Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

Provided is a hollow fiber membrane module capable of achieving stable sealing even in a condition under which a temperature range of an operating environment is wide.　A hollow fiber membrane module, including: a tubular case 100; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200 arranged in the case 100; sealing fixing portions 310 and 320 for fixing the hollow fiber membranes together in the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200; and sealing portions 410 and 420 for sealing annular gaps between the case 100 and the sealing fixing portions 310 and 320, wherein the sealing portions 410 and 420 are bonded to an inner circumferential surface of the case 100 and outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing fixing portions 310 and 320 while being allowed to stretch in a direction in which the space of the gaps between the case 100 and the sealing fixing portions 310 and 320 change.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. [Background technology]

[0002] Hollow fiber membrane modules are used for purposes such as humidification in addition to filtration. In a hollow fiber membrane module, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged in a bundle in a case. At the end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, a sealing and fixing part is provided that closes the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fixes the hollow fiber membranes to each other while opening the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane by a potting material. This sealing and fixing part may be directly bonded and fixed to the case, but in a usage environment where a gap is formed between the sealing and fixing part and the case and leakage occurs, another sealing part may be provided in the annular gap between the sealing and fixing part and the case. For example, the sealing part is provided by fixing a rubber seal member by bonding or by hardening a liquid seal after injection. As a result, the annular gap between the sealing and fixing part and the case is sealed by the sealing part.

[0003] However, when the temperature change in the usage environment is large, the difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the sealing fixing part and the case becomes large, and the conventional sealing structure may not be able to provide sufficient sealing. For example, in fuel cells, hollow fiber membrane modules are preferably used to keep the electrolyte membrane moist, but the temperature range of the usage environment required for fuel cells is becoming wider and wider. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-208013 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-70934 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module which is capable of providing stable sealing even under a wide range of temperature conditions in the usage environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problems.

[0007] That is, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention has the following features: a cylindrical case having at least one open end; A plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the case; a sealing and fixing part that closes gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fixes the hollow fiber membranes to each other in a state in which the hollow interiors of the hollow fiber membranes are open at the opening side of the case and at the ends of the hollow fiber membranes; a sealing portion that seals an annular gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion; A hollow fiber membrane module comprising: The sealing portion is characterized in that it is adhered to the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the sealing fixing portion while being allowed to expand and contract in a direction that changes the spacing of the gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion.

[0008] According to the present invention, even if the difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the case and the sealing fixing part changes, the sealing part expands and contracts, thereby maintaining the annular gap between the case and the sealing fixing part sealed.

[0009] It is preferable that at least a portion of the sealing portion that contacts the case is not constrained by the case, so that the sealing portion is allowed to expand and contract in a direction that changes the distance of the gap between the case and the sealing and fixing portion.

[0010] Preferably, at least a portion of the sealing portion that contacts the case is not adhered to the case, so that the sealing portion is allowed to expand and contract in a direction that changes the distance of the gap between the case and the sealing and fixing portion.

[0011] The end face side of the case has a flat portion adjacent to the inner surface that contacts the sealing fixing portion and an inner surface portion facing the outer surface of the sealing fixing portion, and is provided with an annular notch in which the sealing portion is provided, and it is preferable that at least a part of the portion of the sealing portion that contacts the flat portion is not bonded, so that the sealing portion is allowed to expand and contract in a direction that changes the spacing of the gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion.

[0012] The case is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing fixing part is made of epoxy resin, the sealing part is made of a material obtained by curing liquid silicone, and when viewed in a cross section obtained by cutting the sealing fixing part and the sealing part along a plane including the center of the opening, it is preferable that 0.01 × L1 ≦ L2 ≦ 0.1 × L1 is satisfied, where L1 is a width of the sealing fixing part in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the hollow fiber membrane extends, and L2 is a length of the part of the planar part and the sealing part that are not in contact with each other.

[0013] The case is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing fixing part is made of epoxy resin, the sealing part is made of a material obtained by curing liquid silicone, and when viewed in a cross section obtained by cutting the sealing fixing part and the sealing part along a plane including the center of the opening, it is preferable that 0.02 × L1 ≦ L2 ≦ 0.05 × L1 is satisfied, where L1 is the width of the sealing fixing part in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane, and L2 is the length of the part of the planar part and the sealing part that are not in contact with each other.

[0014] The case may have an inner circumferential surface that is in contact with the fixed seal portion and has an annular recess.

[0015] This prevents the seal fixing portion from being misaligned with respect to the case.

[0016] It is preferable that a step be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the case at a portion that comes into contact with the sealing fixing portion.

[0017] This prevents the seal fixing portion from being misaligned with respect to the case.

[0018] The above configurations may be combined as much as possible. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, stable sealing performance can be obtained even under conditions in which the temperature range of the usage environment is wide. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 1 of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 3 of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 4 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 5 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, and the like of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0022] Example 1 A hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 1 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module cut along a plane including the center of the opening of the case. Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1, and is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing portion.

[0023] <Overall configuration of hollow fiber membrane module> The hollow fiber membrane module 10 according to the present embodiment includes a cylindrical case 100 with both ends open, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200 arranged in the case 100, and sealing and fixing parts 310, 320 provided at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200. In this embodiment, the sealing and fixing parts 310, 320 are provided at both ends of the bundled hollow fiber membranes 200. These sealing and fixing parts 310, 320 are configured to close the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fix the hollow fiber membranes to each other while the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 is open. The hollow fiber membrane module 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with sealing parts 410, 420 that seal the annular gaps between the case 100 and the sealing and fixing parts 310, 320, respectively. Also, cover members 510, 520 are provided at both ends of the case 100, respectively.

[0024] The case 100 is made of a metal such as aluminum or a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The case 100 is provided with through holes 121 and 122 used as an inlet and an outlet for a fluid. In the illustrated example, two through holes are provided, but the number of through holes can be set appropriately. In addition, annular cutouts 131 and 132 are provided on the end face side of the case 100. In this embodiment, the cutouts 131 and 132 are provided on both ends of the case. These cutouts 131 and 132 have a planar portion adjacent to the inner peripheral surface 110 that contacts the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 of the case 100, and an inner peripheral surface portion facing the outer peripheral surfaces of the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 (see the planar portion 131a and the inner peripheral surface portion 131b in FIG. 2). The shape of the case 100 can be various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a box shape.

[0025] Regarding the material of the hollow fiber membrane 200, when the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is applied to a humidifier or a dehumidifier, for example, PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) having a property of permeating moisture by a capillary condensation mechanism by pore size control can be suitably used. When preparing a membrane forming solution (a raw material of the hollow fiber membrane), a hollow fiber membrane having hydrophilicity can be obtained by spinning using a membrane forming solution in which PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinyl porolidone) are added to a solvent. Nafion (registered trademark), which is a hydrophilic material having a property of permeating moisture by dissolution and diffusion, can also be used. The above-mentioned materials have low elution properties and high strength, and therefore can be suitably used for a humidifier or a dehumidifier. In this embodiment, all the hollow fiber membranes 200 are bundled in a linearly stretched state and housed in the case 100.

[0026] The sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 are made of a potting material such as epoxy resin or urethane resin. The sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 can be obtained by filling the end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 200 with a liquid potting material, hardening the potting material, and then cutting the hardened potting material together with a part of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 200. As a result, in the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320, the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes can be blocked and the hollow fiber membranes can be fixed to each other while the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 is open. In this embodiment, the case 100 and the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 are peeled off after filling the case 100 with a liquid potting material while the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 200 is placed in the case 100 to create the hardened sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320. In FIG. 2, the part where the inner circumferential surface 110 of the case 100 and the sealing and fixing part 310 contact each other (the part indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure) is the peeled part. The reason for peeling will be briefly explained. When the case 100 and the sealing fixing parts 310, 320 are used in a bonded state, partial peeling may occur due to differences in linear expansion of each part depending on the material and dimensions of each part and the conditions of use. As a result, there is a concern that stress due to linear expansion will concentrate on the parts that have not been peeled off, resulting in a decrease in sealing performance. Therefore, by peeling off the entire surface in advance, it is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

[0027] The sealing portions 410 and 420 are configured by a seal member made of an elastomer material such as rubber, or a hardened liquid seal (for example, liquid silicone). These sealing portions 410 and 420 are provided in the notches 131 and 132 of the case 100, respectively.

[0028] The lid members 510, 520 are provided with through holes 511, 521 that are used as an inlet and outlet for a fluid, respectively. In this embodiment, the gap between the lid members 510, 520 and the case 100 is sealed by the sealing parts 410, 420. However, the gap between the lid members 510, 520 and the case 100 can also be sealed by another sealing part, or can be sealed by both the sealing parts 410, 420 and another sealing part.

[0029] A case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10 configured as above is used as a humidifier will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the gas to be humidified (dry air, etc.) is supplied from the through hole 511 of the cover member 510 to the inside of the case 100. As a result, the gas to be humidified passes through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and is discharged from the through hole 521 of the cover member 520 (see arrow R1). In addition, wet gas is supplied from the through hole 122 to the inside of the case 100. As a result, the wet gas passes outside the membranes of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and flows from the through hole 121 to the outside of the case 100 (see arrow R2). As a result, the moisture in the wet gas moves to the gas to be humidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane 200, and the gas to be humidified is humidified.

[0030] <Sealing part> The sealing parts 410 and 420 will be described in detail. The sealing parts 410 and 420 according to this embodiment are bonded to the inner circumferential surface 110 of the case 100 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320, respectively, while allowing expansion and contraction in a direction in which the gap between the case 100 and the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 changes. More specifically, the sealing parts 410 and 420 are configured such that at least a part of the part in contact with the case 100 is not restrained by the case 100, so that expansion and contraction in a direction in which the gap between the case 100 and the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 changes. More specifically, the sealing parts 410 and 420 are configured such that at least a part of the part in contact with the case 100 is not bonded to the case 100, so that expansion and contraction in a direction in which the gap between the case 100 and the sealing and fixing parts 310 and 320 changes. This point will be described below with reference to FIG. 2, which shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing part 410. The configuration and function of sealing portion 420 are similar to those of sealing portion 410, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] In the sealing portion 410, the outer peripheral surface 410S is entirely bonded to the inner peripheral surface 110 (the inner peripheral surface portion 131b of the cutout 131) of the case 100, and the inner peripheral surface 410T is entirely bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the sealing and fixing portion 310. However, the sealing portion 410 is configured not to be bonded to at least a part of the planar portion 131a of the cutout 131. In this embodiment, the surface 410U of the sealing portion 410 facing the planar portion 131a is configured not to be bonded to the planar portion 131a entirely. This allows the sealing portion 410 to expand and contract in a direction in which the gap between the case 100 and the sealing and fixing portion 310 changes.

[0032] When the sealing portion 410 is made of a seal member made of an elastomer material such as rubber, an adhesive is applied to the outer peripheral surface 410S and the inner peripheral surface 410T of the sealing portion 410 (or the inner peripheral surface 110 of the case 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing fixing portion 310), and only the outer peripheral surface 410S and the inner peripheral surface T are bonded. When the sealing portion 410 is made of a material in which a liquid seal has been hardened, the flat portion 131a of the cutout 131 may be coated with a material to which the liquid seal does not adhere or may be masked before filling with the liquid seal. For example, a coating may be applied with a fluorine-based material such as Teflon (registered trademark). In this case, after coating the flat portion 131a, the sealing fixing portion 310 is created, and the liquid seal is filled into the cutout 131 to provide the sealing portion 410.

[0033] <Advantages of the hollow fiber membrane module according to this embodiment> According to the hollow fiber membrane module 10 of this embodiment, when the gap between the case 100 and the seal fixing parts 310, 320 changes due to the difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the case 100 and the seal fixing parts 310, 320, the seal parts 410, 420 expand and contract. As a result, the annular gap between the case 100 and the seal fixing parts 310, 320 is maintained in a sealed state. Therefore, stable sealing can be obtained even under conditions with a wide temperature range of the usage environment. In addition, even if the case 100 and the seal fixing parts 310, 320 exhibit behavior such that they are relatively displaced in the direction in which the hollow fiber membrane 200 extends, the expansion and contraction of the seal parts 410, 420 can suppress the load of stress acting on the adhesive parts between the seal parts 410, 420 and the seal fixing parts 310, 320, the adhesive parts between the seal parts 410, 420 and the inner circumferential surface 110 of the case 100, and the seal parts 410, 420 themselves.

[0034] Here, the range of the sealing parts 410 and 420 that is not bound (bonded) to the case 100 may be appropriately set according to the temperature range in the usage environment and the dimensions and thermal expansion coefficients of the various members. An example will be described below. Note that although the sealing part 410 will be described here, it goes without saying that the same applies to the sealing part 420.

[0035] A case will be described in which case 100 is made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), sealing fixing portion 310 is made of epoxy resin, and sealing portion 410 is made of a material obtained by hardening liquid silicone.

[0036] When viewed in a cross section of the sealing fixing portion 310 and the sealing portion 410 cut along a plane including the center of the opening of the case 100, the width of the sealing fixing portion 310 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane 200 is defined as L1, and the length in the perpendicular direction of the portion of the planar portion 131a and the sealing portion 410 that is not in contact is defined as L2 (see Figure 1).

[0037] In this case, it is desirable to satisfy 0.01×L1≦L2≦0.1×L1, and it is even more desirable to satisfy 0.02×L1≦L2≦0.05×L1. The lower limit is set from the viewpoint of not adversely affecting the adhesive portion between the sealing portion 410 and the sealing portion 310, the adhesive portion between the sealing portion 410 and the case 100, and the expansion and contraction of the sealing portion 410, when the sealing portion 410 expands and contracts due to the difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the sealing portion 310 and the case 100. The upper limit is set from the viewpoint of not making the case 100 larger than necessary.

[0038] For example, when the case 100 is cylindrical and has an inner diameter of 160 mm, L1=160 mm. In this case, it is preferable to set L2 to 1.6 mm or more and 16 mm or less, and it is more preferable to set L2 to 3.2 mm or more and 8 mm or less. When the case 100 is box-shaped and its opening is 200 mm x 160 mm, L1=200 mm when viewed in a cross section parallel to the long side. In this case, it is preferable to set L2 to 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and it is more preferable to set L2 to 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When viewed in a cross section parallel to the short side, L1=160 mm. In this case, it is preferable to set L2 to 1.6 mm or more and 16 mm or less, and it is more preferable to set L2 to 3.2 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

[0039] If set as described above, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 can be applied to an on-vehicle fuel cell and can maintain stable sealing even in a cold climate of -30° C. or lower. During operation of the fuel cell, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is exposed to an environment of 100° C. or higher. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 according to this embodiment can be suitably used even when the operating environment temperature is approximately -40° C. or higher and 120° C. or lower.

[0040] Example 2 Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the case has a different structure from that of the first embodiment. Other structures and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 2 of the present invention, and is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing portion. In this example, an annular recess 111 is provided in the inner peripheral surface 110 of the case 100 at a portion that contacts the sealing and fixing portion 310. Therefore, an annular protrusion 311 is provided in the sealing and fixing portion 310 so as to enter the annular recess 111. Therefore, the sealing and fixing portion 310 is prevented from being displaced relative to the case 100. This makes it possible to reduce the shear stress acting on the sealing portion 410. Note that the configuration of the sealing portion 410 and the like is the same as in Example 1, and therefore the same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained. Also, in this example, the case 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are peeled off as in Example 1. In FIG. 3, the portion where the inner peripheral surface 110 of the case 100 and the sealing and fixing portion 310 contact (the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure) is the peeled portion.

[0042] Example 3 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the case has a different structure from that of the first embodiment. Other structures and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 3 of the present invention, and is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing portion. In this example, a step having an inner surface 110a and an outer surface 110b is provided in the part of the inner circumferential surface 110 of the case 100 that contacts the sealing and fixing portion 310. Therefore, the sealing and fixing portion 310 is also provided with a step that follows this step. Therefore, the sealing and fixing portion 310 is prevented from being displaced, particularly toward the inner side, with respect to the case 100. This makes it possible to reduce the shear stress acting on the sealing portion 410. Note that the configuration of the sealing portion 410 and the like is the same as in Example 1, so that the same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained. Also, in this example, the case 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are peeled off as in Example 1. In FIG. 4, the part where the inner circumferential surface 110 of the case 100 contacts the sealing and fixing portion 310 (the part indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure) is the peeled part.

[0044] Example 4 Example 4 of the present invention is shown in Fig. 5. In this example, a configuration in which an inner case (inner pipe) is provided is shown. Other configurations and functions are the same as those of Example 1, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 4 of the present invention, which is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module cut along a plane including the center of the opening of the case. The hollow fiber membrane module 10X according to this example includes a cylindrical case 100X and an inner case (inner pipe) 150 provided inside the case 100X. In this example, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200 are disposed in an annular gap between the case 100X and the inner case 150. As in Example 1, sealing fixing parts 310, 320 are provided at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200. The inner case 150 is provided with through holes 151 used as inlets and outlets for fluids.

[0046] A case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10X configured as above is used as a humidifier will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas to be humidified (dry air, etc.) is supplied from the through hole 511 of the cover member 510 to the inside of the case 100X. As a result, the gas to be humidified passes through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and is discharged from the through hole 521 of the cover member 520 (see arrow R1). In addition, the wet gas is supplied from the end of the inner case 150 to the inside of the inner case 150. As a result, the wet gas enters the case 100X from the through hole 151 of the inner case 150, passes outside the membranes of each hollow fiber membrane 200, and flows from the through hole 120 to the outside of the case 100 (see arrow R2). As a result, the moisture in the wet gas moves to the gas to be humidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane 200, and the gas to be humidified is humidified.

[0047] In this embodiment, the configuration of the sealing portions 410, 420, etc. is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, so that the same effect as in embodiment 1 can be obtained. Also in this embodiment, the configurations shown in embodiments 2 and 3 can be adopted. Also in this embodiment, like embodiment 1, the case 100X and the sealing fixing portions 310, 320 are peeled off.

[0048] Example 5 Fig. 6 shows Example 5 of the present invention. In the above Example 1, a configuration in which a sealing and fixing part is provided on each side of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is shown, but in this Example, a configuration in which the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is bent into a U-shape and a sealing and fixing part is provided on one end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is shown. The other configurations and functions are the same as those of Example 1, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Example 5 of the present invention, which is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module cut along a plane including the center of the opening of the case. The hollow fiber membrane module 10Y according to this example includes a cylindrical case 100Y with one end open, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200Y arranged in the case 100Y, and a sealing and fixing part 300 provided at the end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200Y. In this example, the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 200Y is bent into a U-shape, and the sealing and fixing part 300 is provided on the opening side of the case 100Y. The sealing and fixing part 300 is configured to close the gap between the hollow fiber membranes and fix the hollow fiber membranes together while the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200Y is opened as in Example 1. In the hollow fiber membrane module 10Y according to this example, a sealing part 400 is provided to seal the annular gap between the case 100Y and the sealing and fixing part 300. A cover member 500 is provided on one end side of the case 100Y.

[0050] In this embodiment, a through hole 123 used as an inlet and an outlet for a fluid is provided on the opposite side to the opening in the case 100Y. Also, a through hole 501 used as an inlet and an outlet for a fluid is provided in the cover member 500.

[0051] A case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10Y configured as above is used as a filtration device will be described. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a liquid to be filtered is supplied to the inside of the case 100Y from the through-hole 123 of the case 100Y. As a result, the liquid to be filtered flows from the outside of each hollow fiber membrane 200Y to the hollow inside, is discharged from the end of the sealing and fixing part 300, and is further discharged from the through-hole 501 of the cover member 500 (see arrow R). As a result, impurities and the like contained in the liquid to be filtered are removed by the hollow fiber membrane 200Y, and the filtered liquid is discharged from the case 100Y and the cover member 500.

[0052] In this embodiment, the configuration of the sealing portion 400 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, so that the same effect as in embodiment 1 can be obtained. Also in this embodiment, the configurations shown in embodiments 2 and 3 can be adopted. Also in this embodiment, like embodiment 1, the case 100Y and the sealing and fixing portion 300 are peeled off.

[0053] (others) In each of the above-described embodiments, the sealing portion is configured such that at least a portion of the portion in contact with the case is not bonded to the case, thereby allowing the sealing portion to expand and contract in a direction that changes the distance of the gap between the case and the sealing and fixing portion. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which, for example, a gap is provided between the sealing portion and the flat portion of the cutout, allowing the sealing portion to expand and contract in a direction that changes the distance of the gap between the case and the sealing and fixing portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 100, 100X, 100Y Case 110 Inner surface 111 Annular recess 120,121,122,123 Through holes 131,132 Notch 131a Planar part 131b Inner peripheral surface part 150 Inner Case 151 Through hole 200,200Y hollow fiber membrane 300,310,320 Sealing fixing part 311 Convex 400,410,420 Sealing part 410S outer surface 410T inner surface 500,510,520 Cover material 501,511,521 Through holes

Claims

1. A cylindrical case having at least one open end; A plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the case; a sealing and fixing part that closes gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fixes the hollow fiber membranes to each other in a state in which the hollow interiors of the hollow fiber membranes are open at the opening side of the case and at the ends of the hollow fiber membranes; a sealing portion that seals an annular gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion; A hollow fiber membrane module comprising: the sealing part is bonded to an inner peripheral surface of the case and an outer peripheral surface of the sealing fix part while allowing the sealing part to expand and contract in a direction that changes the gap between the case and the sealing fix part, at least a part of a portion that contacts the case being not constrained by the case.

2. A cylindrical case having at least one open end; A plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the case; a sealing and fixing part that closes gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fixes the hollow fiber membranes to each other in a state in which the hollow interiors of the hollow fiber membranes are open at the opening side of the case and at the ends of the hollow fiber membranes; a sealing portion that seals an annular gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion; A hollow fiber membrane module comprising: a hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that the sealing part is adhered to an inner peripheral surface of the case and an outer peripheral surface of the sealing fix part while allowing expansion and contraction in a direction that changes the gap between the case and the sealing fix part, since at least a part of a portion that contacts the case is not adhered to the case.

3. A cylindrical case having at least one open end; A plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the case; a sealing and fixing part that closes gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fixes the hollow fiber membranes to each other in a state in which the hollow interiors of the hollow fiber membranes are open at the opening side of the case and at the ends of the hollow fiber membranes; a sealing portion that seals an annular gap between the case and the sealing fixing portion; A hollow fiber membrane module comprising: a hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that an end face side of the case is provided with an annular cutout having a flat portion adjacent to the inner peripheral surface that is in contact with the seal fixing portion and an inner peripheral surface portion that faces the outer peripheral surface of the seal fixing portion, and the seal part is provided therein, and at least a part of the portion of the seal part that is in contact with the flat portion is not bonded, so that the seal part is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the case and the outer peripheral surface of the seal fixing portion while being allowed to expand and contract in a direction that changes the gap between the case and the seal fixing portion.

4. the case is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing fixing portion is made of epoxy resin, the sealing portion is made of a material obtained by hardening liquid silicone, 4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 3, characterized in that, when viewed in a cross section obtained by cutting the seal fixing part and the sealing part with a plane including the center of the opening, the relationship 0.01 × L1 ≦ L2 ≦ 0.1 × L1 is satisfied, where L1 is a width of the seal fixing part in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the hollow fiber membrane extends, and L2 is a length of a part of the planar part and the sealing part that are not in contact with each other.

5. the case is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing fixing portion is made of epoxy resin, the sealing portion is made of a material obtained by hardening liquid silicone, 4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 3, characterized in that, when viewed in a cross section obtained by cutting the seal fixing part and the sealing part with a plane including the center of the opening, the relationship 0.02 × L1 ≦ L2 ≦ 0.05 × L1 is satisfied, where L1 is a width of the seal fixing part in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the hollow fiber membrane extends, and L2 is a length of a part of the planar part and the sealing part that are not in contact with each other.

6. 6. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein an annular recess is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the case in a portion that contacts the sealing fixing portion.

7. 6. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein a step is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the case at a portion that contacts the sealing fixing portion.

Images