Method and means for cleaning a filter module

Abstract

In a filter module having a group of units formed by stacking units equipped with filtration membranes, a method and means for cleaning a filter module are provided that allows for easy cleaning of the filtration membranes and recovery of each unit. [Solution] The filter module 1 comprises a container and a group of units, each unit consisting of an adsorbent powder 17 and a frame having a filtration membrane 12, the fluid to be treated A flows in from the inlet 34 of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder 17 and then the filtration membrane 12 in that order, is filtered in its entirety to become the treated fluid, and is discharged to the outside from the outlet 35 of the container, and the problem is solved by a cleaning method for the filter module characterized by sequentially performing a first recovery step to recover the first unit, a second recovery step to recover the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step to recover the nth unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and means for cleaning a filter module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of filtering a fluid to be treated using a filtration membrane has been carried out in a wide range of fields. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to the filtration treatment of water to be treated such as tap water and sewage. On the other hand, the filtration technology is a technology that is applied not only to liquids such as water to be treated but also to purify exhaust gas generated in factories and the like.

[0003] By the way, when filtration is performed using a filtration membrane, the target substance to be collected contained in the fluid to be treated gradually adheres to and accumulates on the filtration membrane, and the filtration membrane becomes contaminated and clogged, so-called fouling occurs. When fouling occurs, the filtration flux decreases and the filtration ability of the filtration membrane decreases. Therefore, when reusing, it is necessary to eliminate the clogging of the filtration membrane and restore the filtration performance.

[0004] As a method for restoring the filtration performance of the filtration membrane, for example, there is backpressure cleaning (backwashing). This is to flow the fluid for backwashing in the direction opposite to the direction of the fluid flow during filtration to remove fouling substances and restore the filtration performance of the filtration membrane.

[0005] Backwashing can be performed while the filtration membrane is installed in the filter module. Therefore, although there is an advantage that the cleaning work is not troublesome and is simple, if backwashing is repeated, it becomes difficult to remove the contaminants adhering to the filtration membrane, the clogging becomes severe, and it becomes difficult to restore the filtration performance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to propose a method and means for easily cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering each unit in a filter module having a group of units formed by stacking units equipped with filtration membranes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The means to solve the above problems are as follows: (First aspect) A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a container having a bottomed container body with an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. A first recovery step for recovering the first unit, a second recovery step for recovering the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step for recovering the nth unit are carried out in sequence. Each of the recovery steps from the first recovery step to the nth recovery step is: A powder recovery step in which the adsorbed powder is separated from the filtration membrane and recovered, The system includes a frame recovery step in which the filtration membrane is washed and the frame is recovered from the container body. A method for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

[0009] When the fluid to be treated is passed through the filter module of this embodiment, some of the impurities and other substances to be separated contained in the fluid are first captured by a deposit layer (first filter material) made of adsorbent powder, and then some of the remaining substances to be separated that have permeated through the deposit layer are further captured by a filtration membrane (second filter material). Because the fluid to be treated passes through different filter materials in stages, it has a superior purification capacity for the fluid to be treated compared to a filter module made of a single type of filter material. On the other hand, in conventional filter modules, for example, made only of a filtration membrane, both large and small substances to be separated are captured by the filtration membrane, so clogging occurs relatively early on the primary side of the filtration membrane, i.e., the side that comes into contact with the fluid to be treated, resulting in frequent and time-consuming maintenance. In this embodiment, relatively large substances to be separated are captured in the deposit layer, and relatively small substances to be separated are captured by the filtration membrane, resulting in a two-stage filtration process. This disperses the locations where clogging occurs, and the frequency of maintenance can be reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, since the primary surface of each unit is a deposit layer made of adsorbed powder, a peeling device or the like can be inserted from the outside of the container body into the inside to directly separate the adsorbed powder from the filter membrane. On the other hand, by recovering the adsorbed powder that forms the deposit layer in each unit and making the filter membrane visible, the filter membrane can be directly cleaned without backwashing.

[0011] Furthermore, since each unit constituting the unit group is separable from one another, each unit can be washed and collected.

[0012] In addition to the above embodiments, the following embodiments are also preferred. (Second aspect) The frame of each unit is On the secondary side surface of the filtration membrane, a treatment fluid flow layer and a blocking layer are laminated in this order, each forming an annular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at the center, and the fluid to be treated flow layer disposed on the secondary side surface of the blocking layer has an annular or circular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at the center. The filtration membrane, the treatment fluid flow layer, and the blocking layer are joined concentrically and integrally formed, and an annular outer elastic packing is provided along the outer peripheral edge on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, and an annular inner elastic packing is provided along the inner peripheral edge on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane. The deposition layer is formed over the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane. A method for cleaning a filter module of the first aspect.

[0013] Each unit constituting the unit group is separable from each other, and each unit has an integrated structure with a deposition layer attached to the frame body, so each unit can be easily recovered.

[0014] (Third aspect) The powder recovery step involves continuously providing tubular enclosure means extending above the opening at the opening of the container body, crushing the deposition layer, and recovering the adsorbed powder. A method for cleaning a filter module of the first aspect.

[0015] When the deposition layer is crushed, the adsorbed powder may scatter outside the container body, but by providing the enclosure means, scattering can be prevented or reduced.

[0016] (Fourth aspect) The powder recovery step involves spraying a cleaning liquid to crush the deposition layer while sucking and recovering the adsorbed powder. A method for cleaning a filter module of the first aspect.

[0017] By spraying a cleaning liquid to crush the deposited layer, the adsorbed powder that has become powdery mixes with the cleaning liquid to form a slurry, making it easy to handle and reducing the scattering of the absorbed powder.

[0018] (The fifth aspect) The filter membrane has a pore diameter of 0.01 to 0.3 μm, and the removal rate of the separation target substance with a size of 0.1 to 0.3 μm is 99.95% or more. The cleaning method of the filter module of the first aspect.

[0019] With the filter membrane of this aspect, most of the substances passing through the deposited layer composed of adsorbed powder among the separation target substances contained in the fluid to be treated can be captured, so the quality of the treated fluid becomes high.

[0020] (The sixth aspect) In the frame body recovery step, after spraying a liquid having a polishing material on the filter membrane to polish the filter membrane, the polishing material is sucked and recovered, and then the frame body is recovered. The cleaning method of the filter module of the first aspect.

[0021] Even if the powder recovery step is performed, some of the adsorbed powder adhering to the filter membrane in each unit remains attached to the filter membrane, and if left as it is, it may cause premature clogging of the filter membrane. By spraying a liquid having a polishing material on the filter membrane to polish it, the adsorbed powder remaining attached to the filter membrane can be separated from the filter membrane, contributing to the elimination of clogging of the filter membrane.

[0022] (The seventh aspect) A cleaning method for a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, The filter module has a bottomed first container body with an opening at the upper end container and a substantially cylindrical unit group arranged in the first container body. The unit group consists of n substantially annular first units, second units,..., nth units connected in series from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. A first transshipment step is performed in which the first unit is transferred from the first container body to a second container body with a bottom and an opening at the top; a second transshipment step is performed in which the second unit is transferred from the first container body to the second container body; ... a nth transshipment step is performed in which the nth unit is transferred from the first container body to the second container body; Each transshipment process from the first transshipment process to the nth transshipment process is: A powder recovery step is performed to separate and recover the adsorbed powder attached to the filter membrane of the unit inside the first container body. A frame recovery step is performed to clean the filtration membrane of the unit and recover the frame from the first container body. The system includes a unit installation step in which the recovered frame is placed inside the second container body, and the adsorbed powder is attached to the filter membrane of the frame placed inside the second container body to form a unit. A method for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

[0023] By transferring each unit, the units are cleaned and reused, making it economical. Furthermore, when there are many units, if the method involves collecting all units from the first container, rearranging them outside the first container to form a unit group, and then placing this unit group into the second container, it is necessary to prepare a separate space to temporarily store the units during rearrangement. However, with this embodiment, such a space is not required, as the collected units are placed directly into the second container, allowing for space-saving unit transfer operations.

[0024] (Eighth aspect) A means for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a container having a bottomed container body with an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. The system comprises a first retrieval means for retrieving the first unit, a second retrieval means for retrieving the second unit, ..., an nth retrieval means for retrieving the nth unit, Each of the recovery means from the first recovery means to the n recovery means is: A powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbed powder from the filtration membrane, The system includes a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A means for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

[0025] This embodiment produces the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0026] (Ninth aspect) A means for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a first container body with a bottom, the upper end of which is an opening. container It has a group of roughly cylindrical units arranged inside the first container body, The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. The system includes a first transshipment means for transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body with a bottom and an opening at the top, a second transshipment means for transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body, ..., an nth transshipment means for transferring the nth unit from the first container body to the second container body, The first transshipment means From the previous n transshipment means Each transshipment method up to this point is: A powder recovery means for separating and recovering adsorbed powder attached to the filter membrane of the unit inside the first container body, A frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body, The system includes a unit installation means that involves placing the recovered frame inside the second container body and attaching the adsorbed powder to the filter membrane of the frame placed inside the second container body to form a unit. A means for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100. This embodiment produces the same effects as the seventh embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, in a filter module having a group of units formed by stacking units equipped with filtration membranes, the filtration membranes can be easily cleaned and each unit can be recovered. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the filter module. [Figure 2]This diagram illustrates the flow of the fluid to be treated into the filter module. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken from the plane XX in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the process of transferring a container from the first container to the second container. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the unfolded frame. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the frame. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the overlapping state of each layer by cutting the unit in the direction of stacking. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the flow of the fluid being processed in the filter module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Next, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described. Note that this embodiment is just one example of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0030] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention is, for example, shown below. A method for cleaning a filter module 1 that filters a fluid to be processed A, wherein the filter module 1 has a container having a bottomed container body 2 with an opening 21 at its upper end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the container body 2, the group of units consisting of a substantially annular first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit in a sequence of n units from top to bottom, each unit being separable from one another and consisting of an adsorbent powder 17 and a frame having a filter membrane 12 on which the adsorbent powder 17 adheres to the primary side surface to form a deposited layer, and the fluid to be processed A enters from the inlet of the container A filter module cleaning method characterized in that a liquid flows in, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder 17 and then the filter membrane in that order, is filtered in its entirety to become a processed fluid B, which is discharged to the outside from the outlet 35 of the container, and a first recovery step for recovering the first unit, a second recovery step for recovering the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step for recovering the nth unit are performed sequentially, and each recovery step from the first recovery step to the nth recovery step has a powder recovery step for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder 17 from the filter membrane 12, and a frame recovery step for recovering the frame from the container body 2. Here, n is an integer, n = 2 to 100. Note that n may be 2, 3, or more preferably n = 30 to 60.

[0031] The details of the filter module 1 and its cleaning method according to the first embodiment described above will now be explained. Examples of the unit group according to the embodiment of the present invention include the following: The unit group is arranged inside a container body 2 and consists of n substantially annular units arranged from top to bottom: a first unit 1L, a second unit 2L, ..., and an nth unit nL. Each of the first unit 1L, the second unit 2L, ..., and the nth unit nL is annular and has a flow hole 19 in the center, and the unit group, when the units are stacked, has a substantially cylindrical shape with an outflow channel 20 formed by the flow holes of each unit being connected at the axial center. The container has a bottomed container body 2 with an opening 21 at the top and a lid 33 that closes the opening 21.

[0032] In this embodiment, the container body 2 of the filter module 1 has a group of units installed inside. The area surrounded by the inner surface of the container body 2 and the outer periphery of the group of units is an inlet gap 18 through which the fluid to be treated A flows. The fluid to be treated A that flows into the container body 2 flows through the inlet gap 18 and is distributed to each unit. The fluid to be treated A flows through the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 of each unit, passes through an adsorbent powder 17 that performs primary filtration of the fluid to be treated A, and a filtration membrane that performs secondary filtration of the fluid to be treated A that has permeated through the adsorbent powder 17, and is completely filtered to become the treated fluid B, which flows through the treated fluid flow layer 13 to the outlet channel 20 at the axial center of the group of units, and flows out to the outside from the outlet section 35 of the filter module 1. In other words, the fluid to be treated A is distributed to each unit, filtered by each, merges in the outlet channel 20, and flows out to the outside of the filter module 1 from the outlet section 35.

[0033] (powder) In this embodiment, one or more types of adsorbent powder 17 can be appropriately selected and used depending on the target of adsorption. For example, if it is desired to remove PFOS and its salts, PFOA and its salts and PFOA-related substances, PFHxS and its salts and PFHxS-related substances, and PFHxA, activated carbon can be used as the adsorbent powder 17. Other adsorbent powders 17 that can be used include, for example, organic porous materials such as ion exchange resins, zeolites, perlite, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), diatomaceous earth, acid clay, activated clay, inorganic porous materials such as carbon black, metal oxides and metal powders such as titanium dioxide, and substances such as Prussian blue. If the adsorbent powder 17 is porous, then of the substances contained in the fluid A to be treated, those that are captured by the numerous pores formed in the adsorbent powder 17 can be captured before reaching the filter membrane 12.

[0034] The particle size of the adsorbent powder 17 can be selected as appropriate, but for example, in the case of liquid treatment such as wastewater, it is preferable to use a particle with an average particle size of 1 to 30 μm, and more preferably a particle with an average particle size of 5 to 9 μm. If the average particle size of the activated carbon particles is smaller than 1 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles are too narrow, which tends to slow down the filtration treatment speed. On the other hand, if the average particle size of the activated carbon particles is larger than 30 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles become wider, and the substance to be adsorbed is not adsorbed by the activated carbon but easily passes through the gaps between the activated carbon particles to the secondary side. The average particle size of the adsorbent powder 17 refers to the average value of the projected circle equivalent diameter (the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​the particle) of each particle, and can be determined by measuring the particle size distribution using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (for example, product LA-960V2 series, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) and determining the particle size when the cumulative volume corresponds to 50%.

[0035] If the substances to be separated contained in the fluid A to be treated are relatively large, they will be adsorbed into the deposit layer formed by the adsorbent powder 17. As the flow of the fluid A to be treated continues in the filter module 1 according to this embodiment, the relatively large substances to be separated will be adsorbed within the deposit layer, on the layer surface, and in the fluid flow layer 15 adjacent to the layer surface, forming a cake layer. This cake layer itself has the effect of capturing the substances to be separated, but if it becomes too large, it will cause blockage.

[0036] The unit consists of a frame having an adsorbent powder 17 and a filter membrane 12 on which the adsorbent powder 17 adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The frame is constructed by stacking the deposited layer, the filter membrane 12, a processing fluid flow layer 13 which serves as a flow path for the processing fluid and is located on the secondary side surface of the filter membrane 12, and a blocking layer 14 which blocks the fluid flow between units, in this order, each forming an annular shape with a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction at its center. A processing fluid flow layer 15 which serves as a flow path for the processing fluid and is located on the secondary side surface of the blocking layer 14 also forms an annular or circular shape with a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction at its center. The filter membrane 12, processing fluid flow layer 13, and blocking layer 14 can be joined to each other concentrically to form an integrated unit. Furthermore, the frame is provided with an annular outer elastic packing 11 along the outer peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12, and an annular inner elastic packing 10 along the inner peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12, with the outer elastic packing 11 and the inner elastic packing 10 being joined to the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12. On the other hand, the deposited layer can be formed in the entire region between the outer elastic packing 11 and the inner elastic packing 10 on the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12. By forming the frame integrally in this way, the frame can be easily recovered from the container body 2.

[0037] The filtration membrane 12 is annular in shape and has a through-hole 12h in the center. Similarly, the inner elastic packing 10 is annular in shape and has a through-hole 10h in the center, the processed fluid flow layer 13 is annular in shape and has a through-hole 13h in the center, the barrier layer 14 is annular in shape and has a through-hole 14h in the center, and the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 is annular in shape and has a through-hole 15h in the center. These through-holes 10h, 12h, 13h, 14h, and 15h overlap concentrically to form the flow holes 19 of the frame.

[0038] The arrangement of each layer constituting the frame is such that, for example, the filtration membrane 12 and the processed fluid flow layer 13 are in contact with each other, the secondary surface of the filtration membrane 12 and the primary surface of the processed fluid flow layer 13 are in contact with each other, the secondary surface of the processed fluid flow layer 13 and the barrier layer 14 are in contact with each other, and the secondary surface of the barrier layer 14 and the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 are in contact with each other. Furthermore, the secondary surface of the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 faces the sediment layer.

[0039] The filtration membrane 12, the processing fluid flow layer 13, and the barrier layer 14 can be joined using various joining materials, such as synthetic rubber, vinyl acetate, polymer cement, acrylic rubber, or modified silicone.

[0040] Furthermore, the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 may be a separate unit comprising a filter membrane 12, a treatment fluid flow layer 13, a barrier layer 14, an outer elastic packing 11, and an inner elastic packing 10. Alternatively, the filter membrane 12, the treatment fluid flow layer 13, the barrier layer 14, the fluid to be treated flow layer 15, the outer elastic packing 11, and the inner elastic packing 10 may be joined together to form a frame. Since the fluid to be treated A contains substances to be separated, the fluid to be treated flow layer 15, which is the first to come into contact with the fluid to be treated A, is the most susceptible to contamination among the various components constituting the unit. If the filter membrane 12, the treatment fluid flow layer 13, the barrier layer 14, the fluid to be treated flow layer 15, the outer elastic packing 11, and the inner elastic packing 10 are joined together to form a single unit, the frame can be recovered from the container body 2 with the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 joined, and the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 constituting the frame can be thoroughly cleaned after recovery, resulting in better cleaning efficiency.

[0041] The outer edge of the filtration membrane 12 is joined to the outer edge of the barrier layer 14, with the processed fluid flow layer 13 in between, to form an annular joint 16. By forming the annular joint 16, the processed fluid B that has permeated the filtration membrane 12 can be prevented from flowing out into the inlet gap 18. The annular joint 16 can be formed via an adhesive or by welding the filtration membrane 12 and the barrier layer 14.

[0042] On the other hand, in the configuration in which a group of units is formed, the deposited layer is contained within a space sandwiched between the outer elastic packing 11 of a unit, the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12, the inner elastic packing 10, and the fluid flow layer 15 of a unit adjacent to the above unit.

[0043] The fluid to be treated flow layer 15 and the processing fluid flow layer 13 constituting the unit are not particularly limited as long as a flow path is secured and the fluid flows with as little resistance as possible, but it is preferable that the fluid can permeate at least in the thickness direction and in directions perpendicular thereto, and it is more preferable that it can permeate in all directions. As such a fluid to be treated flow layer 15 and processing fluid flow layer 13, filter media or strainer materials with a larger pore diameter than the filter membrane 12, such as mesh, nonwoven fabric, or foam with open cells, can be suitably used. Among these, it is preferable to use a single or multiple layers of woven mesh. The wire diameter and mesh of the woven mesh can be selected as appropriate, but as an example, it is preferable that the wire diameter is about 0.1 to 0.3 mm and the mesh count is about 15 to 80. With such a woven mesh, the flow path is less likely to collapse, and the fluid can easily flow through the irregularities on the front and back surfaces and the mesh. The wire material of the woven mesh may be metal or synthetic resin (polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). The structure of the woven mesh may be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc. The fluid to be processed flow layer 15 and the processing fluid flow layer 13 may be formed from a single component, or they may be formed by stacking or arranging multiple different or identical components.

[0044] The fluid flow layer 15 to be treated preferably covers 98% or more of the surface area of ​​the primary side of the deposited layer, preferably 99% or more, and particularly preferably 100%.

[0045] The filtration membrane 12 constituting the unit can be appropriately selected from filter materials (filter paper, filter cloth, etc.) having pore sizes that do not allow the adsorbed powder 17 forming the deposited layer to pass through. If there are substances to be separated that cannot be separated by the adsorbed powder 17 or its deposited layer, it is desirable to use a filtration membrane 12 that can separate those substances. The filtration membrane 12 can be a porous membrane formed by melting resin and forming it into a film, or a fibrous membrane formed by laminating resin fibers using methods such as electrospinning, electroblowing, and meltblowing. Both can be used, but the fibrous membrane is preferred because it has a larger surface area and higher porosity, resulting in excellent fluid permeability and excellent adhesion to the deposited layer. The pore structure of the porous membrane can be appropriately selected from known structures such as lace-like, node-like, and fibril-like structures.

[0046] The material of the filtration membrane 12 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known organic materials such as polyester (PEs), polyethersulfone (PES), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), as well as inorganic materials such as ceramics (alumina, glass, etc.) and metals (stainless steel, titanium, etc.).

[0047] The filtration membrane 12 may be single-layered or multi-layered, and may be a symmetrical or asymmetrical membrane. Furthermore, the filtration membrane 12 may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane.

[0048] The pore size of the filtration membrane 12 can be determined as appropriate, but for example, approximately 0.01 μm to 0.3 μm (MF membrane), 0.01 μm or less (UF membrane), and 1 nm to 2 nm (NF membrane) can be suitably used. The pore size of the filtration membrane 12 refers to the maximum pore size calculated based on the bubble point measured by the bubble point test method specified in JIS K 3832-1990. If the filtration membrane 12 is a fiber membrane, the fiber diameter (equivalent to the projected area circle diameter, Heywood diameter; the same applies hereinafter) can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably 1 nm to 3 μm, and more preferably 500 nm or less.

[0049] The removal rate of the filtration membrane 12 is determined by the thickness, pore size, and pore size distribution of the filtration membrane 12, and can be selected as appropriate. For example, if the pore size is similar to that of an MF membrane, a membrane with a removal rate of 99.95% or higher for particles of 0.1 to 0.3 μm can be used.

[0050] The outer elastic packing 11 and inner elastic packing 10 that constitute the unit hold the adsorbed powder 17 that forms the deposit layer on the filter membrane 12 inside the unit, preventing the adsorbed powder 17 from flowing out of the unit. In particular, the inner elastic packing 10 is also a component of the flow hole 19, and also prevents the fluid to be processed A and the processing fluid B from mixing. In the unit group, the inner elastic packing 10 of a certain unit and the barrier layer 14 of the unit adjacent to it one unit above it can come into direct contact, and the downward pressure applied from the lid 33 prevents fluid from flowing between the inner elastic packing 10 and the barrier layer 14. A barrier layer 32 is positioned above the uppermost unit, and the inner elastic packing 10 of the uppermost unit can come into direct contact with the barrier layer 32 without fluid flow. On the other hand, in a group of units, an outer elastic packing 11 provided at a distance from the inner elastic packing 10 of a certain unit is configured such that the upper part of the outer elastic packing 11 can directly contact the fluid flow layer 15 of the unit adjacent to it, one unit above it.

[0051] The outer elastic packing 11 and the inner elastic packing 10 can be formed using known elastomers, as long as they can block fluid flow by adhering tightly to the member in contact with the lamination direction SD while being compressed in the thickness direction. For example, the inner elastic packing 10 and the outer elastic packing 11 may be thermosetting elastomers of natural rubber or synthetic rubber (such as diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber), or thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based elastomers. Furthermore, the inner elastic packing 10 and the outer elastic packing 11 may be non-foamed or foamed with closed cells. The materials of the inner elastic packing 10 and the outer elastic packing 11 may be the same or different.

[0052] The thickness of the inner elastic packing 10 should be greater than or equal to the thickness of the deposited layer formed by the adsorbed powder 17, for example, 100 to 500 μm is preferable. On the other hand, it is preferable that the thickness of the outer elastic packing 11 be shorter than the thickness of the inner elastic packing 10 by the thickness of the fluid flow layer 15, as this reduces the likelihood of gaps forming between units when they are assembled into a group.

[0053] Note that the thickness of the filtration membrane 12, the processing fluid flow layer 13, the barrier layer 14, the fluid to be processed flow layer 15, the outer elastic packing 11, and the inner elastic packing 10 refers to the length in the stacking direction SD (vertical direction) when the units are stacked to form a unit group.

[0054] The barrier layer 14 constituting the unit blocks the flow of fluid between adjacent units (i.e., prevents the fluid flowing in one unit from mixing with that of the other unit). The barrier layer 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is impermeable to fluid, but for example, fluid barrier sheets made of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP), synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or non-porous metal plates such as stainless steel and aluminum can be used. The material and thickness of the barrier layer 14 can be appropriately selected according to the chemical resistance to the liquid or gas to be blocked, as well as strength and durability.

[0055] The deposited layer is one in which the adsorbed powder 17 maintains its aggregate state (layer shape) and adhesion to the filter membrane 12 through intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds), and is not bonded with adhesives, binders, or welds, meaning that it can crack, peel, or collapse due to external forces. Such a deposited layer can be formed as a layer on the primary side surface of the filter membrane 12 by filtering a slurry of the adsorbed powder 17 through the filter membrane 12. The deposited layer may be dry or wet with water or the like.

[0056] By filtering the fluid A to be treated through the deposited layer, the substances to be adsorbed in the fluid A can be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder 17. Therefore, the thickness of the deposited layer can be appropriately set according to the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent powder 17. For example, the thickness of the deposited layer can be about 1 to 10 mm, preferably about 1.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 5 mm, and particularly preferably about 3 to 5 mm. If the thickness of the deposited layer is too thin, the substances to be adsorbed will not be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder 17, and will easily pass through the gaps between the adsorbent powder 17 to the secondary side. For example, when adsorbing and removing PFOS, if activated carbon particles with an average particle size of about 10 μm are used as the adsorbent powder 17, the thickness of the deposited layer can be 1.5 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or more.

[0057] On the other hand, the amount of adsorbent powder 17 to be attached to the filtration membrane 12 of each unit is preferably 300 to 2000 g / m² per unit area of ​​the filtration membrane 12. 2 Comfortable 1000~1500g / m 2 This is also acceptable. With this amount of adhesion, the substances to be filtered contained in the fluid A to be treated are sufficiently captured, and depending on the concentration of the substances to be separated contained in the fluid A to be treated, clogging is unlikely to occur prematurely even if a new filter module 1 is used.

[0058] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the filter membrane 12, the outer diameter of the barrier layer 14, and the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 11 are less than the inner diameter of the container body 2, so that the operation of inserting and removing the unit from the container body 2 can be performed smoothly.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 of the unit be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2, or that the outer diameter of the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 be larger than any of the outer diameters of the outer elastic packing 11, the filtration membrane 12, the processing fluid flow layer 13, and the barrier layer 14, or that the entire outer edge of the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 coincides with the outer edge of the outer elastic packing 11, or extends radially outward from there, so that the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 reaches the inlet gap 18. When stacking the units in the container body 2, the inner surface of the container body 2 acts as a guide, making it difficult for each unit to shift in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the container body 2, making it easy to stack in that axial direction, and also allowing the fluid to be processed A and the processing fluid B to flow smoothly when the fluid to be processed A is passed through and filtered.

[0060] Above the uppermost unit in the unit group according to the first embodiment, a barrier layer 32 is provided so as to cover the unit via a fluid flow layer 15. The barrier layer 32 is provided to prevent the fluid A to be treated from flowing into the outflow channel 20 without passing through the filter membrane 12 of the unit. The barrier layer 32 is preferably impermeable to fluid, and the material of the barrier layer 32 is not particularly limited, but it may be made of the same material as the barrier layer 14 that constitutes the unit, or it may be made of a different material. As for the material of the barrier layer 32, for example, a fluid barrier sheet made of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP), or synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used, as well as non-porous metal plates such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, or wooden boards. From the viewpoint of preventing corrosion, metal, especially stainless steel and copper, is preferred. The outer diameter of the barrier layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2. The fluid to be processed A flows into the container body 2 from the top, passes through the space outside the outer circumference of the barrier layer 32 within the container body 2, and flows into the fluid to be processed flow layer 15 of each unit.

[0061] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the fluid flow layer 15 is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 11. In other words, the entire outer peripheral edge of the fluid flow layer 15 reaches the inlet gap 18 by either coinciding with the outer peripheral edge of the outer elastic packing 11 or extending radially outward from it. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the fluid flow layer 15 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the fluid flow layer 15 is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 10.

[0062] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the processing fluid flow layer 13 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. In other words, the entire outer edge of the processing fluid flow layer 13 is spaced radially outward from the outer edge of the inner elastic packing 10. It is also preferable that the processing fluid flow layer 13 extends radially towards the center until it reaches the outflow channel 20. The inner diameter of the processing fluid flow layer 13 can be the same as or smaller than the largest diameter among the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10, the inner diameter of the filter membrane 12, and the inner diameter of the barrier layer 14.

[0063] On the other hand, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the filtration membrane 12 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. The inner diameter of the filtration membrane 12 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10, the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10, or larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 12 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 11 (that is, it is possible to sandwich the outer elastic packing 11 between the portion of the filtration membrane 12 that constitutes the annular joint portion 16 and the fluid flow layer 15 to be treated). Also, the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 12 is less than the inner diameter of the container body 2, and the entire outer edge of the filtration membrane 12 is separated from the inner surface of the container body 2.

[0064] On the other hand, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the sealing layer 14 is less than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the sealing layer 14 is spaced inward from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 10. The inner diameter of the sealing layer 14 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10, the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10, or larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the sealing layer 14 is less than the inner diameter of the container body 2, and the entire outer peripheral edge of the sealing layer 14 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2. The outer diameter of the sealing layer 14 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 11. The outer peripheral edge of the sealing layer 14 may be located outside the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 16, or it may coincide with the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 16.

[0065] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 11 is less than the inner diameter of the container body 2. In other words, the outer diameter of the components other than the fluid flow layer 15 is less than the inner diameter of the container body 2, and the inflow gap 18 is formed by the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the components other than the fluid flow layer 15 and the inner circumferential surface of the container body 2.

[0066] (lid) A lid 33 can be placed on top of the barrier layer 32. The lid 33 is used to appropriately press the unit group in the stacking direction SD, and the lid 33 is fixed in place while pressure is applied to the unit group. For example, a lid 33 with an outer diameter similar to the inner diameter of the opening of the container body 2 can be prepared, and the stacked unit group can be pressed down from above with the lid 33, applying pressure, while the container body 2 and the lid 33 are fixed together with a set screw 36. On the other hand, when a lid 33 is used, the lid 33 is fixed to the top of the container body 2, and the fluid to be processed A flows through the filter module 1 according to this embodiment. In this case, the fluid to be processed A will pass through the area where the adsorbent powder 17 of each unit of the unit group is provided. However, because pressure is applied to the unit group by the lid 33, the gaps between each unit are reduced, which prevents the fluid flowing into the container body 2 from flowing in an unexpected direction, or the adsorbent powder 17 from unexpectedly flowing out beyond the outer elastic packing or inner elastic packing.

[0067] The lid 33 is provided with an inlet 34 into which the fluid to be processed A flows, and an outlet 35 at the center of the lid 33 into which the fluid to be processed B flows out. It is preferable that the outlet 35 be on the extension of the axis of the outlet channel 20 of the unit group so that the fluid to be processed B flows smoothly. The lid 33 is configured to fit snugly into the opening 21 at the upper end of the container body 2 so that the fluid to be processed A in the container body 2 does not leak out from the outer edge of the lid 33. For example, the outer diameter of the lid 33 should be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 21 of the container body 2.

[0068] The position of the inlet 34 on the lid 33 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to position it close to the outer circumference of the lid 33. The fluid to be treated A that flows in from the inlet 34 on the lid 33 tends to flow downward from the outer circumference of the barrier layer 32 towards the container body 2, and does not tend to flow towards the center of the barrier layer 32, so that dirt components contained in the fluid to be treated A do not easily accumulate on the barrier layer 32 or the lid 33.

[0069] An annular coarse filter 31 and an annular connecting elastic packing 30 can be provided between the lid 33 and the barrier layer 32. If the coarse filter 31 is provided, it is preferable to provide it on the upper part of the barrier layer 32, along the outer peripheral edge of the barrier layer 32. The coarse filter 31 is not particularly limited, but it should be of about 50 mesh and should capture relatively large substances to be separated contained in the fluid A to be treated, while allowing the rest to pass through.

[0070] The coarse filter 31 is preferably positioned between the lid 33 and the barrier layer 32, so that the entire volume of the fluid to be treated A flowing into the filter module 1 from the inlet 34 of the lid 33 passes through the coarse filter 31 and flows into the inlet gap 18. For example, if the coarse filter 31 is positioned so that the inlet 34 is directly above the coarse filter 31, or closer to the center than the outer edge of the coarse filter 31, the coarse filter 31 will capture relatively large substances to be separated contained in the fluid to be treated A. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the coarse filter 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting elastic packing 30, and the coarse filter 31 and the connecting elastic packing 30 are preferably arranged concentrically on the barrier layer 32. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the coarse filter 31 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the container body 2.

[0071] As the coarse filter 31, a filter material or strainer material with a smaller pore diameter than the fluid flow layer 15 to be treated, such as a mesh, nonwoven fabric, or foam with open cells, can be suitably used. Among these, a single or multiple layers of woven mesh is preferred. The wire diameter and mesh of the woven mesh can be selected as appropriate, but as an example, a wire diameter of about 0.05 to 0.25 mm and a mesh count of about 20 to 90 are preferred. Such a woven mesh is less likely to collapse the flow path, and the fluid flows easily through the irregularities on the front and back surfaces and the mesh. The wire material of the woven mesh may be metal or synthetic resin (polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). The structure of the woven mesh may be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc. The coarse filter 31 may be formed from a single component, or it may be formed by laminating or arranging multiple different or identical components.

[0072] If a connecting elastic packing 30 is provided, it can be provided along the inner peripheral edge of the barrier layer 32 and on the upper part of the barrier layer 32. The connecting elastic packing 30 prevents the fluid to be treated A that flows into the container body 2 from the upper part of the container body 2 from flowing into the outlet channel 20 without passing through the unit, or prevents the processed fluid B flowing in the outlet channel 20 from mixing with the fluid to be treated A. The connecting elastic packing 30 is preferably made of a material that does not allow fluid to pass through and is elastic, and may be a thermosetting elastomer such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber (diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc.), or a thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based. When the connecting elastic packing 30 is used by flowing fluid through the filter module 1, it is in a tightly sealed state sandwiched between the lid 33 and the barrier layer 32 while receiving pressure from the lid 33.

[0073] When using the filter module 1 with fluid flowing through it, the thickness of the coarse filter 31 and the thickness of the connecting elastic packing 30 should be approximately the same. This is preferable as it ensures that the pressure from the lid 33 is applied evenly to the unit group.

[0074] The barrier layer 32 is annular in shape and guides the fluid to be treated A flowing in from the inlet 34 into the inlet gap 18, while also blocking the fluid to be treated A from mixing with the processed fluid B flowing in the outlet channel 20. The inner diameter of the barrier layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 10 and smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting elastic packing 30. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the barrier layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2.

[0075] The lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, barrier layer 32, and the fluid flow layer 15 to be treated, which is positioned in contact with the barrier layer 32, may each be separate components. However, the coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, barrier layer 32, and the fluid flow layer 15 to be treated, which is positioned in contact with the barrier layer 32, may be joined together to form a single unit. For example, an annular coarse filter 31 may be joined along the outer peripheral edge of one side of the annular barrier layer 32, and an annular connecting elastic packing 30 may be joined along the inner peripheral edge of one side of the annular barrier layer 32. Then, a tubular lid 33 may be joined to the side of the coarse filter 31 and connecting elastic packing 30 opposite to the side where the barrier layer 32 is provided. Furthermore, a tubular fluid flow layer 15 may be joined to the side of the barrier layer 32 opposite to the side where the coarse filter 31 is provided. Here, it is preferable that the lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, barrier layer 32, and the fluid flow layer 15 be stacked concentrically, as this reduces misalignment in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction SD.

[0076] When stacking the unit group on the container body 2, and then stacking the lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, barrier layer 32, and the barrier layer 32 on top of it, if they are integrated as described above, it becomes less likely that the stacking order of the components will be incorrect or that they will deviate from the desired positional relationship, and the stacking can be completed in a short time. Note that the fluid to be processed A flows between the lid 33 and the barrier layer 32, so the substance to be separated is likely to adhere there. Therefore, the lid 33 may be a separate component, or it may be a separable integrated component. If the lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, barrier layer 32, and the barrier layer 32 are separate components, it becomes easy to wash off the substance to be separated that has accumulated on the coarse filter 31 and connecting elastic packing 30.

[0077] (Blocking packing) The bottom of the container body 2 is provided with an annular spacer 40 and an annular sealing elastic packing 41 to support the unit group. The spacer 40 and sealing elastic packing 41 are arranged concentrically with a gap between them, centered on the axis of the unit group. The inner diameter of the spacer 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 41. The spacer 40 and sealing elastic packing 41 prevent the fluid to be treated A from flowing into the outflow channel 20 without passing through the filtration membrane 12, and conversely, prevent the processed fluid B flowing in the outflow channel 20 from flowing into the inflow gap 18. The outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 41 is set to be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 of the lowest unit, and it is preferable that the sealing layer 14 of the unit is placed directly on the sealing elastic packing 41 without any gaps, so that fluid flow between the sealing elastic packing 41 and the sealing layer 14 is less likely to occur. The fluid to be treated flow layer 15 of the unit is placed on the spacer 40.

[0078] In addition, the fluid flow layer 15, which is a component of the lowest unit in the unit group, is not required. However, since the unit may be placed in a position other than the lowest in the new container body 2 during the unit transfer operation, it is preferable for each unit constituting the unit group to have the same form for superior interchangeability.

[0079] When the fluid to be treated A is flowed through the filter module 1 according to this embodiment, the flow velocity of the fluid permeating through the filtration membrane 12 of each unit is preferably 50 to 500 LMH, more preferably 100 to 300 LMH, if the fluid to be treated A is in the liquid phase, and preferably 0.2 to 1 m / min, more preferably 0.3 to 0.75 m / min, if the fluid to be treated A is in the gas phase.

[0080] The filter module 1 according to this embodiment can be made large or small depending on the environment in which it is installed. For example, when used in homes or small business facilities, the outer diameter of the container body 2 should be 200 to 300 mm and the height 250 to 500 mm. It is easy to carry and can be installed even in relatively narrow installation spaces. The filter module 1 can be cylindrical, elongated cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, etc.

[0081] On the other hand, when the filter module 1 according to this embodiment is used in homes or small-scale business facilities, the mass of the filter module 1 is preferably 40 kg or less, more preferably 25 kg or less. A mass within this range allows for easy relocation and transportation of the installation location.

[0082] The number of units n housed in the container body 2 of the filter module 1 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is preferably n = 2 to 100 units, and more preferably n = 30 to 60 units. Increasing the number of units is preferable because it increases the filtration area, but there is a concern that the mass will also increase, reducing portability.

[0083] Furthermore, the total filtration area of ​​the sedimentary layers (the sum of the filtration areas of all sedimentary layers) can be determined as appropriate, for example, 0.03 to 7 m². 2 Preferably 1-5m 2 It can be done this way.

[0084] (Recovery process) When the fluid to be treated A is passed through the filter module 1 according to this embodiment, aggregates, crystalline particles, and other substances to be separated in the fluid to be treated A gradually adhere to and grow on the adsorbed powder 17 and the filtration membrane 12, resulting in so-called fouling. As fouling progresses, the filtration rate decreases, so the unit needs to be cleaned periodically. The cleaning of the unit group according to this embodiment can be performed sequentially by a first recovery step of recovering the first unit 1L, a second recovery step of recovering the second unit 2L, ..., and an nth recovery step of recovering the nth unit nL. Each recovery step from the first to the nth recovery step includes a powder recovery step of crushing and recovering the adsorbed powder 17 that has aggregated due to compaction in the unit, and a frame recovery step of cleaning and recovering the filtration membrane 12. The number of units n may be 2 or 3 or more. Here, n is an integer and can be 2 to 100, more preferably 30 to 60.

[0085] (Pressure release process) Before performing the recovery process, a pressure release process may be performed to release the pressure applied to the unit group by removing the lid 33 located above the unit group of the filter module 1. When filtering the fluid A to be processed using the filter module 1, the lid 33 is fixed in a state where downward pressure is applied to the unit group. This pressure compresses the inner elastic packing 10 of each unit, causing it to adhere tightly to the fluid flow layer 15, and compresses the outer elastic packing 11, causing it to adhere tightly to the barrier layer 14, thereby restricting the outflow of adsorbed powder 17 and preventing the fluid A and the processing fluid B from mixing. When the pressure release process is performed on the filter module 1 in this state, the inner elastic packing 10 and outer elastic packing 11 of each unit extend to their maximum, natural length. It is preferable to make the thickness of the deposit layer formed by the adsorbed powder 17 thinner than the thickness of the inner elastic packing 10 and outer elastic packing 11 when the unit group is subjected to pressure in the loading direction, as this makes it less likely for the adsorbed powder 17 to flow out.

[0086] (Powder recovery process) The powder recovery step in the first recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the first unit 1L. Specifically, if there are members (for example, a lid 33, a coarse filter 31, a connecting elastic packing 30, a barrier layer 32, etc.) on top of the unit group, it is preferable to remove these members and perform the step in a state where the first unit 1L can be viewed from above. When the fluid to be processed A is flowed through the unit group and used, the adsorbed powder 17 aggregates with each other due to the consolidation phenomenon and van der Waals forces, so in the powder recovery step, the adsorbed powder 17 is first washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be performed, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the aggregated adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure is not particularly limited, but for example, 50 to 150 kPa is preferable as it easily crushes the adsorbed powder 17. The liquid to be sprayed is not particularly limited, but can be water such as tap water or industrial water, or, in the case of the cleaning method of the present invention, a filtered processed fluid B can be used. When using the filter module 1 used in the cleaning method of the present invention in an area with limited water supply, using the processed fluid B is preferable as it can conserve liquid. Alternatively, a liquid containing granular material may be sprayed onto the adsorbent powder 17 using a so-called blast treatment method, in which granular material is mixed with the liquid to be sprayed. The granular material has a diameter of 300 to 600 μm and can be, for example, spherical sponges such as spherical PVC sponges, spherical plastic beads (especially synthetic resins used in ion exchange resins), beads such as spherical perlite beads, or sand such as silica sand. Among these, beads such as spherical plastic beads and spherical perlite beads are particularly preferable because they can be easily separated from the adsorbent powder 17 after cleaning and reused.

[0087] The softness of the granular material can be appropriately expressed using a known hardness index, for example, the Mohs hardness scale. The Mohs hardness of the granular material should be 0.6 to 2, preferably 1 to 1.5. The Mohs hardness scale can be said to be an index that represents how resistant a material is to scratching when scratched with a certain object. If hard granular material strongly impacts the unit, it may easily damage the filter membrane 12, so granular material with a Mohs hardness higher than the specified hardness is unsuitable. The Mohs hardness values ​​were measured in accordance with JIS K 5600:1999.

[0088] Furthermore, in the powder recovery process, liquid may be sprayed onto the adsorbed powder 17, and the adsorbed powder 17 adhering to the filter membrane 12 may also be removed. In cases where the adsorbed powder 17 is strongly adhered to the filter membrane 12, it may not be possible to completely break it down by liquid spraying, in which case it is preferable to remove the adsorbed powder 17. The adsorbed powder 17 can be removed using a stripping tool, such as a scraper, plow, or rake. For example, by applying the stripping part of the stripping tool, i.e., the cutting edge, to the adsorbed powder 17 adhering to the filter membrane 12 and moving the stripping part along the surface of the filter membrane 12, the adsorbed powder 17 can be separated from the filter membrane 12. Alternatively, sweeping the separated adsorbed powder 17 with the stripping part and gathering it in one place before suctioning it as described later is preferable because it allows for the recovery of most of the adsorbed powder 17, leaving almost no adsorbed powder 17 on the filter membrane 12. The adsorbed powder 17, which has been crushed in the powder recovery process, can be recovered by suction.

[0089] The powder recovery process can be carried out, for example, by the powder recovery means described below. This powder recovery means includes a crushing means for spraying liquid onto the adsorbed powder 17 that has adhered to and aggregated on the filter membrane 12 to crush it, a peeling means for peeling off the adsorbed powder 17 that adheres to the filter membrane 12, and a suction means for sucking up and recovering the crushed adsorbed powder 17. This powder recovery means can recover the adsorbed powder 17 that adheres to the unit. Once the recovery of the adsorbed powder 17 is complete, if the powder recovery means and the enclosure means are provided on the container body 2, the enclosure means are removed and the process moves to the frame recovery process.

[0090] In the powder recovery step, a tubular enclosure means extending upward from the opening 21 of the container body 2 may be connected to the opening 21, and the accumulated layer may be crushed to recover the adsorbed powder. For example, if the opening 21 is circular, by connecting the enclosure means along the entire opening 21, scattering of the adsorbed powder 17 to the outside of the container body 2 can be prevented or reduced when performing the first recovery step to the nth recovery step according to this embodiment. However, it may not be necessary to provide it if scattering of the adsorbed powder 17 is not a concern. Examples of enclosure means include cylindrical covers, pipes, etc.

[0091] (Frame recovery process) After the adsorbed powder 17 is collected by suction, a frame collection step is performed. In the first collection step according to this embodiment, the frame collection step is a step of collecting the frame constituting the first unit 1L. In this frame collection step, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using adsorption holding means and collected from inside the container body 2. For example, the adsorption holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, to adsorb the membrane, and then the frame can be lifted and collected. Examples of adsorption holding means include adsorption pads and vacuum adsorption pads.

[0092] In this embodiment, the frame is formed by joining the filtration membrane 12, the outer elastic packing 11, the inner elastic packing 10, the processing fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, and the processing fluid flow layer 15 together as a single unit. If these individual components forming the frame were not joined together and were separate, each component would have to be recovered individually in the frame recovery process, which would require a lot of effort and time. On the other hand, because the individual components are integrated, recovery is easy, and the recovery of the units becomes significantly easier, especially when there are many units.

[0093] The first recovery process is completed when the frame recovery process is finished. At this point, the uppermost layer of the unit group in the container body 2 is the second unit 2L, and the process then moves on to the second recovery process. The second recovery process, like the first recovery process, includes a powder recovery process and a frame recovery process.

[0094] The powder recovery step in the second recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the second unit 2L. The details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first recovery step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbed powder 17 is washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be performed, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the aggregated adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the second recovery step is not particularly limited, but can be the same as that of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, etc. can also be the same as those used in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step.

[0095] In this embodiment, a frame recovery step is performed after the powder recovery step in the second recovery step. The frame recovery step in the second recovery step may be the same as the frame recovery step in the first recovery step. The frame recovery step in the second recovery step is a step of recovering the frame constituting the second unit 2L. In this frame recovery step, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using adsorption holding means and recovered from inside the container body 2. For example, the adsorption holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, adsorbed, and then lifted up for recovery.

[0096] The second recovery process is completed when the frame recovery process is finished. At this point, the uppermost layer of the unit group of the container body 2 is the third unit, and the process then moves on to the third recovery process.

[0097] Each recovery process from the third recovery process to the nth recovery process can be carried out in the same manner as the first recovery process.

[0098] In other words, the powder recovery step in the m-th recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the m-th unit mL. The details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first recovery step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbed powder 17 is washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be performed, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the aggregated adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure of the liquid performed in the powder recovery step in the m-th recovery step is not particularly limited, but can be the same as that of the liquid spray performed in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, etc. can also be the same as those performed in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step.

[0099] In this embodiment, a frame recovery step is performed after the powder recovery step in the m-th recovery step. The frame recovery step in the m-th recovery step may be the same as the frame recovery step in the first recovery step. The frame recovery step in the m-th recovery step is a step of recovering the frame constituting the m-th unit mL. In this frame recovery step, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using an adsorption holding means and recovered from inside the container body 2. For example, the adsorption holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, adsorbed, and then lifted up for recovery. The m-th recovery step is completed when the frame recovery step is completed. Here, m is an integer from 2 to n.

[0100] By performing the above steps from the first to the nth recovery process, each unit of the filter module 1 will be cleaned.

[0101] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The second embodiment is a method for cleaning a filter module, characterized in that it includes a first transfer step of transferring the first unit from the first container body to the second container body using the filter module 1, a second transfer step of transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body, ..., an nth transfer step of transferring the nth unit from the first container body to the second container body, and each transfer step from the first transfer step to the nth transfer step includes a powder recovery step of separating and recovering the adsorbed powder attached to the unit in the first container body from the filter membrane, a frame recovery step of recovering the frame of the unit, and a unit installation step of placing the recovered frame in the second container body and attaching the adsorbed powder to the filter membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit. Here, n is an integer, n = 2 to 100. Note that n may be 2, 3, or n = 2 to 100, more preferably n = 30 to 60.

[0102] The second container body 3 is provided with a spacer 40 and a sealing elastic packing 41 at its bottom, and the first unit to be placed (i.e., the unit located at the very bottom of the second container body 3) is to be placed on the spacer 40 and sealing elastic packing 41.

[0103] The cleaning of the unit group according to the second embodiment can be carried out sequentially by a first transshipment step of recovering the first unit 1L, a second transshipment step of recovering the second unit 2L, ..., and an nth transshipment step of recovering the nth unit nL. Each transshipment step from the first to the nth transshipment step includes a powder recovery step of crushing and recovering the adsorbed powder 17 that has agglomerated by compaction in the unit, and a frame recovery step of cleaning the filtration membrane 12 in the frame and recovering the frame.

[0104] The powder recovery process in the first transshipment process according to the second embodiment can be carried out substantially in the same manner as the powder recovery process in the recovery process of the first embodiment. That is, it is a process of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the first unit 1L. Specifically, if there are members (for example, a lid 33, a coarse filter 31, a connecting elastic packing 30, a barrier layer 32, etc.) on the unit group, it is preferable to remove these members and carry out the process in a state where the first unit 1L can be viewed from above. When the fluid to be processed A is flowed through the unit group and used, the adsorbed powder 17 aggregates with each other due to the consolidation phenomenon and van der Waals forces, so in the powder recovery process, first, the adsorbed powder 17 is washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be carried out, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the aggregated adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure is not particularly limited, but for example, 50 to 150 kPa is preferable as it easily crushes the adsorbed powder 17. The liquid to be sprayed is not particularly limited, but can be water such as tap water or industrial water, or, in the case of the cleaning method of the present invention, a filtered processed fluid B can be used. When the cleaning module 1 used in the cleaning method of the present invention is used in an area with limited water supply and the fluid to be treated A is used as a liquid, it is preferable to use the processed fluid B to conserve liquid. Alternatively, a liquid containing granular material may be sprayed onto the adsorbent powder 17 using a so-called blast treatment method, in which granular material is mixed with the liquid to be sprayed. The granular material has a diameter of 300 to 600 μm and can be, for example, spherical sponges such as spherical PVC sponges, spherical plastic beads (especially synthetic resins used in ion exchange resins), beads such as spherical perlite beads, or sand such as silica sand. Among these, beads such as spherical plastic beads and spherical perlite beads are particularly preferable because they can be easily separated from the adsorbent powder 17 after cleaning and reused.

[0105] Furthermore, in the powder recovery process, liquid may be sprayed onto the adsorbed powder 17, and the adsorbed powder 17 adhering to the filter membrane 12 may also be removed. In cases where the adsorbed powder 17 is strongly adhered to the filter membrane 12, it may not be possible to completely break it down by liquid spraying, in which case it is preferable to remove the adsorbed powder 17. The adsorbed powder 17 can be removed using a stripping tool, such as a scraper, plow, or rake. For example, by applying the stripping part of the stripping tool, i.e., the cutting edge, to the adsorbed powder 17 adhering to the filter membrane 12 and moving the stripping part along the surface of the filter membrane 12, the adsorbed powder 17 can be separated from the filter membrane 12. Alternatively, sweeping the separated adsorbed powder 17 with the stripping part and gathering it in one place before suctioning it as described later is preferable because it allows for the recovery of most of the adsorbed powder 17, leaving almost no adsorbed powder 17 on the filter membrane 12. The adsorbed powder 17, which has been crushed in the powder recovery process, can be recovered by suction.

[0106] The powder recovery process can be carried out, for example, by the powder recovery means described below. This powder recovery means includes a crushing means for spraying liquid onto the adsorbed powder 17 that has adhered to and aggregated on the filter membrane 12 to crush it, a peeling means for peeling off the adsorbed powder 17 that adheres to the filter membrane 12, and a suction means for sucking up and recovering the crushed adsorbed powder 17. This powder recovery means can recover the adsorbed powder 17 that adheres to the unit. Once the recovery of the adsorbed powder 17 is complete, if the powder recovery means and the enclosure means are provided on the container body 2, the enclosure means are removed and the process moves to the frame recovery process.

[0107] After the adsorbed powder 17 is collected by suction, a frame collection step is performed. In the first transshipment step according to this embodiment, the frame collection step is a step of collecting the frame constituting the first unit 1L. In this frame collection step, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using adsorption holding means and collected from inside the container body 2. For example, the adsorption holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, to adsorb the membrane, and then the frame can be lifted and collected. Examples of adsorption holding means include adsorption pads and vacuum adsorption pads.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the frame is formed by integrating the filtration membrane 12, the outer elastic packing 11, the inner elastic packing 10, the processing fluid flow layer 13, the barrier layer 14, and the processing fluid flow layer 15. If these individual components forming the frame were not joined to each other and were separate, each component would have to be recovered in the frame recovery process, which would require a lot of effort and time. On the other hand, because these individual components are integrated into the frame, the frame can be recovered easily, and the recovery of the frame becomes significantly easier, especially as the number of units increases.

[0109] After the frame is recovered from the first container body 2 in the frame recovery process, the unit installation process is performed. The specific process is described below. After the frame of the first unit 1L in the first container body 2 is adsorbed by the adsorption holding means, the frame is placed into the second container body 3, the adsorption is released, and it is installed at the bottom of the second container body 3. It is preferable that the diameter of the outer edge of the fluid flow layer 15 to be processed that constitutes the frame is the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the second container body 3. If the outer edge diameter of the frame is sufficiently smaller than the inner surface diameter of the second container body 3, when units with frames are stacked in a vertical line, the spaces in the center of each annular unit will be misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, raising concerns about unexpected fluid leakage. By making the outer edge diameter of the fluid flow layer 15 to be processed that constitutes the frame the same as or slightly smaller than the inner surface diameter of the second container body 3, such fluid leakage can be prevented. Also, it is not necessary to provide a guide on the axis of the unit group. However, guides may be provided along the axis so that each unit overlaps vertically without significant displacement in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the openings 21 of the first container body 2 and the second container body 3 can be provided with enclosure means to prevent the scattering of the adsorbed powder 17, but these do not need to be provided if there is no concern about the scattering of the adsorbed powder 17. Examples of enclosure means include cylindrical covers, pipes, etc. The enclosure means are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide them before starting the powder recovery process in the transshipment process.

[0111] After installing the frame in the second container body 3, the adsorbent powder 17 is attached to the filter membrane 12 of the frame. The adsorbent powder 17 can be attached, for example, by a powder attachment means. The powder attachment means can be a device that enters the second container body 3 from above the opening 21 and attaches the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12. The powder attachment means may include, for example, a powder supply means for supplying the adsorbent powder 17 and an air supply means for supplying air. In the operation of supplying the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12, the adsorbent powder 17 may scatter, so it is preferable to mix the adsorbent powder 17 with a liquid and supply it as an adsorbent powder slurry. The adsorbent powder 17 should be supplied so as to be substantially uniform in thickness on the filter membrane 12. This thickness is, for example, 1 to 5 mm. Subsequently, air is blown onto the adsorbent powder (or adsorbent powder slurry) supplied to the filter membrane 12 by the powder supply means from above using the air supply means. This causes the adsorbent powder 17 to adhere to the filter membrane 12 and also causes the adsorbent powder 17 to agglomerate with van der Waals forces, thereby forming a deposit layer on the filter membrane 12. Once this operation is complete, the first unit 1L is formed in the second container body 3, and the unit installation process is completed.

[0112] The adsorbent powder 17 used to form the first unit 1L of the second container body 3 may be reused from the adsorbent powder recovered from the first unit 1L of the first container body 2, or new adsorbent powder may be used. When reusing the adsorbent powder recovered from the first unit 1L of the first container body 2, the recovered adsorbent powder should be regenerated by the following treatment. That is, the used and recovered adsorbent powder can be made into a slurry, for example, and thoroughly filtered and washed with water through a ceramic filter with a mesh opening that does not allow the adsorbent powder to pass through. Then, by exposing it to steam at 350°C or above 350°C and aerating and heating it, the substances to be collected (for example, organic substances such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid compounds (PFAS) and other substances to be collected) attached to the adsorbent powder can be removed and the powder can be regenerated. The adsorbent powder thus regenerated can be reused.

[0113] The adsorbent powder in each unit can be reused in the same manner as described above. For example, the adsorbent powder in the mth unit mL of the first container body 2 can be regenerated, and the regenerated adsorbent powder can be used to make up the mth unit mL of the second container body 3. Here, m is an integer from 2 to n.

[0114] The first transshipment process is completed through the above series of steps, and the process then moves on to the second transshipment process. At this point, the uppermost layer of the unit group in the first container body 2 is the second unit 2L, and the unit group in the second container body 3 consists of the first unit 1L.

[0115] The second transshipment process, like the first transshipment process, includes a powder recovery process, a frame recovery process, and a unit installation process.

[0116] The powder recovery step in the second transshipment step according to the second embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the second unit 2L. The details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, the adsorbed powder 17 is first washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be performed, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the second transshipment step is not particularly limited, but can be the same as that of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blast treatment method, etc. can also be the same as those used in the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step.

[0117] In the second transshipment process according to the second embodiment, a frame recovery process is performed after the powder recovery process. The frame recovery process in the second transshipment process may be the same as the frame recovery process in the first transshipment process. The frame recovery process in the second transshipment process is a process of recovering the frame constituting the second unit 2L. In this frame recovery process, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using adsorption holding means and recovered from inside the first container body 2. For example, the adsorption holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, adsorbed, and then lifted up for recovery.

[0118] In the second transshipment process according to the second embodiment, a unit installation process is performed after the frame recovery process. The unit installation process in the second transshipment process may be the same as the unit installation process in the first transshipment process. After the frame of the second unit 2L in the first container body 2 is adsorbed by the adsorption holding means, the frame is placed inside the second container body 3, the adsorption is released, and the frame is placed on top of the first unit 1L in the second container body 3.

[0119] After installing the frame in the second container body 3, adsorbent powder 17 is attached to the filter membrane 12 of the frame. The method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12 of the frame can be the same as the method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 when installing the first unit 1L described above. By attaching the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12 of the frame and allowing it to agglomerate, the second unit 2L is formed. The unit installation process is completed when this operation is finished.

[0120] At the end of the second transshipment process, the top layer of the unit group in the second container body 3 is the third unit, 3L, and the unit group in the second container body 3 consists of the first unit, 1L, and the second unit, 2L, from bottom to top. Next, the process moves to the third transshipment process.

[0121] Each transshipment process from the third transshipment process to the nth transshipment process can be carried out in the same manner as the first transshipment process.

[0122] In other words, the powder recovery step in the m-th transshipment step according to this embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the aggregated adsorbed powder 17 in the m-th unit mL. The details of the powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step described above. Specifically, in the powder recovery step, the adsorbed powder 17 is first washed while being crushed. The crushing of the adsorbed powder 17 can be performed, for example, by spraying liquid from a nozzle that sprays liquid towards the aggregated adsorbed powder 17. The spray pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the m-th transshipment step is not particularly limited, but can be the same as that of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step, for example. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blast treatment method, etc. can also be the same as those used in the powder recovery step in the first transshipment step.

[0123] In this embodiment, a frame recovery step is performed after the powder recovery step in the m-th transshipment step. The frame recovery step in the m-th transshipment step may be the same as the frame recovery step in the first transshipment step. The frame recovery step in the m-th transshipment step is a step of recovering the frame constituting the m-th unit mL. In this frame recovery step, the frame is recovered from inside the first container body 2 by adsorbing the filtration membrane 12 of the frame using adsorption holding means. For example, the frame can be recovered by applying the adsorption holding means to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial direction, adsorbing the material, and then lifting it up.

[0124] After the frame recovery process is completed, the unit installation process is carried out. The unit installation process in the m-th transshipment process may be carried out in the same way as the unit installation process in the first transshipment process. After the frame of the m-th unit mL in the first container body 2 is adsorbed by the adsorption holding means, the frame is placed into the second container body 3, the adsorption is released, and the frame is placed on top of the (m-1)th unit (m-1) L in the second container body 3.

[0125] After installing the frame in the second container body 3, adsorbent powder 17 is attached to the filter membrane 12 of the frame. The method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12 of the frame can be the same as the method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 when installing the first unit 1L as described above. By attaching the adsorbent powder 17 to the filter membrane 12 of the frame and agglomerating it to form a deposit layer, the mth unit mL is formed inside the second container body 3. The unit installation process is completed when this operation is finished. The mth transshipment process is completed when the above series of steps are performed. Here, m is an integer from 2 to n.

[0126] If there are any defects such as damage to the frame recovered from the first container body 2, it is advisable to replace the frame with another frame and stack the other frame on top of the unit group in the second container body 3.

[0127] By performing the above steps from the first transshipment process to the nth transshipment process, a group of units will be formed within the second container body 3.

[0128] After forming the unit group in the second container body 3, the fluid flow layer 15, the barrier layer 32, the coarse filter 31, the connecting elastic packing 30, and the lid 33 are placed on top of the uppermost unit of the unit group. The lid 33 is then used to appropriately push the unit group downwards in the stacking direction SD, and the lid 33 is fixed to the second container body 3 while pressure is applied to the unit group.

[0129] Figure 4 illustrates a phase of the transshipment process. Figure 4(a) is an explanatory diagram of the phase after the frame recovery process has been completed during the first transshipment process, where the first unit 1L has been recovered from the group of units inside the first container body 2. Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram of the phase after the unit installation process has been completed during the first transshipment process, where the first unit 1L has been installed inside the second container body 3.

[0130] <Third Embodiment> The cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be performed in the same manner as the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the second embodiment, except for the following difference. The difference is as follows: In the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the second embodiment, units are recovered from the upper part of the unit group in the first container body 2 and installed in the second container body 3 each time. With this method, the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is the opposite of the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group installed in the first container body 2. On the other hand, in the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the third embodiment, instead of recovering each unit in the unit group of the first container body 2 from top to bottom and installing each unit in the second container body 3 each time it is recovered, all units in the unit group of the first container body 2 are recovered from top to bottom first, and then each unit is installed in the second container body 3 in any order and stacked to form a unit group. In other words, there is no rule that dictates that the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is the same as the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group installed in the first container body 2. The arrangement of the stacking direction SD of the units in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is not limited to the arrangement of the stacking direction SD of each unit in the unit group installed in the first container body 2.

[0131] In the present invention, the fluid to be filtered, A, may be in the liquid phase or the gas phase. If it is in the liquid phase, examples include: tunnel wastewater, sprayed concrete plant wastewater, die slime recovery wastewater, batching plant wastewater, river construction dry pit wastewater, deep foundation construction wastewater, grout construction wastewater, shield construction wastewater, shield excess slurry, dredging and landfill wastewater, caisson construction wastewater, cast-in-place pile wastewater, floor surface cleaning wastewater, wellpoint construction wastewater, foundation construction yard wastewater, tire cleaning wastewater, core boring wastewater, diamond cutter wastewater, soil contamination excavation yard wastewater, VOC decomposition cleaning wastewater, incinerator dismantling cleaning wastewater, radioactive decontamination construction wastewater, wire saw cutting construction wastewater, water jet cutting construction wastewater, paper mill process wastewater, pulp mill process wastewater, food factory cleaning wastewater, ready-mix concrete plant cleaning wastewater, concrete secondary product factory wastewater, crushed stone plant yard wastewater, gas cleaning scrubber wastewater, and waste incinerator scrubbers. Examples of wastewater include cold tower wastewater, converter gas cleaning wastewater, arc furnace gas cleaning wastewater, silver recovery process wastewater, sand washing equipment wastewater, water washing neutralization wastewater, barrel polishing wastewater, electropolishing wastewater, glass polishing wastewater, wet blasting wastewater, spray painting booth wastewater, cationic coating wastewater, stainless steel pickling wastewater, raw material yard wastewater, raw material conveyor cleaning wastewater, accumulated dust wet recovery wastewater, factory yard wastewater, continuous casting wastewater, rolling cooling wastewater, dehumidified drain wastewater, immersion cutting yard wastewater, slag yard wastewater, ship bottom bilge wastewater, shipbuilding dock wastewater, barnacle removal wastewater, cooling tower blowdown wastewater, dyeing factory wastewater, milk plant cleaning wastewater, tunnel wall cleaning wastewater, building exterior wall cleaning wastewater, car wash wastewater, golf course wastewater, industrial disposal site leachate, sewage treatment water, organic solvent wastewater, alcohol wastewater, oil wastewater, and wastewater mixed from two or more of these. Furthermore, the fluid to be treated A may contain a persistent substance in the liquid phase.Here, examples of persistent substances include aldrin, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, chlordane, chlordecone, decabromodiphenyl ether, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexabromobiphenyl, hexabromocyclododecane, hexabromodiphenyl ether, heptabromodiphenyl ether, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, lindane, mirex, pentachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol, their salts and esters, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (including those with 2 to 8 chlorine atoms), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), endosulfan, tetrabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, toxaphene, dicofol, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and PFOA-related substances, 1,1,1-trichloro-2, Examples of volatile organic compounds include 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts, perfluorooctanesulfonyl oxide (PFOSF), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), polychlorinated naphthalenes (including those with 2 to 8 chlorine atoms), dioxane, and ammonium ions. On the other hand, in the gas phase, examples include odorous gases, humid gases, and exhaust gases containing volatile organic compounds. Here, volatile organic compounds include, for example, propane, butane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, acetone, butanone, tetrachloroethylene, chlorobenzene, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, monoethanolamine, and dimethyl sulfoxide. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1…Filter module, 2…Container body (first container body), 3…Second container body, 10…Inner elastic packing, 11…Outer elastic packing, 12…Filtration membrane, 13…Processing fluid flow layer, 14…Blocking layer, 15…Processing fluid flow layer, 16…Annular joint, 17…Adsorbent powder, 18…Inlet gap, 20…Outlet channel, 21…Opening, 30…Connecting elastic packing, 31…Coarse filter, 32…Blocking layer, 33…Lid, 34…Inlet, 35…Outlet, 36…Set screw, 40…Spacer, 41…Closing elastic packing, A…Processing fluid, B…Processing fluid

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a container having a bottomed container body with an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. A first recovery step for recovering the first unit, a second recovery step for recovering the second unit, ..., and an nth recovery step for recovering the nth unit are carried out in sequence. Each of the recovery steps from the first recovery step to the nth recovery step is: A powder recovery step in which the adsorbed powder is separated from the filtration membrane and recovered, The system includes a frame recovery step in which the filtration membrane is washed and the frame is recovered from the container body. A method for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

2. The frame of each unit is On the secondary side surface of the filtration membrane, a processing fluid flow layer and a blocking layer are laminated in this order, each forming an annular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at its center, and the processing fluid flow layer arranged on the secondary side surface of the blocking layer is an annular or circular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at its center. The filtration membrane, the processing fluid flow layer, and the barrier layer are joined concentrically to form an integral structure, and an annular outer elastic packing is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, and an annular inner elastic packing is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filtration membrane. The deposited layer is formed over the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filter membrane. A method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

3. The powder recovery process involves connecting a tubular enclosure to the opening of the container body so as to extend upward from the opening, and then crushing the accumulated layer to recover the adsorbed powder. A method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned powder recovery process involves spraying a washing liquid to break up the deposited layer while simultaneously collecting the adsorbed powder by suction. A method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned filtration membrane has a pore size of 0.01 to 0.3 μm and a removal rate of 99.95% or more for substances to be separated with a size of 0.1 to 0.3 μm. A method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

6. The frame recovery step involves spraying a liquid containing an abrasive material onto the filter membrane to clean it, then suctioning and recovering the abrasive material, and finally recovering the frame. A method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

7. A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a first container body with a bottom and an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the first container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. A first transshipment step is performed in which the first unit is transferred from the first container body to a second container body with a bottom and an opening at the top; a second transshipment step is performed in which the second unit is transferred from the first container body to the second container body; ... a nth transshipment step is performed in which the nth unit is transferred from the first container body to the second container body; Each transshipment process from the first transshipment process to the nth transshipment process is: A powder recovery step is performed to separate and recover the adsorbed powder attached to the filter membrane of the unit inside the first container body. A frame recovery step is performed to clean the filtration membrane of the unit and recover the frame from the first container body. The system includes a unit installation step in which the recovered frame is placed inside the second container body, and the adsorbed powder is attached to the filter membrane of the frame placed inside the second container body to form a unit. A method for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

8. A means for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a container having a bottomed container body with an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. The system includes a first retrieval means for retrieving the first unit, a second retrieval means for retrieving the second unit, ..., an nth retrieval means for retrieving the nth unit, Each of the recovery means from the first recovery means to the nth recovery means is: A powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbed powder from the filtration membrane, The system includes a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A means for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

9. A means for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be processed, The filter module comprises a first container body with a bottom and an opening at the top, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged inside the first container body. The aforementioned group of units consists of a roughly ring-shaped first unit, second unit, ..., nth unit, arranged in a sequence of n units from top to bottom. Each unit is separable from one another and consists of an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to the primary side surface, forming a deposited layer. The fluid to be processed flows in from the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, and passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filter membrane in that order, being completely filtered to become the processed fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container. The system includes a first transshipment means for transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body with a bottom and an opening at the top, a second transshipment means for transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body, ..., and an nth transshipment means for transferring the nth unit from the first container body to the second container body. Each transshipment means from the first transshipment step to the nth transshipment step is: A powder recovery means for separating and recovering adsorbed powder attached to the filter membrane of the unit inside the first container body, A frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body, The system includes a unit installation means that involves placing the recovered frame inside the second container body and attaching the adsorbed powder to the filter membrane of the frame placed inside the second container body to form a unit. A means for cleaning a filter module, characterized by the following features. Here, n is an integer, ranging from 2 to 100.

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