Method and means for cleaning a filter module

Abstract

Provided are a method and means for cleaning a filter module having a group of units formed by stacking units each having a filtration membrane, which allows for easy cleaning of the filtration membrane and recovery of each unit. [Solution] The filter module 1 has a container and a group of units, each unit consisting of an adsorbent powder 17 and a frame having a filtration membrane 12, and the treated fluid A flows into the container through an inlet 34, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder 17 and then the filtration membrane 12, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which then flows out of the container through an outlet 35, and the problem is solved by a filter module cleaning method, etc., which is characterized by sequentially performing a first recovery step for recovering the first unit, a second recovery step for recovering the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step for recovering the nth unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] When filtration is performed using a filtration membrane, the substances to be captured contained in the treated fluid gradually adhere to and accumulate on the filtration membrane, causing the membrane to become contaminated and clogged, a phenomenon known as fouling. When fouling occurs, the filtration flux decreases, and the filtration capacity of the filtration membrane decreases. Therefore, when reusing a filtration membrane, the clogging of the filtration membrane must be eliminated to restore its filtration performance.

[0004] One method for restoring the filtering performance of a filtration membrane is backwashing, which involves flowing a backwashing fluid in the opposite direction to the direction of the fluid flow during filtration to remove fouling substances and restore the filtering performance of the membrane.

[0005] Backwashing can be performed while the filtration membrane is still installed in the filter module, which has the advantage of being a simple and time-saving cleaning process. However, repeated backwashing can cause the contaminants adhering to the filtration membrane to become increasingly difficult to remove, leading to increased clogging and making it difficult to restore filtration performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-117428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0008] The means for solving the above problems are as follows. (First aspect) A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising the steps of: The filter module includes a container having a container body with a bottom and an opening at the top end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the container body, The unit group is made up of n units connected from top to bottom, which are a substantially annular first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first recovery step of recovering the first unit, a second recovery step of recovering the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step of recovering the nth unit, Each of the first recovery step to the nth recovery step is a powder recovery step of separating and recovering the adsorbent powder from the filtration membrane; The method further includes a frame recovery step of cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A method for cleaning a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

[0009] When a fluid to be treated flows through the filter module of this embodiment, a portion of the impurities and other separation target substances contained in the fluid are first captured by a sediment layer (first filter material) made of adsorbent powder. Then, a portion of the remaining separation target substances that permeate the sediment layer is further captured by the filtration membrane (second filter material). Because the fluid to be treated passes through different filter materials in stages, the filter module has a superior ability to purify the fluid to be treated compared to filter modules made of a single type of filter material. On the other hand, in conventional filter modules consisting only of a filtration membrane, for example, both large and small separation target substances are captured by the filtration membrane. Therefore, clogging occurs relatively quickly on the primary surface of the filtration membrane, i.e., the surface that contacts the fluid to be treated, requiring frequent and time-consuming maintenance. In this embodiment, a two-stage filtration process is implemented, in which relatively large separation target substances are captured by the sediment layer and relatively small separation target substances are captured by the filtration membrane. This distributes the locations of clogging and reduces the frequency of maintenance.

[0010] Furthermore, since the surface of the primary side of each unit is a sediment layer made of adsorbent powder, the adsorbent powder can be directly separated from the filtration membrane by inserting a stripping means or the like from the outside to the inside of the vessel body. On the other hand, by recovering the adsorbent powder that forms the sediment layer in each unit and making the filtration membrane visible, the filtration membrane can be directly cleaned without backwashing.

[0011] Furthermore, since the units constituting the unit group are separable from one another, each unit can be collected while being washed.

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

[0013] The units constituting the unit group are separable from one another, and each unit has an integral structure with the sediment layer attached to the frame, so that each unit can be easily recovered.

[0014] (Third aspect) the powder recovery step comprises providing a tubular enclosure means connected to the opening of the container body so as to extend above the opening, and breaking up the deposited layer to recover the adsorbent powder; A method for cleaning a filter module according to the first embodiment.

[0015] When the deposited layer is broken down, the adsorbent powder may scatter outside the container body, but by providing the surrounding means, this scattering can be prevented or reduced.

[0016] (Fourth aspect) The powder recovery step involves spraying a cleaning liquid to break up the deposited layer while suctioning and recovering the adsorbent powder. A method for cleaning a filter module according to the first embodiment.

[0017] By spraying cleaning liquid to break up the accumulated layer, the powder particles are mixed with the cleaning liquid to form a slurry, which makes it easier to handle and reduces scattering of the powder particles.

[0018] (Fifth aspect) The filtration membrane has a pore size of 0.01 to 0.3 μm and a removal rate of 99.95% or more of substances to be separated having a size of 0.1 to 0.3 μm. A method for cleaning a filter module according to the first embodiment.

[0019] The filtration membrane of this embodiment can capture most of the substances to be separated that are contained in the fluid to be treated and that have permeated the sediment layer made of the adsorbent powder, resulting in a high quality treated fluid.

[0020] (Sixth aspect) The frame recovery step includes spraying a liquid containing an abrasive onto the filtration membrane to abrasively clean the filtration membrane, then recovering the abrasive by suction, and then recovering the frame. A method for cleaning a filter module according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Even after the powder recovery process, some of the adsorbent powder adhering to the filtration membrane in each unit remains attached to the filtration membrane, and if left as is, this can cause the filtration membrane to clog early. By spraying a liquid containing an abrasive onto the filtration membrane to abrasively clean it, the adsorbent powder remaining attached to the filtration membrane can be separated from the filtration membrane, contributing to eliminating clogging of the filtration membrane.

[0022] (Seventh aspect) A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising the steps of: The filter module includes a first container body having a bottom and an opening at its top end. A container having and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the first container body, The unit group is made up of n units connected from top to bottom, which are a substantially annular first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first transfer step of transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body having a bottom and an opening at the top end, a second transfer step of transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body, ..., an nth transfer step of transferring an nth unit from the first container body to the second container body, Each of the transshipment processes from the first transshipment process to the nth transshipment process is a powder recovery step of separating and recovering the adsorbent powder adhering to the filtration membrane of the unit in the first container body; a frame recovery step of cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body; a unit installation step of placing the recovered frame in a second container body and attaching the adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit; A method for cleaning a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

[0023] By transferring each unit, the units can be cleaned and reused, which is economical. Furthermore, when there are a large number of units, if all the units are collected from the first container body, re-stacked outside the first container body to form a unit group, and then placed in the second container, a separate space must be prepared to temporarily store the units when they are re-stacked. However, in this embodiment, there is no need to prepare such a space, as the collected units are placed directly in the second container, allowing the unit transfer work to be carried out in a space-saving manner.

[0024] (Eighth aspect) A cleaning means for a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising: The filter module includes a container having a container body with a bottom and an opening at the top end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the container body, The unit group is made up of n units connected from top to bottom, which are a substantially annular first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first collecting means for collecting the first unit, a second collecting means for collecting the second unit, ..., an nth collecting means for collecting the nth unit, Each of the first recovery means to the nth recovery means comprises: a powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder from the filtration membrane; and a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A cleaning means for a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

[0025] This aspect provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0026] (Ninth aspect) A cleaning means for a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising: The filter module includes a first container body having a bottom and an opening at its top end. A container having and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the first container body, The unit group is made up of n units connected from top to bottom, which are a substantially annular first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first transfer means for transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body having a bottom and an opening at the top end; a second transfer means for transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body; ...; an nth transfer means for transferring an nth unit from the first container body to the second container body; The first transshipment means From the nth transshipment means Each transshipment method up to a powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder adhering to the filtration membrane of the unit in the first container body; a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body; a unit installation means for placing the recovered frame in a second container body and attaching the adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit; A cleaning means for a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100. This aspect provides the same effects as the seventh aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, in a filter module having a group of units formed by stacking units each including a filtration membrane, the filtration membrane can be easily washed and each unit can be recovered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter module. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of a fluid to be treated flowing into a filter module. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of transferring the first container body to the second container body. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the state of overlap of each layer by cutting the unit in the stacking direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of a fluid to be treated in a filter module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that this embodiment is an example of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of this embodiment.

[0030] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention is, for example, as follows. A method for cleaning a filter module (1) that filters a fluid (A) to be treated, the filter module (1) comprising a container having a bottomed container body (2) with an opening (21) at its upper end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged within the container body (2), the group of units consisting of n units connected from top to bottom, namely a first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, each of which is separable from the other and comprises an adsorbent powder (17) and a frame having a filtration membrane (12) on whose primary side surface the adsorbent powder (17) is attached to form a deposition layer, and the fluid (A) to be treated is introduced into the inlet of the container. a first recovery step for recovering the first unit, a second recovery step for recovering the second unit, ..., an nth recovery step for recovering the nth unit, each of which includes a powder recovery step for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder 17 from the filtration membrane 12, and a frame recovery step for recovering the frame from the container body 2. Here, n is an integer between 2 and 100. Note that n may be 2 or 3, or may be between 2 and 100, or more preferably between 30 and 60.

[0031] The filter module 1 according to the first embodiment and the cleaning method therefor will now be described in detail. The unit group according to the present invention can take the following form, for example: The unit group is arranged in a container body 2 and is made up of n units connected from top to bottom, each of which is a substantially annular first unit 1L, a second unit 2L, ..., and an nth unit nL. Each of the first unit 1L, the second unit 2L, ..., and the nth unit nL is annular and has a central flow hole 19, and the stacked unit group has a substantially cylindrical shape with an outlet flow path 20 formed by connecting the flow holes of each unit at the axial center. The container has a bottomed container body 2 whose upper end is an opening 21, and a lid 33 that closes the opening 21.

[0032] In this embodiment, a group of units is installed inside the vessel body 2 of the filter module 1. The area surrounded by the inner surface of the vessel body 2 and the outer periphery of the group of units forms an inlet gap 18 through which the treated fluid A flows. The treated fluid A that flows into the vessel body 2 flows through the inlet gap 18 and is distributed to each unit. The treated fluid A flows through the treated fluid circulation layer 15 of each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder 17, which performs primary filtration of the treated fluid A, and the filtration membrane, which performs secondary filtration of the treated fluid A that has permeated the adsorbent powder 17. The total amount of the treated fluid A is filtered to become treated fluid B, which flows through the treated fluid circulation layer 13, reaches the outlet flow path 20 at the axial center of the group of units, and flows out from the outlet portion 35 of the filter module 1 to the outside. That is, the treated fluid A is distributed to each unit, filtered, and then joins at the outlet flow path 20 before flowing out from the filter module 1 through the outlet portion 35.

[0033] (powder) The adsorbent powder 17 according to the present embodiment 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 17 when removing PFOS and its salts, PFOA and its salts and PFOA-related substances, PFHxS and its salts and PFHxS-related substances, and PFHxA. Examples of adsorbent powders 17 other than activated carbon include organic porous materials such as ion exchange resins, inorganic porous materials such as zeolites, perlite, 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. If the adsorbent powder 17 is porous, many of the substances contained in the fluid A to be treated can be captured by the numerous pores formed in the adsorbent powder 17 before reaching the filtration membrane 12.

[0034] The particle size of the adsorbent powder 17 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, and an average particle size of 5 to 9 μm is even more preferred. If 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, if 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 17 refers to the average value of the projected circle equivalent diameter (the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​the particle) of each particle. 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 diameter at which the cumulative volume corresponds to 50%.

[0035] Relatively large substances to be separated contained in the fluid to be treated A are adsorbed into the sediment layer formed by the adsorbent powder 17. As the fluid to be treated A continues to flow through the filter module 1 according to this embodiment, the relatively large substances to be separated are adsorbed within the sediment layer, on the surface of the layer, and in the fluid to be treated flow layer 15 adjacent to the surface of the layer, forming a cake layer. The cake layer itself has the ability to capture the substances to be separated, but if it becomes thicker, it will cause blockage.

[0036] The unit comprises a frame having adsorbent powder 17 and a filtration membrane 12 on which a sediment layer is formed by adhering the adsorbent powder 17 to the primary-side surface. The frame is formed by laminating, in this order, the sediment layer, the filtration membrane 12, a treatment fluid circulation layer 13 which is disposed on the secondary-side surface of the filtration membrane 12 and serves as a flow path for the treatment fluid, and a blocking layer 14 which blocks the flow of fluid between units, each of which has an annular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at the center, and the treated fluid circulation layer 15 which is disposed on the secondary-side surface of the blocking layer 14 and serves as a flow path for the treated fluid, has an annular or circular shape with a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction at the center, and the filtration membrane 12, treatment fluid circulation layer 13, and blocking layer 14 are concentrically joined to each other to form a single unit. The frame may have an annular outer elastic gasket 11 provided along the outer peripheral edge of the primary-side surface of the filtration membrane 12 and an annular inner elastic gasket 10 provided along the inner peripheral edge of the primary-side surface of the filtration membrane 12, with the outer elastic gasket 11 and the inner elastic gasket 10 being joined to the primary-side surface of the filtration membrane 12. On the other hand, the sediment layer may be formed over the entire region between the outer elastic gasket 11 and the inner elastic gasket 10 on the primary-side surface of the filtration membrane 12. By forming the frame as an integral unit in this manner, the frame can be easily recovered from the container body 2.

[0037] The filtration membrane 12 is annular and has a through-hole 12h in the center. Similarly, the inner elastic gasket 10 is annular and has a through-hole 10h in the center, the treated fluid circulation layer 13 is annular and has a through-hole 13h in the center, the blocking layer 14 is annular and has a through-hole 14h in the center, and the treated fluid circulation layer 15 is annular and has a through-hole 15h in the center. These through-holes 10h, 12h, 13h, 14h, and 15h are concentrically stacked to form the circulation hole 19 of the frame.

[0038] The arrangement of the layers constituting the frame is, for example, such that the filtration membrane 12 and the treated fluid circulation layer 13 are in contact with each other at the secondary side of the filtration membrane 12 and the primary side of the treated fluid circulation layer 13, the treated fluid circulation layer 13 and the blocking layer 14 are in contact with each other at the secondary side of the treated fluid circulation layer 13 and the primary side of the blocking layer 14, and the blocking layer 14 and the treated fluid circulation layer 15 are in contact with each other at the secondary side of the blocking layer 14 and the primary side of the treated fluid circulation layer 15. The secondary side of the treated fluid circulation layer 15 faces the sediment layer.

[0039] The filtration membrane 12, the treated fluid flow layer 13, and the blocking layer 14 can be bonded together using various bonding materials such as synthetic rubber, vinyl acetate, polymer cement, acrylic rubber, and modified silicone.

[0040] Furthermore, the treated fluid flow layer 15 may be a separate unit including the filtration membrane 12, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, the outer elastic gasket 11, and the inner elastic gasket 10. Alternatively, the frame may be formed by bonding the filtration membrane 12, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, the treated fluid flow layer 15, the outer elastic gasket 11, and the inner elastic gasket 10 together. Because the treated fluid A contains the substance to be separated, the treated fluid flow layer 15, which comes into contact with the treated fluid A first, is the most susceptible to contamination among the components constituting the unit. If the filtration membrane 12, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, the treated fluid flow layer 15, the outer elastic gasket 11, and the inner elastic gasket 10 are bonded together, the frame can be recovered from the vessel body 2 with the treated fluid flow layer 15 bonded thereto, and the treated fluid flow layer 15 constituting the frame can be intensively cleaned after recovery, resulting in high cleaning efficiency.

[0041] The outer peripheral edge of the filtration membrane 12 is joined to the outer peripheral edge of the blocking layer 14 with the treatment fluid circulation layer 13 sandwiched therebetween to form an annular joint 16. Forming the annular joint 16 prevents the treatment fluid B that has permeated the filtration membrane 12 from flowing out into the inflow gap 18. The annular joint 16 can be formed via an adhesive or by welding the filtration membrane 12 and the blocking layer 14 together.

[0042] On the other hand, in a configuration in which a group of units is formed, the sediment layer is contained in the space sandwiched between the outer elastic gasket 11 of a certain unit, the primary side surface of the filtration membrane 12, the inner elastic gasket 10, and the treated fluid flow layer 15 of the unit adjacent to the upper side of the unit.

[0043] The treated fluid flow layer 15 and the treated fluid flow layer 13 that constitute the unit are not particularly limited as long as they ensure a flow path and allow fluid to flow with minimal resistance. However, they are preferably permeable to fluid at least in the thickness direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto, and more preferably permeable in all directions. As such treated fluid flow layer 15 and treated fluid flow layer 13, filter or strainer materials with pore sizes larger than those of the filtration membrane 12, such as nets, nonwoven fabrics, and open-cell foams, can be suitably used. Among these, a single-layer or multi-layer woven mesh is preferred. The wire diameter and mesh of the woven mesh can be selected appropriately. For example, a wire diameter of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a mesh count of approximately 15 to 80 are preferred. Such a woven mesh has flow paths that are resistant to collapse, and fluid easily flows through the unevenness and mesh on the front and back surfaces of the woven mesh. The wire material of the woven mesh may be metal or synthetic resin (polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). The woven mesh may be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc. The treated fluid flow layer 15 and the treated fluid flow layer 13 may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by stacking or arranging a plurality of different or identical members.

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

[0045] The filtration membrane 12 constituting the unit can be appropriately selected from filter materials (filter paper, filter cloth, etc.) with pores that do not allow the adsorbent powder 17 forming the sediment layer to pass through. When there is a substance to be separated that cannot be separated by the adsorbent powder 17 or its sediment layer, it is desirable to use a filtration membrane 12 that can separate that substance. The filtration membrane 12 can be either 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. While either type can be used, a fibrous membrane is preferred because it has a larger surface area and higher porosity, resulting in superior fluid permeability and superior adhesion of the sediment layer. 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.

[0046] The material of the filtration membrane 12 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.).

[0047] The filtration membrane 12 may be a single layer or a multilayer, a symmetrical or asymmetrical membrane, and a hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane.

[0048] The pore size of the filtration membrane 12 can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably about 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 12 refers to the maximum pore size calculated based on the bubble point measured by the bubble point test method specified in JIS K 3832-1990. When the filtration membrane 12 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.

[0049] The removal rate of the filtration membrane 12 is determined by the thickness, pore size, and pore size distribution of the filtration membrane 12, and 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.

[0050] The outer elastic gasket 11 and inner elastic gasket 10 that make up the unit retain the adsorbent powder 17 that forms a sediment layer on the filtration membrane 12 within the unit and prevent the adsorbent powder 17 from leaking out of the unit. In particular, the inner elastic gasket 10 is also a component that forms the flow holes 19 and prevents the treated fluid A and the treated fluid B from intersecting. In a group of units, the inner elastic gasket 10 of a given unit can be in direct contact with the barrier layer 14 of the unit immediately above it, and downward pressure applied from the lid 33 prevents fluid from passing between the inner elastic gasket 10 and the barrier layer 14. In addition, a barrier layer 32 is disposed above the uppermost unit, and the inner elastic gasket 10 of the uppermost unit can be in direct contact with the barrier layer 32 without fluid passing through. On the other hand, in a group of units, the outer elastic gasket 11 that is provided at a distance from the inner elastic gasket 10 of a certain unit is capable of having the upper part of the outer elastic gasket 11 come into direct contact with the treated fluid flow layer 15 of the unit immediately above that unit.

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

[0052] The thickness of the inner elastic gasket 10 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the deposition layer formed by the adsorbent powder 17, and may be, for example, 100 to 500 μm. On the other hand, it is preferable that the thickness of the outer elastic gasket 11 is shorter than the thickness of the inner elastic gasket 10 by the thickness of the treated fluid flow layer 15, because this makes it less likely that gaps will be formed between the units when they are grouped together.

[0053] The thickness of each of the filtration membrane 12, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, the treated fluid flow layer 15, the outer elastic gasket 11 and the inner elastic gasket 10 refers to the length in the stacking direction SD (vertical direction) when the units are stacked to form a unit group.

[0054] The barrier layer 14 constituting the units blocks fluid flow between adjacent units (i.e., prevents fluid flowing through one unit from crossing into another unit). The barrier layer 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is fluid-impermeable. Examples of suitable barrier layers include fluid-blocking sheets made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as non-porous metal plates such as stainless steel and aluminum. The material and thickness of the barrier layer 14 can be selected appropriately depending on the chemical resistance, strength, and durability of the liquid or gas to be blocked.

[0055] The sediment layer refers to a layer in which the adsorbent powder 17 is maintained in an aggregated state (layer shape) and adhered to the filtration membrane 12 by intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds), without the use of adhesives, binders, welding, etc., and which may crack, peel, collapse, etc., due to external forces. Such a sediment layer can be formed as a layer on the primary surface of the filtration membrane 12 by filtering a slurry of the adsorbent powder 17 through the filtration membrane 12. The sediment layer may be dry or wet with water, etc.

[0056] By filtering the fluid A to be treated through the sediment layer, the substances to be adsorbed in the fluid A to be treated can be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder 17. Therefore, the thickness of the sediment layer can be appropriately set depending on the adsorption properties of the adsorbent powder 17. As an example, the thickness of the sediment layer 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 sediment layer is too thin, the substances to be adsorbed will not be adsorbed by the adsorbent powder 17 and will easily pass through the gaps between the adsorbent powders 17 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 17, the thickness of the sediment layer can be 1.5 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or more.

[0057] On the other hand, the amount of the adsorbent powder 17 attached to the filtration membrane 12 of each unit is preferably 300 to 2000 g / m per unit area of ​​the filtration membrane 12. 2 , more preferably 1000 to 1500 g / m 2 With this amount of adhesion, the substances to be filtered contained in the fluid A to be treated are sufficiently captured, and even if the filter module 1 is used for the first time, clogging is unlikely to occur early, although this depends on the concentration of the substances to be separated contained in the fluid A to be treated.

[0058] On the other hand, if the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 12, the outer diameter of the blocking layer 14, and the outer diameter of the outer elastic gasket 11 are smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2, this is preferable because it allows the unit to be smoothly inserted and removed from the container body 2.

[0059] In addition, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the treated fluid circulation layer 15 of the unit is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the vessel body 2, that the outer diameter of the treated fluid circulation layer 15 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic gasket 11, the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 12, the outer diameter of the treated fluid circulation layer 13, and the outer diameter of the blocking layer 14, or that the entire outer peripheral edge of the treated fluid circulation layer 15 coincides with the outer peripheral edge of the outer elastic gasket 11 or extends radially outward from that, so that the treated fluid circulation layer 15 reaches the inflow gap 18. When the units are stacked in the vessel body 2, the inner surface of the vessel body 2 acts as a guide, making it difficult for each unit to shift in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., the up-down direction) of the vessel body 2 and facilitating stacking in the axial direction, and furthermore, when the treated fluid A is passed through and filtered, the treated fluid A and the treated fluid B flow smoothly.

[0060] A blocking layer 32 is provided on the uppermost unit of the unit group according to the first embodiment, covering the unit with the treated fluid flow layer 15 interposed therebetween. The blocking layer 32 is provided to prevent the treated fluid A from flowing into the outlet flow path 20 without passing through the filtration membrane 12 of the unit. The blocking layer 32 is preferably fluid-impermeable, and the material of the blocking layer 32 is not particularly limited, but it may be the same material as the blocking layer 14 constituting the unit, or a different material. Examples of materials that can be used for the blocking layer 32 include fluid blocking sheets made of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and synthetic resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as non-porous metal plates such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, and wood boards. Metals, particularly stainless steel and copper, are preferred from the viewpoint of corrosion prevention. The outer diameter of the blocking layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2. The treated fluid A flows into the container body 2 from the top, passes through the space outside the outer periphery of the blocking layer 32 within the container body 2, and flows into the treated fluid flow layer 15 of each unit.

[0061] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the treated fluid flow layer 15 is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic gasket 11. In other words, the entire outer peripheral edge of the treated fluid flow layer 15 coincides with the outer peripheral edge of the outer elastic gasket 11 or extends radially outward from it, so that the treated fluid flow layer 15 reaches the inflow gap 18. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the treated fluid flow layer 15 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic gasket 10. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the treated fluid flow layer 15 is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic gasket 10.

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

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

[0064] On the other hand, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the insulating layer 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner elastic gasket 10. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the insulating layer 14 is spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic gasket 10 toward the center. The inner diameter of the insulating layer 14 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic gasket 10, or may be the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic gasket 10. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the insulating layer 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2, so that the entire outer peripheral edge of the insulating layer 14 is spaced from the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2. The outer diameter of the insulating layer 14 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the outer elastic gasket 11. The outer peripheral edge of the insulating layer 14 may be located outside the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 16, or may be coincident with the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 16.

[0065] On the other hand, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the outer elastic gasket 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2. In other words, the outer diameter of the members other than the treated fluid circulation layer 15 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2, and an inflow gap 18 is formed by a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the member other than the treated fluid circulation layer 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2.

[0066] (lid) A lid 33 can be placed on the blocking layer 32. The lid 33 can be used to appropriately press the unit group in the stacking direction SD and then fixed in place while pressure is applied to the unit group. For example, a lid 33 with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the opening of the container body 2 can be prepared, and the stacked unit group can be pressed down from above with the lid 33, applying pressure, while the container body 2 and the lid 33 are fastened with a set screw 36. On the other hand, when the lid 33 is provided and the filter module 1 according to this embodiment is used with the lid 33 fixed to the top of the container body 2 and a fluid A to be treated flowing through it, the fluid A will pass through the areas where the adsorbent powder 17 is provided in each unit of the unit group. However, the pressure applied to the unit group by the lid 33 reduces the gaps between the units, preventing the fluid that has flowed into the container body 2 from flowing in an unexpected direction or the adsorbent powder 17 from exceeding the outer elastic packing or the inner elastic packing and unexpectedly leaking out.

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

[0068] The position of inlet portion 34 on lid 33 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide it at a position close to the outer periphery of lid 33. The fluid A to be treated that flows in from inlet portion 34 of lid 33 tends to flow from the outside of the outer periphery of blocking layer 32 downward toward container body 2 and is less likely to flow toward the center of blocking layer 32, so that contaminant components contained in the fluid A to be treated are less likely to accumulate on blocking layer 32 and lid 33.

[0069] An annular coarse filter 31 and an annular connecting elastic packing 30 can be provided between the lid 33 and the blocking layer 32. When the coarse filter 31 is provided, it is preferably provided on top of the blocking layer 32, along the outer peripheral edge of the blocking layer 32. The coarse filter 31 is not particularly limited, but may be of about 50 mesh, and is preferably capable of capturing relatively large substances to be separated contained in the fluid A to be treated and allowing the remainder to pass through.

[0070] The coarse filter 31 is preferably disposed so as to be sandwiched between the lid 33 and the blocking layer 32, and is disposed so that the entire amount of the fluid A to be treated that flows into the filter module 1 from the inlet 34 of the lid 33 passes through the coarse filter 31 and flows into the inlet gap 18. For example, if the coarse filter 31 is disposed so that the inlet 34 is located directly above the coarse filter 31 or closer to the center than the outer periphery of the coarse filter 31, the coarse filter 31 will capture relatively large substances to be separated that are contained in the fluid A to be treated. The inner diameter of the coarse filter 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting elastic gasket 30, and the coarse filter 31 and the connecting elastic gasket 30 are preferably disposed concentrically on the blocking layer 32. The outer diameter of the coarse filter 31 is set to be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2.

[0071] The coarse filter 31 can be suitably made of a filter or strainer material with a pore size smaller than that of the treated fluid flow layer 15, such as a net, nonwoven fabric, or open-cell foam. Among these, a single-layer or multi-layer woven mesh is preferred. The wire diameter and mesh of the woven mesh can be selected as appropriate, but a wire diameter of approximately 0.05 to 0.25 mm and a mesh count of approximately 20 to 90 are preferred. Such a woven mesh has flow paths that are less likely to collapse, and fluid flows easily through the irregularities and meshes on the front and back surfaces of the woven mesh. The wire material of the woven mesh can be metal or synthetic resin (polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). The woven mesh can be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc. The coarse filter 31 can be formed from a single member, or can be formed by stacking or arranging multiple different or identical members.

[0072] When the connecting elastic gasket 30 is provided, it can be provided on top of the blocking layer 32 along the inner peripheral edge of the blocking layer 32. The connecting elastic gasket 30 prevents the treated fluid A that flows into the container body 2 from the top of the container body 2 from flowing into the outlet flow path 20 without passing through the unit, or prevents the treated fluid B flowing through the outlet flow path 20 from mixing with the treated fluid A. The connecting elastic gasket 30 is preferably made of a fluid-impermeable and elastic material, such as a thermosetting elastomer such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber (diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber), or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based elastomer. When the filter module 1 is used with a fluid circulating therethrough, the connecting elastic gasket 30 is subjected to pressure from the lid 33 and is sandwiched between the lid 33 and the blocking layer 32 in a tight contact state.

[0073] When the filter module 1 is used with a fluid circulating therethrough, the thickness of the coarse filter 31 and the thickness of the connecting elastic packing 30 may be approximately the same. This is preferable because the pressure from the lid 33 is applied evenly to the group of units.

[0074] The blocking layer 32 is annular, and guides the fluid A to be treated that has flowed in from the inlet portion 34 to the inlet gap 18, while blocking the fluid A to be treated from crossing with the fluid B to be treated that flows through the outlet flow path 20. The inner diameter of the blocking layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic gasket 10 and smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting elastic gasket 30. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the blocking layer 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 2.

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

[0076] When stacking the units on the container body 2 and then stacking the lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic gasket 30, blocking layer 32, and blocking layer 32 on top of them, if they are integrated as described above, it is less likely that the stacking order of the above components will be incorrect or that the desired positional relationship will be deviated from, and the stacking can be completed in a short time. Note that the fluid A to be treated flows between the lid 33 and the blocking layer 32, making it easy for the substances to be separated to adhere. Therefore, the lid 33 alone may be a separate component, or they may be detachably integrated. Separating the lid 33 from the coarse filter 31, connecting elastic gasket 30, blocking layer 32, and blocking layer 32 makes it easier to wash off the substances to be separated that have accumulated on the coarse filter 31 and connecting elastic gasket 30.

[0077] (Blocking packing) The bottom of the vessel body 2 is provided with an annular spacer 40 and an annular blocking elastic packing 41 that support the unit group. The spacer 40 and the blocking elastic packing 41 are concentrically arranged with a gap between them, centered on the axis of the unit group. The inner diameter of the spacer 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the blocking elastic packing 41. The spacer 40 and the blocking elastic packing 41 prevent the treated fluid A from flowing into the outlet flow path 20 without passing through the filtration membrane 12, and conversely, prevent the treated fluid B flowing through the outlet flow path 20 from flowing into the inlet gap 18. The outer diameter of the blocking elastic packing 41 is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the treated fluid flow layer 15 of the lowest unit. The blocking elastic packing 41 is preferably placed directly on the blocking elastic packing 41 with no gap between them, which reduces fluid flow between the blocking elastic packing 41 and the blocking layer 14. The treated fluid flow layer 15 of the unit is placed on the spacer 40.

[0078] The treated fluid flow layer 15, which is a constituent component of the lowest unit in the unit group, may not be necessary, but since the unit may be placed in a position other than the lowest in the new container body 2 due to unit transfer work, it is preferable that each unit constituting the unit group has the same shape, as this makes it easier to replace.

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

[0080] The filter module 1 according to this embodiment can be made large or small depending on the installation environment. For example, when used in a home or small-scale business facility, the outer diameter of the container body 2 should be 200 to 300 mm and the height should be 250 to 500 mm. It is easy to carry and can be installed even in a relatively small installation space. The filter module 1 can be, for example, cylindrical, elongated cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, or the like.

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

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

[0083] The total filtration area of ​​the sediment layers (the sum of the filtration areas of all the sediment layers) can be determined appropriately, but for example, it is 0.03 to 7 m 2 , preferably 1 to 5 m 2 It can be said that:

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

[0085] (Pressure release process) Prior to the recovery step, a pressure release step may be performed in which the lid 33 provided above the unit group of the filter module 1 is removed to release the pressure on the unit group. When filtering the treated fluid A using the filter module 1, the lid 33 holds the unit group in place while applying downward pressure. This pressure compresses the inner elastic gasket 10 of each unit, causing it to tightly contact the treated fluid flow layer 15, and the outer elastic gasket 11 to tightly contact the blocking layer 14, thereby restricting the outflow of the adsorbent powder 17 and preventing the fluid A to be treated from mixing with the fluid B to be treated. When the pressure release step is performed on the filter module 1 in this state, the inner elastic gasket 10 and outer elastic gasket 11 of each unit extend to their natural lengths. Note that it is preferable to make the thickness of the deposition layer formed by the adsorbent powder 17 thinner than the thickness of the inner elastic gasket 10 and the outer elastic gasket 11 when the unit group is under pressure in the stacking direction, as this reduces the likelihood of the adsorbent powder 17 leaking out.

[0086] (Powder recovery process) The powder recovery step in the first recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of disintegrating and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the first unit 1L. Specifically, if components (e.g., lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, blocking layer 32, etc.) are provided above the unit group, these components should be removed and the first unit 1L should be visible from above. When using the unit group by flowing the fluid A to be treated, the adsorbent powder 17 will agglomerate to each other due to consolidation phenomena and van der Waals forces. Therefore, in this powder recovery step, the adsorbent powder 17 is first washed while being disintegrated. Disintegration of the adsorbent powder 17 can be carried out, for example, by spraying liquid from a liquid-spraying nozzle toward the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17. The spray pressure is not particularly limited, but a pressure of 50 to 150 kPa, for example, is preferred as it easily disintegrates the adsorbent powder 17. The liquid to be sprayed is not particularly limited, but water such as tap water or industrial water, or, when the fluid to be treated A is a liquid in the cleaning method of the present invention, the treated fluid B obtained by filtration, can be used. When the filter module 1 used in the cleaning method of the present invention is used in an area with a limited water supply and the fluid to be treated A is a liquid, using the treated fluid B is preferable because it conserves liquid. Alternatively, a liquid containing granular material may be sprayed onto the adsorbent powder 17 using a so-called blasting method, in which granular material is mixed with the liquid to be sprayed. Examples of the granular material have a diameter of 300 to 600 μm, and include, for example, spherical sponges such as spherical PVC sponges, spherical plastic beads (especially synthetic resins used in ion exchange resins), beads such as spherical perlite beads, and sand such as silica sand. Among these, spherical plastic beads, spherical perlite beads, and other beads are particularly preferred because they can be easily separated from the adsorbent powder 17 after cleaning and reused.

[0087] The softness of the granular material can be appropriately expressed using a known hardness index, for example, Mohs hardness. The Mohs hardness of the granular material is 0.6 to 2, preferably 1 to 1.5. The Mohs hardness can be said to be an index that indicates the resistance to scratches when scratched with an object. If a hard granular material hits the unit hard, it may easily damage the filtration membrane 12, so a granular material with a Mohs hardness higher than a certain hardness is not suitable. The Mohs hardness is a value measured in accordance with JIS K 5600:1999.

[0088] Furthermore, in the powder recovery step, the adsorbent powder 17 may be sprayed with a liquid and the adsorbent powder 17 adhering to the filtration membrane 12 may also be peeled off. When the adsorbent powder 17 is strongly adhered to the filtration membrane 12, for example, it may not be possible to completely break it down by spraying with a liquid, and therefore peeling off the adsorbent powder 17 is recommended. The adsorbent powder 17 can be peeled off using a peeling tool, such as a scraper, puddler, or rake. For example, the peeling part of the peeling tool, i.e., the cutting edge, is brought into contact with the adsorbent powder 17 adhering to the filtration membrane 12 and the peeling part is moved along the surface of the filtration membrane 12, thereby separating the adsorbent powder 17 from the filtration membrane 12. Furthermore, it is preferable to sweep the separated adsorbent powder 17 with the peeling part, collect it in one place, and then perform suction as described below, since this allows most of the adsorbent powder 17 to be recovered and almost no adsorbent powder 17 remains on the filtration membrane 12. The adsorbent powder 17 crushed in the powder recovery step can be recovered by suction.

[0089] The powder recovery step can be carried out, for example, by the powder recovery means described below. The powder recovery means has a crushing means that injects a liquid onto the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to and aggregated on the filtration membrane 12 to break it up, a stripping means that strips off the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to the filtration membrane 12, and a suction means that sucks and recovers the crushed adsorbent powder 17. The powder recovery means can recover the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to the unit. Once recovery of the adsorbent powder 17 has been completed, the powder recovery means and, if enclosure means are provided on the container body 2, the enclosure means are removed, and the process moves to the frame recovery step.

[0090] In the powder recovery step, a tubular enclosure means extending above the opening 21 of the container body 2 may be provided in connection with the opening 21, so as to break up the deposited layer and recover the adsorbent powder. For example, if the opening 21 is circular, then by providing the enclosure means in connection along the entire opening 21, it is possible to prevent or reduce scattering of the adsorbent powder 17 outside the container body 2 when performing the first recovery step to the nth recovery step according to this embodiment. However, if scattering of the adsorbent powder 17 is not a concern, then the enclosure means need not be provided. Examples of the enclosure means include a cylindrical cover, a pipe, and the like.

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

[0092] The frame according to this embodiment is formed by joining together the filtration membrane 12, the outer elastic gasket 11, the inner elastic gasket 10, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, and the treated fluid flow layer 15. If these individual components forming the frame were not joined together and were separate, each component would have to be collected separately in the frame recovery process, which would require a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, because the individual components are integrated, recovery is easy, and the greater the number of units, the easier it is to recover the units.

[0093] The first recovery process ends when the frame recovery process is completed. At this time, the second unit 2L is the top layer of the unit group of the container body 2, and the process then moves to the second recovery process. Like the first recovery process, the second recovery process includes a powder recovery process and a frame recovery process.

[0094] The powder recovery step in the second recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the second unit 2L. Details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first recovery step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbent powder 17 is washed while being crushed. Crushing of the adsorbent powder 17 may be carried out, for example, by spraying liquid from a liquid spraying nozzle toward the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17. The injection pressure of the liquid spray carried out in the powder recovery step in the second recovery step is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the same as the injection pressure of the liquid spray carried out in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, etc. may also be the same as those carried out in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step.

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

[0096] The second recovery step is completed by completing the frame recovery step. At this time, the topmost layer of the unit group of the container body 2 is the third unit, and the process then proceeds to the third recovery step.

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

[0098] That is, the powder recovery step in the mth recovery step according to this embodiment is a step of disintegrating and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the mth unit mL. The details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first recovery step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbent powder 17 is washed while being disintegrated. The adsorbent powder 17 may be disintegrated, for example, by spraying a liquid from a liquid-spraying nozzle toward the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17. The injection pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the mth recovery step is not particularly limited, but may be the same as the injection pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step, for example. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, etc. may also be the same as those used in the powder recovery step in the first recovery step.

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

[0100] By carrying out the first to n-th recovery steps as described above, each unit of the filter module 1 is cleaned.

[0101] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This second embodiment is a filter module cleaning method using the filter module 1 described above, which includes a first transfer step of transferring the first unit from the first container body to the second container body, a second transfer step of transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body, and an nth transfer step of transferring the nth unit from the first container body to the second container body. Each transfer step from the first transfer step to the nth transfer step includes a powder recovery step of separating and recovering adsorbent powder adhering to the unit in the first container body from the filtration membrane, a frame recovery step of recovering the unit frame, and a unit installation step of placing the recovered frame in the second container body and adsorbing the adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit. Here, n is an integer, n = 2 to 100. Note that n may be 2 or 3, or n = 2 to 100, or more preferably n = 30 to 60.

[0102] In addition, the second container body 3 is provided with a spacer 40 and a blocking elastic gasket 41 at the bottom, and the first unit to be inserted (i.e., the unit located at the bottom in the second container body 3) is placed on the spacer 40 and the blocking elastic gasket 41.

[0103] Cleaning of the unit group according to the second embodiment can be carried out in the following order: a first transfer process for recovering the first unit 1L, a second transfer process for recovering the second unit 2L, ..., an nth transfer process for recovering the nth unit nL. Each of the transfer processes from the first transfer process to the nth transfer process includes a powder recovery process for breaking down and recovering the adsorbent powder 17 that has aggregated due to compaction in the unit, and a frame recovery process for cleaning the filtration membrane 12 in the frame and recovering the frame.

[0104] The powder recovery step in the first transfer step according to the second embodiment can be carried out in substantially the same manner as the powder recovery step in the recovery step according to the first embodiment. That is, it is a step of disintegrating and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the first unit 1L. Specifically, if components (e.g., lid 33, coarse filter 31, connecting elastic packing 30, blocking layer 32, etc.) are provided above the unit group, these components should be removed and the first unit 1L should be visible from above. When using the unit group by flowing the fluid A to be treated, the adsorbent powder 17 will agglomerate due to consolidation phenomena and van der Waals forces. Therefore, in the powder recovery step, the adsorbent powder 17 is first washed while being disintegrated. The adsorbent powder 17 can be disintegrated, for example, by spraying liquid from a liquid spray nozzle toward the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17. The spray pressure is not particularly limited, but a pressure of 50 to 150 kPa is preferred, as this facilitates disintegration of the adsorbent powder 17. The liquid to be sprayed is not particularly limited, but may be tap water, industrial water, or the treated fluid B obtained by filtration when the treated fluid A is a liquid in the cleaning method of the present invention. When the filter module 1 used in the cleaning method of the present invention is used in an area with a limited water supply and the treated fluid A is used as the liquid, using the treated fluid B is preferable because it conserves liquid. Alternatively, a liquid containing granular material may be sprayed onto the adsorbent powder 17 using a so-called blasting method, in which granular material is mixed with the liquid to be sprayed. Examples of the granular material have a diameter of 300 to 600 μm, and include, for example, spherical sponges such as spherical PVC sponges, spherical plastic beads (especially synthetic resins used in ion exchange resins), beads such as spherical perlite beads, and sand such as silica sand. Among these, spherical plastic beads, spherical perlite beads, and other beads are particularly preferred because they can be easily separated from the adsorbent powder 17 after cleaning and reused.

[0105] Furthermore, in the powder recovery step, the adsorbent powder 17 may be sprayed with a liquid and the adsorbent powder 17 adhering to the filtration membrane 12 may also be peeled off. When the adsorbent powder 17 is strongly adhered to the filtration membrane 12, for example, it may not be possible to completely break it down by spraying with a liquid, and therefore peeling off the adsorbent powder 17 is recommended. The adsorbent powder 17 can be peeled off using a peeling tool, such as a scraper, puddler, or rake. For example, the peeling part of the peeling tool, i.e., the cutting edge, is brought into contact with the adsorbent powder 17 adhering to the filtration membrane 12 and the peeling part is moved along the surface of the filtration membrane 12, thereby separating the adsorbent powder 17 from the filtration membrane 12. Furthermore, it is preferable to sweep the separated adsorbent powder 17 with the peeling part, collect it in one place, and then perform suction as described below, since this allows most of the adsorbent powder 17 to be recovered and almost no adsorbent powder 17 remains on the filtration membrane 12. The adsorbent powder 17 crushed in the powder recovery step can be recovered by suction.

[0106] The powder recovery step can be carried out, for example, by the powder recovery means described below. The powder recovery means has a crushing means that injects a liquid onto the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to and aggregated on the filtration membrane 12 to break it up, a stripping means that strips off the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to the filtration membrane 12, and a suction means that sucks and recovers the crushed adsorbent powder 17. The powder recovery means can recover the adsorbent powder 17 that has adhered to the unit. Once recovery of the adsorbent powder 17 has been completed, the powder recovery means and, if enclosure means are provided on the container body 2, the enclosure means are removed, and the process moves to the frame recovery step.

[0107] After the adsorbent powder 17 has been sucked and collected, a frame collection step is performed. The frame collection step in the first transfer step according to this embodiment is a step of collecting the frame that constitutes the first unit 1L. In this frame collection step, the filtration membrane 12 of the frame is adsorbed using an adsorption / holding means and collected from inside the container body 2. For example, the adsorption / holding means can be applied to two, three, or four points equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial outward direction to adsorb the membrane, and then the membrane can be lifted and collected. Examples of the adsorption / holding means include an adsorption pad and a vacuum adsorption pad.

[0108] The frame according to the second embodiment is a frame in which the filtration membrane 12, the outer elastic gasket 11, the inner elastic gasket 10, the treated fluid flow layer 13, the blocking layer 14, and the treated fluid flow layer 15 are integrated. If these individual components forming the frame were not joined together and were separate, the individual components would have to be collected in a frame recovery process, which would require a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, since the individual components are integrated into the frame, recovery of the frame is easy, and the greater the number of units, the easier it is to recover the frame.

[0109] After the frame is removed from the first container body 2 in the frame removal process, the unit installation process is performed. The specific process is described below. After the frame of the first unit 1L in the first container body 2 is adsorbed by the adsorption / holding means, the frame is placed in the second container body 3, and the adsorption is released and the frame is installed at the bottom of the second container body 3. It is preferable that the diameter of the outer periphery of the treated fluid flow layer 15 constituting the frame is the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the second container body 3. If the diameter of the outer periphery of the frame is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the second container body 3, when units having the frame are stacked in a vertical direction, the central spaces of the annular units may be misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, potentially resulting in unexpected fluid leakage. By forming the diameter of the outer periphery of the treated fluid flow layer 15 constituting the frame to be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the second container body 3, such fluid leakage can be prevented. Furthermore, a guide need not be provided at the axis of the unit group. However, guides may be provided along the axes so that the units overlap each other in the vertical direction without being significantly misaligned in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the opening 21 of the first container body 2 and the opening 21 of the second container body 3 can be provided with an enclosure means for preventing the adsorbent powder 17 from scattering, but this does not have to be provided if there is no concern about the adsorbent powder 17 scattering. Examples of the enclosure means include a cylindrical cover and a pipe. There are no particular restrictions on the type of enclosure means, but it is preferable to install the enclosure means before starting the powder recovery step in the transshipment step.

[0111] After the frame is placed in the second container body 3, the adsorbent powder 17 is adhered to the filtration membrane 12 of the frame. The adsorbent powder 17 can be adhered, for example, by powder adhesion means. The powder adhesion means can be a device that enters the second container body 3 from above the opening 21 and adheres the adsorbent powder 17 to the filtration membrane 12. The powder adhesion means may, for example, include a powder supply means for supplying the adsorbent powder 17 and an air supply means for supplying air. Since the adsorbent powder 17 may scatter during the operation of supplying the adsorbent powder 17 to the filtration membrane 12, it is preferable to mix the adsorbent powder 17 with a liquid and supply it as an adsorbent powder slurry. The adsorbent powder 17 is preferably supplied to the filtration membrane 12 so as to have a substantially uniform thickness. This thickness is, for example, 1 to 5 mm. Thereafter, air is blown onto the adsorbent powder 17 by the air supply means from above the adsorbent powder (or adsorbent powder slurry) supplied to the filtration membrane 12 by the powder supply means, causing the adsorbent powder 17 to adhere to the filtration membrane 12 and agglomerating the adsorbent powder 17 together by van der Waals forces, thereby forming a sediment layer on the filtration membrane 12. When this operation is completed, the first unit 1L is formed in the second container body 3, and the unit installation process is completed.

[0112] The adsorbent powder 17 used to form the first unit 1L of the second container body 3 may be reused adsorbent powder recovered from the first unit 1L of the first container body 2, or new adsorbent powder may be used. When reusing the adsorbent powder recovered from the first unit 1L of the first container body 2, the recovered adsorbent powder may be regenerated by subjecting the recovered adsorbent powder to the following process. That is, the used recovered adsorbent powder may be made into a slurry, and then washed by thoroughly filtering the slurry through a ceramic filter with mesh openings that do not allow the adsorbent powder to pass through. The slurry may then be exposed to steam at or above 350°C, whereby the target substances to be captured (e.g., organic substances such as PFAS and other target substances to be captured) adhering to the adsorbent powder are removed, allowing the adsorbent powder to be regenerated. The regenerated adsorbent powder can be reused.

[0113] The adsorbent powder of each unit can be reused in the same manner as above, for example by regenerating the mth unit mL of adsorbent powder in the first container body 2 and using the regenerated adsorbent powder as the adsorbent powder constituting the mth unit mL of the second container body 3, where m is an integer from 2 to n.

[0114] The above series of steps completes the first transfer step, and the process then moves to the second transfer step. At this point, the top layer of the unit group of the first container body 2 is the second unit 2L, and the unit group of the second container body 3 is made up of the first unit 1L.

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

[0116] The powder recovery step in the second transfer step according to the second embodiment is a step of crushing and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the second unit 2L. The details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first transfer step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbent powder 17 is washed while being crushed. The adsorbent powder 17 can be crushed, for example, by spraying liquid from a liquid spraying nozzle toward the adsorbent powder 17. The injection pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the second transfer step is not particularly limited, but it can be, for example, the same as the injection pressure of the liquid sprayed in the powder recovery step in the first transfer step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, and the like can also be the same as those used in the powder recovery step in the first transfer step.

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

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

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

[0120] At the stage where the second transfer process is completed, the top layer of the group of units of the second container body 3 is the third unit 3L, and the group of units of the second container body 3 consists of the first unit 1L and the second unit 2L from the bottom. Next, we move on to the third transfer process.

[0121] Each of the third to n-th transshipment processes can be carried out in the same manner as the first transshipment process.

[0122] In other words, the powder recovery step in the mth transfer step according to this embodiment is a step of disintegrating and recovering the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17 in the mth unit mL. Details of this powder recovery step are the same as those of the powder recovery step in the first transfer step described above. Specifically, in this powder recovery step, first, the adsorbent powder 17 is washed while being disintegrated. The adsorbent powder 17 can be disintegrated, for example, by spraying liquid from a liquid spraying nozzle toward the agglomerated adsorbent powder 17. The injection pressure of the liquid spray performed in the powder recovery step in the mth transfer step is not particularly limited, but it can be, for example, the same as the injection pressure of the liquid spray performed in the powder recovery step in the first transfer step. The liquid to be sprayed, the so-called blasting method, and the like can also be the same as those performed in the powder recovery step in the first transfer step.

[0123] A frame recovery step is performed after the powder recovery step in the mth transfer step according to this embodiment. The frame recovery step in the mth transfer step may be the same as the frame recovery step in the first transfer step. The frame recovery step in the mth transfer step is a step of recovering the frame that constitutes the mth unit mL. The frame recovery step involves using an adsorption / holding means to adsorb the filtration membrane 12 of the frame and recovering the frame from inside the first container body 2. For example, the adsorption / holding means can be applied to two, three, or four locations equidistant from the center of the surface of the filtration membrane 12 in any radial outward direction to adsorb the filtration membrane 12, and then the filtration membrane 12 can be lifted and recovered.

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

[0125] After the frame is installed in the second container body 3, the adsorbent powder 17 is attached to the filtration membrane 12 of the frame. The method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 to the filtration membrane 12 of the frame can be the same as the method for attaching the adsorbent powder 17 when installing the first unit 1L described above. The adsorbent powder 17 is attached to the filtration membrane 12 of the frame and agglomerated to form a sediment layer, thereby forming the m-th unit mL in the second container body 3. When this operation is completed, the unit installation process is completed. The m-th transfer process is completed by performing the above series of processes. Here, m is an integer between 2 and n.

[0126] If the frame recovered from the first container body 2 has any defects such as damage, the frame can be replaced with another frame, and the other frame can be stacked on the group of units in the second container body 3.

[0127] As described above, a group of units is formed in the second container body 3 by performing the first transfer process to the n-th transfer process.

[0128] After forming the unit group in the second container body 3, the treated fluid distribution layer 15, the blocking layer 32, the coarse filter 31, the connecting elastic gasket 30, and the lid 33 are placed on top of the uppermost unit of the unit group, and the unit group is appropriately pressed downward in the stacking direction SD with the lid 33, and the lid 33 is fixed to the second container body 3 while pressure is applied to the unit group.

[0129] Figure 4 shows a certain stage of the transfer process. Figure 4(a) is an explanatory diagram of the stage when the frame body recovery process during the first transfer process has ended, and the first unit 1L has been recovered from the group of units in the first container body 2. Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram of the stage when the unit installation process during the first transfer process has ended, and the first unit 1L has been installed in the second container body 3.

[0130] Third Embodiment The cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be performed in the same manner as the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the second embodiment, except for the following difference. In the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the second embodiment, the units are removed from the first container body 2 starting from the top and then installed in the second container body 3 one after another. With this method, the vertical arrangement of the units in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is reversed from the vertical arrangement of the units in the unit group installed in the first container body 2. On the other hand, the cleaning method for the filter module 1 according to the third embodiment does not remove each unit in the unit group from the first container body 2 in order from top to bottom and then install that unit in the second container body 3 each time it is removed. Instead, all of the units in the unit group from the first container body 2 are removed from the top to bottom, and then the units are installed in the second container body 3 in any order and stacked to form a unit group. In other words, there is no rule that the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is reversed to the vertical arrangement of each unit in the unit group installed in the first container body 2, and the arrangement of the units in the stacking direction SD of the units in the unit group formed in the second container body 3 is not limited to the arrangement of the units in the stacking direction SD of the units in the unit group installed in the first container body 2.

[0131] In the present invention, the fluid A to be treated to be filtered may be in a liquid phase or a gas phase. If it is in a liquid phase, for example, drainage water from a tunnel premises, a ready-mixed concrete plant for spraying, a die slime recovery drainage water, a batcher plant drainage water, a river construction dry pit drainage water, a deep foundation construction drainage water, a grouting construction drainage water, a shield construction drainage water, a shield excess muddy water, a dredging and reclamation drainage water, a caisson construction drainage water, a cast-in-place pile drainage water, a floor cleaning drainage water, a well point construction drainage water, a foundation construction yard drainage water, a tire cleaning drainage water, a core boring drainage water, a diamond cutter drainage water, a soil contamination excavation yard drainage water, a VOC decomposition cleaning drainage water, an incinerator dismantling cleaning drainage water, a radioactive decontamination construction drainage water, a wire saw cutting work drainage water, a water jet cutting work drainage water, a paper mill process drainage water, a pulp mill process drainage water, a food factory cleaning drainage water, a ready-mixed concrete plant cleaning drainage water, a concrete secondary product factory drainage water, a crushed stone plant yard drainage water, a gas cleaning scrubber drainage water, a garbage incinerator emergency drainage water, Examples of effluents that can be used include cooling tower wastewater, converter gas cleaning wastewater, arc furnace gas cleaning wastewater, silver recovery process wastewater, sand washing equipment wastewater, water washing neutralization wastewater, barrel polishing wastewater, electrolytic polishing wastewater, glass polishing wastewater, wet blasting wastewater, spray painting booth wastewater, cationic coating wastewater, stainless steel pickling wastewater, raw material yard wastewater, raw material conveyor cleaning wastewater, sediment dust wet recovery wastewater, factory yard wastewater, continuous casting wastewater, rolling cooling wastewater, dehumidification drainage, immersion cutting yard wastewater, slag yard wastewater, ship bottom bilge wastewater, shipbuilding dock wastewater, shell removal wastewater, cooling tower blowdown wastewater, dyeing factory wastewater, milk plant cleaning wastewater, tunnel wall cleaning wastewater, building exterior wall cleaning wastewater, car wash wastewater, golf course wastewater, industrial disposal site leachate, sewage treatment water, organic solvent wastewater, alcohol wastewater, oil wastewater, and a mixture of two or more of these wastewaters. Furthermore, the fluid A to be treated may be one in which a persistent substance is mixed in the liquid phase.Examples of persistent substances include aldrin, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, chlordane, chlordecone, decabromodiphenyl ether, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexabromobiphenyl, hexabromocyclododecane, hexabromodiphenyl ether, heptabromodiphenyl ether, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, lindane, mirex, pentachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol, their salts and esters, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (including those with 2 to 8 chlorines), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), endosulfan, tetrabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, toxaphene, dicofol, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and PFOA-related substances, 1,1,1-trichloro-2, Examples of such substances include 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (including those with 2 to 8 chlorines), dioxane, and ammonium ions. Gas-phase substances include odorous gases, humid gases, and exhaust gases containing volatile organic compounds. Examples of volatile organic compounds include propane, butane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, acetone, butanone, tetrachloroethylene, chlorobenzene, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, monoethanolamine, and dimethyl sulfoxide. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...filter module, 2...container body (first container body), 3...second container body, 10...inner elastic packing, 11...outer elastic packing, 12...filtration membrane, 13...treated fluid flow layer, 14...blocking layer, 15...treated fluid flow layer, 16...annular joint, 17...adsorbent powder, 18...inlet gap, 20...outlet flow path, 21...opening, 30...connecting elastic packing, 31...coarse filter, 32...blocking layer, 33...lid, 34...inlet portion, 35...outlet portion, 36...set screw, 40...spacer, 41...blocking elastic packing, A...fluid to be treated, B...fluid to be treated

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising the steps of: The filter module includes a container having a container body with a bottom and an opening at the top end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the container body, The unit group is made up of n units, which are connected from top to bottom, and which are substantially annular, including a first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first recovery step of recovering the first unit, a second recovery step of recovering the second unit, ..., an n-th recovery step of recovering the n-th unit, Each of the first recovery step to the nth recovery step includes: a powder recovery step of separating and recovering the adsorbent powder from the filtration membrane; The method further includes a frame recovery step of cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A method for cleaning a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

2. The frame of each unit is a treatment fluid flow layer and a blocking layer are laminated in this order on a secondary side surface of the filtration membrane, each of which has an annular shape and a through-hole penetrating through its center in the thickness direction, and a treated fluid flow layer disposed on the secondary side surface of the blocking layer has an annular or circular shape and a through-hole penetrating through its center in the thickness direction, the filtration membrane, the treatment fluid distribution layer, and the blocking layer are concentrically joined to each other to form an integral unit, and an annular outer elastic packing is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, and an annular inner elastic packing is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, the deposition layer is formed on the entire area between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane. The method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

3. the powder recovery step comprises providing a tubular enclosure means connected to the opening of the container body so as to extend above the opening, and breaking up the deposited layer to recover the adsorbent powder; The method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

4. The powder recovery step involves spraying a cleaning liquid to break up the deposited layer while suctioning and recovering the adsorbent powder. The method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

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

6. The frame recovery step includes spraying a liquid containing an abrasive onto the filtration membrane to abrasively clean the filtration membrane, then recovering the abrasive by suction, and then recovering the frame. The method for cleaning a filter module according to claim 1.

7. A method for cleaning a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising the steps of: The filter module includes a container having a first container body with a bottom and an opening at its upper end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the first container body, The unit group is made up of n units, which are connected from top to bottom, and which are substantially annular, including a first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first transfer step of transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body having a bottom and an opening at the top end; a second transfer step of transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body; ..., an n-th transfer step of transferring an n-th unit from the first container body to the second container body; Each of the first to nth transshipment processes is a powder recovery step of separating and recovering the adsorbent powder adhering to the filtration membrane of the unit in the first container body; a frame recovery step of cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body; a unit installation step of placing the recovered frame in a second container body and attaching the adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit; A method for cleaning a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

8. A cleaning means for a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising: The filter module includes a container having a container body with a bottom and an opening at the top end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the container body, The unit group is made up of n units, which are connected from top to bottom, and which are substantially annular, including a first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first collecting means for collecting the first unit, a second collecting means for collecting the second unit, ..., an n-th collecting means for collecting the n-th unit, Each of the first recovery means to the nth recovery means comprises: a powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder from the filtration membrane; and a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane and recovering the frame from the container body. A cleaning means for a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

9. A cleaning means for a filter module that filters a fluid to be treated, comprising: The filter module includes a container having a first container body with a bottom and an opening at its upper end, and a group of substantially cylindrical units arranged in the first container body, The unit group is made up of n units, which are connected from top to bottom, and which are substantially annular, including a first unit, a second unit, ..., an nth unit, Each unit is separable from the others and comprises an adsorbent powder and a frame having a filtration membrane on which the adsorbent powder adheres to a primary side surface to form a deposition layer; The fluid to be treated flows into the inlet of the container, is distributed to each unit, passes through the adsorbent powder and then the filtration membrane, and is filtered in its entirety to become a treated fluid, which is then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the container, a first transfer means for transferring the first unit from the first container body to a second container body having a bottom and an opening at the top end; a second transfer means for transferring the second unit from the first container body to the second container body; ..., an nth transfer means for transferring an nth unit from the first container body to the second container body, Each of the first to nth transshipment means comprises: a powder recovery means for separating and recovering the adsorbent powder adhering to the filtration membrane of the unit in the first container body; a frame recovery means for cleaning the filtration membrane of the unit and recovering the frame from the first container body; a unit installation means for placing the recovered frame in a second container body and attaching the adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane of the frame placed in the second container body to form a unit; A cleaning means for a filter module. Here, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 100.

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