Filter module regeneration device and method

Abstract

This allows replacement of the adsorbent powder deposit layer in the filter module. [Solution] The above problem is solved by a filter module regeneration device (10) that performs a cleaning operation in which a module supply quick coupler (12q) and a cleaning discharge quick coupler (33q) are connected to the secondary side quick coupler (6q) and primary side quick coupler (5q) of a used filter module (1), and cleaning liquid (CW) supplied from a cleaning liquid supply unit (30) is supplied to the secondary side of the used filter module (1) to perform backwashing, and a sediment layer (3) formation operation in which a module supply quick coupler (12q) and a module discharge quick coupler (13q) are connected to the primary side quick coupler (5q) and secondary side quick coupler (6q) of the filter module (1) after the cleaning operation, and sediment layer forming slurry (CS) supplied from a slurry supply unit (20) is supplied to the primary side of the filter module (1) after the cleaning operation to form a sediment layer (3).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a regeneration device and method for removing used adsorbent powder and attaching new adsorbent powder in a filter module that performs full filtration of a liquid to be treated using a filtration layer having a filtration membrane and a deposited layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary side of the filtration membrane. [Background technology]

[0002] One known filtration technique for treating a liquid to be treated, such as wastewater generated at a factory or construction site, is a filtration technique that performs total filtration using a filtration layer having a filtration membrane and a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary surface of the filtration membrane (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this prior art, prior to filtration, a slurry in which adsorbent powder such as activated carbon is dispersed in water or the like is filtered through a filter membrane, and the adsorbent powder is deposited on the primary surface of the filter membrane to form a deposition layer. During filtration, as the liquid to be treated passes through the deposition layer of adsorbent powder, the substances to be separated in the liquid to be treated are adsorbed by the adsorbent powder, and the permeated liquid from which the substances to be separated have been separated and removed is discharged as filtrate (treated liquid). If the adsorption performance of the adsorbent powder deteriorates with use, the filter module can be regenerated by performing a replacement operation in which the adsorbent powder attached to the filter membrane is removed and new adsorbent powder is attached to the filter membrane, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] However, the above prior art technology involves attaching an adsorbent powder replacement device to a filtration system, and is therefore unable to accommodate cases where it is not possible to attach an adsorbent powder replacement device due to limitations on the installation space of the filtration system, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-69280 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-145713 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to enable the operation of replacing the adsorbent powder deposit layer without requiring the installation of an adsorbent powder replacement device in the filtering equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The filter module regeneration device and method that solve the above problems are as follows. <First aspect> A regeneration device for a filter module, comprising: a filtration membrane; a filtration layer having a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to a primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side quick coupler communicating with the primary side of the filtration layer; and a secondary side quick coupler communicating with the secondary side of the filtration layer, the regeneration device being configured to perform dead-end filtration by the filtration layer, a slurry supply unit that supplies a slurry for forming a deposition layer; and a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid; a pump that selectively pumps the deposition layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit; a module supply flow path having at one end a module supply quick coupler that is selectively attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler and the secondary side quick coupler, and the other end connected to a delivery port of the pump; a module discharge flow path having at one end a module discharge quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the secondary side quick coupler; a cleaning and discharge flow path having at one end a quick coupler for cleaning and discharge that is detachable from the primary side quick coupler; a cleaning operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of a used filter module and the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the used filter module, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, and discharging the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder thereby detached from the filtration membrane together with the cleaning liquid into the cleaning discharge flow path; a sediment layer formation operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation and the module discharge quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation, thereby supplying the sediment layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation via the pump and the module supply flow path and performing dead-end filtration to deposit the adsorbent powder on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane to form a sediment layer, and discharging the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane via the module discharge flow path; A filter module regeneration device configured to perform the above.

[0008] (Action and effect) This regeneration device is based on the premise that the filter module is equipped with a primary-side quick coupler connected to the primary side and a secondary-side quick coupler connected to the secondary side. The primary-side quick coupler and secondary-side quick coupler of the filter module are connected to the supply line for the treated fluid and the discharge line for the treated fluid, respectively, of the filtration equipment, allowing for filtration of the treated fluid. When replacing the adsorbent powder in the filter module after use, the used filter module is removed from the filtration equipment and connected to the regeneration device, and the module is regenerated by performing cleaning and sediment layer formation operations. The regenerated filter module can then be attached to the filtration equipment and reused. Because this regeneration device does not need to be attached to the filtration equipment, it can be used even in cases where the filtration equipment cannot be equipped with an adsorbent powder replacement device due to installation space limitations, etc. In particular, in this regeneration device, both the module supply quick coupler and the module discharge quick coupler are selectively attachable and detachable to the primary-side quick coupler and secondary-side quick coupler of the filter module, and a common pump is used for cleaning and sediment layer formation operations. Therefore, this regeneration device also has the advantage of being simple and compact. As is well known, a "quick coupler" refers to a coupling that allows fluid piping to be easily connected and disconnected without tools, and is also called a one-touch coupler or quick coupling. Furthermore, "selectively attachable to and detachable from the primary-side quick coupler and the secondary-side quick coupler" means that it is possible to both disconnect something that is connected to the secondary-side quick coupler and connect it to the primary-side quick coupler, and to disconnect something that is connected to the primary-side quick coupler and connect it to the secondary-side quick coupler. Furthermore, "selectively pumping the sediment layer forming slurry from the slurry supply unit and the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply unit" means switching between pumping the sediment layer forming slurry from the slurry supply unit without pumping the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply unit, and pumping the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply unit without pumping the sediment layer forming slurry from the slurry supply unit.

[0009] <Second aspect> The cleaning liquid supply unit a cleaning liquid reservoir; a powder recovery unit having a separation filter that separates the cleaning discharge liquid into the adsorbent powder and the cleaning liquid, and a separated liquid discharge quick coupler that discharges the cleaning liquid separated by the separation filter; a cleaning liquid supply flow path having at one end a cleaning liquid supply quick coupler that is detachable from the separated liquid discharge quick coupler and the other end connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank, the other end of the cleaning discharge flow path is connected to a primary side of a separation filter of the powder recovery unit, In the cleaning operation, a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank, the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler, and the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler is connected to the separated liquid discharge quick coupler. By operating the pump in this state, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank is supplied to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder thereby detached from the filtration membrane are supplied together with the cleaning liquid via the cleaning discharge flow path to the powder recovery section, and the cleaning liquid of the adsorbent powder and the cleaning liquid separated in the powder recovery section is returned to the cleaning liquid storage tank via the cleaning liquid supply flow path. 1 is a regeneration device for a filter module according to a first embodiment;

[0010] (Action and effect) In this regeneration device, the washing discharge liquid (a mixture of the adsorbent powder detached from the filtration membrane and the washing liquid) discharged by backwashing is separated into solid and liquid in the powder recovery section, and the adsorbent powder is recovered, while the washing liquid is returned to the washing liquid storage tank for reuse. Therefore, the adsorbent powder can be effectively discharged from the filter module using a smaller amount of washing liquid. As a result, this regeneration device can be used in places where large amounts of washing liquid cannot be used (for example, on ships, etc.).

[0011] <Third aspect> a mounting base on which the filter module is mounted; a vibration source that applies vibration to the filter module placed on the placement table, The filter module is placed on the placement table, and the cleaning operation is performed while the vibration source applies vibration to the filter module. 2 shows a regeneration device for a filter module according to a second embodiment.

[0012] (Action and effect) It is preferable to vibrate the filter module during the cleaning operation, as this promotes the release of the adsorptive powder from the filtration membrane.

[0013] <Fourth aspect> The slurry supply unit includes: a slurry storage tank; a raw material container in which a raw material slurry containing an adsorbent powder and a dispersion liquid is stored, and which has an inlet quick coupler for allowing a liquid to flow into the container and an outlet quick coupler for allowing the liquid to flow out; a return flow path having a circulation quick coupler at one end that is detachable from the inlet quick coupler and the other end that is connected to the delivery port of the pump; a primary slurry supply flow path having at one end a primary slurry supply quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the outflow quick coupler and the other end connected to the slurry storage tank; the module discharge flow path communicates with the slurry storage tank; In the sediment layer formation operation, a predetermined amount of diluent liquid is stored in the slurry storage tank, the circulation quick coupler is connected to the inflow quick coupler, and the primary slurry supply quick coupler is connected to the outflow quick coupler. With the pump operated, the raw material slurry is circulated at a predetermined flow rate ratio through a first circulation path passing through the pump, the module supply flow path, the filter module after the cleaning operation, the module discharge flow path, and the slurry storage tank, and through a second circulation path passing through the pump, the return flow path, the raw material container, the primary slurry supply flow path, and the slurry storage tank. This causes a sediment layer formation slurry, obtained by diluting the raw material slurry with the diluent liquid, to be supplied to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation to form the sediment layer, and the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane is returned to the slurry storage tank via the module discharge flow path. A regeneration device for a filter module according to the first or second aspect.

[0014] (Action and effect) The slurry supply unit is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the slurry for forming the deposition layer, but the operation of replacing the adsorbent powder described in Patent Document 1 is cumbersome for the user to carry out, as it requires weighing the adsorbent powder and dispersion liquid, etc. In contrast, with the present device, it is only necessary to set up a raw material container in which the primary slurry has been stored in advance, so even the user can easily carry it out. Alternatively, the amount of sediment layer forming slurry required for one regeneration cycle may be stored in a raw material container and then directly supplied from the raw material container. However, it is preferable for the sediment layer forming slurry to have a low adsorbent powder concentration. However, storing such a low-concentration sediment layer forming slurry in the raw material container in the amount required for one regeneration cycle would result in excessive volume and weight of the raw material container, which is undesirable from the perspective of transport and storage of the raw material container. In contrast, the present system dilutes the primary slurry supplied from the raw material container to prepare the sediment layer forming slurry, and then uses this sediment layer forming slurry to form the sediment layer on the filter module. This reduces the volume and weight of the raw material container, which is preferable from the perspective of transport and storage of the raw material container. Of course, the raw material container in this regeneration system requires less installation space, making it more compact. Furthermore, the filtrate (dispersion liquid) discharged from the filter module during sediment layer formation operation is returned to the slurry storage tank and reused for diluting the primary slurry, allowing for effective sediment layer formation operation with a smaller amount of dilution liquid used. As a result, this system is suitable for locations where large amounts of dispersion liquid cannot be used or where space is limited (such as ships).

[0015] <Fifth aspect> a line mixer provided between the pump and the primary side quick coupler in the first circulation path, In the sediment layer formation operation, the slurry for forming a sediment layer prepared in the slurry supply unit is passed through the line mixer and supplied to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation without being retained therein. 4 shows a filter module regeneration device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0016] (Action and effect) When performing dead-end filtration of a fluid to be treated using a filtration layer comprising a filtration membrane and a sedimentary layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary surface of the filtration membrane, the quality of the sedimentary layer, such as the density and homogeneity of the particle packing structure, is important. For example, if the sedimentary layer contains inhomogeneous defects such as cracks or relatively large pores, or if there are locally thin areas, the liquid to be treated may short-pass through these inhomogeneous defects, resulting in extremely short breakthrough times and other performance issues. Furthermore, the sedimentary layer maintains its aggregated state (layer shape) and adherence to the filtration membrane through intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds), without the use of adhesives, binders, or welding. Therefore, external forces may cause cracking, peeling, or collapse. Therefore, if the particle packing structure of the sedimentary layer is not dense, the durability of the sedimentary layer may be reduced, and vibration or pulsation may cause the sedimentary layer to crack or gradually collapse from the surface, resulting in a short breakthrough time. Therefore, even if the user performs an operation of replacing the adsorbent powder deposition layer, it is desirable to be able to easily form a deposition layer of a consistent quality.

[0017] In this device, the sedimentary layer forming slurry is supplied to the primary side of the filtration membrane without retention, making it difficult for the adsorbent powder in the sedimentary layer forming slurry to agglomerate. Furthermore, because the sedimentary layer forming slurry is passed through a line mixer before being supplied to the primary side of the filtration membrane, the sedimentary layer forming slurry is forcibly agitated in a spatially constrained state within the line mixer with shear action, effectively breaking down any agglomerates or clumps of adsorbent powder into single particles (single particle formation effect). In other words, this device filters the entire amount of the sedimentary layer forming slurry, which contains more dispersed single particles than conventional devices, without retention, resulting in improved density and uniformity of the particle packing structure of the sedimentary layer compared to conventional devices. The device described in Patent Document 2 uses a line mixer to mix the slurry, but is fundamentally different from the present filtration device in that the mixed slurry is retained in an adsorption reactor and that a sediment layer is not formed because cross-flow filtration is performed.

[0018] <Sixth aspect> A method for regenerating a filter module comprising: a filtration membrane; a filtration layer having a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to a primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side quick coupler communicating with the primary side of the filtration layer; and a secondary side quick coupler communicating with the secondary side of the filtration layer, the method being configured to perform dead-end filtration by the filtration layer, a slurry supply unit that supplies a slurry for forming a deposition layer; and a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid; a pump that selectively pumps the deposition layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit; a module supply flow path having at one end a module supply quick coupler that is selectively attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler and the secondary side quick coupler, and the other end connected to a delivery port of the pump; a module discharge flow path having at one end a module discharge quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the secondary side quick coupler; a cleaning and discharge flow path having a quick coupler for cleaning and discharge attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler; a cleaning operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of a used filter module and the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the used filter module, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, and discharging the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder thereby detached from the filtration membrane together with the cleaning liquid into the cleaning discharge flow path; a sediment layer formation operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation and the module discharge quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation, thereby supplying the sediment layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation via the pump and the module supply flow path and performing dead-end filtration to deposit the adsorbent powder on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane to form a sediment layer, and discharging the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane via the module discharge flow path; A method for regenerating a filter module, comprising the steps of:

[0019] (Action and effect) This provides the same effects as the first embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the operation of replacing the adsorbent powder deposit layer becomes possible without the need to attach an adsorbent powder replacement device to the filtering equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module regeneration device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module regeneration device during a cleaning operation. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module regeneration device at the start of a deposition layer formation operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module regeneration device during a deposition layer formation operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main part of the filter module in section. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the filter module. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the filter unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged view showing the state of deposition of a sediment layer in part Y of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 7. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module regeneration device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An example of a treatment apparatus for a liquid to be treated will be described below. Note that the following description and drawings are merely examples, and the contents of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the following description and drawings.

[0023] (filter module) 3 to 10 show an example of a filter module 1 that can be used in a regeneration device. This filter module 1 includes a filtration membrane 2, filtration layers 2 and 3 each having a sediment layer 3 of adsorbent powder attached to the primary surface of the filtration membrane 2, and a container 4 that houses the filtration layers 2 and 3. The container 4 has a supply port 5 that leads to the primary sides of the filtration layers 2 and 3 and a primary-side quick coupler 5q attached thereto, and an outlet 6 that leads to the secondary sides of the filtration layers 2 and 3 and a secondary-side quick coupler 6q attached thereto. The treated fluid Fi supplied into the container 4 through the primary-side quick coupler 5q flows through the sediment layer 3 and the filtration membrane 2 in this order, undergoing dead-end filtration, and then the treated fluid Fx is discharged out of the container 4 through the secondary-side quick coupler 6q.

[0024] (filtration membrane) The filtration membrane 2 may be a flat membrane or a pleated flat membrane. The filtration membrane 2 (which may be either a flat membrane or a pleated membrane) may be provided in the container 4 in a planar or cylindrical shape.

[0025] The filtration membrane 2 can be appropriately selected from filter materials (filter paper, filter cloth, etc.) with pores that do not allow the adsorbent powder forming the sediment layer 3 to pass through. When there is a substance to be separated that cannot be separated by the adsorbent powder or its sediment layer 3, it is desirable to use a filtration membrane 2 that can separate the substance to be separated. The filtration membrane 2 can be a porous membrane formed by melting a resin into a film, or a fibrous membrane formed by laminating and integrating resin fibers using methods such as electrospinning, electroblowing, and meltblowing. Either can be used, but a fibrous membrane is preferred because it has a larger surface area and a higher porosity, resulting in superior fluid permeability and superior adhesion of the sediment layer 3. The pore structure of the porous membrane can be appropriately selected from known structures such as a lace structure or a node and fibril structure.

[0026] The material of the filtration membrane 2 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from known materials such as organic materials such as polyesters (PEs), polyethersulfone (PES), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), and polymethacrylic acid methyl ester (PMMA), and inorganic materials such as ceramics (alumina, glass, etc.) and metals (stainless steel, titanium, etc.).

[0027] The filtration membrane 2 may be a single layer or a multilayer, a symmetrical membrane or an asymmetrical membrane, and a hydrophilic membrane or a hydrophobic membrane.

[0028] The pore size of the filtration membrane 2 can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably, for example, approximately 0.01 μm to 0.3 μm (MF membrane), 0.01 μm or less (UF membrane), or 1 nm to 2 nm (NF membrane). The pore size of the filtration membrane 2 refers to the maximum pore size calculated based on the bubble point measured by the bubble point test method specified in JIS K 3832-1990. When the filtration membrane 2 is a fiber membrane, the fiber diameter (projected area equivalent circle diameter, Heywood diameter; the same applies hereinafter) can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably 1 nm to 3 μm, and more preferably 500 nm or less.

[0029] The removal rate of the filtration membrane 2 is determined by the thickness, pore size, and pore size distribution of the filtration membrane 2, and may be selected appropriately. For example, when the pore size is about the same as that of an MF membrane, a membrane with a removal rate of 99.95% or more for particles of 0.1 to 0.3 μm can be used.

[0030] (adsorbent powder) The adsorbent powder constituting the sediment layer 3 can be selected from one or more types depending on the substance to be adsorbed. For example, activated carbon can be used as the adsorbent powder when removing PFOS and its salts, PFOA and its salts and PFOA-related substances, PFHxS and its salts and PFHxS-related substances, or PFHxA. Examples of adsorbent powders that can be used other than activated carbon include organic porous materials such as ion exchange resins, inorganic porous materials such as zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), diatomaceous earth, acid clay, activated clay, and carbon black, metal oxides and metal powders such as titanium dioxide, and Prussian blue.

[0031] The particle size of the adsorbent powder can be selected as appropriate. For example, in the case of treating liquids such as wastewater, an average particle size of 1 to 30 μm is preferred, with an average particle size of 5 to 9 μm being more preferred. When the average particle size of activated carbon particles is smaller than 1 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles are too narrow, which tends to slow the filtration process. On the other hand, when the average particle size of activated carbon particles is larger than 30 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles become wider, and the target substance is more likely to pass through the gaps between the activated carbon particles and penetrate to the secondary side without being adsorbed by the activated carbon. The average particle size of the adsorbent powder refers to the average value of the projected circle equivalent diameter (the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​the particle) of each particle. This can be determined by measuring the particle size distribution using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (e.g., the LA-960V2 series, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) and determining the particle size at 50% of the cumulative volume.

[0032] (sedimentary layer) The sediment layer 3 is formed by adsorbent powder that is maintained in an aggregated state (layer shape) and adhered to the filtration membrane 2 by intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds), and is not formed using adhesives, binders, welding, etc., and is susceptible to cracking, peeling, collapse, etc., due to external forces. Such a sediment layer 3 can be formed as a cake layer on the primary surface of the filtration membrane 2 by filtering a slurry of the adsorbent powder through the filtration membrane 2. The sediment layer 3 may be dry or wet with water, etc.

[0033] By filtering the fluid Fi to be treated through the sedimentary layer 3, the substances to be adsorbed in the fluid Fi can be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder. Therefore, the thickness of the sedimentary layer 3 can be appropriately set depending on the adsorption properties of the adsorbent powder. For example, the thickness of the sedimentary layer 3 can be approximately 1 to 10 mm, preferably approximately 1.5 to 5 mm, more preferably approximately 2 to 5 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 3 to 5 mm. If the thickness of the sedimentary layer 3 is too thin, the substances to be adsorbed are not adsorbed by the adsorbent powder and tend to pass through the gaps between the adsorbent powders to the secondary side. For example, when adsorbing and removing PFOS, if activated carbon particles with an average particle size of approximately 10 μm are used as the adsorbent powder, the thickness of the sedimentary layer 3 can be 1.5 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or more.

[0034] (container) As long as the container 4 can accommodate the filtration membrane 2 and the sediment layer 3, the shape of the internal space in which these components are placed, the orientation of the components within the container 4, and means for fixing the components can be designed as appropriate. As an example, the container 4 can be a pressure vessel having a cylindrical main portion 4A that is cylindrical, polygonal, or the like, a first lid portion 4B that closes one opening of the main portion 4A, and a second lid portion 4C that closes the other opening of the main portion 4A. The locations of the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6 can also be designed as appropriate depending on the locations of the primary and secondary sides of the filtration membrane 2. For example, in the case of a container 4 having a cylindrical or other tubular main portion 4A, a first lid portion 4B that closes one opening of the main portion 4A, and a second lid portion 4C that closes the other opening of the main portion 4A, either the first lid portion 4B or the second lid portion 4C may have the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6, or either the first lid portion 4B or the second lid portion 4C may have the supply port 5 and the other may have the discharge port 6. Also, either or both of the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6 may be provided in the main portion 4A (side wall).

[0035] 5 to 11 will be described in more detail. In this filter module 1, the main portion 4A of the container 4 is cylindrical, and a filter unit 7 is housed within this main portion 4A. The filter unit 7 includes an imperforate inner pipe 7A, an outer pipe 7B disposed on the outside of the inner pipe 7A and having a large number of spaced-apart permeation holes for the treated fluid formed in the pipe wall, a pleated filter 7C having a cylindrical filtration membrane 2 formed so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe 7B, and a first closing plate 7D and a second closing plate 7E that close an opening on the first lid portion 4B side and an opening on the second lid portion 4C side, respectively, in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe 7A and the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe 7B. A seal ring 4R is sandwiched between the first closure plate 7D and the first lid portion 4B, and heads 4H of bolts screwed into the surface of the second lid portion 4C facing the second closure plate 7E protrude at equal intervals in the circumferential direction as spacers for forming a first gap S1 between the second closure plate 7E and the second lid portion 4C. The outer tube 7B can be formed, for example, from a mesh material such as punched metal.

[0036] The main portion 4A, inner tube 7A, outer tube 7B, and pleated filter 7C of the container 4 are arranged approximately concentrically. The outer peripheral edges of the first closure plate 7D, second closure plate 7E, and pleated filter 7C are spaced from the inner peripheral surface of the main portion 4A along their entire circumference, forming a second gap S2. The inner tube 7A extends through the first closure plate 7D and second closure plate 7E, respectively. One opening of the inner tube 7A is connected to the supply port 5 of the first lid portion 4B, and the other opening of the inner tube 7A communicates with the first gap S1 between the second closure plate 7E and the second lid portion 4C. An outlet hole 8 is formed around the inner tube 7A in the first closure plate 7D, communicating with the third gap S3 between the inner tube 7A and the outer tube 7B. This outlet hole 8 communicates with the outlet port 6 of the first lid portion 4B. The first lid portion 4B in the illustrated example also has an air vent hole 4P communicating with the inside of the container 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an air vent flow path 9 having an air vent valve 9V is connected to this air vent hole 4P.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, spacers 2s are preferably provided between the opposing inner surfaces of the pleats 2p of pleated filter 7C to maintain the spacing between the inner surfaces of the pleats. Suitable spacers include, for example, punched metal or mesh materials such as wire mesh. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, at both ends of the pleat filter 7C toward the center, the inner surfaces of the pleats 2p can be sealed together by adhesive or welding over the entire length of the pleats 2p in the protruding direction, and the inner circumferential surface of pleated filter 7C can be sealed to the outer circumferential surface of outer tube 7B over the entire circumference with adhesive b1.

[0038] During filtration, the treated fluid Fi supplied through the primary quick coupler 5q and the supply port 5 flows through the inner pipe 7A into the first gap S1 between the second cover portion 4C and the second closure plate 7E, then flows into the second gap S2 between the entire outer surface of the pleated filter 7C and the main portion 4A, and is filtered by the pleated filter 7C and the sediment layer 3 adhering to its outer surface. The filtrate flows through the permeation hole in the outer pipe 7B into the third gap S3 between the outer pipe 7B and the inner pipe 7A, and is then discharged through the outlet hole 8 in the first closure plate 7D, the outlet 6 in the first cover portion 4B, and the secondary quick coupler 6q, in that order. During backwashing, the cleaning liquid flows in the opposite direction.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the primary side quick coupler 5q and the secondary side quick coupler 6q are fixedly connected to the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6 of the container 4, respectively, without using a pipe such as a hose, but if necessary, either one or both may be connected to the supply port 5 or the discharge port 6 of the container 4 via a pipe such as a hose.

[0040] (playback device) 1 shows an example of a filter module regeneration device 10. This regeneration device 10 includes a slurry supply unit 20 that supplies a sediment layer forming slurry, a cleaning liquid supply unit 30 that supplies a cleaning liquid such as fresh water, a pump 11 that selectively pumps the sediment layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit 20 and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit 30, a module supply flow path 12 that has at one end a module supply quick coupler 12q that can be selectively attached and detached to a primary side quick coupler 5q and a secondary side quick coupler 6q and has the other end connected to an outlet of the pump 11, a module discharge flow path 13 that has at one end a module discharge quick coupler 13q that can be attached and detached to the secondary side quick coupler 6q, and a cleaning discharge flow path 33 that has at one end a cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q that can be attached and detached to the primary side quick coupler 5q.

[0041] Part or all of the flow paths, such as the module supply flow path 12, the module discharge flow path 13, and the cleaning discharge flow path 33, can be formed by pipes such as (flexible) hoses or fixed piping made of metal or synthetic resin. From the standpoint of ease of connecting the quick couplers, it is preferable to form the module supply flow path 12, the module discharge flow path 13, and the cleaning discharge flow path 33 by hoses as in the illustrated example, and to connect the primary side quick coupler 5q, the secondary side quick coupler 6q, and the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q to the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6 of the container 4 in a fixed manner without using hoses, or to form the module supply flow path 12, the module discharge flow path 13, and the cleaning discharge flow path 33 by fixed piping, and to connect the primary side quick coupler 5q, the secondary side quick coupler 6q, and the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q to the supply port 5 and the discharge port 6 of the container 4 via hoses.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the module supply quick coupler 12q, module discharge quick coupler 13q, and cleaning and discharge quick coupler 33q are plug-type (male) quick couplers, while the primary-side quick coupler 5q and secondary-side quick coupler 6q are socket-type (female) quick couplers. However, their genders may be reversed. However, the module supply quick coupler 12q must be selectively attached to and detached from both the primary-side quick coupler 5q and the secondary-side quick coupler 6q, the module discharge quick coupler 13q must be attached to and detached from the secondary-side quick coupler 6q, and the cleaning and discharge quick coupler 33q must be attached to and detached from the primary-side quick coupler 5q. Therefore, the module supply quick coupler 12q, module discharge quick coupler 13q, and cleaning and discharge quick coupler 33q must be able to be connected to the same coupler, so their genders are the same. The same applies to the primary-side quick coupler 5q and the secondary-side quick coupler 6q.

[0043] As long as the cleaning liquid supply unit 30 can supply the required amount of cleaning liquid CW, it may be configured, for example, as shown in Fig. 12, with only a cleaning liquid storage tank 31, and the cleaning liquid CW may simply be replenished as needed. On the other hand, the cleaning liquid supply unit 30 in the example shown in Fig. 1 is designed to reuse the cleaning liquid CW, taking into consideration use in places where a large amount of cleaning liquid CW cannot be used (for example, on a ship, etc.). 2, the cleaning liquid supply unit 30 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 31, separation filters 32A and 32B that separate the cleaning discharge liquid into adsorbent powder and cleaning liquid CW, a powder recovery unit 32 having a separated liquid discharge quick coupler 32q that discharges the cleaning liquid CW separated by the separation filters 32A and 32B, and a cleaning liquid supply flow path 34 having a cleaning liquid supply quick coupler 34q at one end that is detachable from the separated liquid discharge quick coupler 32q and the other end connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank 31, and the other end of the cleaning discharge flow path 33 is connected to the primary side of the separation filters 32A and 32B of the powder recovery unit 32. The separation filters 32A and 32B in the illustrated example are configured to perform two-stage filtration using a first filter 32A with a relatively large pore diameter and a second filter 32B with a relatively small pore diameter, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0044] The cleaning liquid CW is not particularly limited, and is preferably the same as the dispersion liquid DW of the slurry used in the deposition layer formation operation, but the cleaning liquid CW may be different from the dispersion liquid DW of the slurry used in the deposition layer formation operation. One preferred example of the cleaning liquid CW and the dispersion liquid DW is fresh water.

[0045] As long as the slurry supply unit 20 can supply the required concentration and amount of sedimentary layer forming slurry CS, it may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 , with a slurry storage tank 21 into which the adsorbent powder CP and dispersion liquid DW are introduced, and an agitator 28 for the adsorbent powder CP and dispersion liquid DW in the slurry storage tank 21. Although not shown, the slurry supply unit 20 may also be configured simply with a slurry container containing the required concentration and amount of sedimentary layer forming slurry CS. However, the former requires weighing the adsorbent powder and dispersion liquid DW, which is cumbersome for the user to implement, and the latter is not suitable for locations where a large amount of dispersion liquid DW cannot be used or where space is limited (e.g., a ship, etc.). On the other hand, the slurry supply unit 20 of the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 solves these problems. That is, the slurry supply section 20 comprises a slurry storage tank 21, a raw material container 22 in which a raw material slurry RS containing adsorbent powder CP and dispersion liquid DW is stored and which has an inlet quick coupler 22iq for allowing liquid to flow into the container and an outlet quick coupler 22xq for allowing the liquid inside to flow out, a return flow path 23 which has at one end a circulation quick coupler 23q which is attached and detached to the inlet quick coupler 22iq and the other end connected to the delivery outlet of the pump 11, and a primary slurry supply flow path 24 which has at one end a primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q which is attached and detached to the outlet quick coupler 22xq and the other end connected to the slurry storage tank 21, and the module discharge flow path 13 is connected to the slurry storage tank 21. In the state of sediment layer formation operation in which circulation quick coupler 23q is connected to inflow quick coupler 22iq and primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q is connected to outflow quick coupler 22xq, a first circulation path C1 is configured, passing through pump 11, module supply flow path 12, filter module 1 after cleaning operation, module discharge flow path 13, and slurry storage tank 21, as well as a second circulation path C2 passing through pump 11, return flow path 23, raw material container 22, primary slurry supply flow path 24, and slurry storage tank 21, as shown in Fig. 3. In the illustrated example, the module supply flow path and return flow path 23 branch off from a shared flow path 25 connected to the delivery port of pump 11, but such a shared flow path 25 need not be provided.

[0046] The flow rate ratio between the first circulation path C1 and the second circulation path C2 can be set as appropriate, for example, to 7 to 9:1 to 3. This flow rate ratio can be set by appropriately selecting the inner diameter of the flow path that constitutes the first circulation path C1 (e.g., the inner diameter of the hose or pipe that constitutes the module supply flow path 12) and the inner diameter of the flow path that constitutes the second circulation path C2 (e.g., the inner diameter of the hose or pipe that constitutes the return flow path 23). In addition, this flow rate ratio can also be adjusted by providing a flow rate adjustment valve (not shown) in either or both of the flow path that constitutes the first circulation path C1 (e.g., the module supply flow path 12) and the flow path that constitutes the second circulation path C2 (e.g., the return flow path 23) (e.g., only the return flow path 23).

[0047] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the slurry storage tank 21 can be shared with the cleaning liquid storage tank 31. In other words, a single storage tank 21, 31 can be used as the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 during cleaning operation and as the slurry storage tank 21 during sediment layer formation operation. In this case, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid CW and the dispersion liquid DW are the same, but they may be different. Furthermore, if necessary, for example, when the liquid to be treated is used as the diluent liquid DL described below, the slurry storage tank 21 can be provided with a waste liquid path 21D having a discharge valve 21V. When the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 is provided separately from the slurry storage tank 21, the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 can also be provided with a waste liquid path 31D having a discharge valve 31V. Of course, as shown in FIG. 12, the slurry storage tank 21 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 can also be provided separately. In this case, by providing on-off valves 20V, 30V in the discharge flow path of the slurry storage tank 21 and the discharge flow path of the cleaning liquid storage tank 31, and opening one of them and closing the other, the slurry CS for forming the sediment layer in the slurry storage tank 21 and the cleaning liquid CW in the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 can be selectively pumped out by the pump 11.

[0048] Furthermore, unlike the illustrated example, the primary slurry supply flow path 24 having the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q, or the module discharge flow path 13 having the module discharge quick coupler 13q, can be commonly used as the cleaning liquid supply flow path 34 having the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler 34q. In other words, a single quick coupler and hose, etc., can be used as the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler 34q and the cleaning liquid supply flow path 34 during the cleaning operation, and as the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q and the primary slurry supply flow path 24, or the module discharge quick coupler 13q and the module discharge flow path 13 during the sediment layer formation operation. In this case, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid CW and the dispersion liquid DW are the same, but they may be different.

[0049] The washing discharge slurry of the adsorbent powder and washing liquid discharged via the washing discharge flow path can be stored and recovered as it is in a washing waste liquid storage tank 35 without being reused, and can be subjected to solid-liquid separation in another facility or can be discharged (discharged, etc.) as it is, as shown in Figure 12. Additionally or alternatively, the filtrate discharged via the module discharge flow path 13 can be discharged (discharged, etc.) as it is without being reused, as shown in Figure 12.

[0050] (How to play) 2, when regenerating a used filter module 1, first, a cleaning operation is performed by connecting the module supply quick coupler 12q to the secondary-side quick coupler 6q of the used filter module 1 and connecting the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q to the primary-side quick coupler 5q of the used filter module 1, and then operating the pump 11. As a result, a cleaning liquid CW supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit 30 is supplied to the secondary side of the used filter module 1 via the pump 11 and the module supply flow path 12, thereby performing backwashing. That is, the cleaning liquid CW flows back from the secondary side to the primary side of the filtration membrane 2, and the adsorbent powder CP adhering to the filtration membrane 2 detaches from the filtration membrane 2 and is discharged together with the cleaning liquid CW into the cleaning discharge flow path 33. At this time, in order to close the return flow path 23 and the primary slurry supply flow path 24, the circulation quick coupler 23q and the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q may be plugged, or opening / closing valves (not shown) may be provided in the return flow path 23 and the primary slurry supply flow path 24 to close the return flow path 23 and the primary slurry supply flow path 24 during the cleaning operation. Alternatively, the circulation quick coupler 23q and the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q may be configured to be connectable, and may be connected during the cleaning operation so that a portion of the cleaning liquid CW pressure-fed by the pump 11 is returned to the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 via the return flow path 23 and the primary slurry supply flow path 24.

[0051] In particular, in the case of the cleaning liquid supply unit 30 of the example shown in FIG. 2, during cleaning operation, a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid CW is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 31, the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q is connected to the primary side quick coupler 5q, and the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler 34q is connected to the separated liquid discharge quick coupler 32q, and the pump 11 is operated in this state. As a result, the cleaning liquid CW in the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 is supplied to the secondary side of the used filter module 1 via the pump 11 and the module supply flow path 12, thereby performing backwashing. Meanwhile, the adsorbent powder CP and cleaning liquid CW separated from the filtration membrane 2 by backwashing are supplied to the powder recovery unit 32 via the cleaning discharge flow path 33, and the cleaning liquid CW of the adsorbent powder CP and cleaning liquid CW separated in the powder recovery unit 32 is returned to the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 via the cleaning liquid supply flow path 34. Therefore, in this cleaning liquid supply unit 30, the cleaning liquid CW is circulated and reused, so there is basically no need to replenish the cleaning liquid CW.

[0052] Once cleaning is complete, the operation of pump 11 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is terminated. The cleaning operation can be terminated automatically or manually. The cleaning operation can be terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed using a timer, when a pressure gauge (not shown) is provided in each of the primary and secondary flow paths of filter module 1 to measure internal pressure, and the cleaning operation can be terminated when the differential pressure between the primary and secondary sides of filter module 1 falls below a predetermined value, or when a turbidity meter (not shown) is provided in module discharge flow path 13 and the turbidity falls below a predetermined value. At the end of the cleaning operation, the remaining liquid can be discharged by opening discharge valve 31V of cleaning liquid reservoir 31, or the remaining liquid can be reused as diluent DL for a subsequent sediment layer formation operation.

[0053] After the cleaning operation is completed, the sediment layer formation operation is started automatically or manually. In the sediment layer formation operation, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q is disconnected from the upstream quick coupler 5q of the post-cleaning filter module 1, the module supply quick coupler 12q is disconnected from the downstream quick coupler 6q of the post-cleaning filter module 1, the module supply quick coupler 12q is connected to the upstream quick coupler 5q of the post-cleaning filter module 1, and the module discharge quick coupler 13q is connected to the downstream quick coupler 6q of the post-cleaning filter module 1. Then, the pump 11 is operated. As a result, the sediment layer formation slurry CS supplied from the slurry supply unit 20 is supplied to the upstream side of the post-cleaning filter module 1 via the pump 11 and the module supply flow path 12, where it is fully filtered. A sediment layer 3 of the adsorbent powder CP is formed on the upstream surface of the filtration membrane 2. The filtrate that permeates the filtration membrane 2 is discharged via the module discharge flow path 13.

[0054] 3, a predetermined amount of diluent DL is stored in the slurry storage tank 21, the circulation quick coupler 23q is connected to the inlet quick coupler 22iq, and the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q is connected to the outlet quick coupler 22xq, and the pump 11 is then operated. As a result, circulation begins at a predetermined flow rate ratio in the first circulation path C1 and the second circulation path C2, and a sediment layer forming slurry CS, which is obtained by diluting the raw material slurry RS with the diluent, is supplied to the primary side of the filter module 1 after the cleaning operation, forming a sediment layer 3 on the filtration membrane 2. The filtrate that permeates the filtration membrane 2 is returned to the slurry storage tank 21 via the module discharge flow path 13.

[0055] More specifically, at the start of the sediment layer formation operation, the diluent DL in the slurry storage tank 21 is pumped by the pump 11 and distributed at a predetermined flow rate to the primary side of the filter module 1 after the cleaning operation and the raw material container 22. The primary slurry PS (consisting almost entirely of the raw material slurry RS) is supplied from the raw material container 22, and the filtrate (consisting almost entirely of the diluent DL) is supplied from the filter module 1 to the slurry storage tank 21 at a predetermined flow rate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the primary slurry PS is diluted with the filtrate to produce a sediment layer formation slurry CS (adsorbent powder CP, dispersion DW, and diluent DL) in the slurry storage tank 21. The slurry storage tank 21 may be provided with a stored liquid agitator, but this is not required. At the start of the sediment layer formation operation, it is preferable to open the air vent valve 9V of the filter module 1 and then close the air vent valve 9V after a predetermined time has elapsed (i.e., after the air in the system has been purged).

[0056] The diluent DL is not particularly limited and may be the same as or different from the slurry dispersion DW. One preferred example of the diluent DL is fresh water, but when the filter module 1 is for liquid filtration (the fluid to be treated Fi is a liquid), the diluent DL may be the fluid to be treated Fi.

[0057] Thereafter, the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS prepared in the slurry storage tank 21 is distributed and supplied by the pump 11 at a predetermined flow rate to the primary side of the post-cleaning filter module 1 and to the raw material container 22. Then, in the filter module 1 after the cleaning operation, the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS is fully filtered, forming a sedimentary layer 3 of the adsorbent powder CP on the primary side of the filtration membrane 2, and the filtrate (a mixture of the diluent DL and the dispersion DW) that has permeated the filtration membrane 2 is returned to the slurry storage tank 21 via the module discharge flow path 13. In addition, as the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS is distributed and supplied to the raw material container 22, a mixture of the stored slurry in the raw material container 22 (the raw material slurry RS at the start) and the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS is returned to the slurry storage tank 21 as the primary slurry PS. Therefore, during the sedimentary layer formation operation, the thickness of the sedimentary layer 3 increases over time, and the concentrations of the primary slurry PS and the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS decrease.

[0058] The concentration of the adsorbent powder in the sedimentary layer forming slurry CS can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably about 3000 to 5000 mg / L. The concentration of the raw material slurry can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably about 90 to 500 mg / L.

[0059] The supply flow rate of the sediment layer forming slurry CS to the filter module 1 is preferably 17 to 28 L / min (permeation flux of about 500 to 800 LMH). The differential pressure between the primary and secondary sides of the filtration membrane 2 is preferably about 5 to 30 kPa.

[0060] Although not shown, on-off valves may be interposed in the module supply flow path 12 and the return flow path 23, and after the start of the sediment layer 3 formation operation, the on-off valve in the module supply flow path 12 may be closed to prevent circulation via the first circulation path C1, and the on-off valve in the return flow path 23 may be opened to circulate only via the second circulation path C2; after the concentration of the sediment layer forming slurry CS has stabilized to a certain extent (for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed), the on-off valve in the return flow path 23 may be closed to stop circulation via the second circulation path C2, and the on-off valve in the module supply flow path 12 may be opened to start circulation via the first circulation path C1.

[0061] In this way, in the regeneration apparatus, the primary slurry PS supplied from the raw material container 22 is diluted to prepare the sediment layer-forming slurry CS, and this sediment layer-forming slurry CS is used to form the sediment layer 3 on the filter module 1. This reduces the volume and weight of the raw material container 22, which is advantageous in terms of transporting and storing the raw material container 22. Of course, the installation space for the raw material container 22 in the regeneration apparatus is also small, making the regeneration apparatus more compact. Furthermore, since the filtrate (dispersion DW) discharged from the filter module 1 during the sediment layer formation operation is returned to the slurry storage tank 21 and reused to dilute the primary slurry PS, the sediment layer formation operation can be performed effectively with a smaller amount of diluent DL, and there is basically no need to replenish the diluent dispersion DW. As a result, the regeneration apparatus is suitable for locations where a large amount of dispersion DW cannot be used or where space is limited (e.g., a ship, etc.).

[0062] If the dispersion liquid DW is used as the cleaning liquid CW, the subsequent sediment layer formation operation can be performed without completely discharging the cleaning liquid CW from the filter module 1. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid storage tank 31 and the slurry storage tank 21 can be shared, and the cleaning liquid CW remaining after cleaning can be used as the diluent liquid DL, in which case there is no need to replenish the diluent liquid DL.

[0063] Once the formation of the sediment layer 3 is complete, the pump 11 is stopped, and the sediment layer formation operation is terminated. The sediment layer formation operation can be terminated automatically or manually. The sediment layer formation operation can be terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed using a timer, or when a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring internal pressure is provided in each of the primary and secondary flow paths of the filter module 1 and the differential pressure between the primary and secondary sides of the filter module 1 reaches a predetermined value or greater. Alternatively, a turbidimeter for measuring the turbidity in the raw material container 22 or the slurry storage tank 21 can be provided, and the relationship between the concentration of the raw material slurry RS and the turbidity of the residual liquid in the raw material container 22 or the slurry storage tank 21 at the completion of the formation of the sediment layer 3 can be determined in advance. The sediment layer formation operation can be automatically terminated when the turbidity measurement result falls below a predetermined value. At the end of the sediment layer formation operation, the residual liquid can be discharged by opening the discharge valve 21V of the slurry storage tank 21, or the residual liquid can be reused as cleaning liquid CW in a subsequent cleaning operation.

[0064] The regenerated filter module 1 (after the sediment layer formation operation) can be reused by removing it from the regeneration device 10 and attaching it to a filtration facility. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, to remove the regenerated filter module 1 from the regeneration device 10, the module supply quick coupler 12q is removed from the primary-side quick coupler 5q, and the module discharge quick coupler 13q is removed from the secondary-side quick coupler 6q. When replacing the raw material container 22, the circulation quick coupler 23q is removed from the inlet quick coupler 22iq, and the primary slurry supply quick coupler 24q is removed from the outlet quick coupler 22xq. When replacing the powder recovery unit 32, the cleaning discharge quick coupler 33q is removed from the primary-side quick coupler 5q, and the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler 34q is removed from the separated liquid discharge quick coupler 32q. The adsorbent powder CP recovered by the powder recovery unit 32 can be disposed of alone or together with the separation filters 32A and 32B.

[0065] (others) 1 and 2, in order to promote the release of the adsorbent powder CP from the filtration membrane 2 during the cleaning operation, it is preferable to provide an installation stand 41 on which the filter module 1 is placed and a vibration source (vibrator) 42 that applies vibrations to the filter module 1 placed on the installation stand 41, and during the cleaning operation, to install the filter module 1 on the installation stand 41 and to apply intermittent or continuous vibrations to the filter module 1 using the vibration source 42. Note that the vibration source 42 in the illustrated example is an air vibrator that generates vibrations using compressed air CA as its drive source, and compressed air CA is supplied to this vibration source 42 from an air compressor (not shown) via a flow control valve 42V.

[0066] In order to enhance the backwashing effect of the cleaning liquid CW, it is preferable to intermittently supply compressed air CA to the module supply flow path 12 (pulse blow), because the water hammer effect caused by the pulsation of the cleaning liquid CW pressure-fed to the secondary side of the filtration membrane 2 can promote the release of the adsorbent powder CP from the filtration membrane 2. The means for intermittently supplying compressed air CA is not particularly limited, but in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pulse air flow path 26 is provided that merges and supplies compressed air CA from an air compressor (not shown) into a shared flow path 25 (which may be the module supply flow path 12), and a pulse blow valve 26P and a flow control valve 26V are provided in this pulse air flow path 26.

[0067] To improve the quality of the sedimentary layer 3, such as the density and uniformity of the particle-packed structure, a line mixer 27 is preferably provided between the pump 11 and the primary-side quick coupler 5q in the first circulation path C1. During the sedimentary layer formation operation, the sedimentary layer formation slurry CS prepared in the slurry supply unit 20 is preferably supplied to the primary side of the filter module 1 after the cleaning operation without being retained through the line mixer 27. That is, by passing the sedimentary layer formation slurry CS through the line mixer 27, the sedimentary layer formation slurry CS is forcibly agitated in a spatially constrained state with shear action within the line mixer 27, effectively breaking down any agglomerates or lumps of the adsorbent powder CP into single particles (single particle formation effect). Then, when the sedimentary layer formation slurry CS, which now contains a larger number of dispersed single particles than the original slurry, is fully filtered through the filtration membrane 2 without being retained, the density and uniformity of the particle-packed structure of the sedimentary layer 3 can be improved.

[0068] The line mixer 27 is not particularly limited as long as it forcibly mixes the liquid passing through the flow path with a shearing action while spatially constraining the liquid and causing no stagnation. For example, a so-called static mixer (for example, one having a stationary baffle or stationary obstacle inside the piping that changes the flow direction), a jet mixer, an injector mixer, or a dynamic mixer having a rotary mixer such as a rotary mixing blade inside the piping can be used.

[0069] (Fluid to be treated) The filter module 1 to be regenerated by this regeneration device 10 may be a liquid such as water from rivers or lakes, seawater, groundwater, spring water, wastewater from factories (such as semiconductor manufacturing factories or photographic film manufacturing factories), or wastewater from ships or vessels, or may be a gas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...filter module, 2,3...filtration layer, 2...filtration membrane, 2s...spacer, 3...sediment layer, 4...container, 4A...main part, 4B...first lid part, 4C...second lid part, 4R...seal ring, 5...supply port, 5q...primary side quick coupler, 6...discharge port, 6q...secondary side quick coupler, 7...filter unit, 7A...inner pipe, 7B...outer pipe, 7C...pleated filter, 7D...first blocking plate, 7E...second blocking plate, 8...outlet hole, 9...air vent channel, 9V...air vent valve, 1 0...filter module regeneration device, 11...pump, 12...module supply flow path, 12q...module supply quick coupler, 13...module discharge flow path, 13q...module discharge quick coupler, 20...slurry supply section, 21...slurry storage tank, 21D...waste liquid path, 21V...discharge valve, 22...raw material container, 22iq...inlet quick coupler, 22xq...outlet quick coupler, 23...return flow path, 23q...circulation quick coupler, 24... Secondary slurry supply flow path, 24q...quick coupler for primary slurry supply, 26...pulse air flow path, 26P...pulse blow valve, 25...common flow path, 26V...flow control valve, 27...line mixer, 28...agitator, 30...cleaning liquid supply section, 31...cleaning liquid storage tank, 32...powder recovery section, 32A, 32B...separation filters, 32A...first filter, 32B...second filter, 32q...quick coupler for separated liquid discharge, 33...cleaning discharge flow path, 33q...cleaning discharge quick coupler for cleaning, 34...cleaning liquid supply flow path, 34q...cleaning liquid supply quick coupler, 41...installation stand, 42...vibration source, 42V...flow rate control valve, C1...first circulation path, C2...second circulation path, CP...adsorbent powder, CS...slurry for forming sediment layer, CW...cleaning liquid, DL...dilution liquid, CA...compressed air, DW...dispersion liquid, Fi...fluid to be treated, Fx...treated fluid, PS...primary slurry, RS...raw material slurry, S1...first gap, S2...second gap, S3...third gap.

Claims

1. A regeneration device for a filter module, comprising: a filtration membrane; a filtration layer having a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to a primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side quick coupler communicating with the primary side of the filtration layer; and a secondary side quick coupler communicating with the secondary side of the filtration layer, the regeneration device being configured to perform dead-end filtration by the filtration layer, a slurry supply unit that supplies a slurry for forming a deposition layer; and a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid; a pump that selectively pumps the deposition layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit; a module supply flow path having at one end a module supply quick coupler that is selectively attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler and the secondary side quick coupler, and the other end connected to a delivery port of the pump; a module discharge flow path having at one end a module discharge quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the secondary side quick coupler; a cleaning and discharge flow path having at one end a quick coupler for cleaning and discharge that is detachable from the primary side quick coupler; a cleaning operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of a used filter module and the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the used filter module, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, and discharging the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder detached from the filtration membrane together with the cleaning liquid into the cleaning discharge flow path; a sediment layer formation operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation and the module discharge quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation, thereby supplying the sediment layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation via the pump and the module supply flow path and performing dead-end filtration to deposit the adsorbent powder on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane to form a sediment layer, and discharging the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane via the module discharge flow path; A filter module regeneration device configured to perform the above.

2. The cleaning liquid supply unit a cleaning liquid reservoir; a powder recovery section having a separation filter that separates the mixture of the adsorbent powder and the cleaning liquid discharged into the cleaning discharge flow path into solid-liquid separation, and a separated liquid discharge quick coupler that discharges the cleaning liquid separated by the separation filter; a cleaning liquid supply flow path having at one end a cleaning liquid supply quick coupler that is detachable from the separated liquid discharge quick coupler and the other end connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank, the other end of the cleaning discharge flow path is connected to the primary side of the separation filter of the powder recovery unit, In the cleaning operation, a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank, the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler, and the cleaning liquid supply quick coupler is connected to the separated liquid discharge quick coupler. By operating the pump in this state, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank is supplied to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder thereby detached from the filtration membrane are supplied together with the cleaning liquid via the cleaning discharge flow path to the powder recovery section, and the cleaning liquid of the adsorbent powder and the cleaning liquid separated in the powder recovery section is returned to the cleaning liquid storage tank via the cleaning liquid supply flow path.

2. A regenerating device for a filter module according to claim 1.

3. a mounting base on which the filter module is mounted; a vibration source that applies vibration to the filter module placed on the placement table, The filter module is placed on the placement table, and the cleaning operation is performed while the vibration source applies vibration to the filter module.

3. The filter module regeneration device according to claim 2.

4. The slurry supply unit includes: a slurry storage tank; a raw material container in which a raw material slurry containing the adsorbent powder and a dispersion liquid is stored, the raw material container having an inlet quick coupler for allowing a liquid to flow into the container and an outlet quick coupler for allowing the liquid to flow out; a return flow path having a circulation quick coupler at one end that is detachable from the inlet quick coupler and the other end that is connected to the delivery port of the pump; a primary slurry supply flow path having at one end a primary slurry supply quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the outflow quick coupler and the other end connected to the slurry storage tank; the module discharge flow path communicates with the slurry storage tank; In the sediment layer formation operation, a predetermined amount of diluent liquid is stored in the slurry storage tank, the circulation quick coupler is connected to the inflow quick coupler, and the primary slurry supply quick coupler is connected to the outflow quick coupler. With the pump operated, the raw material slurry is circulated at a predetermined flow rate ratio through a first circulation path passing through the pump, the module supply flow path, the filter module after the cleaning operation, the module discharge flow path, and the slurry storage tank, and through a second circulation path passing through the pump, the return flow path, the raw material container, the primary slurry supply flow path, and the slurry storage tank. This causes a sediment layer formation slurry, obtained by diluting the raw material slurry with the diluent liquid, to be supplied to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation to form the sediment layer, and the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane is returned to the slurry storage tank via the module discharge flow path.

3. A regenerating device for a filter module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a line mixer provided between the pump and the primary side quick coupler in the first circulation path, In the sediment layer formation operation, the slurry for forming a sediment layer prepared in the slurry supply unit is passed through the line mixer and supplied to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation without being retained therein.

5. The filter module regeneration device according to claim 4.

6. A method for regenerating a filter module comprising: a filtration membrane; a filtration layer having a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to a primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side quick coupler communicating with the primary side of the filtration layer; and a secondary side quick coupler communicating with the secondary side of the filtration layer, the method being configured to perform dead-end filtration by the filtration layer, a slurry supply unit that supplies a slurry for forming a deposition layer; and a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid; a pump that selectively pumps the deposition layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit; a module supply flow path having at one end a module supply quick coupler that is selectively attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler and the secondary side quick coupler, and the other end connected to a delivery port of the pump; a module discharge flow path having at one end a module discharge quick coupler that is attached to and detached from the secondary side quick coupler; a cleaning and discharge flow path having a quick coupler for cleaning and discharge attached to and detached from the primary side quick coupler; a cleaning operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of a used filter module and the cleaning discharge quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the used filter module, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the secondary side of the used filter module via the pump and the module supply flow path to perform backwashing, and discharging the cleaning liquid flowing back to the primary side of the filtration membrane and the adsorbent powder thereby detached from the filtration membrane together with the cleaning liquid into the cleaning discharge flow path; a sediment layer formation operation in which the pump is operated while the module supply quick coupler is connected to the primary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation and the module discharge quick coupler is connected to the secondary side quick coupler of the filter module after the cleaning operation, thereby supplying the sediment layer forming slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit to the primary side of the filter module after the cleaning operation via the pump and the module supply flow path and performing dead-end filtration to deposit the adsorbent powder on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane to form a sediment layer, and discharging the filtrate that has permeated the filtration membrane via the module discharge flow path; A method for regenerating a filter module, comprising the steps of:

Images