Separation membrane element

Abstract

Regarding the separation membrane element, it is made easier to suppress the reduction of the effective area due to the adhesive portion of the separation membrane. 【Solution means】In the separation membrane element 100, a bag-shaped body 11 formed by a separation membrane 111 is connected to a water collecting pipe 2, and a sealing portion 113 for preventing mixing of a supply-side fluid and a permeation-side fluid is formed on an end face of the bag-shaped body 11. The manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100 includes a lamination step of laminating a separation membrane 111, a thread 12 and a nonwoven fabric 112 that function as a flow path material for securing a flow path of a fluid to form a cylindrical laminate 1, and a sealing step of forming a sealing portion 113 for preventing mixing of a supply-side fluid and a permeation-side fluid on an end face of the bag-shaped body 11 after the lamination step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation membrane element T and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a separation membrane element used for reverse osmosis filtration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, gas separation, etc., a supply-side flow path to which a supply-side fluid is supplied, a separation membrane that separates substances from the supply-side fluid, and a permeate-side fluid that permeates through the separation membrane and is separated from the supply-side fluid are guided to a water collection pipe. A separation membrane element arranged around the water collection pipe is known.

[0003] Such a separation membrane element is formed, for example, by adhering a separation membrane in a bag shape so as to sandwich a permeate-side flow path material for forming a permeate-side flow path therebetween to produce a bag-shaped body, and then alternately stacking such a bag-shaped body and a supply-side flow path material for forming a supply-side flow path, and then connecting them to a water collection pipe, for example, by winding them in a spiral shape (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In such a separation membrane element, by adhering two separation membranes with an adhesive or the like, a bag-shaped body is produced by forming a sealing portion for preventing mixing of the supply-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid.

[0006] In this case, conventionally, the surfaces of the separation membranes were adhered to each other. However, since such an adhered portion does not function for separation, the area of the separation membrane used for separating substances (hereinafter referred to as "effective area") is reduced by the adhered portion. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the reduction of the effective area due to such an adhered portion.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to make it easy to suppress the reduction of the effective area due to the adhered portion of the separation membrane in the separation membrane element.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collecting pipe, a sealing portion for preventing mixing of the supply-side fluid and the permeate-side fluid is formed on an end face of the bag-shaped body 、 At a position more than 2 mm away from the end face of the bag-shaped body, there is no adhesive for forming the sealing portion characterized by this.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0014] [Explanation of the configuration] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the separation membrane element 100 according to this embodiment is provided such that a cylindrical laminate 1 in which a plurality of bag-like bodies 11 are laminated winds around a water collecting pipe 2. The fluid taken into the bag-like body 11 through the separation membrane 111 forming the bag-like body 11 from the flow path formed between the bag-like bodies 11 is collected by the water collecting pipe 2 through the flow path formed in the bag-like body 11.

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

[0016] As the separation membrane 111, a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, a microfiltration membrane, a gas separation membrane, etc. can be used. Here, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a reverse osmosis membrane including a separation membrane main body 1111 having a separation function and a support layer 1112 which is a porous water-permeable layer supporting the separation membrane main body 1111 will be described for the case of using it for desalination of seawater (when the supply-side fluid is seawater and the permeate-side fluid is fresh water).

[0017] [(1) Cylindrical laminate] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylindrical laminate 1 is spirally wound in a state where a plurality of bag-like bodies 11 formed by the separation membrane 111 are laminated. Note that a state where a planar object is wound is broadly referred to as a spiral shape. In addition, as long as a flow path is formed by the separation membrane 111 and fluid cannot flow back and forth between the inside and the outside without passing through the separation membrane 111, it shall be regarded as corresponding to the bag-like body 11 regardless of its shape or the like. Also, in order for it to be formed by the separation membrane 111, it is not necessary for the whole to be formed by the separation membrane 111. For example, a part of it may be formed by other sheet-like members or the like that do not allow fluid to flow through.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the bag-like body 11 is formed by two rectangular separation membranes 111 arranged such that the support layers 1112 face each other, and two non-woven fabrics 112 are arranged therebetween.

[0019] The non-woven fabric 112 is a hydrophilic non-woven fabric in which the fibers extend perpendicular to the axial direction. Since it can allow the permeate-side fluid to pass through perpendicular to the axial direction, it functions as a permeate-side flow path material for securing the permeate-side flow path.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the end faces of both axial ends and the end faces of the outer peripheral side ends (the ends farthest from the water collecting pipe 2 in the state where the bag-like body 11 is expanded as shown in FIG. 5) of the bag-like body 11 are sealed with an adhesive, and a sealing portion 113 is formed.

[0021] Note that the sealing portions formed at both axial ends are referred to as axial-direction sealing portions 1131, and the sealing portions formed at the outer peripheral side ends are referred to as outer-peripheral-side sealing portions 1132, and these are collectively referred to as the sealing portion 113. Also, in a flat member having two parallel surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "parallel surfaces"), the surfaces other than the parallel surfaces (when there are two or more sets of parallel surfaces, the ones with the largest sum of areas) are referred to as end faces.

[0022] In the sealing portion 113, as shown in FIG. 6, the end faces of the two separation membranes 111 and the two nonwoven fabrics 112 are sealed with an adhesive, preventing the mixing of the fluid on the supply side and the fluid on the permeation side in this portion. In FIG. 6, the axial sealing portion 1131 is illustrated, but for the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 as well, the end faces of the two separation membranes 111 and the two nonwoven fabrics 112 are sealed with an adhesive in the same manner.

[0023] Also, at the axial end face of the bag-shaped body 11, as shown in FIG. 6, since the nonwoven fabric 112 is formed shorter compared to the separation membrane 111, the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 enters between the separation membranes 111. As a result, the anchor effect is strengthened, and the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 is less likely to peel off from the separation membrane 111, so that the axial sealing portion 1131 can be formed more firmly.

[0024] Also, when the separation membrane element 100 is in use, since the pressure outside the bag-shaped body 11 is higher compared to the inside of the bag-shaped body 11, the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 receives a force toward the inside of the bag-shaped body 11, and thus is adhered more firmly.

[0025] In order to ensure that the adhesive forming the axial sealing portion 1131 enters between the separation membranes 111, as shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric 112 is formed shorter compared to the separation membrane 111 at the axial end face of the bag-shaped body 11. However, even when the end faces of the separation membrane 111 and the nonwoven fabric 112 are aligned, it is possible to substantially achieve a state close to FIG. 6 by the adhesive entering the voids of the nonwoven fabric 112.

[0026] Therefore, no problem occurs even if the end faces of the separation membrane 111 and the nonwoven fabric 112 are formed to be aligned at the end face of the bag-shaped body 11. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 is formed in this way.

[0027] As the adhesive, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, any adhesive may be used as long as it adheres to the hydrophilic portion for sealing and does not adhere to the water-repellent portion. For example, a urethane adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or the like may be used.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cylindrical laminate 1 is spirally wound in a state where a plurality of such bag-like bodies 11 are laminated with a thread 12 that functions as a supply-side flow path material for securing a supply-side flow path therebetween. Therefore, the cylindrical laminate 1 is formed by laminating a separation membrane 111, a non-woven fabric 112 that functions as a permeation-side flow path material for securing a permeation-side flow path, and a thread 12 that functions as a supply-side flow path material for securing a supply-side flow path.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of threads 12 are provided between the respective bag-like bodies 11 so as to extend in parallel with the axial direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the thread 12 is continuously provided so as to be alternately folded back at the axial ends of the bag-like bodies 11 from between the bag-like bodies 11 located on the outer peripheral side to between the bag-like bodies 11 located on the inner peripheral side.

[0030] [(2) Water collection pipe] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water collection pipe 2 is a perforated tubular member provided at the center of the cylindrical laminate 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a hole portion 21 for introducing the fluid flowing through the permeation-side flow path formed in the bag-like body 11 into the water collection pipe 2 is formed at the connection portion with the bag-like body 11.

[0031] [2 Explanation of manufacturing method] The manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As an example, the case where the outer diameter of the water collection pipe 2 is 65 mm, the outer shape of the separation membrane element 100 is 200 mm, and 200 bag-like bodies 11 are provided will be described.

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

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, three perpendicular axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) will be defined for explanation. That is, the axis along the short side of the separation membrane tape 111A on the rectangle is the X-axis, the axis along the long side of the separation membrane tape 111A is the Y-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is the Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is the X-direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the Z-direction. Also, one side in the X-direction is the front, the other side is the rear, one side in the Y-direction is the right, the other side is the left, one side in the Z-direction is the top, and the other side is the bottom.

[0034] [(1) Step S1: Preprocessing step] First, as shown in FIG. 9, after preparing a reverse osmosis membrane (referred to as the separation membrane tape 111A) that has the same axial length as the separation membrane 111 of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100 in the X-direction and a long length in the Y-direction, arrange it so that the separation membrane main body 1111 is located on the upper side and the support layer 1112 is located on the lower side. Also, stack a non-woven fabric tape 112A, which is a non-woven fabric that has the same axial length as the non-woven fabric 112 of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100 in the X-direction and a long length in the Y-direction, on the lower side of the separation membrane tape 111A.

[0035] At this time, by forming the non-woven fabric tape 112A to be slightly shorter than the separation membrane tape 111A in the X-direction, a portion where the lower surface is exposed remains at both ends of the separation membrane tape 111A in the X-direction without the non-woven fabric tape 112A being overlapped. This portion is defined as the lower surface exposed portion K.

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

[0037] Note that the necessity of applying the hydrophilic agent and the water-repellent agent may be determined according to the properties of the separation membrane tape 111A and the nonwoven fabric tape 112A used. That is, when the end faces at both ends in the X direction of the separation membrane tape 111A and the nonwoven fabric tape 112A and the lower surface of the separation membrane tape 111A are hydrophilic in the first place, there is no need to apply the hydrophilic agent. Also, when the upper surface of the separation membrane tape 111A is water-repellent in the first place, there is no need to apply the water-repellent agent.

[0038] Also, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, hydrophilic agents, and water-repellent agents are an example when the adhesive used has properties close to water. According to the properties of the adhesive as the sealing liquid used in step S6, for the portion where the sealing liquid is to be attached, the wettability with respect to the sealing liquid is improved (if the wettability is high originally, it may be left as it is), and for the portion where the sealing liquid is not to be attached, the wettability with respect to the sealing liquid is reduced (if the wettability is low originally, it may be left as it is).

[0039] [(2) Step S2: Cutting process] Subsequently, the material in which the separation membrane tape 111A and the nonwoven fabric tape 112A are overlapped in step S1 is cut so as to have a length that is twice the circumferential length of the bag-shaped body 11 in the completed separation membrane element 100 in the Y direction (referring to the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the bag-shaped body 11 in the state where the bag-shaped body 11 is expanded as shown in FIG. 5). Note that the material formed by this and cut in a state where the separation membrane and the nonwoven fabric are overlapped is referred to as a cut tape T1.

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

[0041] Also, in order to facilitate folding in step S3-3 described later, a cut C that is a cut not to be cut parallel to the X direction is made at the central portion of the cutting tape T1 in the Y direction. It is also possible to make a fold without making the cut C.

[0042] [(3) Step S3: Laminating process] Subsequently, the laminate L1 is formed by repeating the steps of S3-1 to S3-4 below.

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

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

[0045] The folding plate B is a plate-shaped member having substantially the same size as when the cutting tape T1 is divided into halves in the Y direction and is rotatable about the right end as a fulcrum. Also, the elevator E is a plate-shaped member having substantially the same size as when the cutting tape T1 is divided into halves in the Y direction and is movable in the Z direction.

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

[0047] As a method of stretching the yarn 12 in this way, after preparing a yarn stretching machine M configured to be able to stretch the yarn 12 fed out from 50 bobbins M2 at equal intervals as the shuttle M1 moves as shown in FIG. 11, the yarn 12 may be stretched by moving the shuttle M1 in the X direction on the cutting tape T1.

[0048] Note that only before stretching the yarn 12 on the first cutting tape T1, for example, after attaching the ends of 50 yarns 12 to a tape with a length of 50 cm at intervals of 1 cm, the tape may be attached to, for example, near either end in the X direction (near the front end in FIG. 11) of the portion where the yarn 12 is stretched on the cutting tape T1, so that the yarn 12 can be attached to the cutting tape T1. After that, by moving the shuttle M1 backward, the yarn 12 can be stretched on the cutting tape T1 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0049] When stretching the yarn 12 on the second cutting tape T1, the shuttle M1 is moved from the rear to the front, and when stretching the yarn 12 on the third cutting tape T1, the shuttle M1 is moved from the front to the rear. By alternately moving the shuttle back and forth in this way, each of the 50 yarns 12 will be alternately folded back at the front and rear ends and stretched continuously in the Z direction.

[0050] Subsequently, the cutting tape T1 is folded back at the central portion in the Y direction (step S3-3). Specifically, the folding plate B is rotated 180 degrees with the right end in the Y direction as the fulcrum, so that the cutting tape T1 can be folded back with the yarn 12 sandwiched in between as shown in FIG. 12. The folded cutting tape T1 is called the folding tape T2.

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

[0052] Thereafter, return to step S3-1. As shown in FIG. 13, for the cutting tape T1, place one side (in this case, the left half) when divided into two in the Y direction on the folding plate B, and place the other side (in this case, the right half) when divided into two in the Y direction on the first folding tape T2 placed on the elevator E, and then fold it again through the steps of S3-2 to S3-4.

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

[0054] After folding the last cutting tape T1 to form a folding tape T2, fold the 50 threads 12 onto the upper surface of the topmost folding tape T2, attach them at intervals of 1 cm in the Y direction, and then cut the threads. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the 50 threads 12 passes through between the folding tapes T2 while being alternately folded back before and after.

[0055] [(4) Step S4: Laminate Deformation Step] Subsequently, deform the laminate L1 so that it has a predetermined substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the Y direction, and form a deformed laminate L2 as shown in FIG. 15. As a method for forming the deformed laminate L2, for example, an inclined plate, which is a plate-shaped member inclined at a predetermined angle so that the upper end portion falls to the right, may be applied to the laminate L1 from the left.

[0056] At this time, since the laminate L1 is simply laminated with the folding tapes T2 and the threads 12 and is not adhered, it can be easily deformed simply by applying the inclined plate. Further, in order to make it easier to deform, the laminate L1 may be deformed by applying the inclined plate while applying vibration.

[0057] The laminate L1 is laminated while the elevator E moves downward little by little in step S3-4 so that it becomes substantially rectangular when viewed from the X direction. However, through step S4, the length of the left end portion when viewed from the X direction can be set to a predetermined shape that matches the length of the outer circumference of the water collecting pipe 2. That is, since it can be easily deformed into the desired shape in step S4, the accuracy of the lamination position in step S3 does not have to be very high.

[0058] [(5) Step S5: Winding process] The deformed laminate L2 deformed in step S4 is wound around and fixed to the water collecting pipe 2 in a state where the left end portion (the folded portion of the folding tape T2) is in contact with the water collecting pipe 2 as shown in FIG. 16. Also at this time, since the deformed laminate L2 is simply laminated with the folding tape T2 and the thread 12 and is not adhered, it can be easily wound around the water collecting pipe 2.

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

[0060] Specifically, the entire front end portion of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape is immersed in a container thinly coated with the sealing liquid (about 2 mm) for sealing (step S6-1).

[0061] Subsequently, the entire rear end portion of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 to form a cylindrical shape is immersed in the same container for sealing (step S6-2).

[0062] Subsequently, in the same container, with the outer peripheral side surface (the surface located on the side surface of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and having a cylindrical shape) perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and in a cylindrical shape immersed, it is rotated one or more times around the X axis as the rotation axis, so that the entire surface is immersed in the sealing liquid for sealing (step S6-3).

[0063] In addition, when there is a water-repellent portion on the outer peripheral side end surfaces of the separation membrane 111 and the non-woven fabric 112, for example, before the step of step S6-3, a hydrophilic material is applied to the entire outer peripheral side surface perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and having a cylindrical shape, so that the sealing liquid adheres to the portion where the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 is formed.

[0064] As the sealing liquid, any liquid that adheres to and seals the hydrophilic portion and does not adhere to the water-repellent portion may be used. For example, a hydrophilic adhesive can be used. Specifically, a urethane adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, etc. may be used.

[0065] As a result, at the front end portion and the rear end portion (both end portions in the axial direction) of the deformed laminate L2 (the cylindrical laminate 1 of the separation membrane element 100) wound around the water collecting pipe 2, as shown in FIG. 4, only the portion between the separation membrane main bodies 1111 of the separation membrane 111 to which the water-repellent agent was applied in step S1 is not sealed, and all other hydrophilic portions are sealed by the sealing liquid, and the axial direction sealing portion 1131 is formed.

[0066] In addition, by sealing the entire surface of the surface perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and having a cylindrical shape (the surface located on the side surface of the cylinder of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and having a cylindrical shape), the portion located on the end surface of the outer peripheral side end portion of the bag-like body 11 is also sealed, and the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 is formed.

[0067] [Explanation of Effects] According to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, since the sealing portion 113 (axial sealing portion 1131 and outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132) for preventing the mixing of the supply side fluid and the permeation side fluid is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body 11, in order to prevent the mixing of the supply side fluid and the permeation side fluid, it is not necessary to bond the surfaces of the separation membranes to form a sealing portion.

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

[0069] Specifically, as in the case of the bag-shaped body 11A of the conventional separation membrane element shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the sealing portion 113A is formed by bonding the surfaces of the separation membranes 111, an adhesive is applied between the two separation membranes 111 with the separation membrane main body 1111 on the outside (the surfaces on the support layer 1112 side), and this penetrates into the support layer 1112 to fill its voids and fills the space between the support layers 1112, thereby forming the sealing portion 113A.

[0070] When the sealing portion 113A is formed in this way, a large area of the separation membrane 111 is used for the formation of the sealing portion 113A, and at the location where the sealing portion 113A is formed in this way, since the separation membrane 111 does not function for separation, the effective area of the separation membrane 111 is greatly reduced.

[0071] Note that, in order to allow the adhesive to penetrate into the small voids (the support layer 1112 is generally formed such that the voids become larger as it is farther from the separation membrane main body 1111) located directly below the separation membrane main body 1111 of the support layer 1112, it is necessary to use an adhesive with a low viscosity, and an adhesive with a low viscosity is likely to spread over the application area. Also, if the adhesive does not penetrate into such small voids directly below the separation membrane main body 1111, the supply side fluid will enter the bag-shaped body 11A from the end surface without passing through the separation membrane main body 1111.

[0072] Therefore, when the separation membrane 111 including the separation membrane main body 1111 and the support layer 1112 is bonded face to face, particularly, the range where the adhesive is applied tends to spread, and the effective area of the separation membrane tends to decrease.

[0073] On the other hand, according to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the sealing portion 113 is formed on the end surface of the bag-shaped body 11, and it is possible to prevent the mixing of the supply-side fluid and the permeation-side fluid on the end surface of the bag-shaped body 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to bond the separation membranes 111 face to face. As a result, since it is possible to form the sealing portion without performing the face-to-face adhesion that greatly reduces the effective area of the separation membrane as described above, it is easy to suppress the reduction of the effective area due to the adhesive portion of the separation membrane.

[0074] In addition, more reliable sealing is possible as compared with the case where the adhesive is permeated into the support layer 1112 by bonding face to face. That is, when bonding face to face, if the penetration of the adhesive into the support layer 1112 is insufficient, there is a risk that sufficient sealing cannot be achieved. However, it is difficult to penetrate the adhesive deep into the support layer 1112 near the separation membrane main body 1111, and it is often difficult to completely prevent the supply-side fluid from entering the bag-shaped body 11A. On the other hand, according to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, such a risk can be reduced by sealing the end surface.

[0075] In addition, as a problem common to separation membrane elements, there is a difference in the concentration of the supply-side fluid with respect to the substance to be separated between the inlet portion (the front side in the fluid flow direction in the axial direction) where the fluid is supplied and the outlet portion (the back side in the fluid flow direction in the axial direction) where the fluid is discharged (the concentration increases as it approaches the outlet portion). Therefore, the production amount of the permeation-side fluid increases as it approaches the inlet portion, and there is a problem that the deterioration of the separation membrane becomes faster in the portion near the inlet. And such a problem becomes larger as the axial length of the separation membrane element is longer.

[0076] Therefore, in order to suppress such problems, it is reasonable to form the separation membrane element shorter in the axial direction and increase the number of bag-like bodies. In this case, however, as the number of bag-like bodies increases, the number of sealing portions inevitably increases, so the reduction rate of the effective area of the separation membrane caused by the application of the adhesive in the sealing portion also increases.

[0077] On the other hand, according to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, since the sealing portion 113 is formed on the end surface of the bag-like body 11, the reduction of the effective area of the separation membrane due to the sealing portion 113 can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the number of bag-like bodies 11 is increased, the reduction of the effective area of the separation membrane 111 can be suppressed.

[0078] Therefore, it can be said that the present embodiment is particularly effective in a separation membrane element having a short axial length and a large number of bag-like bodies.

[0079] Note that shortening the axial length of the bag-like body and increasing its number means that the number of permeation-side flow paths increases and the length thereof becomes shorter, which is also preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the flow path resistance.

[0080] Further, the thread 12 that functions as the supply-side flow path material is fixed to the separation membrane 111 by the adhesive that forms the axial sealing portion 1131 at both axial ends of the separation membrane 111, but is not fixed to other portions of the separation membrane 111 (the surface of the separation membrane main body 1111). Therefore, the effective area of the separation membrane is not reduced by the supply-side flow path material, and the problem of fouling (membrane contamination) can also be suppressed by the swaying of the thread 12.

[0081] Further, the thread 12 is provided so as to extend in the axial direction along the direction in which the fluid to be separated flows, and there is no thread extending in a direction that easily obstructs the flow of the fluid (a direction close to perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows). Therefore, compared with the case where a mesh or the like is used as the supply-side flow path material, the flow resistance in the supply-side flow path can be reduced.

[0082] If the flow path resistance can be reduced, the shunt channel interval (the interval between the separation membrane main bodies 1111 in the supply side flow path) can be narrowed. As a result, since the flow velocity on the surface of the separation membrane main body 1111 can be improved, the problem of fouling can be further suppressed.

[0083] Moreover, if the channel interval is narrow, when the outer shape of the separation membrane element 100 is the same, the area of the separation membrane 111 can be increased. Therefore, the ability to narrow the channel interval is also preferable from the viewpoint of expanding the effective area of the separation membrane.

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

[0085] Regarding the cylindrical laminate 1, if the strength is not sufficient, the layers may shift and the central part may protrude in the direction of fluid flow in the axial direction. To prevent this, separate reinforcing members may be provided at both axial ends. However, since the end faces are sealed and strengthened with an adhesive, sufficient strength can be obtained without such members, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned phenomenon can be suppressed.

[0086] In addition, by using the thread 12 continuously provided between the plurality of bag-shaped bodies 11 as the supply side flow path material, since the thread 12 connects the bag-shaped bodies 11 to each other at the end faces, the end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1 can be further strengthened, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned phenomenon can be further suppressed.

[0087] Moreover, according to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, in its manufacturing method, after laminating the separation membrane 111, the thread 12 and the non-woven fabric 112 that function as a flow path material in step S3 to form the cylindrical laminate 1, for the formed cylindrical laminate 1, by forming the sealing portion 113 on the end face of the bag-shaped body 11, it becomes easier to suppress the reduction of the effective area of the separation membrane 111. In addition, since the formation of the sealing portion 113 is after the formation of the cylindrical laminate 1, the following advantages can also be obtained in terms of manufacturing.

[0088] That is, in the conventional method for manufacturing a separation membrane element, first, the separation membrane 111 was adhered in a bag shape with the permeate-side flow path material sandwiched therebetween to form a bag-shaped body, and then such bag-shaped bodies were laminated.

[0089] When forming the bag-shaped body in this way, in order to prevent the supply-side fluid from entering the permeate-side flow path, since sufficient-quality adhesion is required, when manufacturing the bag-shaped bodies one by one, a great deal of time and labor were required for the adhesion operation of the separation membrane 111. Particularly in the case of a large-sized separation membrane element, since the number of bag-shaped bodies reaches 100 or more, the time and labor required for adhering such bag-shaped bodies one by one are extremely large.

[0090] On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, by forming the sealing portion 113 after forming the cylindrical laminate 1, the axial-direction sealing portions 1131 can be formed collectively for each of the axial-direction end portions, and the outer-periphery-side sealing portion 1132 can be formed collectively for the circumferential-direction end portions. Therefore, the time and labor required for forming the sealing portion can be reduced.

[0091] Furthermore, for the bag-shaped body 11, by aligning it so as to be arranged in the separation membrane element 100, that is, in this case, after winding it around the water collection pipe 2 to form the cylindrical laminate 1 and then forming the sealing portion 113, the following advantages can be obtained.

[0092] That is, in the case of laminating the bag-shaped bodies after previously forming them as in the prior art, the operation of aligning (spirally winding) the bag-shaped bodies so as to be arranged in the separation membrane element is performed in a state where the adhesive is applied after the adhesive is applied. However, in this case, when the adhesive hardens, the adhesion positions of the two adhered separation membranes 111 are fixed, and the operation of winding the bag-shaped body becomes difficult.

[0093] Therefore, in this case, it was necessary to wind the bag-like body into a cylindrical shape before the adhesive hardened. However, in order to enable this, since it was necessary to wind it before the adhesive hardened, adjustments regarding the type and viscosity of the adhesive that could be used, the coating range, the coating thickness, the timing of the operation, etc. were required from the perspective of the hardening time and the like. However, it was not easy to make adjustments so that the bag-like body could be easily wound into a cylindrical shape and sufficient adhesive strength could be obtained, and problems related to adhesion often occurred.

[0094] In addition, by winding the adhesive after application to make it spiral, the following problems also occurred.

[0095] First, since the adhesive spreads unevenly due to the pressure during winding, it is difficult to grasp the exact adhesion range after manufacturing, and thus it becomes difficult to grasp the exact effective area of the separation membrane. Also, since the sliding resistance of the separation membrane is different between the part where the adhesive is applied and the part where it is not applied, wrinkles are likely to occur during winding. In addition, since winding is performed after applying the adhesive, resistance of the adhesive is applied to the separation membrane, and an unreasonable force is applied, increasing the risk of damage to the separation membrane during winding. Also, since a difference occurs in the thickness of the laminate (the thickness of the cylindrical laminate) in the wound state between the part where the adhesive is applied and the part where it is not applied, it becomes difficult to produce the cylindrical laminate into a uniform cylindrical shape.

[0096] According to the separation membrane element 100 according to the present embodiment, in its manufacturing method, by forming the sealing portion after forming the cylindrical laminate 1, the above problems can also be solved.

[0097] In addition, since the laminate L1 is formed without the application of an adhesive, the shape after lamination can be easily changed. Therefore, even if the process of step S3 is carried out without worrying about the positional accuracy to form the laminate L1, by shifting the lamination position in the process of step S4, it can be made into a shape suitable for winding around the water collecting pipe 2 (a substantially rhombic shape in which the length of the left end portion as viewed from the X direction matches the outer peripheral length of the water collecting pipe 2). From this aspect as well, the working time during manufacturing can be shortened.

[0098] Also, by using the nonwoven fabric 112 as the permeation-side flow path material, it becomes possible to provide the permeation-side flow path material inside the bag-shaped body 11 only by preliminarily overlapping and connecting the nonwoven fabric tape 112A to the separation membrane tape 111A in the preprocessing step (step S1), and there is no need to insert the permeation-side flow path material between the separation membranes 111. From this aspect as well, the working time during manufacturing can be shortened.

[0099] [4 Modification Example] Hereinafter, a modification example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0100] [(1) Change of Flow Path Material] As described above, in this embodiment, it is preferable to use the yarn 12 as the supply-side flow path material and the nonwoven fabric 112 as the permeation-side flow path material, but the flow path material is not limited to these.

[0101] For example, as the supply-side flow path material, a mesh-shaped spacer similar to those conventionally used may be used. Also, as the supply-side flow path material, a spacer may be formed on the surface of the separation membrane main body 1111 side of the separation membrane 111 by pressure membrane printing.

[0102] [(2) Change of Lamination Method] In the description of the above manufacturing method, in the case where after cutting in the cutting step of step S2, the separation membrane 111, the thread 12, and the non-woven fabric 112 are laminated in the lamination step of step S3, it has been described. However, without going through the cutting step of step S2, the continuous separation membrane tape 111A may be laminated by folding it back alternately left and right without cutting.

[0103] In this case, since the separation membrane 111 is folded back at the outer peripheral side end portion and the separation membrane 111 is in a connected state at that portion in advance, it is not necessary to form the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 through the step of step S6-3. In this case, after completion, for example, it may be used in a state where a plastic film or the like is wound to prevent the shape from collapsing.

[0104] Also, in the description of the above manufacturing method, in the case where the elevator E moves downward in step S3-4 so that the laminate L1 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the X direction, and this is deformed into a substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the X direction in step S4 to form the deformed laminate L2, it has been described. However, by making the elevator E move diagonally downward to the left in step S3-4, the laminate may be formed in a substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the X direction from the beginning. Also, after forming in a substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the X direction from the beginning in step S3-4, the shape may be further adjusted through the step of step S4.

[0105] That is, as described in the description of the above manufacturing method, deforming the laminate into a desired substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the X direction in the laminate deformation step of step S4 is preferable in terms of manufacturing efficiency in that it can be laminated without considering accuracy in step S3. However, if it is laminated accurately in a desired substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the X direction in step S3, the laminate deformation step of step S4 may be omitted.

[0106] [(3) Modification of the shape of the separation membrane element] In the above description, the case where the separation membrane element 100 is a spiral-type element in which the separation membrane and the flow path material are laminated in a spiral form has been described. In this regard, although the spiral type as described above is preferable in consideration of pressure resistance and ease of expanding the area of the separation membrane, the shape of the separation membrane element is not limited to such a spiral type.

[0107] For example, each bag-shaped body 11 may be formed so as to be radial when viewed from the axial direction from the water collecting pipe (so as to be linear when viewed from the axial direction without being wound around the water collecting pipe, unlike the above-described spiral type), or may be laminated in a planar shape and then connected to the water collecting pipe on one side thereof.

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

[0109] [(4) Changes in the Configuration and Use of the Separation Membrane] In the above description, the case where the separation membrane element 100 is used for seawater desalination or the like and the separation membrane 111 is a reverse osmosis membrane has been described, but the use of the separation membrane element 100 and the configuration of the separation membrane 111 are not limited thereto.

[0110] For example, it may be used for ultrafiltration using a microfiltration membrane as the separation membrane 111, microfiltration using a precision filtration membrane as the separation membrane 111, gas separation using a gas separation membrane as the separation membrane 111, or the like.

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

[0112] [(5) Changes in the Pretreatment Process] In the description of the above manufacturing method, the case of applying a water repellent and a hydrophilic agent in the preliminary processing step was described. However, in the preliminary processing step, among the axial end portions of the cylindrical laminate 1, the sealing liquid adheres to the portions where the sealing portions are formed in steps S6-1 and S6-2, and it is sufficient that the sealing liquid does not adhere to the portions where the sealing portions are not formed in steps S6-1 and S6-2. Therefore, the type of preliminary processing that can be performed may be determined according to the characteristics of the sealing liquid used in steps S6-1 and S6-2.

[0113] Also, regarding the processing performed on the outer peripheral side surface perpendicular to the X direction of the deformed laminate L2 wound around the water collecting pipe 2 and formed into a cylindrical shape before the step of step S6-3, it is not limited to the application of a hydrophilic material, and it may be determined according to the characteristics of the sealing liquid used so that the sealing liquid adheres to the portion where the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 is formed.

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

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

[0116] Also, instead of simply sealing with one type of sealing liquid once, a predetermined type of adhesive or sealant may be applied as a primer, and then another type of adhesive or sealant may be applied thereon, and multiple coatings may be applied.

[0117] In the description of the above manufacturing method, the case where steps S6-1 to S6-3 are performed individually has been described. However, for example, in a state where the deformed laminate L2 is wound around the water collecting pipe 2 in step S5, the entire body may be immersed in the sealing liquid for a short time to form the axial sealing portion 1131 and the outer peripheral side sealing portion 1132 at once.

[0118] [5 Configuration Example of Separation Membrane Element According to Second Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment is provided such that the cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collecting pipe 2B. The cylindrical laminate 1B is composed of the functional tape 110.

[0119] The functional tape 110 is a tape-shaped separation membrane 111B. The separation membrane 111B is composed of a separation membrane main body 1111 and a support layer 1112. Among the support layer 1112, the lower layer portion away from the separation membrane main body 1111 is configured to be able to circulate a certain amount of permeate. That is, the functional tape 110 can also be regarded as a tape-shaped material in which the separation membrane 111B and the permeate side flow path 1104 are integrated. As will be described later, in the case of this embodiment, since a large amount of leaves 1110 having a short length in the direction perpendicular to the axis are used, the flow path resistance of each permeate side flow path 1104 may be considerably large, and a dedicated permeate side flow path material is not used, because it can be substituted by the support layer 1112 of the separation membrane 111B.

[0120] The functional tape 110 is in a form that is folded back at predetermined lengths, and a plurality of inner peripheral side folding-back portions 1101 on the side facing the water collecting pipe 2B and a plurality of outer peripheral side folding-back portions 1102 on the side away from the water collecting pipe 2B are formed.

[0121] The cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collecting pipe 2B in a form in which the leaves 1110 composed of the functional tape 110 at the portion between the inner peripheral side folding-back portion 1101 and the outer peripheral side folding-back portion 1102 are laminated along the peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2B. The leaf 1110 is composed of a pair of functional tapes 110 connected by the outer peripheral side folding-back portion 1102 in the functional tape 110 at the portion between the inner peripheral side folding-back portion 1101 and the outer peripheral side folding-back portion 1102.

[0122] In the cylindrical laminate 1B, a plurality of inner peripheral side folded-back portions 1101 of the functional tape 110 are arranged along the circumferential surface of the water collecting pipe 2B, and each inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 contacts the water collecting pipe 2B and serves as the base end of the start of winding of each leaf 1110 around the water collecting pipe 2B. Then, the cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collecting pipe 2B such that the leaf 1110 draws a helix that spreads outward in the radial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B from the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 toward the outer peripheral side folded-back portion 1102.

[0123] A supply-side flow path 1103 and a permeation-side flow path 1104 are formed between the functional tapes 110 wound and laminated around the water collecting pipe 2B in the cylindrical laminate 1B. The supply-side flow path 1103 is formed between a pair of functional tapes 110 connected at the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101. Also, the permeation-side flow path 1104 is formed between a pair of functional tapes 110 connected at the outer peripheral side folded-back portion 1102. Thereby, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the supply-side flow path 1103 is formed between the laminated leaves 1110 and the leaves 1110. Also, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the permeation-side flow path 1104 is formed inside each laminated leaf 1110.

[0124] The cylindrical laminate 1B is selectively formed with an axial sealing portion 1105 that seals the end face along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B according to the supply-side flow path 1103 and the permeation-side flow path 1104. The axial sealing portion 1105 seals the depletion of the support layer 1112 of the end face of the laminated functional tape 110 exposed on the end face of the cylindrical laminate 1B along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B. In addition, when a gap B occurs between the pair of functional tapes 110 in which the permeation-side flow path 1104 is formed (the gap B is likely to be formed near the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 and near the outer peripheral side folded-back portion 1102), the gap B is also sealed at both ends along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B.

[0125] The axial sealing portion 1105 is composed of a sealing agent. The functional tape 110 is provided with, for example, a region where a predetermined wettability (good wettability) is obtained with respect to the sealing agent and a region where wettability cannot be obtained (poor wettability). By forming a portion with good wettability and a portion with poor wettability on the functional tape 110, the space between the laminated functional tapes 110 can be sealed within a predetermined range. Also, by setting the presence or absence of the phenomenon of the sealing agent being sucked in and the range in which the sealing agent is sucked in according to the size of the interval such as the gap between the pair of functional tapes 110, the space between the laminated functional tapes 110 can be sealed within a predetermined range.

[0126] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the pair of functional tapes 110 in which the permeation-side flow path 1104 is formed and the gap therebetween are sealed at both ends along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B, and are not sealed at the intervening portion, so that the axial sealing portion 1105 can be formed. Also, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the space between the pair of functional tapes 110 in which the supply-side flow path 1103 is formed can be made unsealed.

[0127] Thereby, the leaf 1110 is sealed in three directions by the outer peripheral side folding-back portion 1102 and the axial sealing portion 1105 to form a bag-like body.

[0128] Therefore, the separation membrane element 100B is provided such that a cylindrical laminate 1B in which a plurality of leaves 1110 are laminated is wound around the water collecting pipe 2B, and the fluid taken into the leaf 1110 from the supply-side flow path 1103 formed between the leaves 1110 through the separation membrane 111B is collected by the water collecting pipe 2B through the permeation-side flow path 1104 formed in the leaf 1110.

[0129] As described above, the separation membrane 111B can use reverse osmosis membranes, ultrafiltration membranes, microfiltration membranes, gas separation membranes, etc. Here, as an example, it is a reverse osmosis membrane including a separation membrane body 1111 having a separation function and a support layer 1112 which is a porous water-permeable layer supporting the separation membrane body 1111. As described above, the separation membrane 111B is used for desalination of seawater, with the supply-side fluid being seawater and the permeate-side fluid being fresh water.

[0130] The functional tape 110 is folded back by the inner peripheral side folding portion 1101 and the outer peripheral side folding portion 1102 such that the separation membrane body 1111 faces the site where the supply-side flow path 1103 is formed and the support layer 1112 faces the site where the permeate-side flow path 1104 is formed.

[0131] As a result, in each leaf 1110, a pair of functional tapes 110 connected by the outer peripheral side folding portion 1102 are arranged such that the support layer 1112 faces. Also, at both ends of a pair of functional tapes 110 along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B sealed by the axial sealing portion 1105, and at locations other than the outer peripheral side folding portion 1102, each leaf 1110 is not sealed. As a result, in each leaf 1110, the inner portion between a pair of functional tapes 110 facing each other with the support layer 1112 interposed therebetween functions as the permeate-side flow path 1104 except for the sites where the axial sealing portion 1105 and the outer peripheral side folding portion 1102 are formed. Also, in each leaf 1110, it is possible to prevent the supply-side fluid from entering the permeate-side flow path 1104 from both end faces of the cylindrical laminate 1B along the axial direction of the water collection pipe 2B. Since the permeate-side flow path 1104 is at a low pressure relative to the outside, the permeate-side fluid does not flow out from the permeate-side flow path 1104 to the outside.

[0132] On the other hand, between the leaves 1110, both ends of the pair of functional tapes 110 along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B are not sealed with a sealing agent and are open. Also, between the leaves 1110, in the part where a space is secured by a thread 12, which will be described later, as a supply-side flow path material between both ends of the pair of functional tapes 110 along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B, there is no sealing agent. As a result, between the leaves 1110, the space between the pair of functional tapes 110 facing each other with the separation membrane body 1111 interposed therebetween functions as the supply-side flow path 1103. Also, between the leaves 1110, it is possible for the supply-side fluid to enter from one end face of the cylindrical laminate 1B along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B and exit from the other end face.

[0133] The cylindrical laminate 1B is wound around the water collecting pipe 2B in a state where a plurality of leaves 1110 are laminated with a thread 12, which functions as a supply-side flow path material for securing the supply-side flow path 1103, interposed therebetween. As a result, in the cylindrical laminate 1B, the leaves 1110 are laminated with the thread 12 interposed therebetween between the separation membrane bodies 1111.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the threads 12 are provided in a plurality at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the functional tape 110 in a form that extends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 so as to be along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B. Both ends in the width direction of the thread 12 are fixed to the functional tape 110 by adhesion or the like. Also, for the parts of the thread 12 other than both ends in the width direction, they are not adhered to the functional tape 110 and are slightly movable with respect to the functional tape 110.

[0135] The water collecting pipe 2B has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of groove portions 20B extending along the axial direction at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The groove portion 20B is an example of a locking portion, and the functional tape 110 is locked to the water collecting pipe 2B by fitting the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 of the functional tape 110. The groove portion 20B has a longer length on the bottom side than the opening side, and the opposing sides have an inverted tapered cross-sectional shape. Thereby, the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 is suppressed from coming off. Note that the groove portion 20B may have opposing sides that are, for example, parallel, or the opposing sides may have a tapered cross-sectional shape, as long as the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 can be locked.

[0136] In the water collecting pipe 2B, hole portions 21B are formed at the bottoms of the groove portions 20B arranged in the circumferential direction and penetrate to the inside of the water collecting pipe 2B.

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

[0138] Further, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a conveyance path 304 through which the functional tape 110 sent from the reel 302 supported by the reel support portion 303 to the water collecting pipe 2B passes, and a phase detector 306 that detects the phase of the functional tape 110 passing through the conveyance path 304, such as the position of the thread 12. Note that the functional tape 110 with the thread 12 disposed therein in advance may be wound around the reel 302 and provided. Further, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 may be configured to include a thread disposing device that disposes the thread 12 on the functional tape 110 passing through the conveyance path 304 between the reel 302 supported by the reel support portion 303 and the phase detector 306.

[0139] Furthermore, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a drawing member 307 that draws out the functional tape 110 from the reel 302, and a drawing member driving device 308 that drives the drawing member 307. The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300 also includes an implanting member 309 that implants the functional tape 110 into the water collecting pipe 2B, and an implanting member driving device 310 that drives the implanting member 309.

[0140] The conveyance path 304 is configured by guide rollers 304a and 304b to form a path for sending the functional tape 110 in the horizontal direction. The drawing member 307 is provided between the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301 and the guide roller 304b so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The drawing member driving device 308 is driven by a motor (not shown) to reciprocate the drawing member 307 in the vertical direction. The implanting member 309 is provided so as to be movable in a direction approaching and a horizontal direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301 while sandwiching the functional tape 110 hanging down from the guide roller 304b. The implanting member driving device 310 is driven by a motor (not shown) to reciprocate the implanting member 309 in the horizontal direction.

[0141] [7 Manufacturing method example of the separation membrane element according to the second embodiment] [7-1 First step] (1) Thread arrangement step (flow path member formation step) As the first step of the manufacturing method of the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, the flow path member formation step of arranging the thread 12 on the functional tape 110 will be described.

[0142] In the first step, the thread 12 that functions as a supply side flow path member for securing the supply side flow path 1103 is arranged in the width direction of the functional tape 110 on the functional tape 110. The thread 12 is arranged on the separation membrane surface where the separation membrane main body 1111 of the functional tape 110 is formed.

[0143] The thread 12 is arranged linearly by hot-melting a resin, for example. Also, at positions other than both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110, in order not to adhere to the separation membrane body 1111, a hydrophobic treatment or the like is performed on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110 as necessary. A method of cooling the separation membrane surface immediately before applying the resin by hot melt is also an effective treatment method for preventing the resin by hot melt from adhering.

[0144] The thread 12 is not provided at positions corresponding to the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101 and the outer peripheral side folded-back portion 1102 when the leaf 1110 is formed. Also, both end faces in the width direction of the functional tape 110 before arranging the thread 12 may be obliquely trimmed as necessary to increase the area of the portion to which the thread 12 is adhered.

[0145] (2) Pre-sealing processing step A water repellent or the like is applied to the separation membrane surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 on which the thread 12 is disposed, and the wettability with the sealing agent is controlled so that the sealing agent does not spread by wetting. Note that when a material that has considered the wettability with the sealing agent in advance is used, the pre-sealing processing is unnecessary.

[0146] [7-2 Second step] As the second step of the method for manufacturing the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, the process of implanting the functional tape 110 into the water collecting pipe 2B will be described.

[0147] (1) Preparation step The reel 302 around which the functional tape 110 provided with the thread 12 as described above is wound is attached to the reel support portion 303. The functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302 and set in a state where the functional tape 110 having a length half that of one leaf 1110 hangs down from the guide roller 304b as shown in FIG. 25.

[0148] Also, the water collecting pipe 2B is set in the water collecting pipe rotating device 301. Further, the water collecting pipe 2B is rotated by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301, and the position of the groove portion 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B into which the functional tape 110 is to be implanted is adjusted to the implantation position by the implanting member 309.

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

[0150] After moving the insertion member 309 in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B until the insertion position where the insertion member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, as shown in Fig. 27, the insertion member 309 is moved in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B, and the insertion member 309 is retracted to the standby position.

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

[0152] (4) First functional tape pulling-out process Next, as shown in FIG. 29, drive the drawing member driving device 308 to move the drawing member 307 in a direction approaching the functional tape 110 in a state where it is stretched between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b. Since one end portion of the functional tape 110 is locked to the groove portion 20B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. The phase detector 306 detects the phase such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out from the reel 302, and the tension applied to the functional tape 110 is adjusted by a tension applying device (not shown) so that a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out. When a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in FIG. 30, drive the drawing member driving device 308 to move the drawing member 307 in a direction away from the functional tape 110 in a state where it hangs between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b, and retract the drawing member 307 to the standby position.

[0153] (5) Second functional tape implantation step When a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302 and the drawing member 307 retracts, as shown in FIG. 31, drive the implantation member driving device 310 to move the implantation member 309 in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301. When the implantation member 309 moves in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301, the implantation member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the next groove portion 20B. Thereby, one leaf 1110 is formed.

[0154] After moving the implantation member 309 in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B until the implantation position where the implantation member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, as shown in FIG. 32, move the implantation member 309 in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B and retract the implantation member 309 to the standby position.

[0155] (6) Second implantation alignment step While moving the implanting member 309 away from the water collecting pipe 2B, as shown in FIG. 33, the water collecting pipe rotating device 301 rotates the water collecting pipe 2B by one pitch of the groove portion 20B, and aligns the position of the next groove portion 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be implanted with the implanting position by the implanting member 309.

[0156] (7) Second functional tape pulling-out step Next, as shown in FIG. 34, the drawing member driving device 308 is driven to move the drawing member 307 in a direction approaching the functional tape 110 stretched between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b. Since one end of the functional tape 110 is locked to the groove portion 20B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. The phase detector 306 detects the phase such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out from the reel 302. When a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in FIG. 35, the drawing member driving device 308 is driven to move the drawing member 307 in a direction away from the functional tape 110 in a state of hanging between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b, and the drawing member 307 is retracted to the standby position.

[0157] (8) Third functional tape implanting step When a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302 and the drawing member 307 retracts, as shown in FIG. 36, the implanting member driving device 310 is driven to move the implanting member 309 in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301. When the implanting member 309 moves in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301, the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the next groove portion 20B. Thereby, the second leaf 1110 is formed.

[0158] After moving the implanting member 309 in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B until the implanting member 309 implants the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B, as shown in FIG. 37, the implanting member 309 is moved in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B, and the implanting member 309 is retracted to the standby position.

[0159] (9) The nth (last) functional tape implantation process Thereafter, the implantation alignment process, the functional tape pulling-out process, and the functional tape implantation process are repeated until the functional tape 110 is implanted into all the groove portions 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B.

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

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

[0162] (10) The last functional tape pulling-out and cutting process Next, in the last functional tape pulling-out process, as shown in FIG. 38, the drawing member driving device 308 is driven to move the drawing member 307 in a direction approaching the functional tape 110 in a state where it is stretched between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b. Since one end of the functional tape 110 is locked to the groove portion 20B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302. The phase such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out from the reel 302 is detected by the phase detector 306. When a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel 302, as shown in FIG. 40, the drawing member driving device 308 is driven to move the drawing member 307 in a direction away from the functional tape 110 in a state where it hangs between the groove portion 20B and the guide roller 304b, and the drawing member 307 is retracted to the standby position.

[0163] The functional tape 110 implanted in the last groove portion 20B(n) is cut at half the length that constitutes one leaf 1110 in the cutting process as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. Then, the outer peripheral side ends of the functional tape 110 implanted in the first groove portion 20B(1) and the functional tape 110 implanted in the last groove portion 20B(n) are adhered with an adhesive tape, an adhesive, or the like.

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

[0165] [7-3 Third process] As the third process of the method for manufacturing the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, a sealing process for sealing the axial end faces of the functional tape 110 along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe 2B will be described.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 43, both axial end faces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collecting pipe 2B are immersed in the sealing liquid 15, and the sealing liquid is quantitatively absorbed on both axial end faces of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collecting pipe 2B. In order to absorb a certain amount of the sealing liquid 15, the axial end faces of the functional tape 110 may be immersed in the sealing liquid 15 for a certain time determined by viscosity or the like. In this case, the sealing liquid 15 sucked up into a relatively large gap due to capillary action will penetrate into a narrower void or the like before it hardens. Also, in order to prevent the sealing liquid 15 from flowing in from the inlet and outlet of the water collecting pipe 2B and to prevent the sealing liquid 15 from adhering to the exposed portion of the water collecting pipe 2B, a simple sealing process using a masking tape or the like is necessary as required.

[0167] [8 Effects examples of the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the separation membrane element according to the second embodiment] In the manufacturing apparatus and method of the separation membrane element 100B according to the second embodiment, since the functional tape 110 can be implanted into the groove portion 20B formed in the water collecting pipe 2B by the reciprocating motion of the implanting member 309 to form the leaf 1110, for example, about 10 leaves can be implanted per second.

[0168] Also, the pulling out of the functional tape 110 can be performed by the reciprocating motion of the pulling out member 307, and the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified. Further, by providing the water collecting pipe rotating device 301 and attaching the tightening roller 13, the winding of the functional tape 110 (leaf 1110) around the water collecting pipe 2B can also be performed by the same apparatus.

[0169] Furthermore, since the functional tape 110 is in a long shape and the outer peripheral side folded-back portion 1102 is formed in the implanting process by the implanting member 309, the process of forming the outer peripheral side sealing portion can be omitted.

[0170] Also, the phase such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out from the reel 302 is detected by the phase detector 306, and accordingly the moving amount of the pulling out member 307 is controlled, so that the phase shift between the respective leaves 1110 is suppressed, and the thread 12 is disposed at a desired position within the leaf.

[0171] Furthermore, in the functional tape pulling out process, since the pulling out member 307 is in contact with the support layer 1112 of the functional tape 110, damage to the separation membrane main body 1111 can be suppressed.

[0172] Also, in the inner peripheral side folded-back portion 1101, since the support layer 1112 side of the functional tape 110 is facing outward and is implanted into the groove portion 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B, the flow path resistance in the vicinity of the water collecting pipe 2B becomes very small.

[0173] Furthermore, since the leaves 1110 are implanted into the groove portions 20B formed at equal intervals on the circumferential surface of the water collecting pipe 2B, the roundness of the cylindrical laminate 1B after winding is improved.

[0174] When the separation membranes have the same size and the same surface area, if the number of leaves used is increased by a factor of 10, the length of the leaves becomes 1 / 10, and the flow path resistance of the permeate side flow path becomes 1 / 100. As long as the support layer of the separation membrane can sufficiently permeate the permeate, additional flow path materials such as tricot are not necessary, the thickness of the leaves becomes thinner accordingly, and the membrane density can be further increased.

[0175] In the separation membrane element 100B of the second embodiment, it is not necessary to apply a sealant to form the outer peripheral side seal portion. It is only necessary for the sealant to spread wet at the site where the axial seal portion 1105 is formed. Therefore, even if the number of leaves increases, it does not lead to a decrease in the effective membrane area due to the application of the adhesive. Thus, the performance can be improved by increasing the number of leaves. On the other hand, increasing the number of leaves is accompanied by an increase in the working time for arranging the leaves in the water collection pipe. In contrast, in the above manufacturing method, it is possible to speed up the operation of arranging the leaves 1110 in the water collection pipe 2B.

[0176] Also, in a separation membrane element, particularly a spiral element formed by laminating flat membranes, the fact that the lifespan is short due to fouling on the surface of the separation membrane is one of the biggest problems. In the separation membrane element 100B of the second embodiment, it is possible to use a large number of short leaves. By increasing the number of leaves, the winding angle of each leaf can be reduced (for example, to 30 degrees). If the winding angle of the leaf is small, the outer casing can be removed, each leaf can be spread out, and the membrane surface can be cleaned and regenerated. However, when it is only used normally, only the gaps and voids need to be filled so that the feed liquid does not flow into the permeate flow path from a path other than the membrane body, and adhesive force is not necessary. In this case, not only sealing but also the separation membranes must be adhered to each other with a certain strength.

[0177] Use an adhesive with sufficient strength as a sealant. If the adhesive depth (the depth and width to which the adhesion penetrates) is set to 0.2 mm or more, which is the thickness of the separation film, for example, 0.5 mm, the adhesion strength will be sufficient (in the case of sealing from the end face, the limit of penetration is substantially about 2 mm). In this case, in the conventional element, since the application width of the adhesive is about 15 mm, the deterioration rate of the effective area is about 3.3% of the conventional one. Note that even with the conventional method, it is possible to remove the exterior and loosen the space between adjacent leaves. However, in the conventional method, since the winding angle is large, it is not realistic to unwind the roll while the adhesive is in a solidified state. This is only possible when the winding angle is small. Note that in the conventional method, winding cannot be performed after the adhesive hardens, so winding is performed before the adhesive hardens. Similarly, it is not possible to expand the leaf hardened in the wound state. If forced to expand, the film will be damaged by stress, and deep wrinkles will occur in the leaf, making it practically impossible to rewind.

[0178] In the separation film element manufacturing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment, instead of the drawing member 307, a gripping member that grips and releases the functional tape 110 is provided on the implanting member 309. Without providing the drawing member 307, while gripping the functional tape 110 with the gripping member, the functional tape 110 is drawn out by the forward movement of the implanting member 309, and implantation is performed. Then, the gripping of the functional tape 110 by the gripping member is released, and the implanting member 309 is retracted (moved backward). In this case, implantation and drawing of the functional tape can be performed only by the reciprocating movement of the implanting member, and further speed increase can be achieved.

[0179] [9 Configuration Example of Manufacturing Apparatus for Separation Film Element According to Third Embodiment] As shown in Fig. 44, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B according to the third embodiment includes a header pipe rotating device 301B that supports the header pipe 2B and rotates the header pipe 2B, a conveyance path 304B through which a functional tape 110 sent from a reel supported by a reel support portion (not shown) to the header pipe 2B passes, and a phase detector 306B that detects the phase of the functional tape 110 passing through the conveyance path 304, such as the position of the yarn 12B. Note that the functional tape 110 with the yarn 12B disposed thereon in advance may be provided wound around a reel. Further, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B may be configured to include a yarn disposing device that disposes the yarn 12B on the functional tape 110 passing through the conveyance path 304B between a reel (not shown) and the phase detector 306B.

[0180] In addition, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B includes a drawing / implanting member 309B that draws out the functional tape 110 from a reel (not shown) and implants the drawn functional tape 110 into the header pipe 2B.

[0181] Furthermore, the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B includes a rod row link 311B disposed around the header pipe 2B supported by the header pipe rotating device 301B.

[0182] The conveyance path 304B includes a guide roller 304c that guides the functional tape 110 drawn out by the drawing / implanting member 309B on the outer peripheral side of the rod row link 311B. The drawing / implanting member 309B is driven by a motor (not shown) and reciprocates in a direction approaching and a direction separating from the header pipe 2B supported by the header pipe rotating device 301B.

[0183] The rod row links 311B are arranged in a plurality along the circumferential direction around the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B according to the number of leaves to be formed. The length of the leaf is defined by the distance between the water collecting pipe 2B and the rod row link 311B. The rod row link 311B rotates in conjunction with the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B. Further, the rod row link 311B has a role of guiding the functional tape 110 drawn out by the drawing / implanting member 309B. When the implantation of the functional tape 110 is completed over the entire circumference of the water collecting pipe 2B, the rod row link 311B moves to a retracted position by means not shown in the depth direction of the drawing.

[0184] [10 Manufacturing method example of the separation membrane element according to the third embodiment] [10-1 First step] (1) Thread arrangement step (flow path member formation step) As the first step of the manufacturing method of the separation membrane element according to the third embodiment, the process of arranging the thread 12B on the functional tape 110 will be described.

[0185] In the first step, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the thread 12B that functions as a supply side flow path member for securing the supply side flow path 1103 is arranged in the width direction of the functional tape 110 on the functional tape 110. The thread 12B is arranged on the separation membrane surface where the separation membrane main body 1111 of the functional tape 110 is formed.

[0186] The thread 12B is formed on the separation membrane surface of the functional tape 110 by linear pressure membrane printing. In the manufacturing method example of the separation membrane element according to the third embodiment as well, a configuration in which the thread 12 is arranged by the above-described hot melt may be employed.

[0187] The thread 12B is formed on the functional tape 110 within the range of the length of one side for forming one leaf 1110.

[0188] (2) Sealing preprocessing step On the separation film surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110 provided with the thread 12B, a water repellent or the like is applied to control the wettability with the sealing agent so that the sealing agent does not spread by wetting. Note that when a material that has considered the wettability with the sealing agent in advance is used, the preliminary sealing process is unnecessary.

[0189] [10-2 Second Step] As the second step of the method for manufacturing the separation film element according to the third embodiment, the process of pulling out the functional tape 110 and implanting it into the water collecting pipe 2B will be described.

[0190] (1) Preparation Step As described above, the functional tape 110 provided with the thread 12B is pulled out from a reel (not shown), and as shown in FIG. 47, the tip of the functional tape 110 is temporarily fixed with tape or the like to one of the two rod row links 311B sandwiching the movement path of the pulling / implanting member 309B.

[0191] Also, the water collecting pipe 2B is set in the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B. Further, the water collecting pipe 2B is rotated by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B to align the position of the groove portion 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B into which the functional tape 110 is to be implanted with the implanting position by the pulling / implanting member 309B.

[0192] (2) First Functional Tape Pulling / Implanting Step As shown in Fig. 48, the drawing / inserting member 309B is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B. When the drawing / inserting member 309B is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B, the functional tape 110 stretched between the bar row link 311B and the guide roller 304c is pushed in the direction of the water collecting pipe 2B by the drawing / inserting member 309B. Since one end of the functional tape 110 is temporarily fixed to the bar row link 311B, the functional tape 110 is pulled out from the reel. When the drawing / inserting member 309B further moves in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B, the drawing / inserting member 309B inserts the functional tape 110 into the groove portion 20B. The phase detector 306B detects the phase such as the position of the thread 12 of the functional tape 110 pulled out by the drawing / inserting member 309B, and the tension applied to the functional tape 110 is adjusted so that a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 is pulled out by a tension applying device (not shown).

[0193] After moving the drawing / inserting member 309B in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2B until the drawing / inserting member 309B inserts the functional tape 110 into the insertion position in the groove portion 20B, as shown in Fig. 49, the drawing / inserting member 309B is moved in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B, and the drawing / inserting member 309B is retracted to the standby position.

[0194] (3) First implantation alignment process While moving the drawing / inserting member 309B in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2B, as shown in Fig. 50, the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B rotates the water collecting pipe 2B by one pitch of the groove portion 20B, and the position of the next groove portion 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B where the functional tape 110 is to be inserted is aligned with the insertion position by the drawing / inserting member 309B. At this time, the bar row link supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device also rotates simultaneously.

[0195] (4) n-th (last) implantation alignment, functional tape drawing / insertion, and cutting process Thereafter, the implantation alignment process and the functional tape drawing / insertion process are repeated until the functional tape 110 is inserted into all the groove portions 20B of the water collecting pipe 2B.

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

[0197] As shown in FIG. 51, in the last implantation alignment step, when the position of the last groove portion 20B(n) is aligned with the implantation position by the drawing / implantation member 309B, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, in the n-th functional tape drawing / implantation step, the drawing / implantation member 309B draws out a predetermined amount of the functional tape 110 and implants it into the last groove portion 20B(n).

[0198] The functional tape 110 implanted in the last groove portion 20B(n) is cut in the cutting step to a length that is half of the length constituting one leaf 1110. Then, the outer peripheral side ends of the functional tape 110 implanted in the first groove portion 20B(1) and the functional tape 110 implanted in the last groove portion 20B(n) are adhered with an adhesive tape, an adhesive, or the like.

[0199] (5) Winding step As shown in FIG. 54, the bar row link 311B is moved to the retracted position. Then, a tightening roller (not shown) is attached to the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300B, and the water collecting pipe 2B is continuously rotated by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301B to wind the functional tape 110 around the water collecting pipe 2B and tightly tighten it. Then, an exterior tape (not shown) is wound around the outer periphery of the functional tape 110 wound around the water collecting pipe 2B.

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

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

[0202] [11 Configuration Example of Manufacturing Apparatus for Separation Membrane Element According to Fourth Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 55, a separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C according to the fourth embodiment includes a header pipe rotating device 301C that supports a header pipe 2C and rotates the header pipe 2C, a cylindrical outer peripheral guide plate 312C that covers the periphery of the header pipe 2C supported by the header pipe rotating device 301C, and a cover portion 313C that can open and close a part of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. The outer peripheral guide plate 312C includes a stopper portion 314C that protrudes toward the inner peripheral side in the vicinity of an opening that is opened and closed by the cover portion 313C.

[0203] The separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C further includes an insertion member 315C that inserts a separation membrane laminate 115C into the outer peripheral guide plate 312C, and a pushing member 316C that pushes the separation membrane laminate 115C inserted into the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. Note that only both ends are formed on the surface of the insertion member facing the pushing member, and it is configured such that the upper end of the pushing member can contact the side surface of the stored separation membrane laminate and is largely opened in a slit shape.

[0204] The insertion member 315C is driven by a motor (not shown), enters from the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C to the inside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C, and reciprocates in a direction approaching and separating from the header pipe 2C supported by the header pipe rotating device 301C. The pushing member 316C is driven by a motor (not shown) and reciprocates along the circumferential direction of the header pipe 2C supported by the header pipe rotating device 301C. The outer peripheral guide plate 312C is separated from and fixed to the header pipe rotating device 301C.

[0205] [12 Example of Manufacturing Method for Separation Membrane Element According to Fourth Embodiment] [12-1 First Step] As the first step of the manufacturing method for the separation membrane element according to the fourth embodiment, the process of manufacturing the separation membrane laminate 115C will be described.

[0206] (1) Sealing Preliminary Processing Step On the separation film surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the functional tape 110, a water repellent or the like is applied to control the wettability with the sealing agent so that the sealing agent does not spread by wetting. In addition, when a material that has considered the wettability with the sealing agent in advance is used, the preliminary sealing process is unnecessary. Cut the functional tape 110 into a length that is twice the length of one sheet.

[0207] (2) Separation film laminate manufacturing process In the separation film laminate manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 56, the mesh material 116C cut into the length of one sheet is placed on the functional tape 110 cut into a length that is twice the length of one sheet, biased to one side in the longitudinal direction of the functional tape 110. Then, as shown in FIG. 57, the functional tape 110 is folded to manufacture the separation film laminate 115C in which the mesh material 116C is sandwiched by the functional tape 110.

[0208] [12-2 Second process] As the second process of the method for manufacturing a separation film element according to the fourth embodiment, the process of pushing and laminating the separation film laminate 115C into the outer peripheral guide plate 312C will be described.

[0209] (1) Preparation process As shown in FIG. 55, open the cover portion 313C of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. Also, set a plurality of separation film laminates 115C in a housing portion (not shown) in a state where they can be inserted one by one by the insertion member 315C. Further, set the water collecting pipe 2C in the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C. In addition, rotate the water collecting pipe 2C by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C so that the position of the insertion piece 22C formed on the water collecting pipe 2C matches the insertion position of the separation film laminate 115C by the insertion member 315C.

[0210] (2) First separation film laminate insertion process As shown in FIG. 58, the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2C supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C. When the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2C, the tip of the separation membrane laminate 115C supported by the insertion member 315C in the moving direction is inserted into the acute angle portion formed by the insertion piece 22C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C. Note that the folded portion of the separation membrane laminate 115C does not have to be inserted up to the position where it contacts the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C.

[0211] After the insertion member 315C has moved to a position where the tip of the separation membrane laminate 115C in the moving direction is inserted into the acute angle portion formed by the insertion piece 22C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C, as shown in FIG. 59, the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2C and retracted to the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. When the insertion member 315C is retracted, since the lower surface of the separation membrane laminate 115C is in contact with the pushing member 316C, the separation membrane laminate 115C is supported by the pushing member 316C due to the friction between the separation membrane laminate 115C and the pushing member 316C.

[0212] (3) First separation membrane laminate pushing step As shown in FIG. 60, the pushing member 316C supporting the separation membrane laminate 115C is moved along the water collecting pipe 2C supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C, and the separation membrane laminate 115C is bent, and the separation membrane laminate 115C is pushed until it reaches a position where it crosses the stopper portion 314C. By pushing the separation membrane laminate 115C until it reaches a position where it crosses the stopper portion 314C, even if the pushing member 316C retracts and separates from the separation membrane laminate 115C, the separation membrane laminate 115C is supported in a bent form by the insertion piece 22C and the stopper portion 314C.

[0213] (4) Second and subsequent separation membrane laminate insertion steps The water collecting pipe rotating device 301C rotates the water collecting pipe 2C by one pitch, and as shown in Fig. 61, the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2C supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C. When the insertion member 315C is moved in a direction approaching the water collecting pipe 2C, the tip of the next separation membrane laminate 115C supported by the insertion member 315C in the moving direction is inserted into the portion between the previously inserted separation membrane laminate 115C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C.

[0214] The insertion member 315C moves to a position where the tip of the next separation membrane laminate 115C in the moving direction is inserted into the portion between the previously inserted separation membrane laminate 115C and the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C. At this time, the lower surface of the next separation membrane laminate 115C is in contact with the pushing member 316C. The insertion member 315C is moved in a direction away from the water collecting pipe 2C and retracted outside the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. When the insertion member 315C is retracted, the next separation membrane laminate 115C is supported by the pushing member 316C due to the friction between the separation membrane laminate 115C and the pushing member 316C.

[0215] (5) Separation membrane laminate pushing process for the second and subsequent times As shown in Fig. 62, the pushing member 316C supporting the next separation membrane laminate 115C is moved along the water collecting pipe 2C supported by the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C, and the next separation membrane laminate 115C is pushed into a position where it curves and overrides the stopper portion 314C. By pushing the next separation membrane laminate 115C to a position where it overrides the stopper portion 314C, even if the pushing member 316C retracts and separates from the separation membrane laminate 115C, the stacked separation membrane laminates 115C are supported in a curved form by the insertion piece 22C and the stopper portion 314C.

[0216] (6) Molding process When the insertion process and the pushing process of all the separation membrane laminates 115C are completed, as shown in FIG. 63, the insertion member 315C and the pushing member 316C are retracted to the outside of the outer peripheral guide plate 312C. The stopper portion 314C is also removed. Then, as shown in FIG. 64, the cover portion 313C is closed, and the outer peripheral guide plate 312C is rotated a predetermined amount in the positive direction indicated by the arrow A1, and the operation of rotating in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow A2 with a rotation amount less than the rotation amount in the positive direction is repeated to radially form the separation membrane laminate 115C. When the outer peripheral guide plate 312C rotates in the positive direction, the friction generated between the outer peripheral guide plate 312C and the separation membrane laminate 115C is small. On the other hand, when the outer peripheral guide plate 312C rotates in the reverse direction, the friction generated between the outer peripheral guide plate 312C and the separation membrane laminate 115C becomes large. Therefore, by slightly rotating the outer peripheral guide plate 312C in the reverse direction, the separation membrane laminate 115C is pushed in the direction of the water collecting pipe 2C, and by repeating the forward rotation and the reverse rotation, it is vibrated so that the folded portion of the separation membrane laminate 115C is in a stable state in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the water collecting pipe 2C.

[0217] (7) Winding process Attach a tightening roller (not shown) to the separation membrane element manufacturing apparatus 300C, continuously rotate the water collecting pipe 2C with the water collecting pipe rotating device 301C, wind the separation membrane laminate 115C around the water collecting pipe 2C and tightly tighten it. Then, wind an exterior tape (not shown) around the outer periphery of the separation membrane laminate 115C wound around the water collecting pipe 2C. Note that it is necessary to tightly wind the outer periphery with the exterior tape so that the winding of the separation membrane laminate 115C does not unwind during the sealing operation, but since it is necessary for the sealing agent to penetrate between the rear end of the separation membrane laminate 115C (sealing of the outer peripheral side surface), it is advisable to use a cloth with a coarse mesh, such as a mesh shape, which has good wettability and allows the sealing agent to penetrate easily.

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

[0219] Similar to the first embodiment, the sealing of the axial end face and the outer peripheral side face may be performed separately, but after the winding process is completed, the whole may be immersed in the sealing liquid for a short time to perform the sealing at once.

[0220] In the first embodiment, an adhesive was used as the sealing agent. However, of course, only sealing is required and adhesive force is not necessary, so a sealing agent without adhesive force may also be used.

[0221] Further, in the present invention, the axial end faces of the two flow paths (the supply-side flow path which is the first flow path and the permeation-side flow path which is the second flow path) can be selectively sealed, that is, selectively opened and closed, so that various types of elements can be realized in combination with the water collecting pipe. The following is an example thereof.

[0222] Type A: Using a water collecting pipe First flow path: The inlet end face is open and the outlet end face is open. Second flow path: The inlet end face is closed and the outlet end face is closed.

[0223] Type B: Not using a water collecting pipe (using as a support center pipe without using the function of the water collecting pipe) First flow path: The inlet end face is open and the outlet end face is closed. Second flow path: The inlet end face is closed and the outlet end face is open.

[0224] Type C: Not using a water collecting pipe (using as a support center pipe without using the function of the water collecting pipe) First flow path: The inlet end face is open, the inner peripheral side of the outlet end face is closed, and the outer peripheral side is open. Second flow path: The inlet end face is closed, the inner peripheral side of the outlet end face is open, and the outer peripheral side is closed.

[0225] Type A is a cross-flow type in each embodiment, Type B is a total amount filtration type, and Type C is a cross-flow type in which the outlet of the second flow path is formed in the inner side portion close to the center pipe and the outlet of the first flow path is formed in the outer side portion.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0226] 100, 100B Separation membrane element 1. 1B cylindrical laminate (laminate) 11. Bag-like body 111. Separation membrane 1111. Separation membrane body 1112. Support layer 112. Non-woven fabric (second flow path material) 113. Sealing part 1131. Axial direction sealing part 1132. Outer peripheral side sealing part 110. Functional tape 111B. Separation membrane 1110. Leaf 1101. Inner peripheral side folded-back part 1102. Outer peripheral side folded-back part 1103. Supply side flow path 1104. Permeation side flow path 1105. Axial direction sealing part 12. 12B Thread (first flow path material, filamentous member) 2. 2B Collector pipe 20B. Groove part 21. 21B Hole part

Claims

1. A separation membrane element in which a bag-shaped body formed by a separation membrane is connected to a water collecting pipe, a sealing portion for preventing mixing of a supply-side fluid and a permeation-side fluid is formed on an end face of the bag-shaped body, and an adhesive for forming the sealing portion is not disposed at a position more than 2 mm away from the end face of the bag-shaped body. A separation membrane element characterized by this.

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

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

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

5. The separation membrane element according to claim 4, wherein the first flow path material is a filamentous member formed in a filamentous shape and is provided such that its longitudinal direction extends along the fluid flow direction.

6. The separation membrane element according to claim 5, wherein the filamentous member is folded back at an end of the separation membrane and is provided so as to be continuous between the separation membranes.

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

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

9. The separation membrane element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation membrane element is a spiral-type separation membrane element in which the bag-shaped body is spirally wound around the water collecting pipe.

10. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive for forming the sealing portion is disposed at a position more than 0.2 mm away from the end face of the bag-shaped body.

11. The separation membrane is wound around the water collecting pipe, and an inner peripheral side of the separation membrane wound around the water collecting pipe and facing the water collecting pipe is in contact with the water collecting pipe. In the separation membrane wound around and laminated on the water collecting pipe, the sealing portion is formed on an end face on a side along the axial direction of the water collecting pipe. The separation membrane element according to claim 1, characterized in that.

12. The water collecting pipe includes a plurality of locking portions to which the separation membrane is locked along the circumferential direction. The separation membrane is long, and the inner circumferential side facing the water collecting pipe and the outer circumferential side away from the water collecting pipe are alternately bent, and the inner circumferential side folding portion on the inner circumferential side facing the water collecting pipe is locked to the locking portion. The separation membrane element according to claim 11, characterized in that.

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