrounding the spiral wound (6) and joined to the two ATDs (2f, 2r). The problem underlying the invention is to provide a spiral wound module (0) which can be used at high operating temperatures, preferably above 150° C., and which has a simple, robust and inexpensive construction. This problem is solved in that the ATDs (2f, 2r) are fitted onto the permeation tube (1) and each abut against the respective end faces of the spiral winding (6), and at least one of the two ATDs (2r) has a sleeve-shaped attachment part, the attachment part (7) being surrounded by the outer tube (3) on its circumference, so that a friction-locking and / or positive-locking connection part (8) is realized between the outer tube (3) and the ATD (2r) via the attachment part (7) of the ATD (2r).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spiral wound module, comprising at least the following components: a) a hollow cylindrical metal transmission tube having a plurality of radially extending openings in its wall; b) a substantially planar rectangular membrane spirally wound around the permeation tube, thereby forming a substantially cylindrical spiral winding extending coaxially with the permeation tube; c) two axial stoppers (anti-telescoping devices -ATDs) fitted over the permeation tube on either side of the helical body, abutting each end face of the helical body and having a passage for passing fluid in the axial direction; d) a hollow cylindrical outer tube of metal extending coaxially with the permeation tube, surrounding the spiral winding and joined to two axial stops; The present invention relates to a spiral winding module comprising: [Background technology]

[0002] Membranes are used to separate liquid or gaseous material mixtures. They are used in chemical process technology, food technology and medical technology. Membranes are usually not installed separately in the associated separation device, but in the form of a membrane module. A membrane module is a constructional group that contains one or more membranes and is defined for insertion into a separation device. One special constructional type of membrane module is the so-called spiral wound module. In the spiral wound module, a substantially flat rectangular membrane is spirally wound around a tube. In this way, a large area of ​​membrane is accommodated in the small constructional size of the module. The spiral wound is fed at one end face with the material mixture to be separated (feed). The part of the material mixture that overcomes the membrane (permeate) flows through the holes into a tube extending to the center and is thus led out of the module. This tube is therefore also called the permeation tube. The part of the material mixture that does not overcome the membrane (retentate) leaves the module via the other end face of the spiral wound.

[0003] The fundamentals of membrane technology and the construction types of membrane modules are described in Thomas Melin; Robert Rautenbach: Membranverfahren: Grundlagen der Modul- und Anlagenauslegung 2nd Edition, 2004, Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2004 DOI 10.1007 / 978-3-662-08653-7.

[0004] A spiral wound module of the initially mentioned type is known from EP 3328521. More precisely, the cartridges for use in the separation devices according to EP 3328521 can be selectively equipped with spiral wound modules or hollow fiber modules. This flexibility is achieved by a relatively complex design, which has disadvantages under extreme conditions. In particular when separating liquid mixtures at high temperatures, the attached plastics are subjected to high loads, so that a short service life can be expected. On the other hand, in the fatigue-resistant range, only low operating temperatures of less than 120° C. can be achieved. This applies in particular with regard to the barrier against overflow of the membrane winding. In the membrane wound module according to EP 3328521, this barrier is designed as a shrink tube, in particular made of polyolefin, PVC or polyimide. The shrink tube is shrunk onto the membrane winding. At higher separation temperatures, the shrink tube expands again, so that the barrier can no longer fulfill its function as a overflow protection means.

[0005] A spirally wound module for high pressure is known from CN 111450709. The axial stop (anti-expansion device ATD) is not slipped onto the permeation tube, but is instead press-fitted into the permeation tube at the end side via a pin running centrally within the permeation tube. The resulting composite of permeation tube, membrane winding, ATD and pin is inserted into the outer tube and secured in place by a snap ring against axial movement within the outer tube. This arrangement involves a great many components and is very laborious to assemble, which increases the manufacturing costs. This may be justified in the field of high pressure applications, but not at high temperatures and low pressures. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide a spiral wound module which can be used at high operating temperatures, preferably above 150° C., and which has a simple, robust and inexpensive construction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved in that at least one of the two axial stops has a sleeve-shaped attachment which is surrounded by the outer tube on its circumference, so that a friction-locking and / or positive-locking connection is realized between the outer tube and the axial stop via the attachment of the axial stop.

[0008] The subject of the invention is therefore a spiral winding module comprising at least the following components: a) a hollow cylindrical metal transmission tube having a plurality of radially extending openings in its wall; b) a substantially planar rectangular membrane spirally wound around the permeation tube, thereby forming a substantially cylindrical spiral winding extending coaxially with the permeation tube; c) two axial stoppers (anti-expansion devices - ATD) fitted on the permeation tube on both sides of the spiral wound body, abutting each end face of the spiral wound body, having a passage for passing a fluid in the axial direction, at least one of which has a sleeve-shaped extension; d) a hollow cylindrical outer tube of metal extending coaxially with the permeation tube, surrounding the spiral winding and joined to two axial stops; The spiral wound module includes a sleeve-shaped extension that is surrounded by an outer tube on its circumference, thereby realizing a friction-locking and / or positive-locking connection between the outer tube and the axial stop provided with the extension.

[0009] Next, the present invention will be described with reference to examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an overall view showing a spiral winding module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a spiral module. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an end view of the spiral winding module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed enlarged view of the joint between the axial stopper and the outer tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In Fig. 1, an overall view of a spiral wound module 0 is shown. A centrally extending permeation tube 1 can be seen, on which two axial stops 2f, 2r are fitted. The first axial stop 2f is arranged on the feed side, the second axial stop 2r on the retention side. The two axial stops 2f, 2r are connected to each other via an outer tube 3.

[0012] Feed F flows into the spiral module 0 through a first axial stopper 2f. Permeate P flows through the permeation tube 1 and leaves the spiral module 0 again. Retentate R leaves the spiral module 0 through a second axial stopper 2r.

[0013] To allow the feed F or the retentate R to pass through the axial stops 2f, 2r, the axial stops 2f, 2r are provided with a number of large passages 4. The passages 4 can only be seen in FIG.

[0014] The exact construction of the spiral wound module 0 is evident from the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2. At its centre runs a permeation tube 1. The permeation tube 1 is hollow and cylindrical and consists of steel. The wall of the permeation tube 1 is provided with a number of openings 5 ​​which pass radially through the wall.

[0015] A spiral winding 6 is wound around the permeation tube 1. The spiral winding 6 is formed by winding a substantially flat rectangular membrane in a spiral shape around the permeation tube 1, i.e., the flat membrane results in a substantially cylindrical spiral winding that runs along the permeation tube 1. Spacers (not shown) may be wrapped around the spiral winding 6 to prevent the individual turns of the spiral from resting directly on top of each other.

[0016] In order to prevent the helical body 6 from expanding or contracting in the axial direction under load, the helical body 6 is supported at each end by axial stops 2f, 2r. The axial stops 2f, 2r abut the helical body 6 at the end and are fitted over the permeation tube 1. In this way, the axial stops 2f, 2r transmit the force between the helical body 6 and the permeation tube 1. The position of the axial stops 2r, 2f relative to the permeation tube 1 determines the axial position of the helical body 6 and in particular prevents it from expanding or contracting. The axial stops are therefore also called anti-expansion devices ATD.

[0017] It is not possible to see in Fig. 2 that the ATDs 2r, 2f have a number of large-area, segment-shaped passage openings 4 through which the feed F or retentate R can pass. The passage openings 4 can be seen in the side view shown in Fig. 3. Between the passage openings 4, axial stops are shaped like webs. The webs are located in the cross section in Fig. 2.

[0018] At least one of the two axial stops has an inner sleeve-shaped extension 7. In this embodiment, this is the case for both axial stops 2r, 2f. The axial stops are inserted with their extensions 7 into corresponding seats on the inner surface of the outer tube 3.

[0019] At the point of contact between the sleeve-shaped attachment 7 and the corresponding seat of the outer tube 3, a friction-locking and / or form-locking connection 8 is realized, which connects the axial stop with the attachment 7 to the outer tube 3.

[0020] As friction-locking and / or positive-locking connections 8, press connections or screw connections are alternatively considered.

[0021] In the case of a press joint, the attachment 7 is cylindrical at its circumference. The seat is likewise cylindrical. In this case, the outer diameter of the attachment 7 and the inner diameter of the seat are designed such that a press fit is formed between the attachment 7 and the seat, which forms the press joint.

[0022] In the case of a screw fastening, the attachment 7 is provided with an external thread on its circumference. The seat is formed as an internal thread. The attachment 7 is screwed into the internal thread with its external thread. In this way, the screw fastening between the axial stoppers 2r, 2f with the attachment 7 and the outer tube 3 is realized.

[0023] In both cases, a frictional connection between the outer tube 3 and the axial stops 2r, 2f is possible. Likewise, the permeation tube 1 is centered in the outer tube. The periphery of the outer tube 3 serves as a contact surface for a separation device (not shown here) into which the spiral wound module 0 is inserted. A seal between the periphery of the outer tube and the contact surface of the separation device can be omitted, since the spiral wound module 0 itself is hermetically sealed. The sealing concept is subsequently explained below.

[0024] In operation, the feed F flows into the spiral wound body 6 through a passage provided in the feed axial stopper 2f. The permeate overcomes the membrane and flows inwardly into the permeation tube 1 through opening 5. The permeate P passes through the permeation tube 1 and leaves the spiral wound body module. The part of the feed which cannot pass through the membrane leaves the spiral wound body 6 as retentate R through the passage opening 4 in the retentate axial stopper 2r.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the spiral wound module 0 has a film 9 in the outer tube 3 that seals the spiral wound against the outside. This prevents the permeate from overflowing the membrane winding 6 and becoming insufficient.

[0026] The film 9 preferably consists of a metal or another temperature-stable material. In particular, films consisting of metal alloys, such as steel, aluminum alloys or copper alloys, come into consideration. Likewise, temperature-stable polymers, such as polyimides, can be used. What is important is that the film consists of a material that is fatigue-resistant at the operating temperature.

[0027] The film 9 is rectangular and is wrapped and tensioned around the spiral winding 6. The wrapping angle of the film 9 is between 360° and 400°, which results in the film 9 forming an overlap region of between 0° and 40°. The film 9 can be seen especially in the enlarged detail shown in FIG. 4. In the overlap region, the films 9 are bonded together with a layer of heat-resistant adhesive / sealant, which is so thin that the layer itself cannot be seen in the enlarged view shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] This sealing concept envisages that a sleeve-like extension 7 is glued on its inner surface to the spiral 6 or - if present - to the film 9, thereby sealing the spiral module 0 from the outside. For the bonding, a temperature-stable adhesive / sealant is used which also bonds the spiral 6 and / or the film.

[0029] In this case, the friction-locking and / or positive-locking connection 8 does not need to be sealed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] F Supplies P permeate R Retainer 0 Spiral Module 1 Transmission tube 2f Supply side axial stopper 2r Axial stopper on the holding side 3 outer tube 4. Passage 5 aperture 6 Spiral wound body 7 Addition 8 Frictional and / or form-locking connections 9. Film

Claims

1. A spiral winding module (0) comprising at least the following components: a) a hollow cylindrical metal transmission tube (1) having a plurality of radially extending openings (5) in its wall; b) a substantially planar rectangular membrane spirally wound around said permeation tube (1), thereby forming a substantially cylindrical spiral wound body (6) extending coaxially with said permeation tube (1); c) two axial stoppers (anti-tension devices - ATD) (2r, 2f) fitted onto the permeation tube (1) on both sides of the spiral wound body (6), abutting against each end face of the spiral wound body (6), and having a passage (4) for passing a fluid in the axial direction; d) a hollow cylindrical outer tube (3) made of metal, extending coaxially with the permeation tube (1), surrounding the spiral winding (6) and joined to the two axial stops (2r, 2f); Including, e) a spirally wound module (0) in which at least one of the two axial stops (2r) has a sleeve-like extension (7) which is surrounded by the outer tube (3) on its periphery, so that a frictional and / or positively-locking connection (8) is achieved between the outer tube (3) and the axial stop (2r) via the extension (7) of the axial stop (2r), the friction-locking and / or positive-locking joint (8) is a press joint, a rectangular film (9) is disposed between the spiral winding (6) and the outer tube (3), the film (9) being positioned around the spiral winding (6) so that the spiral winding (6) is completely surrounded by the film (9) at its periphery; The sleeve-like extension (7) is glued to the film (9) on its inner surface. A spiral winding module (0) characterized in that

2. 2. The spiral wound module (0) according to claim 1, wherein the films (9) are provided with overlapping regions in which they overlap, and the films (9) are bonded to each other within the overlapping regions.

3. 3. The spiral wound module (0) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the film (9) is made of one material selected from the group consisting of metals, metal alloys, steels, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and polyimides.

4. Spiral wound module (0) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the film (9) consists of a material selected from the group of heat-stable polymers.

5. The spiral wound module (0) of claim 4, wherein the thermally stable polymer is a polyimide.

6. 3. A spiral module according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve-like extension (7) is glued to the spiral (6) on its inner surface.

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