Hollow fiber membrane module, degassing device, air supply device and adjustment device

Abstract

It suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membrane. [Solution] The hollow fiber membrane module 100 comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 formed by bundling multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, a mesh member 111 extending in a cylindrical shape and covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, and a housing 104 that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The space within the housing 104 is divided by the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 as boundaries into an internal space S101 that includes the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, and an external space S102 that does not include the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. The mesh member 111 is in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hollow fiber membrane module having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a degassing device, an air supply device, and an adjustment device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled is wrapped by a net-like member. In this hollow fiber membrane module, by setting the pitch and the aperture ratio in the axial direction of the hollow fiber membrane of the net-like member to predetermined values, the momentum of the fluid is made uniform and reduced, the swaying of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is suppressed, and the deformation of the hollow fiber membrane is reduced, thereby suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane due to rubbing or pressing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module, the hollow fiber membrane is likely to be damaged by swaying due to the flow of the liquid. In particular, when both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are fixed to the housing by fixing parts, tensile stress on the hollow fiber membrane with respect to the fixing parts is generated, making the hollow fiber membrane more likely to be damaged. Further, when an aggressive ink having a pigment such as ceramic ink is supplied as the liquid, the swaying of the hollow fiber membrane due to the flow of the liquid becomes large, making the hollow fiber membrane more likely to be damaged.

[0005] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes wrapping a hollow fiber membrane bundle with a mesh-like member. However, in the drawings of Patent Document 1, the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the mesh-like member are spaced apart, and it is unclear whether the mesh-like member can sufficiently suppress the damage to the hollow fiber membrane as described above when the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the mesh-like member are spaced apart in this way.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can suppress damage to the hollow fiber membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] The hollow fiber membrane module according to the present disclosure comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, a mesh member extending in a cylindrical shape and covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and a housing for housing the hollow fiber membrane bundle, wherein the space within the housing is divided by the plurality of hollow fiber membranes into an internal space including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and an external space not including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and the mesh member is in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

[0008] In this hollow fiber membrane module, a tubular mesh member covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle while in contact with it. As a result, the multiple hollow fiber membranes constituting the bundle are held down from the outside by the mesh member, suppressing the oscillating motion caused by the flow of liquid when liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module. This helps to suppress damage to the hollow fiber membranes.

[0009] [2] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [1], the mesh of the mesh member may be formed in a rhombic shape having a first diagonal along the extending direction of the mesh member and a second diagonal along the circumferential direction of the mesh member. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the mesh of the mesh member is formed in a rhombic shape having a first diagonal along the extending direction of the mesh member and a second diagonal along the circumferential direction of the mesh member, the mesh member is easily stretched in the circumferential direction. As a result, when each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes swells, an increase in the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is permitted, and the elimination of gaps between the multiple hollow fiber membranes is suppressed. This suppresses the accumulation of liquid or liquid components between the multiple hollow fiber membranes, and thus suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membranes due to accumulation of liquid or liquid components.

[0010] [3] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [2], the first diagonal may be longer than the second diagonal. In this hollow fiber membrane module, the mesh of the mesh member is formed in a rhombic shape, where the first diagonal along the direction of extension of the mesh member is longer than the second diagonal along the circumferential direction of the mesh member, thus the mesh member is more easily stretched in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [4] [2] or [3], the length of the first diagonal may be 1.5 to 20 times the length of the second diagonal before the multiple hollow fiber membranes swell. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the length of the first diagonal is 1.5 to 20 times the length of the second diagonal before the multiple hollow fiber membranes swell, the mesh member can hold down the multiple hollow fiber membranes from the outside, while the mesh member can be easily stretched in the circumferential direction when the multiple hollow fiber membranes swell.

[0012] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [4], the elongation rate of the mesh member in the circumferential direction may be 5% or more and 100% or less. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the elongation rate of the mesh member in the circumferential direction is 5% or more and 100% or less, the mesh member can be held down from the outside by the mesh member while the mesh member can be easily stretched in the circumferential direction.

[0013] [6] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [5], the elongation rate of the mesh member in the extension direction of the mesh member may be 0.1% or more and less than 5%. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the elongation rate of the mesh member in the extension direction of the mesh member is 0.1% or more and less than 5%, the mesh member can be elongated in response to the complex shape changes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle due to the swelling of multiple hollow fiber membranes, while ensuring the strength of the mesh member in the extension direction.

[0014] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [6], the wire diameter of the mesh member may be 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the wire diameter of the mesh member is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, the mesh member can be easily stretched in the circumferential direction while maintaining the strength of the mesh member.

[0015] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [8] [1] to [7], the ratio of the wire diameter of the mesh member to the outer diameter of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes may be 20% or more and 200% or less. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the ratio of the wire diameter of the mesh member to the outer diameter of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes is 20% or more and 200% or less, it is possible to suppress damage to the hollow fiber membranes caused by them being pressed against the mesh member while suppressing an increase in the pressure loss of the liquid passing through the mesh member.

[0016] [9] A hollow fiber membrane module according to any of [1] to [8] further comprises a first fixing part for fixing a first membrane bundle end, which is one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to a housing, and a second fixing part for fixing a second membrane bundle end, which is the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to the housing, wherein the housing may have a first external space port opening to the external space between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, a second external space port communicating with the external space, an internal space port communicating with the internal space, and a baffle disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the first external space port.

[0017] In this hollow fiber membrane module, the first and second ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are fixed to the housing by a first and second fixing part, respectively. The housing has a first external space port opening to the external space between the first and second fixing parts, a second external space port communicating with the external space, an internal space port communicating with the internal space, and a baffle positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the first external space port. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space from the second external space port, the liquid passes between the multiple hollow fiber membranes, flows around the baffle positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the first external space port, and is discharged from the first external space port. At this time, the liquid supplied to the external space can be degassed by sucking the internal space from the internal space port, and gas can be added to the liquid supplied to the external space by supplying gas to the internal space from the internal space port.

[0018] In this configuration, the flow of liquid supplied to the external space causes multiple hollow fiber membranes to oscillate, generating tensile stress on the first and second fixed parts of the multiple hollow fiber membranes. However, because the mesh member covers the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in contact with them, the oscillating motion of the multiple hollow fiber membranes caused by the flow of liquid supplied to the external space is suppressed. Therefore, damage to the hollow fiber membranes due to tensile stress on the first and second fixed parts can be suppressed.

[0019] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in

[10] [9], the first fixing portion seals the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle other than the hollow portion in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle passing through the end of the first membrane bundle, the second fixing portion seals the region of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes other than the hollow portion in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle passing through the end of the second membrane bundle, the second external space port opens to the external space on the opposite side of the second fixing portion to the first fixing portion, and the internal space port may open to the internal space on the opposite side of the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion.

[0020] In this hollow fiber membrane module, in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle passing through the end of the first membrane bundle, the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle other than the hollow portion is sealed by the first fixing portion. Similarly, in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle passing through the end of the second membrane bundle, the region of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes other than the hollow portion is sealed by the second fixing portion. Therefore, within the housing, the space opposite the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion becomes the internal space, and the space opposite the second fixing portion to the first fixing portion becomes the external space. Furthermore, since the second external space port opens into the external space opposite the second fixing portion to the first fixing portion, the second external space port can be connected to the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Additionally, since the internal space port opens into the internal space opposite the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion, the internal space port can be connected to the hollow portion of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes.

[0021] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in

[11] [9], the housing may further have a second internal space port that communicates with the internal space. In this hollow fiber membrane module, there are two ports that communicate with the internal space: an internal space port and a second internal space port. For example, when the hollow fiber membrane module is used as an external perfusion type module to add gas to a liquid, the gas in the internal space can be replaced by supplying gas to either the internal space port or the second internal space port and discharging the gas from the other of the internal space port or the second internal space port, thereby suppressing changes in the gas concentration in the internal space.

[0022]

[12] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to

[11] , an inner support may be further provided, which is positioned in the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and supports the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the inner circumferential side. In this hollow fiber membrane module, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is supported from the inner circumferential side by the inner support. Therefore, when multiple hollow fiber membranes swell, it is possible to suppress the multiple hollow fiber membranes from entering the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and narrowing or blocking the hollow portion. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the pressure loss of the liquid flowing through the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

[0023]

[13] The degassing device according to the present disclosure includes the hollow fiber membrane module described in any one of [9] to

[12] , a liquid supply pipe communicating with the second external space port, a suction pipe communicating with the internal space port, and a suction device that sucks the internal space port through the suction pipe.

[0024] In this degassing device, by sucking the internal space port of the hollow fiber membrane module through the suction pipe by the suction device, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe to the second external space port of the hollow fiber membrane module can be degassed. Moreover, since the above-described hollow fiber membrane module is provided, the liquid can be degassed while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0025]

[14] The air supply device according to the present disclosure includes the hollow fiber membrane module described in any one of [9] to

[12] , a liquid supply pipe communicating with the second external space port, a gas supply pipe communicating with the internal space port, and a gas supply device that supplies gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe.

[0026] In this air supply device, by supplying gas to the internal space port of the hollow fiber membrane module through the gas supply pipe by the gas supply device, gas can be added to the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe to the second external space port of the hollow fiber membrane module. Moreover, since the above-described hollow fiber membrane module is provided, gas can be added to the liquid while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0027]

[15] The adjustment device according to the present disclosure includes the hollow fiber membrane module described in any one of [9] to

[12] , a liquid supply pipe communicating with the second external space port, a liquid discharge pipe communicating with the first external space port, a gas supply pipe communicating with the internal space port, a gas supply device that supplies gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe, and a bypass pipe communicating with the branch portion of the liquid supply pipe and the confluence portion of the liquid discharge pipe so as to bypass the hollow fiber membrane module.

[0028] In this adjustment device, the liquid supplied to the liquid supply pipe is divided at the branching point into liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module and liquid that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module. At the confluence point, the liquid to which gas has been added in the hollow fiber membrane module and the liquid that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module merge. Therefore, by adjusting the distribution ratio at the branching point, the amount of liquid supplied, the amount of gas supplied, etc., the dissolved gas concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid supply pipe can be adjusted. Moreover, because it is equipped with the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane module, the dissolved gas concentration in the liquid can be adjusted while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to this disclosure, damage to the hollow fiber membrane can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a mesh-like member. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a degassing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an air supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The hollow fiber membrane module, degassing device, air supply device, and adjustment device of the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0032] [Hollow fiber membrane module] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the hollow fiber membrane module 100 according to this embodiment comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 102 are bundled together in a cylindrical shape, a mesh member 111 covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, and a cylindrical housing 104 housing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0033] The space within the housing 104 is divided by the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 as boundaries into an internal space S101 that includes the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, and an external space S102 that does not include the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. The external space S102 includes the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, the space between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the housing 104. The hollow portion 103a is a hollow part located in the radial center of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0034] The hollow fiber membrane 102 is a hollow fiber membrane that allows gas to pass through but not liquid. The material, membrane shape, and membrane morphology of the hollow fiber membrane 102 are not particularly limited. Examples of materials for the hollow fiber membrane 102 include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polymethylpentene, silicone resins such as polydimethylsiloxane and its copolymers, and fluorine resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and vinylidene fluoride. Examples of membrane shapes (sidewall shapes) of the hollow fiber membrane 102 include porous membranes, microporous membranes, and homogeneous membranes (non-porous membranes) that do not have porosity. Examples of membrane morphologies of the hollow fiber membrane 102 include symmetrical membranes (homogeneous membranes) in which the chemical or physical structure of the entire membrane is homogeneous, and asymmetrical membranes (heterogeneous membranes) in which the chemical or physical structure of the membrane differs depending on the part of the membrane. An asymmetrical membrane (heterogeneous membrane) is a membrane that has a non-porous dense layer and a porous layer. In this case, the dense layer may be formed anywhere in the membrane, such as on the surface or inside the porous membrane. Heterogeneous membranes also include composite membranes with different chemical structures and multilayer membranes such as three-layer structures. Heterogeneous membranes using poly-4-methylpentene-1 resin are particularly suitable for degassing liquids other than water, such as ink, because they have a dense layer that blocks liquids. Furthermore, when used in an external perfusion type, it is preferable that the dense layer is formed on the outer surface of the hollow fiber.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 104 comprises a cylindrical portion 105, a first lid portion 106, and a second lid portion 107.

[0036] The cylindrical portion 105 is the part that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The cylindrical portion 105 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is housed in the cylindrical portion 105 such that the direction of extension of the cylindrical portion 105 and the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 are substantially the same. One end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, the first membrane bundle end 103b, is fixed to the other end of the cylindrical portion 105, the first open end 105a, by the first fixing portion 108. The other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, the second membrane bundle end 103c, is fixed to the other end of the cylindrical portion 105, the second open end 105b, by the second fixing portion 109.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first fixing portion 108 is made of resin. Examples of resins used for the first fixing portion 108 include epoxy resin, urethane resin, UV-curing resin, and polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The first fixing portion 108 seals the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 other than the hollow portion 103a in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, passing through the first membrane bundle end 103b. In other words, the first fixing portion 108 fills the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the cylindrical portion 105. The first fixing portion 108 has a communication opening 108a that opens the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 to the outside of the cylindrical portion 105. The first fixing portion 108 may be provided in a part of the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, provided that the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is open.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the second fixing portion 109 is made of the same resin as the first fixing portion 108. The second fixing portion 109 seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 105 other than the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, passing through the second membrane bundle end 103c. In other words, the second fixing portion 109 does not fill the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, but fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the cylindrical portion 105, and the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical portion 105 has a first external space port 105c and a baffle 105d formed therein.

[0040] The first external space port 105c is in communication with the external space S102. The first external space port 105c connects the external space S102 with the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The first external space port 105c is formed in the side wall of the cylindrical portion 105 between the first fixing portion 108 and the second fixing portion 109, and opens to the external space S102 between the first fixing portion 108 and the second fixing portion 109.

[0041] The baffle 105d is a roughly plate-shaped portion positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the first external space port 105c. The baffle 105d prevents liquid supplied to the external space S102 from flowing directly into the first external space port 105c when liquid is supplied to the external space S102. For this reason, the baffle 105d is also called a baffle plate. The baffle 105d is formed so as to cover the first external space port 105c, and is positioned to overlap the first external space port 105c when viewed from the direction along the central axis B of the first external space port 105c (the direction of extension of the first external space port 105c). Therefore, the baffle 105d divides the external space S102 between the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109 into an internal space S105 on the opposite side of the first external space port 105c relative to the baffle 105d, and an external space S106 on the side of the first external space port 105c relative to the baffle 105d. In addition, a communication space S107 is formed in the external space S102 that connects the internal space S105 and the external space S106, which are separated by the baffle 105d. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space S102, the liquid supplied to the external space S102 flows around the baffle 105d and into the first external space port 105c.

[0042] The first lid portion 106 is airtightly joined to the first open end 105a of the cylindrical portion 105. The joining of the first lid portion 106 to the cylindrical portion 105 can be done, for example, by screwing, fitting, welding, etc. The first lid portion 106 is formed in a shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 105. Inside the first lid portion 106, a first end space S103 is formed. The first end space S103 is part of the external space S102 and is in communication with the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. A port 106a for the second external space is formed at the tip of the first lid portion 106.

[0043] The second external space port 106a is in communication with the external space S102. The second external space port 106a connects the external space S102 with the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The second external space port 106a is formed in the first lid portion 106 and opens to the first end space S103. That is, the second external space port 106a opens to the external space S102 on the opposite side of the second fixing portion 109 from the first fixing portion 108. Therefore, the second external space port 106a is in communication with the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, making it possible to supply liquid to the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0044] The second lid portion 107 is airtightly joined to the second open end 105b of the cylindrical portion 105. The second lid portion 107 can be joined to the cylindrical portion 105 by, for example, screwing, fitting, welding, etc. The second lid portion 107 is formed in a shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 105. Inside the second lid portion 107, a second end space S104 is formed. The second end space S104 is part of the internal space S101 and is in communication with the respective hollow portions 102a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. An internal space port 107a is formed at the tip of the second lid portion 107.

[0045] The internal space port 107a communicates with the internal space S101. The internal space port 107a connects each of the hollow portions 102a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The internal space port 107a is formed in the second lid portion 107 and opens to the second end space S104. That is, the internal space port 107a opens to the internal space S101 on the side opposite to the first fixing portion 108 relative to the second fixing portion 109.

[0046] The mesh member 111 is a mesh member having multiple meshes 111a. The mesh member 111 extends in a cylindrical shape and covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 while in contact with it. Therefore, the direction of extension of the mesh member 111 is the same as the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the mesh member 111 is called the extension direction D1. Note that the extension direction D1 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the mesh member 111 is also the direction along the central axis A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 (the direction in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 extends in a cylindrical shape). The mesh member 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 by covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 while in contact with it. In this embodiment, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the mesh member 111 is also formed in a cylindrical shape. The circumferential direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the mesh member 111 is called the circumferential direction D2. The circumferential direction D2 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the mesh member 111 is the direction around the central axis A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0047] The mesh member 111 may be in close contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, or it may not be in close contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. If the mesh member 111 is in close contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, it may be in close contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in part, or it may be in close contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in whole. The mesh member 111 may be in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in such a way that it presses against the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, or it may be in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in such a way that it does not press against the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The mesh member 111 may cover the entire area of ​​the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in the extending direction D1, or it may cover only a part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in the extending direction D1. Both ends of the mesh member 111 may be fixed to the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109, or they may not be fixed to the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109.

[0048] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a mesh member. As shown in Figure 5, the mesh member 111 is composed of a plurality of first filamentous parts 112 extending in a direction inclined with respect to the extending direction D1, and a plurality of second filamentous parts 113 extending in a direction inclined opposite to the plurality of first filamentous parts 112 with respect to the extending direction D1 and intersecting with the plurality of first filamentous parts 112. That is, the mesh member 111 is formed in a mesh-like manner by the plurality of first filamentous parts 112 and the plurality of second filamentous parts 113. Each of the plurality of first filamentous parts 112 is a member formed in the shape of a thread (a long, thin line). Each of the plurality of second filamentous parts 113 is a member formed in the shape of a thread (a long, thin line). For example, various types of threads can be used as each of the plurality of first filamentous parts 112 and each of the plurality of second filamentous parts 113.

[0049] The multiple first filamentous parts 112 and the multiple second filamentous parts 113 are arranged to intersect each other, for example, by knitting, weaving, or overlapping. At the points where the multiple first filamentous parts 112 and the multiple second filamentous parts 113 intersect, the multiple first filamentous parts 112 and the multiple second filamentous parts 113 may or may not be joined.

[0050] Each of the multiple meshes 111a (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mesh 111a") is an opening formed in the mesh member 111. Each mesh 111a is formed by a plurality of first filamentous parts 112 and a plurality of second filamentous parts 113. That is, each mesh 111a is formed by a pair of adjacent first filamentous parts 112 from the plurality of first filamentous parts 112 and a pair of adjacent second filamentous parts 113 from the plurality of second filamentous parts 113.

[0051] When liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100, the liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 causes the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 to swell. In particular, when ink containing a solvent such as ceramic ink is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 as the liquid, the degree of swelling of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 increases. When the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swell, the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 increases, and its length in the circumferential direction D2 increases. At this time, if the mesh member 111 does not stretch in the circumferential direction D2, the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 may be tightly squeezed by the mesh member 111, potentially eliminating the gaps between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. When the gaps between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 are eliminated, liquid or components of the liquid may clog the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, and this clog may damage the hollow fiber membranes 102.

[0052] Therefore, in order to allow the mesh member 111 to stretch in the circumferential direction D2 in accordance with the swelling of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, the mesh 111a is formed in a rhombic shape with a first diagonal 111b along the extending direction D1 and a second diagonal 111c along the circumferential direction D2. Because the mesh 111a of the mesh member 111 is formed in such a rhombic shape, the mesh member 111 is able to expand and contract in the extending direction D1 and the circumferential direction D2. Note that the first diagonal 111b does not necessarily have to extend in a direction that coincides with the extending direction D1, and may extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the extending direction D1 as long as it is along the extending direction D1. The direction along the extending direction D1 refers to, for example, a direction within the range of extending direction D1 ± 10°. Furthermore, the second diagonal 111c does not necessarily have to extend in a direction that coincides with the circumferential direction D2; it may extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction D2, as long as it is along the circumferential direction D2. The direction along the circumferential direction D2 refers, for example, to a direction within the range of circumferential direction D2 ± 10°.

[0053] In the mesh 111a, the first diagonal 111b is longer than the second diagonal 111c. Therefore, the mesh member 111 is more easily stretched in the circumferential direction D2 than in the extending direction D1. Here, the length of the first diagonal 111b is denoted as length L1, and the length of the second diagonal 111c is denoted as length L2. In this case, before the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swell, the length L1 of the first diagonal 111b is, for example, 1.5 to 20 times, preferably 1.7 to 10 times, and more preferably 2.0 to 5.0 times, the length L2 of the second diagonal 111c.

[0054] The elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2 is, for example, 5% to 100%, preferably 7% to 70%, and more preferably 9% to 50%. The elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2 is measured as follows. First, a rectangular sample measuring 5 cm in the extending direction D1 and 5 cm in the circumferential direction D2 is cut from the mesh member 111. The length of the sample in the circumferential direction D2 is measured, and this measured length is defined as the first length L21. Then, holding one end of the sample in the circumferential direction D2, a weight of 1 N is attached to the other end of the sample in the circumferential direction D2, and the length of the sample in the circumferential direction D2 is measured, and this measured length is defined as the second length L22. Then, if the elongation length (L22-L21) is the value obtained by subtracting the first length L21 from the second length L22, the ratio of the elongation length (L22-L21) to the first length L21 ((L22-L21) / L21×100) is taken as the elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2.

[0055] The elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the extending direction D1 is 0.1% or more and less than 5%, preferably 0.3% or more and 3%, and more preferably 0.5% or more and 1%. The elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the extending direction D1 is measured as follows. First, a rectangular sample measuring 5 cm in the extending direction D1 and 5 cm in the circumferential direction D2 is cut from the mesh member 111. The length of the sample in the extending direction D1 is measured, and this measured length is defined as the first length L11. Then, holding one end of the sample in the extending direction D1, a weight of 1 N is attached to the other end of the sample in the extending direction D1, and the length of the sample in the extending direction D1 is measured, and this measured length is defined as the second length L12. Then, if the extension length (L12-L11) is the value obtained by subtracting the first length L11 from the second length L12, the ratio of the extension length (L12-L11) to the first length L11 ((L12-L11) / L11×100) is taken as the elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the extending direction D1.

[0056] The wire diameter C of the mesh member 111 is, for example, 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 150 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and more preferably 200 μm or more and 350 μm or less. The wire diameter C of the mesh member 111 is the wire diameter of each of the multiple first filamentous parts 112 and the wire diameter of each of the multiple second filamentous parts 113.

[0057] The ratio of the wire diameter C of the mesh member 111 to the outer diameter of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 (C / outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane × 100) is, for example, 20% or more and 200% or less, preferably 50% or more and 170% or less, and more preferably 80% or more and 150% or less.

[0058] The hollow fiber membrane module 100 configured in this way can be applied to degassing devices for removing gas from liquids, gas supply devices for adding gas to liquids, and adjustment devices for adjusting the dissolved gas concentration in liquids. Adding gas to a liquid means dissolving gas in the liquid.

[0059] The liquids to be degassed in a degasser are not particularly limited and include, for example, ultrapure water, pure water, seawater, wastewater, food, beverages, tap water, industrial water, ink, and constant temperature water. The gases to be degassed from the liquids in a degasser are not particularly limited and include, for example, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia gas, and nitrogen.

[0060] Examples of such degassing equipment include: degassing equipment for removing (separating) oxygen from ultrapure water or pure water for semiconductor cleaning water applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) carbon dioxide from ultrapure water or pure water for semiconductor cleaning water applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) carbon dioxide from seawater for seawater decarbonation applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) ammonia gas from wastewater for wastewater treatment applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen from food or beverages for oxidation prevention applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) oxygen from boiler makeup water for boiler makeup water applications; degassing equipment for removing (separating) oxygen from ink for inkjet printer applications; and degassing equipment for removing (separating) oxygen from constant temperature water for biochemical analysis applications.

[0061] The liquid to be supplied in the air supply system is not particularly limited and includes, for example, ultrapure water, pure water, and ammonia water. The gas to be added to the liquid in the air supply system is not particularly limited and includes, for example, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen.

[0062] Examples of such air supply devices include those that add carbon dioxide to ultrapure water or pure water for antistatic purposes, those that add oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen to ultrapure water for semiconductor cleaning water purposes, those that add hydrogen or nitrogen to ammonia water for semiconductor cleaning water purposes, and those that add oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen to food or beverages for food or beverage applications.

[0063] The liquid to which the gas to be adjusted is added in the adjustment device is not particularly limited, and examples include ultrapure water. The gas to be adjusted in the adjustment device is not particularly limited, and examples include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0064] Examples of such adjustment devices include those used to adjust the dissolved concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen in ultrapure water for semiconductor cleaning applications. These adjustment devices can also be used, for example, to adjust the resistivity of ultrapure water.

[0065] As described above, in the hollow fiber membrane module 100 according to this embodiment, the tubular mesh member 111 covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 while in contact with it. Therefore, the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 are held down from the outside by the mesh member 111, thereby suppressing the oscillating motion caused by the flow of liquid when liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the hollow fiber membranes 102.

[0066] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the mesh 111a of the mesh member 111 is formed in a rhombic shape with a first diagonal 111b along the extending direction D1 of the mesh member 111 and a second diagonal 111c along the circumferential direction D2 of the mesh member 111. As a result, the mesh member 111 is easily stretched in the circumferential direction D2. Therefore, when each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swells, an increase in the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is permitted, and the elimination of gaps between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 is suppressed. This suppresses the clogging of liquid or liquid components between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, and thus prevents damage to the hollow fiber membranes 102 due to clogging of liquid or liquid components.

[0067] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the mesh 111a of the mesh member 111 is formed in a rhombic shape where the first diagonal 111b along the extension direction D1 is longer than the second diagonal 111c along the circumferential direction D2, making it easier for the mesh member 111 to stretch in the circumferential direction D2.

[0068] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, in the state before the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swell, the length L1 of the first diagonal 111b is 1.5 times or more and 20 times or less, preferably 1.7 times or more and 10 times or less, and more preferably 2.0 times or more and 5.0 times or less, the length L2 of the second diagonal 111c. This allows the mesh member 111 to hold down the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 from the outside, while also facilitating the circumferential stretching of the mesh member 111 when the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swell.

[0069] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2 is 5% to 100%, preferably 7% to 70%, and more preferably 9% to 50%, which allows the mesh member 111 to press down on the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 from the outside while also facilitating the elongation of the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2.

[0070] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the elongation rate of the mesh member 111 in the extending direction D1 is 0.1% or more and less than 5%, preferably 0.3% or more and 3%, and more preferably 0.5% or more and 1%. Therefore, while ensuring the strength of the mesh member 111 in the extending direction D1, the mesh member 111 can be elongated to accommodate the complex shape changes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 due to the swelling of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102.

[0071] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the wire diameter C of the mesh member 111 is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 150 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and more preferably 200 μm or more and 350 μm or less, which makes it possible to easily stretch the mesh member 111 in the circumferential direction D2 while maintaining the strength of the mesh member 111.

[0072] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the ratio of the wire diameter C of the mesh member 111 to the outer diameter of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 is 20% to 200%, preferably 50% to 170%, and more preferably 80% to 150%. This suppresses an increase in pressure loss of the liquid passing through the mesh member 111 while also suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membranes 102 caused by them being pressed against the mesh member 111.

[0073] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the first membrane bundle end 103b and the second membrane bundle end 103c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 are fixed to the housing 104 by the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109. The housing 104 has a first external space port 105c that opens into the external space S102 between the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109, a second external space port 106a that communicates with the external space S102, an internal space port 107a that communicates with the internal space S101, and a baffle 105d positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the first external space port 105c. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 106a, the liquid passes between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, goes around the baffle 105d located between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the first external space port 105c, and is discharged from the first external space port 105c. At this time, the liquid supplied to the external space S102 can be degassed by sucking the internal space S101 from the internal space port 107a, and gas can be added to the liquid supplied to the external space S102 by supplying gas to the internal space S101 from the internal space port 107a.

[0074] Here, when the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 oscillate due to the flow of liquid supplied to the external space S102, tensile stress is generated in the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 against the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109. However, because the mesh member 111 covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 while in contact with it, the oscillating of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 due to the flow of liquid supplied to the external space S102 is suppressed. Therefore, damage to the hollow fiber membranes 102 due to tensile stress on the first fixing part 108 and the second fixing part 109 can be suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction D1 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 passing through the first membrane bundle end 103b, the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 other than the hollow portion 103a is sealed by the first fixing portion 108, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction D1 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 passing through the second membrane bundle end 103c, the region of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 other than the hollow portion 102a is sealed by the second fixing portion 109. Therefore, the space in the housing 104 opposite to the first fixing portion 108 relative to the second fixing portion 109 becomes the internal space S101 (second end space S104), and the space opposite to the second fixing portion 109 relative to the first fixing portion 108 becomes the external space S102 (first end space S103). Furthermore, since the second external space port 106a opens into the external space S102 (first end space S103) on the opposite side of the second fixing part 109 to the first fixing part 108, the second external space port 106a can be connected to the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. Also, since the internal space port 107a opens into the internal space S101 (second end space S104) on the opposite side of the first fixing part 108 to the second fixing part 109, the internal space port 107a can be connected to the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102.

[0076] [Degassing device] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a degassing device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the degassing device 200 according to this embodiment comprises the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, a liquid supply pipe 201, a liquid discharge pipe 202, a suction pipe 203, and a suction device 204. The degassing device 200 is a device that degasses liquid L using the hollow fiber membrane module 100 as an external perfusion type hollow fiber membrane module.

[0077] The liquid supply pipe 201 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 201 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 201 may be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid supply pipe 201 to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 side. The liquid supply pipe 201 may also be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown) to supply liquid L to the liquid supply pipe 201.

[0078] The liquid discharge pipe 202 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 202 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 202 may also be fitted with a liquid transfer device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid discharge pipe 202 to the opposite side from the hollow fiber membrane module 100.

[0079] The suction tube 203 is a tube for drawing gas G from the internal space S101 through the internal space port 107a. The suction tube 203 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the internal space port 107a.

[0080] The suction device 204 is a device for aspirating gas G from the internal space S101 through the suction tube 203. The suction device 204 is connected to the suction tube 203 and sucks the internal space port 107a through the suction tube 203. As the suction device 204, for example, a vacuum pump, air pump, or suction device can be used.

[0081] Next, the operation of the degassing device 200 will be explained.

[0082] In the degassing device 200, the suction device 204 is activated to draw in the internal space S101 from the internal space port 107a. Liquid L is also supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 106a via the liquid supply pipe 201. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 then flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, coming into contact with them. At this time, the internal space S101 is drawn in, causing the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 to be under reduced pressure. Therefore, as the liquid L passes around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, dissolved gases, bubbles, and other gases G in the liquid L permeate through each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 and move into the internal space S101. This results in the degassing of the liquid L. The degassed liquid L passes through multiple meshes 111a of the mesh member 111, wraps around the baffle 105d, and passes through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106 before being discharged from the first external space port 105c to the liquid discharge pipe 202. The gas G that has moved to the internal space S101 by permeating through each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 is discharged from the internal space port 107a to the suction pipe 203.

[0083] Thus, in the degassing device 200 according to this embodiment, the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply pipe 201 to the second external space port 106a can be degassed by sucking the internal space port 107a through the suction pipe 203 using the suction device 204. Moreover, because it is equipped with the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, the liquid L can be degassed while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane 102.

[0084] [Air supply system] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the air supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the air supply device 300 according to this embodiment comprises the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, a liquid supply pipe 301, a liquid discharge pipe 302, a gas supply pipe 303, and a gas supply device 304. The air supply device 300 is a device that adds gas G to liquid L using the hollow fiber membrane module 100 as an external perfusion type hollow fiber membrane module.

[0085] The liquid supply pipe 301 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 301 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 301 may be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid supply pipe 301 to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 side. The liquid supply pipe 301 may also be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown) to supply liquid L to the liquid supply pipe 301.

[0086] The liquid discharge pipe 302 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 302 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 302 may also be fitted with a liquid transfer device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid discharge pipe 302 to the opposite side from the hollow fiber membrane module 100.

[0087] The gas supply pipe 303 is a pipe for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the internal space port 107a. The gas supply pipe 303 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the internal space port 107a. The gas supply pipe 303 may be fitted with, for example, a diaphragm valve, a regulator, or other pressure regulating device (not shown) or flow rate regulating device (not shown) for regulating the pressure or flow rate of gas G flowing through the gas supply pipe 303.

[0088] The gas supply device 304 is a device for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the gas supply pipe 303. The gas supply device 304 is connected to the gas supply pipe 303 and supplies gas G to the internal space port 107a through the gas supply pipe 303. The gas supply device 304 can be configured, for example, with a gas cylinder filled with gas G and a gas delivery device that delivers gas G from the gas cylinder. As the gas delivery device, for example, a pump that delivers gas G by mechanical force, or a pressure delivery device that delivers gas G by air pressure can be used. If gas G is a gas that is a mixture of multiple gases, such as a mixed gas, multiple gas supply devices 304 may be provided, and the multiple gases delivered from the multiple gas supply devices 304 may be mixed, and this mixed gas may be supplied as gas G to the internal space S101 through the gas supply pipe 303.

[0089] Next, the operation of the air supply device 300 will be explained.

[0090] In the air supply device 300, the gas supply device 304 is activated to supply gas G to the internal space S101 from the internal space port 107a. In addition, liquid L is supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 106a through the liquid supply pipe 301. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 then flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 and comes into contact with them. At this time, because gas G is supplied to the internal space S101, the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 are pressurized by the gas G supplied to the internal space S101. Therefore, the gas G supplied to the internal space S101 moves to the external space S102 by passing through each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. As a result, gas G is added to the liquid L passing around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. The liquid L to which gas G has been added passes through multiple meshes 111a of the mesh member 111, wraps around the baffle 105d, passes through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106, and is discharged from the first external space port 105c to the liquid discharge pipe 302.

[0091] Thus, in the air supply device 300 according to this embodiment, gas G can be added to the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply pipe 301 to the second external space port 106a by supplying gas G to the internal space port 107a through the gas supply pipe 303 using the gas supply device 304. Moreover, because it is equipped with the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, gas G can be added to the liquid L while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane 102.

[0092] [Adjustment device] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the adjustment device 400 according to this embodiment comprises the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, a liquid supply pipe 401, a liquid discharge pipe 402, a gas supply pipe 403, a gas supply device 404, and a bypass pipe 405. The adjustment device 400 is a device that adjusts the dissolved concentration of gas G in liquid L by using the hollow fiber membrane module 100 as an externally perfusable hollow fiber membrane module.

[0093] The liquid supply pipe 401 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 401 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the second external space port 106a. The liquid supply pipe 401 may be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid supply pipe 401 to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 side. The liquid supply pipe 401 may also be fitted with a liquid supply device (not shown) to supply liquid L to the liquid supply pipe 401.

[0094] The liquid discharge pipe 402 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 402 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the first external space port 105c. The liquid discharge pipe 402 may also be fitted with a liquid transfer device (not shown), such as a pump, to send the liquid L in the liquid discharge pipe 402 to the side opposite the hollow fiber membrane module 100.

[0095] The gas supply pipe 403 is a pipe for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the internal space port 107a. The gas supply pipe 403 is connected to the housing 104 and communicates with the internal space port 107a. The gas supply pipe 403 is fitted with a gas supply rate adjustment device 406, such as a diaphragm valve or regulator, for adjusting the pressure or flow rate of gas G flowing through the gas supply pipe 403.

[0096] The gas supply device 404 is a device for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the gas supply pipe 403. The gas supply device 404 is connected to the gas supply pipe 403 and supplies gas G to the internal space port 107a through the gas supply pipe 403. The gas supply device 404 can be configured, for example, with a gas cylinder filled with gas G and a gas delivery device that delivers gas G from the gas cylinder. As the gas delivery device, for example, a pump that delivers gas G by mechanical force, or a pressure delivery device that delivers gas G by air pressure can be used. If gas G is a gas that is a mixture of multiple gases, such as a mixed gas, multiple gas supply devices 404 may be provided, and the multiple gases delivered from the multiple gas supply devices 404 may be mixed, and this mixed gas may be supplied as gas G to the internal space S101 through the gas supply pipe 403.

[0097] The bypass pipe 405 is a pipe that allows the liquid to bypass the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The bypass pipe 405 is connected to the branch 407 of the liquid supply pipe 401 and the junction 408 of the liquid discharge pipe 402 so as to bypass the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The branch 407 is located at any position in the liquid supply pipe 401. The junction 408 is located at any position in the liquid discharge pipe 402.

[0098] The branching section 407 branches (distributes) the liquid L supplied to the liquid supply pipe 401 into two routes: one that flows to the liquid discharge pipe 402 via the hollow fiber membrane module 100, and another that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module 100 and flows to the liquid discharge pipe 402.

[0099] The confluence section 408 combines the liquid L that has flowed through the hollow fiber membrane module 100 with the liquid L that has flowed bypassing the hollow fiber membrane module 100. In other words, the confluence section 408 combines the liquid L that has bypassed the hollow fiber membrane module 100 with the liquid L that has been discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 100 to the liquid discharge pipe 402.

[0100] The bypass pipe 405 may be directly connected to the liquid supply pipe 401 at the branching section 407, or it may be indirectly connected to the liquid supply pipe 401 via other components such as a branching device. Furthermore, the bypass pipe 405 may be directly connected to the liquid discharge pipe 402 at the merging section 408, or it may be indirectly connected to the liquid discharge pipe 402 via other components such as a merging device.

[0101] The distribution ratio of liquid L at the branching section 407 can be adjusted by various known methods. For example, the distribution ratio of liquid L at the branching section 407 may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure loss of liquid L from the branching section 407 through the hollow fiber membrane module 100 to the confluence section 408, and the pressure loss of liquid L from the branching section 407 through the bypass pipe 405 to the confluence section 408. Alternatively, the distribution ratio of liquid L at the branching section 407 may be adjusted by installing a flow control valve 409 in at least one of the liquid supply pipe 401, liquid discharge pipe 402, and bypass pipe 405, and adjusting the opening degree of this flow control valve 409. In this embodiment, the flow control valve 409 is installed between the hollow fiber membrane module 100 of the liquid discharge pipe 402 and the confluence section 408.

[0102] Next, the operation of the adjustment device 400 will be explained.

[0103] The adjustment device 400 activates the gas supply device 404 to supply gas G to the internal space S101 from the internal space port 107a. Then, it supplies liquid L to the liquid supply pipe 401. At the branching section 407, the liquid L supplied to the liquid supply pipe 401 is divided into liquid L supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 and liquid L that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module 100.

[0104] The liquid L supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is supplied to the external space S102 through the second external space port 106a. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 and comes into contact with them. At this time, gas G is supplied to the internal space S101, so that the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 are pressurized by the gas G supplied to the internal space S101. Therefore, the gas G supplied to the internal space S101 moves to the external space S102 by passing through each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. As a result, gas G is added to the liquid L passing around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102.

[0105] From the viewpoint of precisely adjusting the dissolved concentration of gas G in liquid L, it is preferable to adjust the supply amounts of liquid L and gas G in the hollow fiber membrane module 100 so that gas G is added (dissolved) in liquid L in a saturated state. The supply amount of liquid L can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the flow control valve 409. The supply amount of gas G can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the gas supply amount adjustment device 406.

[0106] The liquid L to which gas G has been added passes through multiple meshes 111a of the mesh member 111, wraps around the baffle 105d, passes through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106, and is discharged from the first external space port 105c to the liquid discharge pipe 402. Then, at the confluence section 408, the liquid L that has bypassed the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is joined to the liquid L discharged from the first external space port 105c to the liquid discharge pipe 402. This results in a liquid L with an adjusted gas G dissolution concentration. The gas G dissolution concentration can be adjusted by adjusting the distribution ratio at the branching section 407, the supply amount of liquid L, and the supply amount of gas G.

[0107] As described above, in the adjustment device 400 according to this embodiment, the liquid L supplied to the liquid supply pipe 401 is distributed at the branching section 407 into liquid L supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 and liquid L that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module 100, and at the confluence section 408, the liquid L to which gas G has been added in the hollow fiber membrane module 100 and the liquid L that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module 100 are combined. Therefore, by adjusting the distribution ratio at the branching section 407, the amount of liquid L supplied, the amount of gas G supplied, etc., the dissolved concentration of gas G in the liquid L supplied to the liquid supply pipe 401 can be adjusted. Moreover, because it is equipped with the hollow fiber membrane module 100 described above, the dissolved concentration of gas G in the liquid L can be adjusted while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane 102.

[0108] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0109] For example, although the configuration of the hollow fiber membrane module was specifically described in the above embodiment, the configuration of the hollow fiber membrane module can be changed as appropriate. For example, although the hollow fiber membrane bundle was described in the above embodiment as a bundle of multiple hollow fiber membranes in a cylindrical shape, the hollow fiber membrane bundle may simply be a bundle of multiple hollow fiber membranes.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A in Figure 9, the hollow fiber membrane module may include an inner support that is positioned in the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and supports the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the inner circumferential side.

[0111] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. The modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 9 is basically the same as the hollow fiber membrane module 100 of the above embodiment, and differs from the hollow fiber membrane module 100 of the above embodiment in that it further comprises an inner support 121.

[0112] The inner support 121 is positioned in the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and is a member that supports the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 from the inner circumference. The inner support 121 is formed in a cylindrical (pipe-like) shape. One end of the inner support 121 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 105 by a first fixing part 108, and the other end of the inner support 121 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 105 by a second fixing part 109. The outer diameter of the inner support 121 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The thickness of the inner support 121 can be appropriately set within a range that can support, for example, a plurality of swollen hollow fiber membranes 102. The inner support 121 also has a plurality of openings. The inner support 121 is formed in a mesh-like shape, for example. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 106a, the liquid comes into contact with the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 through the hollow portion 121a and the opening of the inner support 121. The liquid, which has been degassed or gas added through contact with the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102, passes through the multiple meshes 111a of the mesh member 111 and is supplied to the region between the mesh member 111 and the cylindrical portion 105. This liquid then passes through the region between the mesh member 111 and the cylindrical portion 105, around the baffle 105d, through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106, and is discharged to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100A from the first external space port 105c.

[0113] Thus, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is supported from the inner circumference by the inner support 121. Therefore, when the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 swell, it is possible to suppress the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 from entering the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and narrowing or blocking the hollow portion 103a. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the pressure loss of the liquid flowing through the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B in Figure 10, the hollow fiber membrane module may have two ports that communicate with the internal space.

[0115] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. The modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 10 is basically the same as the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 9, but differs from the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 9 in that it has two ports that communicate with the internal space: a first internal space port and a second internal space port.

[0116] The hollow fiber membrane module 100B comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 in which multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 are bundled together in a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical housing 104B that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The housing 104B comprises a cylindrical portion 105, a first lid portion 106B, and a second lid portion 107B. The first membrane bundle end 103b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is fixed to the first open end 105a of the cylindrical portion 105 by a first fixing portion 108B. The second membrane bundle end 103c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 is fixed to the second open end 105b of the cylindrical portion 105 by a second fixing portion 109B.

[0117] The first fixing portion 108B seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 105 other than the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 and the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D1 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, passing through the first membrane bundle end 103b. In other words, the first fixing portion 108B fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the cylindrical portion 105. The first fixing portion 108B has a communication opening 108Ba that opens the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0118] The second fixing portion 109B seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 105 other than the hollow portions 102a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 and the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D1 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, passing through the second membrane bundle end 103c. In other words, the second fixing portion 109B fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 and the cylindrical portion 105. The second fixing portion 109B has a communication opening 109Ba that opens the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0119] The first lid portion 106B is airtightly joined to the first open end 105a of the cylindrical portion 105. Inside the first lid portion 106B, a first end space S103B is formed. The first end space S103B is part of the external space S102 and is in communication with the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103. The first lid portion 106B has a second external space port 106Ba and a first internal space port 106Bb formed therein.

[0120] The second external space port 106Ba is in communication with the external space S102. Furthermore, the second external space port 106Ba connects the external space S102 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The second external space port 106Ba extends in a pipe-like shape toward the inside of the housing 104B, is inserted into the communication opening 108Ba of the first fixing part 108B, and is connected to the end of the inner support 121. As a result, the second external space port 106Ba is in communication with the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103, enabling the supply of liquid to the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103.

[0121] The first internal space port 106Bb is in communication with the internal space S101. Furthermore, the first internal space port 106Bb connects each of the hollow portions 102a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The first internal space port 106Bb is formed in the first lid portion 106B and opens to the first end space S103B. That is, the first internal space port 106Bb opens to the internal space S101 on the opposite side of the second fixing portion 109B from the first fixing portion 108B.

[0122] The second lid portion 107B is airtightly joined to the second open end 105b of the cylindrical portion 105. Inside the second lid portion 107B, a second end space S104B is formed. The second end space S104B is part of the internal space S101 and is in communication with each of the hollow portions 102a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102. The second lid portion 107B has a boss portion 107Ba and a port 107Bb for the second internal space.

[0123] The boss portion 107Ba is the part that closes the communication opening 109Ba of the second fixing portion 109B. The boss portion 107Ba extends columnarly toward the inside of the housing 104B and is inserted into the communication opening 109Ba of the second fixing portion 109B, thereby closing the communication opening 109Ba of the second fixing portion 109B. The boss portion 107Ba is also referred to as a plug or the like. The boss portion 107Ba prevents the liquid supplied to the hollow portion 103a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 from being discharged into the second end space S104B. The boss portion 107Ba may be constructed separately from the second lid portion 107B.

[0124] The second internal space port 107Bb is in communication with the internal space S101. Furthermore, the second internal space port 107Bb connects each of the hollow portions 102a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 102 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The second internal space port 107Bb is formed in the second lid portion 107B and opens into the second end space S104B. That is, the second internal space port 107Bb opens into the internal space S101 on the opposite side of the first fixing portion 108B from the second fixing portion 109B.

[0125] Thus, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B, there are two ports, a first internal space port 106Bb and a second internal space port 107Bb, which communicate with the internal space S101. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane module 100B is used as an external perfusion type module to add gas to a liquid, the gas in the internal space S101 can be replaced by supplying gas from either the first internal space port 106Bb or the second internal space port 107Bb and discharging the gas from the other of the two internal space ports 106Bb or the second internal space port 107Bb, thereby suppressing changes in the gas concentration in the internal space S101.

[0126] Furthermore, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 10, instead of the second lid having a boss portion, the second fixing portion may seal the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the hollow fiber membrane module 100B can be achieved.

[0127] Furthermore, in the adjustment device 400 according to the above embodiment, a modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 10 may be used instead of the hollow fiber membrane module 100, and a gas discharge pipe (not shown) may be further provided. In this case, the liquid supply pipe 401 may be connected to the second external space port 106Ba, the liquid discharge pipe 402 may be connected to the first external space port 105c, the gas supply pipe 403 may be connected to either the first internal space port 106Bb or the second internal space port 107Bb, and the gas discharge pipe may be connected to the other of either the first internal space port 106Bb or the second internal space port 107Bb. This makes it possible to adjust the dissolved concentration of gas G in liquid L with higher precision.

[0128] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the case in which the hollow fiber membrane module is used as an external perfusion type module, the hollow fiber membrane module may also be used as an internal perfusion type module. In this case, as shown in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B in Figure 10, a port communicating with the internal space may be formed in the housing, separate from the internal space port in the above embodiment, to supply liquid to the hollow portions of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes. Various known hollow fiber membrane modules may be used as such a hollow fiber membrane module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100...Hollow fiber membrane module, 100A...Hollow fiber membrane module, 100B...Hollow fiber membrane module, 102...Hollow fiber membrane, 102a...Hollow section, 103...Hollow fiber membrane bundle, 103a...Hollow section, 103b...First membrane bundle end, 103c...Second membrane bundle end, 104...Housing, 104B...Housing, 105...Cylindrical section, 105a...First opening end, 105b...Second opening end, 105c...First external space port, 105d...Baffle, 106...First lid section, 106a...Second External space port, 106B...First cover, 106Ba...Second external space port, 106Bb...First internal space port, 107...Second cover, 107a...Internal space port, 107B...Second cover, 107Ba...Boss, 107Bb...Second internal space port, 108...First fixing part, 108a...Communication opening, 108B...First fixing part, 108Ba...Communication opening, 109...Second fixing part, 109B...Second fixing part, 109Ba...Communication opening, 111...Mesh member, 111a...Mesh Eye, 111b...First diagonal, 111c...Second diagonal, 112...First filamentous part, 113...Second filamentous part, 121...Inner support, 121a...Hollow part, 200...Degassing device, 201...Liquid supply pipe, 202...Liquid discharge pipe, 203...Suction pipe, 204...Suction device, 300...Air supply device, 301...Liquid supply pipe, 302...Liquid discharge pipe, 303...Gas supply pipe, 304...Gas supply device, 400...Adjustment device, 401...Liquid supply pipe, 402...Liquid discharge pipe, 403...Gas supply pipe, 4 04...Gas supply device, 405...Bypass pipe, 406...Gas supply amount adjustment device, 407...Branch section, 408...Confluence section, 409...Flow rate control valve, A...Central axis, B...Central axis, C...Wire diameter, D1...Extension direction, D2...Circumferential direction, G...Gas, L...Liquid, S101...Internal space, S102...External space, S103...First end space, S103B...First end space, S104...Second end space, S104B...Second end space, S105...Inner space, S106...Outer space, S107...Communication space.

Claims

1. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes, in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, A mesh-like member that extends in a tubular shape and covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle, The system comprises a housing for accommodating the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle, The space within the housing is divided by the plurality of hollow fiber membranes into an internal space including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and an external space not including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The mesh-like member is in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The mesh of the mesh member is formed in a rhombus shape, having a first diagonal along the extending direction of the mesh member and a second diagonal along the circumferential direction of the mesh member. In the state before the plurality of hollow fiber membranes swell, the length of the first diagonal is 1.5 times or more and 20 times or less the length of the second diagonal. Hollow fiber membrane module.

2. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes, in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, A mesh-like member that extends in a tubular shape and covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle, The system comprises a housing for accommodating the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle, The space within the housing is divided by the plurality of hollow fiber membranes into an internal space including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and an external space not including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The mesh-like member is in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The elongation rate of the mesh member in the circumferential direction is 5% or more and 100% or less. Hollow fiber membrane module.

3. The elongation rate of the mesh member in the direction of extension of the mesh member is 0.1% or more and less than 5%. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 2.

4. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes, in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, A mesh-like member that extends in a tubular shape and covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle, The system comprises a housing for accommodating the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle, The space within the housing is divided by the plurality of hollow fiber membranes into an internal space including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and an external space not including the hollow portion of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The mesh-like member is in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The wire diameter of the mesh member is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Hollow fiber membrane module.

5. The ratio of the wire diameter of the mesh member to the outer diameter of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes is 20% or more and 200% or less. A hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A first fixing part that fixes the first membrane bundle end, which is one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to the housing, The system further includes a second fixing part for fixing the second membrane bundle end, which is the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to the housing, The housing includes a first external space port opening into the external space between the first and second fixing portions, a second external space port communicating with the external space, an internal space port communicating with the internal space, and a baffle positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the first external space port. A hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The first fixing portion seals the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle other than the hollow portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, passing through the end of the first membrane bundle. The second fixing portion seals the regions of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes other than the hollow portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, passing through the end of the second membrane bundle. The second external space port opens to the external space on the side opposite to the second fixed part relative to the first fixed part, The port for the internal space opens to the internal space on the side of the second fixing part that is opposite to the first fixing part. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6.

8. The housing further has a port for a second internal space that communicates with the internal space. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6.

9. The system further comprises an inner support positioned in the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and supporting the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the inner circumferential side. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6.

10. A hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, A liquid supply pipe connected to the second external space port, A suction pipe that communicates with the aforementioned internal space port, The system includes a suction device that sucks the internal space port through the suction tube, Degassing device.

11. A hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, A liquid supply pipe connected to the second external space port, A gas supply pipe connected to the aforementioned internal space port, The system includes a gas supply device that supplies gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe. Air supply device.

12. A hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, A liquid supply pipe connected to the second external space port, A liquid discharge pipe connected to the first external space port, A gas supply pipe connected to the aforementioned internal space port, A gas supply device that supplies gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe, The system includes a bypass pipe that communicates with the branch of the liquid supply pipe and the junction of the liquid discharge pipe so as to bypass the hollow fiber membrane module. Adjustment device.

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