Tube unit, deaeration module, and deaeration method

Abstract

A tube unit according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of tubes, a first binding part that binds the ends at one side of the plurality of tubes, and a second binding part that binds the other ends of the plurality of tubes. Each of the plurality of tubes is configured by a plurality of layers arranged along the radial direction of each tube. The plurality of layers include a porous layer and a non-porous layer that transmits gas but does not transmit liquid.

Description

Tube unit, degassing module and degassing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube unit in which the ends of a plurality of tubes are bound together, a degassing module including the tube unit, and a degassing method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a tube unit and a degassing module. The tube unit includes a plurality of tubes and a bundling part that bundles the ends of the plurality of tubes. At least one of the ends of each of the plurality of tubes has a cylindrical part that extends along the extension direction of the tube and a protruding part that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical part.

[0003] The degassing module includes the above-described tube unit and a housing in which the tube unit is housed. Each of the plurality of tubes is a tubular membrane that is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquid. The housing has a first opening and a second opening communicating with the interior space of each of the plurality of tubes, and an air inlet communicating with the space outside the plurality of tubes.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 029415

[0005] Incidentally, the above-mentioned tube is known to have a homogeneous membrane structure. This tube is a hollow degassing membrane with a certain thickness. However, although this type of degassing membrane is less likely to cause liquid leakage, there is room for improvement in terms of gas permeability. Therefore, it is desired to make it possible to reduce liquid leakage while also improving gas permeability.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tube unit, a degassing module, and a degassing method that can reduce the occurrence of liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0007] (1) A tube unit according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of tubes, a first bundling part bundling one end of the plurality of tubes, and a second bundling part bundling the other end of the plurality of tubes. Each of the plurality of tubes is configured with a plurality of layers arranged along the radial direction of the tube. The plurality of layers includes a porous layer and a non-porous layer that is permeable to gas but not to liquid.

[0008] In this tube unit, one ends of the multiple tubes are bound by a first binding part, and the other ends of the multiple tubes are bound by a second binding part. Each tube is composed of multiple layers. The multiple layers include a porous layer and a non-porous layer. The non-porous layer is aligned radially with the porous layer and is permeable to gas but not to liquid. By including a porous layer in the multiple layers, the gas permeability of the porous layer can be increased. The non-porous layer aligned radially with the porous layer can be formed as a thin film. Therefore, by forming the non-porous layer as a thin film, the non-porous layer can be made less susceptible to liquid leakage and can have increased gas permeability.

[0009] (2) In the above (1), the non-porous layer may be located radially outward of the porous layer. In this case, the non-porous layer is located radially outward of the porous layer. Therefore, particularly in an external perfusion system in which a liquid flows outside the tube, the thin non-porous layer can prevent liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0010] (3) In the above (1), the non-porous layer may be located radially inward of the porous layer. In this case, the non-porous layer is located radially inward of the porous layer. Therefore, particularly in an internal perfusion system in which a liquid flows inside a tube, the thin non-porous layer can prevent liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0011] (4) In the above (1), the non-porous layer may be located both radially outside and radially inside the porous layer. In this case, the non-porous layer is located both radially outside and inside the porous layer. Therefore, in both the external perfusion method and the internal perfusion method, liquid leakage can be prevented and gas permeability can be increased.

[0012] (5) A degassing module according to the present disclosure includes the above-described tube unit and a housing that accommodates the tube unit. The housing has a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the interior space of the plurality of tubes, and an intake port that communicates with the space outside the plurality of tubes inside the housing. This degassing module includes the above-described tube unit. Therefore, this degassing module can achieve the same effects as the above-described tube unit.

[0013] (6) In the above (5), the housing may be made of stainless steel. In this case, the housing is made of stainless steel, which can increase the durability of the housing.

[0014] (7) In the above (5) or (6), the housing may have a first passage extending from the first opening into the housing and a second passage extending from the second opening into the housing. At least a portion of the first binding part may extend into the first passage, and at least a portion of the second binding part may extend into the second passage. The degassing module may include a first metal ring disposed in the first passage and having a hole through which the first binding part is passed, and a second metal ring disposed in the second passage and having a hole through which the second binding part is passed. In this case, the degassing module includes the first metal ring disposed in the first passage and through which the first binding part is passed, and the second metal ring disposed in the second passage and through which the second binding part is passed. This prevents liquid leakage and improves durability.

[0015] (8) A degassing method according to the present disclosure degasses a liquid that has entered the internal space of a plurality of tubes through the first opening of the degassing module. This degassing method uses the degassing module described above. Therefore, this degassing method can achieve the same effects as the degassing module described above.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to make it possible to reduce the occurrence of liquid leakage and to increase gas permeability.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a degassing module. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a tube unit. Fig. 3 is a schematic end view showing an example of a tube unit. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a tube. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the degassing module.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the tube unit, degassing module, and degassing method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a degassing module. As shown in Fig. 1, the degassing module 1 includes a tube unit 3 in which a plurality of tubes 2 are bundled together, and a housing 4 that accommodates the tube unit 3. In the degassing module 1, the interior of the housing 4 is divided by the plurality of tubes 2 into a first region, which is the internal space 2a of each of the plurality of tubes 2 (see Fig. 4), and a second region, which is a space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2.

[0020] The first region is a region where a liquid is supplied, and the second region is a region where gas is sucked in. The degassing module 1 degasses the liquid by supplying the liquid to the internal space 2 a (first region) of each of the plurality of tubes 2 and sucking the gas from the space 4 b (second region) outside the plurality of tubes 2. The liquid to be degassed is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an organic solvent or water.

[0021] The tube 2 is a tubular hollow fiber membrane that is permeable to gas but not to liquid. The tube 2 is made of, for example, a fluorine membrane. However, the material and shape of the tube 2 can be changed as appropriate. Examples of materials for the tube 2 include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ethylene copolymer resin) (ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), amorphous fluoropolymer (non-crystalline fluororesin; AF), fluororesins such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), silicone, polyimide, or polyamide. Examples of amorphous fluoropolymers include Teflon (registered trademark) AF.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a tube unit. Fig. 3 is a schematic end view showing an example of a tube unit. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 3. Figs. 2 and 3 show a case where the tube unit 3 is composed of seven tubes 2. However, the number of tubes 2 is not particularly limited.

[0023] 2 to 4, in the tube unit 3, both ends of a plurality of tubes 2 are bundled together. The tube unit 3 has a bundling section 5 that bundles the plurality of tubes 2. The bundling section 5 includes a first bundling section 5A that bundles one ends of the plurality of tubes 2 and a second bundling section 5B that bundles the other ends of the plurality of tubes 2. The tube unit 3 includes a plurality of tubes 2, the first bundling section 5A that bundles one ends of the plurality of tubes 2, and the second bundling section 5B that bundles the other ends of the plurality of tubes 2.

[0024] The first binding portion 5A and the second binding portion 5B are attached to the housing 4. For example, the configuration of the first binding portion 5A is the same as the configuration of the second binding portion 5B. Therefore, in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first binding portion 5A and the second binding portion 5B, the first binding portion 5A and the second binding portion 5B will be collectively described as the binding portion 5. Note that the configuration of the first binding portion 5A may be different from the configuration of the second binding portion 5B.

[0025] The bundling part 5 includes an outer tube 6 into which the ends of the plurality of tubes 2 are inserted, and a sealing part 7 filled between the ends of the plurality of tubes 2 and the outer tube 6. The outer tube 6 is the outermost layer of the bundling part 5. The outer tube 6 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The outer tube 6 is attached to the housing 4. The outer tube 6 is made of, for example, a fluororesin such as PFA or PTFE.

[0026] The sealing portion 7 bundles the ends of the multiple tubes 2 and seals the gap between the ends of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer tube 6. The sealing portion 7 does not fill the internal spaces 2a of each of the multiple tubes 2. The sealing portion 7 fills the gaps between the multiple tubes 2 and between the tubes 2 and the outer tube 6. Only the internal spaces 2a of each of the multiple tubes 2 are open from the end faces of the sealing portion 7. The sealing portion 7 is made of a fluororesin such as FEP or PFA, for example.

[0027] Each of the multiple tubes 2 is composed of multiple layers 20 arranged along the radial direction of the tube 2. The "radial direction" refers to the direction toward the axis of the tube or the direction away from the axis in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the tube extends. The "radial outer side" refers to the radial direction away from the axis, and the "radial inner side" refers to the radial direction toward the axis. The multiple layers 20 include a porous layer 21 and a non-porous layer 22 that is permeable to gas but not to liquid. The porous layer 21 and the non-porous layer 22 will be described in detail below.

[0028] Each end of the multiple tubes 2 bound by the sealing portion 7 has a cylindrical portion 2b and a protruding portion 2c protruding from the cylindrical portion 2b. The cylindrical portion 2b is formed, for example, by a cylindrically extending portion extending in the extension direction of the tubes 2. The protruding portion 2c is a portion protruding radially outward from the cylindrical portion 2b. The protruding portion 2c may be, for example, a thickened portion (a bulging portion) at a portion of each end of the multiple tubes 2, or a portion of each end of the multiple tubes 2 that is curved as if pinched. At each end of the multiple tubes 2, for example, the wall is thickened at the protruding portion 2c.

[0029] For example, in the protruding portion 2c, the layer 20 located radially inward of the tube 2 among the multiple layers 20 has a thicker wall. In this case, the protruding portion 2c is formed by the layer 20 located radially inward of the tube 2 among the multiple layers 20 protruding radially outward. However, unlike the example of Figure 3, in the protruding portion 2c, the layer 20 located radially outward of the tube 2 among the multiple layers 20 may have a thicker wall. In this case, the layer 20 located radially outward of the tube 2 among the multiple layers 20 protruding radially outward is formed by the layer 20 located radially outward of the tube 2 among the multiple layers 20.

[0030] The number of protrusions 2c on the tube 2 may be one or more. When the tube 2 has multiple protrusions 2c, the shapes of the multiple protrusions 2c may be the same as each other or different from each other. The directions in which the multiple protrusions 2c protrude may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0031] The direction in which the protrusions 2c protrude may be constant (constant) depending on the position in the extension direction of the tube 2, or may vary depending on the position in the extension direction of the tube 2. The protrusions 2c may be formed over the entire end of the tube 2 along the extension direction of the tube 2, or may be formed partially or intermittently along the extension direction of the tube 2. For example, at the ends of multiple tubes 2, multiple tubular portions 2b may be arranged in a close-packed structure, and the protrusions 2c may be arranged in gaps formed between the multiple tubular portions 2b. Examples of methods for forming the protrusions 2c include using a tube 2 on which the protrusions 2c are formed in advance, or filling the gaps between the ends of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer tube 6 while portions of the tube 2 are pinched out with a jig.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1 , the housing 4 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 4 has a housing main body 11 and a lid portion 12. For example, the housing 4 is made of stainless steel. Note that the housing 4 does not have to be made of stainless steel and may be made of, for example, resin. However, when the housing 4 is made of stainless steel, the durability of the housing 4 can be increased compared to when the housing 4 is made of resin.

[0033] The housing body 11 is a portion that houses the tube unit 3. The housing body 11 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. For example, the housing body 11 has a bottom 11b, a side 11c that extends from the bottom 11b in the direction of the axis of the housing body 11, and an opening 11d that is located at the end of the side 11c opposite to the bottom 11b.

[0034] The lid 12 is a lid that is airtightly joined to the housing body 11 and closes the opening 11d of the housing body 11. The lid 12 is joined to the housing body 11 by, for example, welding, screwing, or fitting. The housing body 11 and the lid 12 may be integral with each other.

[0035] The housing 4 has a first opening 13 and a second opening 14 that communicate with the internal space 2a of the plurality of tubes 2, and an intake port 15 that communicates with a space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4. For example, the housing main body 11 has a protrusion 11f that protrudes from the bottom portion 11b to the outside of the housing main body 11, and the intake port 15 is formed in the protrusion 11f.

[0036] The cover 12 has, for example, a main body 12b, a first protrusion 12c protruding from the main body 12b in a direction opposite to the housing main body 11, and a second protrusion 12d protruding from the main body 12b in a direction opposite to the housing main body 11 at a position different from that of the first protrusion 12c. For example, the first protrusion 12c and the second protrusion 12d are cylindrical. For example, the first opening 13 is formed at the end of the first protrusion 12c opposite to the housing main body 11, and the second opening 14 is formed at the end of the second protrusion 12d opposite to the housing main body 11.

[0037] The housing 4 has a first passage 16 extending from the first opening 13 to the inside of the housing 4, and a second passage 17 extending from the second opening 14 to the inside of the housing 4. For example, the first passage 16 is formed inside the first protruding portion 12c, and the second passage 17 is formed inside the second protruding portion 12d.

[0038] For example, the first passage 16 is defined by a first inner wall 16b extending from the first opening 13, a second inner wall 16c extending from the first inner wall 16b in a direction opposite to the first opening 13, and a third inner wall 16d extending from the second inner wall 16c in a direction opposite to the first inner wall 16b. The first inner wall 16b extends from the first opening 13 toward the housing body 11. The first opening 13 is defined by, for example, the first inner wall 16b. A first pipe 18b communicating with each internal space 2a of the plurality of tubes 2 is joined to the first opening 13. The first pipe 18b is joined to the first opening 13 by, for example, welding, screwing, or fitting.

[0039] At least a portion of the first bundling portion 5A extends into the first passage 16. For example, the first bundling portion 5A is airtightly joined to the first passage 16. That is, the first bundling portion 5A of the tube unit 3 is airtightly connected to the housing 4. The first bundling portion 5A is joined to the housing 4 (e.g., the first passage 16) by, for example, welding, screwing, or fitting. The width (e.g., diameter) of the second inner wall 16c is smaller than the width of the first inner wall 16b. For example, the first bundling portion 5A is fixed to the second inner wall 16c.

[0040] The third inner wall 16d includes, for example, an inclined surface 16f extending from the second inner wall 16c and an extending surface 16h extending from the end of the inclined surface 16f opposite the second inner wall 16c to the space 4b. The inclined surface 16f is inclined relative to the second inner wall 16c so as to widen as it moves away from the second inner wall 16c.

[0041] For example, the degassing module 1 includes a first ferrule 23A, a first metal ring 24A, and a first set screw 25A. The first ferrule 23A is made of, for example, resin. The first ferrule 23A includes, for example, a cylindrical portion 23b and an inclined cylindrical portion 23c that expands in diameter from the cylindrical portion 23b and decreases in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 23b.

[0042] The first ferrule 23A has a cylindrical shape. The first bundling part 5A is inserted into the first ferrule 23A. The first bundling part 5A inserted into the first ferrule 23A is fixed to the housing 4. At this time, the inclined cylindrical part 23c of the first ferrule 23A is in close contact with the inclined surface 16f of the first passage 16.

[0043] The first metal ring 24A has a hole 24d through which the first binding part 5A is passed. The first metal ring 24A has, for example, an annular part 24b through which the first binding part 5A is passed and a cylindrical part 24c into which the first ferrule 23A is inserted. For example, the hole 24d is formed in each of the annular part 24b and the cylindrical part 24c.

[0044] The first binding part 5A is passed through the annular part 24b and is passed through the first ferrule 23A. The inner diameter of the annular part 24b is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical part 24c. The first binding part 5A is in close contact with the inner surface of the annular part 24b, and the first ferrule 23A (e.g., the cylindrical part 23b) is in close contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical part 24c.

[0045] The first set screw 25A has a cylindrical shape. The first binding portion 5A is passed through the first set screw 25A. The first binding portion 5A, which is passed through the first set screw 25A, is passed through the first metal ring 24A and the first ferrule 23A. The first set screw 25A is screwed into the first passage 16 (e.g., the third inner wall 16d) with the first ferrule 23A, through which the first binding portion 5A is passed, and the first metal ring 24A inserted into the first passage 16.

[0046] For example, the second passage 17 is defined by a first inner wall 17b extending from the second opening 14, a second inner wall 17c extending from the first inner wall 17b in a direction opposite to the second opening 14, and a third inner wall 17d extending from the second inner wall 17c in a direction opposite to the first inner wall 17b. For example, the configurations of the first inner wall 17b, the second inner wall 17c, and the third inner wall 17d are the same as the configurations of the first inner wall 16b, the second inner wall 16c, and the third inner wall 16d described above. The third inner wall 17d includes, for example, an inclined surface 17f extending from the second inner wall 17c and an extending surface 17h extending from an end of the inclined surface 17f opposite the second inner wall 17c to the space 4b.

[0047] The second opening 14 is defined by a first inner wall 17b. A second pipe 18c is joined to the second opening 14, and the second pipe 18c communicates with the internal spaces 2a of the tubes 2. The second pipe 18c is joined to the second opening 14 by, for example, welding, screwing, or fitting. At least a portion of the second bundling part 5B extends into the second passage 17. The manner in which the second bundling part 5B is joined to the second passage 17 is the same as the manner in which the first bundling part 5A is joined to the first passage 16, for example.

[0048] For example, the degassing module 1 has a second ferrule 23B, a second metal ring 24B, and a second set screw 25B. The configurations of the second ferrule 23B, the second metal ring 24B, and the second set screw 25B are the same as the configurations of the first ferrule 23A, the first metal ring 24A, and the first set screw 25A described above. In the following, for the second ferrule 23B, the second metal ring 24B, and the second set screw 25B, descriptions that overlap with those described above will be omitted as appropriate by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0049] The second binding portion 5B is inserted into the second ferrule 23B. The second binding portion 5B inserted into the second ferrule 23B is fixed to the housing 4. The second metal ring 24B has a hole 24f through which the second binding portion 5B is inserted. The second metal ring 24B has, for example, an annular portion 24b and a tubular portion 24c. The second binding portion 5B inserted into the annular portion 24b is then inserted into the second ferrule 23B. The second binding portion 5B is in close contact with the inner surface of the annular portion 24b, and the second ferrule 23B is in close contact with the inner surface of the tubular portion 24c.

[0050] The second binding portion 5B is passed through the second set screw 25B. The second binding portion 5B, which is passed through the second set screw 25B, is passed through the second metal ring 24B and the second ferrule 23B. The second set screw 25B is screwed into the second passage 17 (e.g., the third inner wall 17d) with the second ferrule 23B, through which the second binding portion 5B is passed, and the second metal ring 24B inserted into the second passage 17.

[0051] The intake port 15 is an opening formed to draw air from the space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4. A third pipe 18d that communicates with the space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4 is joined to the intake port 15. For example, a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the third pipe 18d. The suction pump draws air through the intake port 15, thereby reducing the pressure in the space 4b of the housing 4. The third pipe 18d is joined to the intake port 15 by, for example, welding, screwing, or fitting.

[0052] The degassing module 1 has a plurality of wrappers 26. For example, the plurality of tubes 2 have a loop portion 2d that is looped inside the housing 4. The plurality of tubes 2 extending from the first bundling portion 5A are bent into a loop at the loop portion 2d, and then extend from the loop portion 2d to the second bundling portion 5B.

[0053] The wrapper straps 26, for example, bundle the plurality of tubes 2 at the annular portion 2d. For example, the plurality of wrapper straps 26 are lined up along the annular portion 2d to bundle the plurality of tubes 2. As an example, four wrapper straps 26 are lined up at equal intervals along the annular portion 2d.

[0054] Next, an example of a degassing method according to this embodiment will be described. The degassing method using the degassing module 1 will be described below. First, the space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4 is suctioned by a suction pump connected to the third tube 18d (a suction step). Along with this suction, liquid is supplied to the first tube 18b (a liquid supply step).

[0055] The liquid supplied to the first tube 18b is supplied to the internal spaces 2a of each of the plurality of tubes 2 through the first opening 13. At this time, the space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4 is in a decompressed state. Therefore, as the liquid passes through the internal spaces 2a of each of the plurality of tubes 2, the dissolved gas and air bubbles in the liquid permeate radially through each of the plurality of tubes 2 and are drawn into the space 4b. This degassing of the liquid is performed (degassing step). The degassed liquid is discharged into the second tube 18c through the second opening 14 (discharging step). Through the above steps, the series of steps of the degassing method is completed.

[0056] In the above example, a liquid is supplied to the first pipe 18 b, the liquid is degassed, and the degassed liquid is discharged from the second pipe 18 c. However, a liquid may be supplied to the second pipe 18 c, the liquid is degassed, and the degassed liquid may be discharged from the first pipe 18 b.

[0057] Next, the multiple layers 20 of the tube 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of the tube 2. As the tube 2, any of the tube 2A shown in Fig. 5(a), the tube 2B shown in Fig. 5(b), and the tube 2C shown in Fig. 5(c) can be used.

[0058] As shown in (a) of Figure 5, in the tube 2A, the non-porous layer 22 is located radially outside the porous layer 21. The porous layer 21 functions as a support layer for the tube 2A. The porous layer 21 is, for example, a porous membrane. As an example, the porous layer 21 is produced by melt-extruding the material that constitutes the porous layer 21 into a tubular shape. For example, the thickness of the porous layer 21 at the protruding portion 2c of the tube 2A is greater than the thickness of the porous layer 21 in the portion other than the protruding portion 2c of the tube 2A.

[0059] The non-porous layer 22 is a thin film thinner than the porous layer 21. The non-porous layer 22 is formed radially outside the porous layer 21 by a dipping method. The thickness of the non-porous layer 22 is, for example, 1 μm. The non-porous layer 22 is also referred to as a skin layer. For example, the pore diameter of the non-porous layer 22 is 1 nm or less. The non-porous layer 22 has high gas permeability while blocking the passage of liquid. For example, the thickness of the non-porous layer 22 at the protruding portion 2 c of the tube 2A is the same as the thickness of the non-porous layer 22 in the portion other than the protruding portion 2 c of the tube 2A.

[0060] In the tube 2B shown in Fig. 5(b), the non-porous layer 22 is located radially inside the porous layer 21. In the tube 2B, the non-porous layer 22 is formed radially inside the porous layer 21 by a dipping method. For example, at the protruding portion 2c, the porous layer 21 protrudes radially outward. As an example, in the cross section of the tube 2B, the non-porous layer 22 has a circular shape.

[0061] 5(c), the non-porous layer 22 is formed on both the radially outer side and the radially inner side of the porous layer 21. For example, in the protruding portion 2c, the non-porous layer 22 located on the radially outer side protrudes radially outward together with the porous layer 21. The non-porous layer 22 located on the radially inner side has a circular shape.

[0062] The following describes the effects achieved by the tube unit 3, degassing module 1, and degassing method according to this embodiment. In the tube unit 3, one end of each of the plurality of tubes 2 is bound by a first bundling section 5A, and the other end of each of the plurality of tubes 2 is bound by a second bundling section 5B. Each of the tubes 2 is composed of a plurality of layers 20. The plurality of layers 20 includes a porous layer 21 and a non-porous layer 22 that is aligned radially with the porous layer 21 and is permeable to gas but not to liquid. By including the porous layer 21 in the plurality of layers 20, the gas permeability of the porous layer 21 can be increased. The non-porous layer 22 that is aligned radially with the porous layer 21 can be formed as a thin film. By forming the non-porous layer 22 as a thin film, the non-porous layer 22 can be made less susceptible to liquid leakage and can have increased gas permeability.

[0063] As described above, the non-porous layer 22 may be located radially outward of the porous layer 21. In this case, the non-porous layer 22 is located radially outward of the porous layer 21. Therefore, particularly in an external perfusion system in which a liquid flows outside the tube 2, the non-porous layer 22 formed as a thin film can prevent liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0064] As described above, the non-porous layer 22 may be located radially inward of the porous layer 21. In this case, the non-porous layer 22 is located radially inward of the porous layer 21. Therefore, particularly in an internal perfusion system in which a liquid flows inside the tube 2, the non-porous layer 22 formed as a thin film can prevent liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0065] As described above, the non-porous layer 22 may be located both radially outside and radially inside the porous layer 21. In this case, the non-porous layer 22 is located both radially outside and inside the porous layer 21. Therefore, in both the external perfusion method and the internal perfusion method, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage and increase gas permeability.

[0066] As described above, in the tube unit 3, the ends of the multiple tubes 2 each have a protruding portion 2c that protrudes radially outward. In this case, the multiple tubular portions 2b are arranged in a closely packed structure, and the ends of the multiple tubes 2 can be arranged so that the multiple protruding portions 2c are located in gaps formed between the multiple tubular portions 2b. Therefore, the ends of the multiple tubes 2 can be arranged more closely together, thereby improving the binding strength of the multiple tubes 2.

[0067] 1 , the degassing module 1 includes the tube unit 3 described above and a housing 4 that accommodates the tube unit 3. The housing 4 has a first opening 13 and a second opening 14 that communicate with the internal space 2a of the plurality of tubes 2, and an intake port 15 that communicates with a space 4b outside the plurality of tubes 2 inside the housing 4. The degassing module 1 includes the tube unit 3 described above. Therefore, the degassing module 1 provides the same effects as those of the tube unit 3 described above.

[0068] As described above, the housing 4 may be made of stainless steel. In this case, by making the housing 4 from stainless steel, the durability of the housing 4 can be increased.

[0069] As described above, the housing 4 may have a first passage 16 extending from the first opening 13 into the housing 4 and a second passage 17 extending from the second opening 14 into the housing 4. At least a portion of the first binding portion 5A may extend into the first passage 16, and at least a portion of the second binding portion 5B may extend into the second passage 17. The degassing module 1 may include a first metal ring 24A disposed in the first passage 16 and having a hole 24d through which the first binding portion 5A is passed, and a second metal ring 24B disposed in the second passage 17 and having a hole 24f through which the second binding portion 5B is passed. In this case, by having the first metal ring 24A disposed in the first passage 16 and through which the first binding portion 5A is passed, and the second metal ring 24B disposed in the second passage 17 and having a hole 24f through which the second binding portion 5B is passed, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage and improve durability.

[0070] The degassing method according to this embodiment degasses the liquid that has entered the internal spaces 2a of the plurality of tubes 2 via the first passages 16 of the degassing module 1. This degassing method uses the degassing module 1. Therefore, this degassing method can achieve the same effects as those of the degassing module 1.

[0071] The above describes embodiments of the tube unit, degassing module, and degassing method according to the present disclosure. However, the tube unit, degassing module, and degassing method according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. The shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the tube unit and degassing module according to the present disclosure, as well as the content and order of the steps of the degassing method according to the present disclosure, may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the above-described gist.

[0072] A degassing module 1A according to a modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. The degassing module 1A includes a ferrule 43 having a shape different from the first ferrule 23A and the second ferrule 23B, and a metal ring 44 having a shape different from the first metal ring 24A and the second metal ring 24B. The degassing module 1A includes a third inner wall 16x extending in the direction in which the first protrusion 12c protrudes, and a third inner wall 17x extending in the direction in which the second protrusion 12d protrudes.

[0073] The ferrule 43 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 43b and a tapered cylindrical portion 43c whose diameter decreases with increasing distance from the cylindrical portion 43b. The metal ring 44 has an annular portion 44b that comes into contact with the first set screw 25A (or the second set screw 25B) and an inner surface 44c that slopes so that the metal ring 44 becomes thinner with increasing distance from the annular portion 44b. The ferrule 43 and the metal ring 44 enter the first passage 16 and the second passage 17, respectively, with the inner surface 44c in contact with the tapered cylindrical portion 43c. The degassing module 1A having the ferrule 43 and the metal ring 44 can also achieve the same effects as the degassing module 1 described above.

[0074] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the number of tubes 2 constituting the tube unit 3 was seven. However, the number of tubes constituting the tube unit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, several tens or several hundreds.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the end of each of the multiple tubes 2 has a protrusion 2c. However, not all of the ends of the multiple tubes 2 need to have a protrusion 2c, and at least some of the ends of the multiple tubes may have a protrusion 2c. Even with this configuration, the ends of the multiple tubes can be closely arranged, thereby improving the binding strength of the multiple tubes.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the tubular portion 2b extends cylindrically along the extension direction of the tube 2. However, the tubular portion may have any shape as long as it extends cylindrically along the extension direction of the tube. The tubular shape of the tubular portion may be, for example, an oval, elliptical, or rectangular cylindrical shape. Even if the tubular portion is formed in this manner, if a protrusion protrudes from the tubular portion, the ends of multiple tubes can be closely arranged to improve the binding strength of the multiple tubes.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the tube unit 3 has been described as having the sealing portion 7. However, for example, in the case of a tube unit used in a degassing module other than the degassing module 1, the sealing portion 7 that seals between the ends of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer cylinder 6 may not be provided.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A... Degassing module, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C... Tube, 2a... Internal space, 2b... Cylindrical part, 2c... Projection part, 2d... Annular part, 3... Tube unit, 4... Housing, 4b... Space, 5... Binding part, 5A... First binding part, 5B... Second binding part, 6... Outer cylinder, 7... Sealing part, 11b... Bottom part, 11c... Side part, 11d ...Opening, 11f...Protrusion, 12...Lid, 12b...Main body, 12c...First protrusion, 12d...Second protrusion, 13...First opening, 14...Second opening, 15...Intake Mouth, 16...first passage, 16b...first inner wall, 16c...second inner wall, 16d...third inner wall, 16f...slanted surface, 16h...extension surface, 16x...third inner wall, 17...second Passage, 17b...first inner wall, 17c...second inner wall, 17d...third inner wall, 17f...inclined surface, 17h...extending surface, 17x...third inner wall, 18b...first tube, 18c...second tube, 18d...third tube, 20...layer, 21...porous layer, 22...non-porous layer, 23A...first ferrule, 23b...tubular portion, 23B...second ferrule, 23c...inclined cylindrical portion, 24A...first metal ring, 24b...annular portion, 24B...second metal ring, 24c...tubular portion, 24d, 24f...holes, 25A...first set screw, 25B...second set screw, 26...tie band, 43...ferrule, 43b...tubular portion, 43c...inclined cylindrical portion, 44...metal ring, 44b...annular portion, 44c...inner surface.

Claims

1. A plurality of tubes; a first bundling portion that bundles one ends of the plurality of tubes; a second bundling portion that bundles the other ends of the plurality of tubes; Equipped with Each of the plurality of tubes is configured by a plurality of layers arranged along a radial direction of the tube, The plurality of layers includes a porous layer and a non-porous layer that is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquid. Tube unit.

2. the non-porous layer is located radially outward of the porous layer; The tube unit according to claim 1 .

3. the non-porous layer is located radially inward of the porous layer; The tube unit according to claim 1 .

4. the non-porous layer is located on the radially outer side of the porous layer and on the radially inner side of the porous layer, The tube unit according to claim 1 .

5. The tube unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a housing that accommodates the tube unit; Equipped with The housing has a first opening and a second opening communicating with an internal space of the plurality of tubes, and an air intake port communicating with a space outside the plurality of tubes inside the housing. Degassing module.

6. The housing is made of stainless steel. The degassing module according to claim 5 .

7. the housing has a first passageway extending from the first opening into the interior of the housing and a second passageway extending from the second opening into the interior of the housing; At least a portion of the first binding portion is inserted into the first passage, At least a portion of the second binding portion extends into the second passage, a first metal ring disposed in the first passage and having a hole through which the first binding portion is passed; a second metal ring disposed in the second passage and having a hole through which the second binding portion is passed; Equipped with The degassing module according to claim 5 .

8. A degassing method for degassing a liquid that has entered the internal spaces of the plurality of tubes through the first opening of the degassing module according to claim 5 .