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 portion 101 having a hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 103, a housing 102 that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101, and a first fixing portion 109 and a second fixing portion 110 that fix the first membrane bundle end 104b and the second membrane bundle end 104c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 to the housing. The space inside the housing 102 is divided into an internal space S101 and an external space S102 with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 103 as the boundary. The housing 102 has a first external space port 106c that opens into the external space S102 between the first fixing portion 109 and the second fixing portion 110, and a baffle 106d disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 and the first external space port 106c. The hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 is in close contact with the baffle 106d.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled is housed in a housing has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The hollow fiber membrane module is used, for example, as a degassing module for degassing a liquid, an air supply module for adding a gas to a liquid, and the like.

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 the hollow fiber membrane module is used as an externally perfused module, the hollow fiber membrane is likely to be drawn into the liquid discharge port due to the momentum of the liquid flowing toward the liquid discharge port. Therefore, it is conceivable to arrange a baffle between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the liquid discharge port.

[0005] However, when the hollow fiber membrane module is used, some of the hollow fiber membranes swing due to the flow of the liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module or the swelling of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and rub against the baffle. As a result, the hollow fiber membrane is likely to be damaged. In particular, when a highly aggressive liquid such as ceramic ink is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module, the swing of the hollow fiber membrane due to the liquid flow becomes large, so the hollow fiber membrane is more likely to be damaged.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module, a degassing device, an air supply device, and an adjustment device 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 having a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, a housing that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first fixing part that fixes a first membrane bundle end, which is one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to the housing, and a second fixing part that fixes a second membrane bundle end, which is the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, to the housing, wherein the space inside the housing is divided into an internal space that includes the hollow parts of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and an external space that does not include the hollow parts of each of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes as the boundary, the housing has 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, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is in close contact with the baffle.

[0008] In this hollow fiber membrane module, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes is housed in a housing, and the first and second ends of the bundle are fixed to the housing by a first and second fixing part. The space within the housing is divided into an internal space containing the hollow parts of the multiple hollow fiber membranes and an external space not containing the hollow parts of the multiple hollow fiber membranes, with the multiple hollow fiber membranes serving as the boundary. 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 bundle of hollow fiber membranes and the first external space port. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane module is used as an external perfusion type module, the liquid supplied to the external space from the second external space port flows through the multiple hollow fiber membranes, around the baffle positioned between the bundle of hollow fiber membranes and the first external space port, and into the first external space port. At this time, the force of the liquid flowing around the baffle into the first external space port causes some of the hollow fiber membranes to oscillate. However, in this hollow fiber membrane module, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is in close contact with the baffle, so the oscillation of the hollow fiber membranes is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the hollow fiber membranes.

[0009] [2] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [1], the hollow fiber membrane bundle may further have a mesh member covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle has a mesh member covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle, direct friction between the hollow fiber membrane and the housing can be suppressed when inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle into the housing or when using the hollow fiber membrane module. This further suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0010] [3] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [1] or [2], if the portion of the housing facing the hollow fiber membrane bundle other than the baffle is defined as the body, the baffle may be thinner than the body. When a liquid containing a solvent is supplied to the housing, not only the hollow fiber membrane but also the housing swells due to the solvent. At this time, the solvent penetrates the housing from the hollow fiber membrane bundle side, so the housing swells toward the hollow fiber membrane bundle side. Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the baffle are in close contact with each other. For this reason, if the baffle is the same thickness as the body or thicker than the body, the pressing force on the hollow fiber membrane bundle by the swollen baffle becomes excessive, and there is a risk of damaging the hollow fiber membrane. In contrast, in this hollow fiber membrane module, since the baffle is thinner than the body, even if the baffle swells, it is possible to suppress the pressing force on the hollow fiber membrane bundle from becoming excessive. Moreover, because the baffle is thinner than the body, it is more easily deformed than the body. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane swells and the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle increases, the baffle deforms, reducing the pressure exerted by the baffle on the hollow fiber membrane bundle. This further suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0011] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in [4] [3], the thickness of the baffle may be 0.2 times or more and 0.9 times or less the thickness of the body. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the thickness of the baffle is 0.2 times or more and 0.9 times or less the thickness of the body, the baffle can be appropriately deformed when the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle increases due to the swelling of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0012] [5] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [4], the area of ​​the baffle may be 1.1 times or more and 2.0 times or less the area of ​​the first external space port when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the first external space port. In this hollow fiber membrane module, since the area of ​​the baffle is 1.1 times or more and 2.0 times or less the area of ​​the first external space port when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the first external space port, it is possible to suppress the swelling hollow fiber membrane from wrapping around the baffle and being drawn into the first external space port, and to suppress the pressure loss when the liquid wraps around the baffle and is discharged into the first external space port.

[0013] [6] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [5], 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.

[0014] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [6], 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. 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.

[0015] [8] In the hollow fiber membrane module described in any of [1] to [6], 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.

[0016] [9] The degassing apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a hollow fiber membrane module as described in any of [1] to [8], a liquid supply pipe connected to a second external space port, a suction pipe connected to an internal space port, and a suction device that sucks the internal space port through the suction pipe.

[0017] In this degassing device, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe to the second external space port of the hollow fiber membrane module can be degassed by using a suction device to draw suction from the internal space port of the hollow fiber membrane module through a suction tube. Moreover, because it is equipped with the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane module, the liquid can be degassed while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0018]

[10] The air supply device according to the present disclosure comprises a hollow fiber membrane module as described in any of [1] to [8], a liquid supply pipe connected to a second external space port, a gas supply pipe connected to an internal space port, and a gas supply device that supplies gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe.

[0019] In this air supply system, gas is supplied to the internal space port of the hollow fiber membrane module via a gas supply pipe using a gas supply device, thereby adding gas to the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe to the second external space port of the hollow fiber membrane module. Moreover, because it is equipped with the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane module, gas can be added to the liquid while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

[0020]

[11] The adjustment device according to the present disclosure comprises a hollow fiber membrane module as described in any of [1] to [8], a liquid supply pipe communicating with a second external space port, a liquid discharge pipe communicating with a first external space port, a gas supply pipe communicating with an internal space port, a gas supply device supplying gas to the internal space port through the gas supply pipe, and a bypass pipe communicating with a branch of the liquid supply pipe and a junction of the liquid discharge pipe so as to bypass the hollow fiber membrane module.

[0021] In this adjustment device, the liquid supplied to the liquid supply pipe is distributed at the branch portion into the liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module and the liquid that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane module, and at the confluence portion, the liquid to which gas is 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 branch portion, the supply amount of the liquid, the supply amount of the gas, etc., the dissolved concentration of the gas in the liquid supplied to the liquid supply pipe can be adjusted. Moreover, since the above-described hollow fiber membrane module is provided, it is possible to adjust the dissolved concentration of the gas in the liquid while suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, damage to the hollow fiber membrane can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view obtained by enlarging a part of the cross-section along the line II-II shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view obtained by enlarging a part of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 1. ]> [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view obtained by enlarging a part of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the baffle and the port for the first external space as viewed from the direction along the central axis of the port for the first external space. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view obtained by enlarging a part of the cross-section along the line VI-VI shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a degassing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram of an air supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram of an adjustment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module of a modified example. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] 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.

[0025] [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 schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the cross-section along line II-II shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion 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 101 and a housing 102 that accommodates the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 103 are bundled together in a cylindrical shape, and a mesh member 105 that covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. The direction in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 extends is called the extension direction D. The extension direction D is also the direction along the central axis A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0026] The space within the housing 102 is divided by the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 as boundaries into an internal space S101 that includes the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, and an external space S102 that does not include the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103. The external space S102 includes the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, the space between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the housing 102. The hollow portion 104a is a hollow part located in the radial center of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0027] The hollow fiber membrane 103 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 103 are not particularly limited. Examples of materials for the hollow fiber membrane 103 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 103 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 103 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.

[0028] The mesh member 105 is a mesh member having multiple meshes 105a. The mesh member 105 extends in a cylindrical shape and covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 while in contact with it. By covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 while in contact with it, the mesh member 105 is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. The mesh member 105 may cover the entire area of ​​the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, or it may cover only a part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 102 comprises a cylindrical portion 106, a first lid portion 107, and a second lid portion 108.

[0030] The cylindrical portion 106 is the part that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101. The cylindrical portion 106 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 is housed in the cylindrical portion 106 such that the extending direction D of the cylindrical portion 106 and the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 are substantially the same. The first membrane bundle end 104b, which is one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, is fixed to the first open end 106a, which is one end of the cylindrical portion 106, by the first fixing part 109. The second membrane bundle end 104c, which is the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, is fixed to the second open end 106b, which is the other end of the cylindrical portion 106, by the second fixing part 110. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 106 is the part of the housing 102 that faces the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101. Furthermore, both ends of the mesh member 105 may also be fixed to the first open end 106a and the second open end 106b by the first fixing part 109 and the second fixing part 110, similar to the first membrane bundle end 104b and the second membrane bundle end 104c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first fixing portion 109 is made of resin. Examples of resins used for the first fixing portion 109 include epoxy resin, urethane resin, UV-curing resin, and polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The first fixing portion 109 seals the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 other than the hollow portion 104a in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, passing through the first membrane bundle end 104b. In other words, the first fixing portion 109 fills the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the cylindrical portion 106. The first fixing portion 109 has a communication opening 109a that opens the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. The first fixing portion 109 may be provided in a part of the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, provided that the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 is open.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the second fixing portion 110 is made of the same resin as the first fixing portion 109. The second fixing portion 110 seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 106 other than the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, passing through the second membrane bundle end 104c. In other words, the second fixing portion 110 does not fill the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, but fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the cylindrical portion 106, and the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical portion 106 has a first external space port 106c, a baffle 106d, and a body portion 106e formed therein.

[0034] The first external space port 106c is in communication with the external space S102. The first external space port 106c connects the external space S102 with the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The first external space port 106c is formed in the side wall of the cylindrical portion 106 between the first fixing portion 109 and the second fixing portion 110, and opens to the external space S102 between the first fixing portion 109 and the second fixing portion 110.

[0035] The baffle 106d is a roughly plate-shaped portion positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the first external space port 106c. The baffle 106d prevents liquid supplied to the external space S102 from flowing directly into the first external space port 106c. For this reason, the baffle 106d is also called a baffle plate. The baffle 106d is formed so as to cover the first external space port 106c, and is positioned to overlap the first external space port 106c when viewed from the direction along the central axis B of the first external space port 106c (the direction of extension of the first external space port 106c). Therefore, the baffle 106d divides the external space S102 between the first fixing part 109 and the second fixing part 110 into an internal space S105 on the opposite side of the first external space port 106c relative to the baffle 106d, and an external space S106 on the side of the first external space port 106c relative to the baffle 106d. 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 106d. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space S102, the liquid supplied to the external space S102 flows around the baffle 106d and into the first external space port 106c.

[0036] The hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 is in close contact with the baffle 106d. Here, "in close contact with the baffle 106d" means that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 is in contact with the baffle 106d under pressure, and is not limited to a state where there is no gap between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 and the baffle 106d. In other words, a gap may be formed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 and the baffle 106d. In this case, the hollow fiber membrane 103 will try to oscillate due to the force of the liquid flowing around the baffle 106d into the first external space port 106c, but it is preferable that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 is in contact with the baffle 106d under pressure to the extent that the oscillation of at least a part of the hollow fiber membrane 103 can be suppressed.

[0037] Figure 5 shows the relationship between the baffle and the first external space port as viewed from a direction along the central axis of the first external space port. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, when viewed from a direction along the central axis B of the first external space port 106c, the area of ​​the baffle 106d is, for example, 1.1 to 2.0 times, preferably 1.2 to 1.9 times, and more preferably 1.3 to 1.8 times, the area of ​​the first external space port 106c.

[0038] The body portion 106e is the part of the cylindrical portion 106 that faces the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101, excluding the baffle 106d. In other words, the part of the body portion 106e that faces the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 is composed of the baffle 106d and the body portion 106e.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view, enlarged from a portion of the cross-section along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the baffle 106d is formed to be thinner than the body portion 106e.

[0040] The thickness T1 of the baffle 106d is, for example, 0.2 to 0.9 times, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 times, and more preferably 0.4 to 0.7 times, the thickness T2 of the body portion 106e.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the first lid portion 107 is airtightly joined to the first open end 106a of the cylindrical portion 106. The joining of the first lid portion 107 to the cylindrical portion 106 can be done, for example, by screwing, fitting, welding, etc. The first lid portion 107 is formed in a shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 106. Inside the first lid portion 107, 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 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. A port 107a for the second external space is formed at the tip of the first lid portion 107.

[0042] The second external space port 107a is in communication with the external space S102. The second external space port 107a connects the external space S102 with the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The second external space port 107a is formed in the first lid portion 107 and opens into the first end space S103. That is, the second external space port 107a opens into the external space S102 on the opposite side of the second fixing portion 110 from the first fixing portion 109. Therefore, the second external space port 107a is in communication with the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, making it possible to supply liquid to the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0043] The second lid portion 108 is airtightly joined to the second open end 106b of the cylindrical portion 106. The second lid portion 108 can be joined to the cylindrical portion 106 by, for example, screwing, fitting, welding, etc. The second lid portion 108 is formed in a shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 106. Inside the second lid portion 108, a second end space S104 is formed. The second end space S104 is part of the internal space S101 and is in communication with each of the hollow portions 103a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103. An internal space port 108a is formed at the tip of the second lid portion 108.

[0044] The internal space port 108a communicates with the internal space S101. The internal space port 108a connects each of the hollow portions 103a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100. The internal space port 108a is formed in the second lid portion 108 and opens to the second end space S104. That is, the internal space port 108a opens to the internal space S101 on the side opposite to the first fixing portion 109 relative to the second fixing portion 110.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane module 100 according to this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 is housed in the housing 102, and the first membrane bundle end portion 104b and the second membrane bundle end portion 104c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 are fixed to the housing 102 by the first fixing portion 109 and the second fixing portion 110, and the space inside the housing 102 is divided into an internal space S101 including the hollow portion 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, with the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 as the boundary, and the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 The external space S102 is divided into two parts, each of which does not include the hollow portion 103a. The housing 102 has a first external space port 106c that opens into the external space S102 between the first fixed portion 109 and the second fixed portion 110, a second external space port 107a that communicates with the external space S102, an internal space port 108a that communicates with the internal space S101, and a baffle 106d positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 and the first external space port 106c. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is used as an external perfusion type module, the liquid supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 107a passes between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, goes around the baffle 106d positioned between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 and the first external space port 106c, and flows into the first external space port 106c. At this time, the force of the liquid flowing around the baffle 106d into the first external space port 106c causes some of the hollow fiber membranes 103 to oscillate. However, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 is in close contact with the baffle 106d, so the oscillation of the hollow fiber membranes 103 is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the hollow fiber membranes 103.

[0053] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 has a mesh member 105 that covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, direct friction between the hollow fiber membrane 103 and the housing 102 can be suppressed when inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 into the housing 102 or when using the hollow fiber membrane module 100. This further suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membrane 103.

[0054] Here, when a solvent-containing liquid is supplied to the housing 102, not only the hollow fiber membrane 103 but also the housing 102 swells due to the solvent. At this time, the solvent penetrates the housing 102 from the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 side, so the housing 102 swells toward the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 side. Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 and the baffle 106d are in close contact with each other. For this reason, if the baffle 106d is the same thickness as or thicker than the body portion 106e, the pressing force on the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 by the swollen baffle 106d becomes excessive, and there is a risk of damaging the hollow fiber membrane 103. In contrast, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, since the baffle 106d is thinner than the body portion 106e, even if the baffle 106d swells, it is possible to suppress the pressing force on the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 from becoming excessive. Furthermore, because the baffle 106d is thinner than the body portion 106e, it is more easily deformed than the body portion 106e. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 becomes larger in diameter due to the swelling of the hollow fiber membrane 103, the deformation of the baffle 106d reduces the pressing force on the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 by the baffle 106d. This further suppresses damage to the hollow fiber membrane 103.

[0055] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, the thickness T1 of the baffle 106d is 0.2 to 0.9 times, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 times, and more preferably 0.4 to 0.7 times, the thickness T2 of the body portion 106e. This allows the baffle 106d to be appropriately deformed when the hollow fiber membrane bundle portion 101 becomes larger in diameter due to the swelling of the hollow fiber membrane 103.

[0056] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, when viewed from a direction along the central axis B of the first external space port 106c, the area of ​​the baffle 106d is 1.1 to 2.0 times, preferably 1.2 to 1.9 times, and more preferably 1.3 to 1.8 times, the area of ​​the first external space port 106c. This suppresses the swollen hollow fiber membrane 103 from flowing around the baffle 106d and being drawn into the first external space port 106c, and also suppresses pressure loss when the liquid flows around the baffle 106d and is discharged into the first external space port 106c.

[0057] Furthermore, in this hollow fiber membrane module 100, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 passing through the first membrane bundle end 104b, the region of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 other than the hollow portion 104a is sealed by the first fixing portion 109, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 passing through the second membrane bundle end 104c, the region of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 other than the hollow portion 103a is sealed by the second fixing portion 110. Therefore, the space in the housing 102 opposite to the first fixing portion 109 relative to the second fixing portion 110 becomes the internal space S101 (second end space S104), and the space opposite to the second fixing portion 110 relative to the first fixing portion 109 becomes the external space S102 (first end space S103). Furthermore, since the second external space port 107a opens into the external space S102 (first end space S103) on the opposite side of the second fixing part 110 relative to the first fixing part 109, the second external space port 107a can be connected to the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. Also, since the internal space port 108a opens into the internal space S101 (second end space S104) on the opposite side of the first fixing part 109 relative to the second fixing part 110, the internal space port 108a can be connected to the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103.

[0058] [Degassing device] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a degassing device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, 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.

[0059] The liquid supply pipe 201 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 107a. The liquid supply pipe 201 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the second external space port 107a. 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.

[0060] The liquid discharge pipe 202 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 106c. The liquid discharge pipe 202 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the first external space port 106c. 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 side opposite the hollow fiber membrane module 100.

[0061] The suction tube 203 is a tube for drawing gas G from the internal space S101 through the internal space port 108a. The suction tube 203 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the internal space port 108a.

[0062] 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 108a through the suction tube 203. As the suction device 204, for example, a vacuum pump, air pump, or suction device can be used.

[0063] Next, the operation of the degassing device 200 will be explained.

[0064] In the degassing device 200, the suction device 204 is activated to draw in the internal space S101 from the internal space port 108a. Liquid L is also supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 107a via the liquid supply pipe 201. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 then flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, coming into contact with them. At this time, the internal space S101 is drawn in, causing the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 to be under reduced pressure. Therefore, as the liquid L passes around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103, dissolved gases, bubbles, and other gases G in the liquid L permeate through each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 and move into the internal space S101. This results in the degassing of the liquid L. The degassed liquid L passes through multiple mesh openings 105a of the mesh member 105, wraps around the baffle 106d, 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 106c 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 103 is discharged from the internal space port 108a to the suction pipe 203.

[0065] 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 107a can be degassed by sucking the internal space port 108a 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 103.

[0066] [Air supply system] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an air supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, 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.

[0067] The liquid supply pipe 301 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 107a. The liquid supply pipe 301 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the second external space port 107a. 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.

[0068] The liquid discharge pipe 302 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 106c. The liquid discharge pipe 302 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the first external space port 106c. 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.

[0069] The gas supply pipe 303 is a pipe for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the internal space port 108a. The gas supply pipe 303 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the internal space port 108a. 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.

[0070] 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 108a 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.

[0071] Next, the operation of the air supply device 300 will be explained.

[0072] 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 108a. In addition, liquid L is supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 107a through the liquid supply pipe 301. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 then flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 and comes into contact with them. At this time, because gas G is supplied to the internal space S101, the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 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 103. As a result, gas G is added to the liquid L passing around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103. The liquid L to which gas G has been added passes through multiple meshes 105a of the mesh member 105, wraps around the baffle 106d, passes through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106, and is discharged from the first external space port 106c to the liquid discharge pipe 302.

[0073] 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 107a by supplying gas G to the internal space port 108a 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 103.

[0074] [Adjustment device] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 9, 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 external perfusion type hollow fiber membrane module.

[0075] The liquid supply pipe 401 is a pipe for supplying liquid L to the external space S102 through the second external space port 107a. The liquid supply pipe 401 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the second external space port 107a. 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.

[0076] The liquid discharge pipe 402 is a pipe for discharging liquid L from the external space S102 through the first external space port 106c. The liquid discharge pipe 402 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the first external space port 106c. 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.

[0077] The gas supply pipe 403 is a pipe for supplying gas G to the internal space S101 through the internal space port 108a. The gas supply pipe 403 is connected to the housing 102 and communicates with the internal space port 108a. 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.

[0078] 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 108a 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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. 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.

[0084] Next, the operation of the adjustment device 400 will be explained.

[0085] The adjustment device 400 activates the gas supply device 404 to supply gas G to the internal space S101 from the internal space port 108a. 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.

[0086] The liquid L supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is supplied to the external space S102 through the second external space port 107a. The liquid L supplied to the external space S102 flows around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 and comes into contact with them. At this time, gas G is supplied to the internal space S101, so that the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 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 103. As a result, gas G is added to the liquid L passing around the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The liquid L to which gas G has been added passes through multiple meshes 105a of the mesh member 105, wraps around the baffle 106d, passes through the inner space S105, the communication space S107, and the outer space S106, and is discharged from the first external space port 106c 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 106c 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 amount of liquid L supplied, and the amount of gas G supplied.

[0089] 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 103.

[0090] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A in Figure 10, the hollow fiber membrane module may be equipped with 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.

[0093] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. The modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 10 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.

[0094] The inner support 121 is positioned in the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and is a member that supports the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 from the inner circumference. The inner support 121 is formed in a cylindrical (pipe) shape. One end of the inner support 121 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 106 by a first fixing part 109, and the other end of the inner support 121 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 106 by a second fixing part 110. The outer diameter of the inner support 121 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. 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 103. In addition, the inner support 121 has a plurality of openings. The inner support 121 is formed in a mesh-like structure, for example. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the external space S102 from the second external space port 107a, the liquid comes into contact with the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 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 103, passes through the multiple meshes 105a of the mesh member 105 and is supplied to the region between the mesh member 105 and the cylindrical portion 106. This liquid then passes through the region between the mesh member 105 and the cylindrical portion 106, around the baffle 106d, 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 106c.

[0095] Thus, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 is supported from the inner circumference by the inner support 121. Therefore, when the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 swell, it is possible to prevent the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 from entering the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and narrowing or blocking the hollow portion 104a. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the pressure loss of the liquid flowing through the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B in Figure 11, the hollow fiber membrane module may have two ports that communicate with the internal space.

[0097] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified hollow fiber membrane module. The modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 11 is basically the same as the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 10, but differs from the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100A shown in Figure 10 in that it has two ports that communicate with the internal space: a first internal space port and a second internal space port.

[0098] The hollow fiber membrane module 100B comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 101 and a housing 102B that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 101. The housing 102B comprises a cylindrical portion 106, a first lid portion 107B, and a second lid portion 108B. The first membrane bundle end 104b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 is fixed to the first open end 106a of the cylindrical portion 106 by a first fixing portion 109B. The second membrane bundle end 104c of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 is fixed to the second open end 106b of the cylindrical portion 106 by a second fixing portion 110B.

[0099] The first fixing portion 109B seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 106 other than the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 and the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, passing through the first membrane bundle end 104b. In other words, the first fixing portion 109B fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the cylindrical portion 106. The first fixing portion 109B has a communication opening 109Ba that opens the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0100] The second fixing portion 110B seals the areas within the cylindrical portion 106 other than the hollow portions 103a of each of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 and the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction D of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, passing through the second membrane bundle end 104c. In other words, the second fixing portion 110B fills the spaces between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the space between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 and the cylindrical portion 106. The second fixing portion 110B has a communication opening 110Ba that opens the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0101] The first lid portion 107B is airtightly joined to the first open end 106a of the cylindrical portion 106. Inside the first lid portion 107B, 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 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104. The first lid portion 107B has a second external space port 107Ba and a first internal space port 107Bb formed therein.

[0102] The second external space port 107Ba is in communication with the external space S102. Furthermore, the second external space port 107Ba connects the external space S102 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The second external space port 107Ba extends in a pipe-like shape toward the inside of the housing 102B, is inserted into the communication opening 109Ba of the first fixing part 109B, and is connected to the end of the inner support 121. As a result, the second external space port 107Ba is in communication with the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104, enabling the supply of liquid to the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104.

[0103] The first internal space port 107Bb is in communication with the internal space S101. Furthermore, the first internal space port 107Bb connects each of the hollow portions 103a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The first internal space port 107Bb is formed in the first lid portion 107B and opens into the first end space S103B. That is, the first internal space port 107Bb opens into the internal space S101 on the side opposite to the second fixing portion 110B relative to the first fixing portion 109B.

[0104] The second lid portion 108B is airtightly joined to the second open end 106b of the cylindrical portion 106. Inside the second lid portion 108B, 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 103a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103. The second lid portion 108B has a boss portion 108Ba and a port 108Bb for the second internal space formed therein.

[0105] The boss portion 108Ba is the part that closes the communication opening 110Ba of the second fixing portion 110B. The boss portion 108Ba extends in a columnar shape toward the inside of the housing 102B and is inserted into the communication opening 110Ba of the second fixing portion 110B, thereby closing the communication opening 110Ba of the second fixing portion 110B. The boss portion 108Ba is also referred to as a plug or the like. The boss portion 108Ba prevents the liquid supplied to the hollow portion 104a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 104 from being discharged into the second end space S104B. The boss portion 108Ba may be constructed separately from the second lid portion 108B.

[0106] The second internal space port 108Bb is in communication with the internal space S101. Furthermore, the second internal space port 108Bb connects each of the hollow portions 103a of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 103 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B. The second internal space port 108Bb is formed in the second lid portion 108B and opens into the second end space S104B. That is, the second internal space port 108Bb opens into the internal space S101 on the side opposite to the first fixing portion 109B relative to the second fixing portion 110B.

[0107] Thus, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B, there are two ports, a first internal space port 107Bb and a second internal space port 108Bb, 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 107Bb or the second internal space port 108Bb and discharging the gas from the other of the two internal space ports 107Bb or the second internal space port 108Bb, thereby suppressing changes in the gas concentration in the internal space S101.

[0108] Furthermore, in the modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 11, 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.

[0109] Furthermore, in the adjustment device 400 according to the above embodiment, a modified hollow fiber membrane module 100B shown in Figure 11 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 107Ba, the liquid discharge pipe 402 may be connected to the first external space port 106c, the gas supply pipe 403 may be connected to either the first internal space port 107Bb or the second internal space port 108Bb, and the gas discharge pipe may be connected to the other of either the first internal space port 107Bb or the second internal space port 108Bb. This makes it possible to adjust the dissolved concentration of gas G in liquid L with higher precision.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the case where 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 11, a port communicating with the internal space may be formed in the housing, separate from the internal space port of 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.

[0111] Furthermore, although the hollow fiber membrane bundle was described as having a mesh member in the above embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle may not have a mesh member. In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundle, which is made up of multiple hollow fiber membranes bundled together, will be in close contact with the baffle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 100...Hollow fiber membrane module, 100A...Hollow fiber membrane module, 100B...Hollow fiber membrane module, 101...Hollow fiber membrane bundle, 102...Housing, 102B...Housing, 103...Hollow fiber membrane, 103a...Hollow section, 104...Hollow fiber membrane bundle, 104a...Hollow section, 104b...First membrane bundle end, 104c...Second membrane bundle end, 105...Mesh member, 105a...Mesh, 106...Cylindrical section, 106a...First open end, 106b...Second open end, 106c...First outer cavity Intermediate port, 106d... Baffle, 106e... Body, 107... First lid, 107a... Second external space port, 107B... First lid, 107Ba... Second external space port, 107Bb... First internal space port, 108... Second lid, 108a... Internal space port, 108B... Second lid, 108Ba... Boss, 108Bb... Second internal space port, 109... First fixing part, 109a... Communication opening, 109B... First fixing part, 109Ba... Communication opening, 11 0...Second fixing part, 110B...Second fixing part, 110Ba...Communication port, 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, 404...Gas supply device, 4 05...Bypass pipe, 406...Gas supply amount adjustment device, 407...Branch section, 408...Confluence section, 409...Flow rate adjustment valve, A...Central axis, B...Central axis, D...Extension 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, T1...Baffle thickness, T2...Body thickness.

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane bundle having a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which multiple hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, A housing that accommodates the hollow fiber membrane bundle, 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 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 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 housing includes a first external space port opening into the external space between the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion, 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. The hollow fiber membrane bundle is in close contact with the baffle. Hollow fiber membrane module.

2. The hollow fiber membrane bundle further comprises a mesh-like member covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

3. When the portion of the housing other than the baffle that faces the hollow fiber membrane bundle is designated as the body portion, The baffle is thinner than the body. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

4. The thickness of the baffle is 0.2 times or more and 0.9 times or less the thickness of the body. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 3.

5. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the first external space port, the area of ​​the baffle is 1.1 times or more and 2.0 times or less the area of ​​the first external space port. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

6. 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 1.

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 that passes through the end of the second membrane bundle and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the hollow fiber 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 1.

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 1.

9. The hollow fiber membrane bundle is in contact with the baffle while being pressed against it. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

10. The external space between the first fixing part and the second fixing part is The inner space on the opposite side of the baffle from the first external space port, The outer space on the port side for the first external space relative to the baffle, It has a communication space that connects the inner space and the outer space, The aforementioned communication space is located between the baffle and the second fixing part. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

11. When the portion of the housing other than the baffle that faces the hollow fiber membrane bundle is the body portion, Both ends of the baffle in the circumferential direction of the housing are connected to the body portion. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1.

12. A hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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.

13. A hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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.

14. A hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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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