Filter module and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a filter module excellent in maintainability of a deposition layer of adsorbent powder. [Solution] The problem is solved by a filter module 1 including: a filtration membrane 2; a deposition layer 3 of adsorbent powder attached to a primary-side surface of the filtration membrane 2; a primary-side circulation layer 4 pressed against a primary-side surface of the deposition layer 3; a container 10 in which the filtration membrane 2, the deposition layer 3, and the primary-side circulation layer 4 are housed so as not to move; and a supply port 14 and a discharge port 15 provided in the container 10, wherein a fluid Fi to be processed supplied from the supply port 14 into the container 10 passes through the primary-side circulation layer 4, the deposition layer 3, and the filtration membrane 2 in this order such that the entire volume of the fluid Fi to be processed is filtered, and then a processed fluid Fx is discharged from the discharge port 15 to the outside of the container 10.

Description

Filter Module and Method for Manufacturing the Same

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter module that performs total volume filtration using a filtration layer having a filtration membrane and a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane.

[0002] In the adsorption and removal of target substances in the gas phase (deodorization, harmful gases, dehumidification, etc.) and the adsorption and removal of target substances such as PFAS, dioxane, ammonium ions, etc. in the liquid phase, it is effective to adsorb the target substances using adsorbent powders such as activated carbon, zeolite, metal-organic frameworks (MOF).

[0003] As one technique using such an adsorbent powder, a technique has been proposed in which total volume filtration is performed by a filtration layer having a filtration membrane and a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this prior art, when the adsorption performance of the adsorbent powder deteriorates during use, it is necessary to perform an on-site replacement operation of removing the adsorbent powder attached to the filtration membrane and attaching new adsorbent powder to the filtration membrane, and there are problems such as the apparatus becoming complicated, large-sized, and costly due to the replacement operation.

[0005] On the other hand, as a solution to this problem, it was considered to modularize a filtration layer having a filtration membrane and a deposition layer of adsorbent powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, and enable the replacement operation of the adsorbent powder by replacing the filter module.

[0006] However, the deposition layer of the adsorbent powder attached to the membrane may crack or peel due to vibrations during transportation or the like as it is, and simply modularizing it may cause a short path of the fluid to be treated during use, etc., and there was a risk that the required adsorption performance could not be ensured.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-069280

[0008] Therefore, the main problem of the present invention is to provide a filter module having excellent maintainability of the deposition layer of the adsorbent powder.

[0009] The filter module that solves the above problems is as follows: <First Embodiment> A filter module comprising: a filtration membrane; a deposit layer of adsorbed powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side flow layer pressed against the primary side surface of the deposit layer; a container in which the filtration membrane, the deposit layer, and the primary side flow layer are housed so as not to move; and a supply port and a discharge port provided in the container, wherein the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port flows in the order of the primary side flow layer, the deposit layer, and the filtration membrane to be filtered completely, and the treated fluid is then discharged outside the container from the discharge port.

[0010] (Effects) In this filter module, the primary flow layer is pressed against the primary side surface of the adsorbent powder deposit layer (in other words, the adsorbent powder deposit layer is sandwiched and restrained between the filtration membrane and the primary flow layer), so there is less risk of cracks or peeling occurring in the adsorbent powder deposit layer attached to the filtration membrane due to vibrations during transport, resulting in excellent maintenance of the adsorbent powder deposit layer.

[0011] <Second Embodiment> A filter module according to the first embodiment, comprising a filtration section having a filtration membrane, a deposition layer, a primary flow layer, and a secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary surface of the filtration membrane, and a blocking layer for blocking fluid, wherein a laminate is housed in the container, in which the filtration sections and the blocking layers are alternately stacked, with the blocking layers located at both ends in the stacking direction, the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is distributed and supplied to the primary flow layer of each filtration section, and the treated fluid is discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer.

[0012] (Effects) In this embodiment, by appropriately selecting the number of stacked filtration sections, the filtration area (the area of ​​the cross-section of the sediment layer; if the area of ​​the cross-section is constant in the thickness direction, it is equal to the area of ​​the primary side surface of the sediment layer) can be expanded or reduced depending on the type of object to be filtered, the processing amount, and other operating conditions.

[0013] <Third Embodiment> The container has a cylindrical main part, a first lid that closes one opening of the main part, and a second lid that closes the other opening of the main part, the laminate is arranged inside the main part such that the stacking direction is along the direction of the center of the main part, a supply gap continuous in the stacking direction is provided between the deposited layer, the filter membrane, and the secondary flow layer and the inner surface of the main part in each of the filtration sections, and between the barrier layer and the inner surface of the main part, the supply gap is continuous in the stacking direction of the laminate or communicates with the stacking direction of the laminate only through the primary flow layer, a discharge channel is provided that penetrates the laminate in the stacking direction, the filter membrane, the primary flow layer, and the barrier layer each form an annular shape with a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, the outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane of each filtration section is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the secondary side, forming an annular joint, Each filtration section has an annular outer elastic packing sandwiched between the annular joint and the primary flow layer, and an annular inner elastic packing having a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane and the lower surface of the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the primary side, the deposited layer is formed over the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, the primary flow layer extends radially outward to the supply gap over its entire circumferential direction, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the entire outer peripheral edge of the secondary flow layer is spaced radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the secondary flow layer extends radially towards the center over its entire circumferential direction to the discharge channel, and the entire inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane is located radially at the same position as, or radially towards the center than, the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent inner elastic packing. The entire outer edge of the filter membrane, the entire outer edge of the barrier layer, and the entire outer edge of the outer elastic packing are spaced radially away from the inner surface of the main part toward the center.A second embodiment of a filter module, wherein the laminate is sandwiched between a first lid and a second lid in the stacking direction, so that the primary side flow layer is pressed against the primary side surface of the stacked layer in each filtration section, the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is distributed to the primary side flow layer of each filtration section via the supply gap, and the treated fluid discharged through the secondary side flow layer is discharged through the discharge channel to the discharge port.

[0014] (Effects) The filter module of this embodiment has a simple structure, and by appropriately selecting the number of stacked filtration sections, the filtration area can be expanded or reduced depending on the type of material to be filtered, the processing volume, and other operating conditions. Furthermore, by sandwiching the material in the stacking direction between the first lid and the second lid, the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing contract in the thickness direction, pressing the primary flow layer against the primary side surface of the stacked layer.

[0015] <Fourth Embodiment> A filter module of the third embodiment, wherein at least one of the first lid and the second lid is configured to be detachable from the main body, and the filter module has an assembly unit in which the filter membrane, the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing adjacent to the primary side thereof, the secondary side flow layer adjacent to the secondary side of the filter membrane, the barrier layer adjacent to the secondary side flow layer, and the primary side flow layer adjacent to the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary side flow layer are integrated, and in each of the assembly units, the deposited layer is formed over the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filter membrane, and a plurality of the assembly units are stacked to construct the laminate such that the deposited layer is located on the side of the lid which is configured to be detachable from the main body, and each of the assembly units is not joined to adjacent assembly units and the container.

[0016] (Effects) In the filter module of this embodiment, it is easy to remove the first or second lid from the container, to take out each unit inside the container, or to stack each unit sequentially inside the container to form a laminate. Furthermore, since the area between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane of each assembly unit is open and not covered by the primary side flow layer, it is easy to form a deposit layer in each assembly unit, thereby making it easy to manufacture and recycle the filter module. For example, it is possible to construct a laminate by placing an assembly unit without a deposit layer inside the container and repeatedly performing the process of forming a deposit layer by supplying a slurry of adsorbed powder to the primary side of the filtration membrane of the unit and filtering it through the filtration membrane, one unit at a time. Furthermore, for used filter modules, the container and assembly units can be recycled by repeatedly performing the process of removing the deposit layer from the assembly unit located on the most open side inside the container and then removing it from the container, or removing it from the container and then removing the deposit layer, one unit at a time.

[0017] <Fifth embodiment> A filter module according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the container.

[0018] (Effects) This configuration is preferable because, when stacking each assembly unit in the container, the assembly unit is automatically positioned in a predetermined location and that position is maintained.

[0019] <Sixth Embodiment> A filter module according to the first embodiment, having a supply gap formed between the side surface of the deposit layer and the side surface of the primary flow layer and the inner surface of the side wall of the container, wherein the supply port is connected to the supply gap, and at least the side surface of the primary flow layer and at least the side surface of the deposit layer are each exposed to the supply gap, and the fluid to be treated supplied from the supply port to the supply gap in the container enters the deposit layer from the primary side surface of the deposit layer and from the portion of the deposit layer exposed to the supply gap, respectively, and flows through the deposit layer and the filtration membrane in that order to perform total filtration, after which the treated fluid is discharged outside the container from the discharge port.

[0020] (Effects) In the filter module of this embodiment, after manufacturing a filter module equipped with everything except the deposit layer, the filter module can be completed by supplying a slurry of adsorbent powder under pressure from the supply port and filling the space between the primary flow layer and the primary surface of the filtration membrane with the adsorbent powder, thus easily forming a high-quality deposit layer. As can be seen from this manufacturing method, the fact that the primary flow layer is pressed against the primary surface of the deposit layer includes the state in which the primary flow layer is pressed against the deposit layer as a result of filling the space between the primary flow layer and the primary surface of the filtration membrane with adsorbent powder.

[0021] <Seventh Embodiment> A filter module according to the sixth embodiment, comprising a filtration section having a filtration membrane, a deposit layer, a primary flow layer, and a secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary surface of the filtration membrane, and a blocking layer for blocking fluid, wherein a laminate is housed in the container, in which the filtration sections and the blocking layers are alternately stacked, with the blocking layers located at both ends in the stacking direction, the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is distributed and supplied to the deposit layer of each filtration section via the primary flow layer and directly, and the treated fluid is discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer.

[0022] (Effects) In this embodiment, by appropriately selecting the number of stacked filtration sections, the filtration area (the area of ​​the cross-section of the sediment layer; if the area of ​​the cross-section is constant in the thickness direction, it is equal to the area of ​​the primary side surface of the sediment layer) can be expanded or reduced depending on the type of object to be filtered, the processing amount, and other operating conditions.

[0023] <Eighth aspect> The container has a cylindrical main part, a first lid that closes one opening of the main part, and a second lid that closes the other opening of the main part, the laminate is arranged inside the main part such that the stacking direction is along the direction of the center of the main part, the supply gap is formed between the laminate and the inner circumferential surface of the main part so as to be continuous with the stacking direction of the laminate, a discharge channel is provided that penetrates the laminate in the stacking direction, the filter membrane, the primary side flow layer, and the barrier layer each have an annular shape with through holes through which the discharge channel passes, the outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane of each filter section is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer located at the boundary with the adjacent filter section on the secondary side, forming an annular joint, Each filtration section has an annular inner elastic packing having a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane and the lower surface of the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the primary side, and a deposition spacer that maintains the distance between the deposition layer side surface of the filtration membrane and the deposition layer side surface of the primary side flow layer, the deposition layer is formed over the entire radially outer surface of the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, the primary side flow layer extends radially outward to the supply gap over its entire circumferential direction, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary side flow layer is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the entire outer peripheral edge of the secondary side flow layer is spaced radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, and the secondary side flow layer extends radially towards the center over its entire circumferential direction to the discharge channel. The entire inner periphery of the filtration membrane coincides radially with the outer periphery of the adjacent inner elastic packing, or is located radially closer to the center; the entire outer periphery of the primary flow layer, the entire outer periphery of the deposition layer, the entire outer periphery of the filtration membrane, the entire outer periphery of the secondary flow layer, and the entire outer periphery of the barrier layer are spaced radially away from the inner periphery of the main part toward the center; the laminate is sandwiched between the first lid and the second lid in the stacking direction;A seventh embodiment of a filter module, wherein the fluid to be treated, supplied into the container from the supply port, is distributed to each filtration section via the supply gap, and in each filtration section, enters the deposition layer from the primary side surface of the deposition layer and from the portion of the deposition layer exposed to the supply gap, respectively, and the treated fluid, which has been completely filtered by flowing through the deposition layer and the filtration membrane in this order, is discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer and the discharge channel in this order.

[0024] (Effects) The filter module of this embodiment has a simple structure, and by appropriately selecting the number of stacked filtration sections, the filtration area can be expanded or reduced depending on the type of material to be filtered, the processing volume, and other operating conditions. In addition, the tight contact of each layer, which is sandwiched in the stacking direction between the first lid and the second lid, is maintained.

[0025] <Ninth Embodiment> A filter module of the eighth embodiment, comprising an assembly unit in which the following are integrated: the first lid and the second lid are configured to be detachable from the main body, the filter membrane, the secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary side of the filter membrane, the barrier layer adjacent to the side of the secondary flow layer opposite to the filter membrane side in the barrier layer, the primary flow layer adjacent to the side of the barrier layer opposite to the filter membrane side in the deposition layer, the deposition spacer provided on at least one of the primary side of the filter membrane and the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary flow layer side, and the inner elastic packing provided on the primary side of the filter membrane or the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary flow layer side, wherein a plurality of the assembly units are stacked to construct the laminate such that the deposition layer is located on the side of the lid which is configured to be detachable from the main body, and each of the assembly units is not joined to adjacent assembly units and the container.

[0026] (Effects) In the filter module of this embodiment, it is easy to remove the first or second lid from the container, to take out each unit inside the container, or to stack each unit sequentially inside the container to form a laminate. Furthermore, for used filter modules, the container and assembly units can be recycled by repeatedly performing the process of removing the accumulated layer from the assembly unit located on the opening side of the container and then taking it out of the container, or by taking out the assembly unit and then removing the accumulated layer, one unit at a time, or by taking out all the assembly units and removing the accumulated layer from each assembly unit.

[0027] <Tenth Embodiment> The filter module of the ninth embodiment, wherein the stacking spacer includes a plurality of outer peripheral spacers arranged at circumferential intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the assembly unit, each of the outer peripheral spacers has a protruding portion that protrudes laterally from the assembly unit, and only the protruding portions of the outer peripheral spacers of the assembly unit are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the container.

[0028] (Effects) This configuration is preferable because, when stacking each assembly unit in the container, the assembly unit is automatically positioned in a predetermined location and that position is maintained, and because adjacent protruding portions in the circumferential direction communicate in the stacking direction, the continuity of the supply gap in the stacking direction is also ensured.

[0029] <Eleventh Embodiment> The filter module of the ninth embodiment, wherein the deposition spacer is a projection that protrudes from the primary flow layer on the side opposite to the secondary flow layer or toward the deposition layer in the barrier layer.

[0030] (Effects) Forming the deposition spacer as part of the primary flow layer, as in this embodiment, is preferable because it eliminates the need for a separate component for the deposition spacer, thereby reducing costs.

[0031] <Twelfth Embodiment> A filter module according to any one of the first to eleven embodiments, wherein the filtration membrane is a fibrous membrane formed by the accumulation of fibers.

[0032] (Effects) When the filtration membrane is a fibrous membrane, the adhesion of the deposited layer to the surface of the filtration membrane is particularly good, which is preferable.

[0033] <13th Embodiment> A filter module according to any one of the first to twelve embodiments, wherein the primary flow layer is a woven mesh with a wire diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a mesh count of 15 to 80.

[0034] (Effects) The material of the primary flow layer is not particularly limited, but a woven mesh as in this embodiment has the advantage that the flow path is less likely to collapse and the fluid can easily flow through the unevenness of the front and back surfaces and the mesh of the woven mesh. In addition, when the primary flow layer is a woven mesh, the wires of the woven mesh can press against the primary surface of the sediment layer in a planar manner, and the wires of the woven mesh can bite into the primary surface of the sediment layer, thereby firmly restraining the adsorbed powder in the sediment layer.

[0035] <Aspect 14> A method for manufacturing a filter module according to any one of aspects 6 to 11, comprising the steps of: producing a semi-finished product comprising the filter module except for the deposition layer, wherein the space between the primary flow layer and the filtration membrane is exposed to the supply gap; and forming the deposition layer by pressurizing and supplying a slurry of adsorbent powder to the space between the primary flow layer and the filtration membrane through the supply port and the supply gap of the semi-finished product, depositing the adsorbent powder on the primary side of the filtration membrane, and passing the liquid portion of the slurry through to fill the space between the primary flow layer and the primary side surface of the filtration membrane with the adsorbent powder.

[0036] (Effects) The manufacturing method of this embodiment makes it possible to easily manufacture a filter module of the first embodiment having a high-quality deposited layer. Furthermore, in the manufactured filter module, as a result of filling the space between the primary flow layer and the primary side surface of the filtration membrane with adsorbent powder, the primary flow layer is pressed against the deposited layer.

[0037] According to the present invention, a filter module with excellent maintenance properties for the deposited layer of adsorbed powder can be provided.

[0038] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is an exploded view of an assembly unit. This is a perspective view of the top side of the assembly unit. This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the assembly unit. This is a perspective view showing a broken section of the main part of the assembly unit. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an application example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a filter module. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 14. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is a plan view and a cross-sectional view along the line b-b showing an assembly unit. This is an exploded view of an assembly unit. This is a perspective view of the top side of the assembly unit. This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the assembly unit. This is a perspective view showing a fractured section of the main part of an assembly unit in a state where a sedimentary layer has formed. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of a filter module. This is (a) a plan view and (b) a cross-sectional view along the line b-b showing an assembly unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing another assembly unit. This is (a) a plan view and (b) a cross-sectional view along the line b-b showing an assembly unit.

[0039] An example of the present invention will be described below. However, the following description and drawings are merely illustrative of an example of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this example.

[0040] <Basic Structure> Figure 1 shows an example of a filter module 1. This filter module 1 comprises a filtration membrane 2, a deposit layer 3 of adsorbed powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane 2, a primary side flow layer 4 pressed against the primary side surface of the deposit layer 3, a container 10 in which the filtration membrane 2, the deposit layer 3, and the primary side flow layer 4 are housed so as not to move, and a supply port 14 and an outlet port 15 provided in the container 10. The fluid to be treated Fi supplied into the container 10 from the supply port 14 flows through the primary side flow layer 4, the deposit layer 3, and the filtration membrane 2 in that order, and after all of it has been filtered, the treated fluid Fx is discharged outside the container 10 from the outlet port 15. In this filter module 1, the primary flow layer 4 is pressed against the primary side surface of the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 (in other words, the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 is sandwiched and restrained between the filtration membrane 2 and the primary flow layer 4), so there is less risk of cracks or peeling occurring in the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 attached to the filtration membrane 2 due to vibrations during transport, resulting in excellent maintenance of the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3.

[0041] As can be seen from the second example of the laminated structure described later (see Figures 14 to 21), a basic structure is also preferable in which there is a supply gap 16 formed between the side surface of the deposited layer 3 and the side surface of the primary side flow layer 4 and the inner surface of the side wall of the container 10, the supply port 14 is connected to the supply gap 16, and at least the side surface of the primary side flow layer 4 and at least the side surface of the deposited layer 3 are each exposed to the supply gap 16. In this basic structure, during filtration, the fluid to be treated Fi supplied from the supply port 14 to the supply gap 16 in the container 10 enters the deposited layer 3 from the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 and from the portion of the deposited layer 3 exposed to the supply gap 16, respectively, and flows through the deposited layer 3 and the filtration membrane 2 in that order to perform total filtration, after which the treated fluid Fx is discharged outside the container 10 from the discharge port 15. Furthermore, in this basic structure, the primary flow layer 4 is pressed against the primary side surface of the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 (in other words, the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 is sandwiched and restrained between the filter membrane 2 and the primary flow layer 4), so there is less risk of cracks or peeling occurring in the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 attached to the filter membrane 2 due to vibrations during transport, and the retention of the adsorbent powder deposition layer 3 is excellent. Moreover, as will be described later, in this basic structure, after manufacturing the filter module 1 equipped with everything except the deposition layer 3, the filter module 1 can be completed by supplying the adsorbent powder slurry CW under pressure from the supply port 14 and filling the space between the primary flow layer 4 and the primary side surface of the filter membrane 2 with adsorbent powder C, thus easily forming a high-quality deposition layer 3.As can be seen from this manufacturing method, the fact that the primary flow layer 4 is pressed against the primary side surface of the deposition layer 3 includes the state in which the primary flow layer 4 is pressed against the deposition layer 3 as a result of filling the space between the primary flow layer 4 and the primary side surface of the filter membrane 2 with adsorbent powder C.

[0042] (Filtration membrane) In the illustrated example, the filtration membrane 2 is a flat membrane, but as long as the primary flow layer 4 can be pressed against the primary side surface of the adsorbed powder deposition layer 3, its shape is not limited and it can be any three-dimensional shape.

[0043] The filtration membrane 2 can be appropriately selected from filter media (such as filter paper, filter cloth, etc.) having a pore diameter through which the adsorbent powder forming the deposition layer 3 does not permeate. When there is a separation target substance that cannot be separated by the adsorbent powder or its deposition layer 3, it is desirable to use a filtration membrane 2 capable of separating the separation target substance. The filtration membrane 2 includes a porous membrane formed by melting a resin into a film, and a fiber membrane formed by laminating and integrating resin fibers by methods such as electrospinning, electroblowing, and melt blowing. Any of them can be used, but the fiber membrane is preferable in that it has a larger surface area and a higher porosity, so it has excellent fluid permeability and excellent adhesion to the deposition layer 3. The pore structure of the porous membrane can be appropriately selected from known ones such as race-like, node and fibril-like, etc.

[0044] The material of the filtration membrane 2 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from known ones such as organic substances such as polyester (PEs), polyethersulfone (PES), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc., inorganic substances such as ceramics (alumina, glass, etc.), metals (stainless steel, titanium, etc.).

[0045] The filtration membrane 2 may be single-layer or multi-layer, and may be a target membrane or a non-target membrane. Further, the filtration membrane 2 may be a hydrophilic membrane or a hydrophobic membrane.

[0046] The pore size of the filtration membrane 2 can be determined as appropriate. For example, about 0.01 μm to 0.3 μm (MF membrane), 0.01 μm or less (UF membrane), or 1 nm to 2 nm (NF membrane) can be preferably used. The pore size of the filtration membrane 2 means the maximum pore size calculated based on the bubble point measured by the bubble point test method defined in JIS K 3832-1990. When the filtration membrane 2 is a fiber membrane, the fiber diameter (referred to as the equivalent diameter of the projected area circle, Heywood diameter. The same applies hereinafter) can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably 1 nm to 3 μm, and more preferably 500 nm or less.

[0047] The removal rate of the filtration membrane 2 is determined by the thickness, pore size, and pore size distribution of the filtration membrane 2 and can be appropriately selected. For example, when the pore size is about that of an MF membrane, those with a removal rate of 0.1 to 0.3 μm particles of 99.95% or more can be used.

[0048] (Adsorbent powder) The adsorbent powder constituting the deposition layer 3 can be appropriately selected and used singly or in combination of two or more according to the adsorption target. For example, when it is desired to remove PFOS and its salts, PFOSA and its salts and PFOSA-related substances, PFHxS and its salts and PFHxS-related substances, and PFHxA, activated carbon can be used as the adsorbent powder. Examples of adsorbent powders other than activated carbon include organic porous bodies such as ion exchange resins, zeolites, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), diatomaceous earth, acid clay, activated clay, inorganic porous bodies such as carbon black, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, metal powders, and substances such as Prussian blue (navy blue).

[0049] The particle size of the adsorbent powder can be selected as appropriate, but for example, in the case of liquid treatment such as wastewater, it is preferable to use powder with an average particle size of 1 to 30 μm, and more preferably 5 to 9 μm. If the average particle size of the activated carbon particles is smaller than 1 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles are too narrow, which tends to slow down the filtration treatment speed. On the other hand, if the average particle size of the activated carbon particles is larger than 30 μm, the gaps between the activated carbon particles become wider, and the substance to be adsorbed is not adsorbed onto the activated carbon but easily passes through the gaps between the activated carbon particles to the secondary side. The average particle size of the adsorbent powder refers to the average value of the projected circle equivalent diameter of each particle (the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​the particle), and can be determined by measuring the particle size distribution using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (for example, product LA-960V2 series, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) and determining the particle size when the cumulative volume corresponds to 50%.

[0050] (Deposited layer) The deposited layer 3 is a layer in which the adsorbed powder maintains its aggregate state (layer shape) and adhesion to the filter membrane 2 through intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds), and is not bonded with adhesives, binders, or welds, and is susceptible to cracking, peeling, or collapse due to external forces. Such a deposited layer 3 can be formed as a cake layer on the primary side surface of the filter membrane 2 by filtering the slurry of adsorbed powder through the filter membrane 2. The deposited layer 3 may be dry or wet with water or the like.

[0051] By filtering the fluid Fi to be treated through the deposited layer 3, the substances to be adsorbed in the fluid Fi can be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder. Therefore, the thickness of the deposited layer 3 can be appropriately set according to the adsorption properties of the adsorbent powder. For example, the thickness of the deposited layer 3 can be about 1 to 10 mm, preferably about 1.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 5 mm, and particularly preferably about 3 to 5 mm. If the thickness of the deposited layer 3 is too thin, the substances to be adsorbed will not be adsorbed onto the adsorbent powder and will easily pass through the gaps between the adsorbent powder particles to the secondary side. For example, when adsorbing and removing PFOS, if activated carbon particles with an average particle size of about 10 μm are used as the adsorbent powder, the thickness of the deposited layer 3 can be 1.5 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or more.

[0052] (Primary Flow Layer) The primary flow layer 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can secure a flow path for the fluid to be treated Fi supplied from the supply port 14 to flow to the primary side of the deposition layer 3. However, it is preferable that the fluid to be treated Fi can permeate at least in the thickness direction and in directions perpendicular thereto, and it is more preferable that it can permeate in all directions. As such a primary flow layer 4, the same material as the filter membrane 2 can be used, but a filter material or strainer material with a larger pore size than the filter membrane 2, such as a mesh, nonwoven fabric, or foam with open cells, can be suitably used. In particular, it is preferable that the primary flow layer 4 be a single or multiple layers of woven mesh. The wire diameter and mesh of the woven mesh can be selected as appropriate, but as an example, it is preferable that the wire diameter is about 0.1 to 0.3 mm and the mesh count is about 15 to 80. With such a woven mesh, the flow path is less likely to collapse, and the fluid can easily flow through the irregularities on the front and back surfaces and the mesh. The wire material of the woven mesh may be metal or synthetic resin (polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). The structure of the woven mesh may be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, or the like. Furthermore, if the primary flow layer 4 is a woven mesh, the wires of the woven mesh can press against the primary surface of the deposited layer 3 in a planar manner, and the wires of the woven mesh can bite into the primary surface of the deposited layer 3, thereby firmly restraining the adsorbed powder in the deposited layer 3. The primary flow layer 4 may be formed from a single material, or it may be formed by stacking or arranging multiple different or identical materials.

[0053] The primary flow layer 4 preferably covers 98% or more of the area of ​​the primary side surface of the sedimentary layer 3, preferably 99% or more, and particularly preferably 100%.

[0054] (Container) The container 10 can be designed as appropriate in terms of the shape of the internal space in which the filtration membrane 2, the deposition layer 3, and the primary flow layer 4 are housed so as not to move, the orientation of the hoarded components within the container 10, the means for fixing the hoarded components, etc. As an example, the container 10 can be a pressure vessel (vessel) having a cylindrical main part 11 such as a cylindrical or polygonal tube, a first lid 12 that closes one opening of the main part 11, and a second lid 13 that closes the other opening of the main part 11. In this case, either the first lid 12 or the second lid 13 may be integrated with the main part 11 and the other may be detachably fixed to the main part 11, or both may be detachably fixed to the main part 11. In the former case, as in the example described later, the one of the first lid 12 and the second lid 13 that is integrally formed with the main part 11 may become the bottom and the other may become a detachable top lid.

[0055] (Supply port and discharge port) The arrangement of the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15 can be appropriately designed according to the arrangement of the primary and secondary sides of the filtration membrane 2. For example, in the case of a container 10 having a cylindrical main part 11, a first lid 12 that closes one opening of the main part 11, and a second lid 13 that closes the other opening of the main part 11, the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15 may be provided on either the first lid 12 or the second lid 13, or the supply port 14 may be provided on either the first lid 12 or the second lid 13 and the discharge port 15 on the other. Alternatively, either the supply port 14 or the discharge port 15 or both may be provided on the main part 11 (side wall).

[0056] (Deposit Spacers) As shown in the second specific example of the laminated structure described later (see Figures 14 to 30), it is preferable to have deposit spacers 8s, 8i that maintain the gap between the surface of the filtration membrane 2 on the deposit layer 3 side and the surface of the primary flow layer 4 on the deposit layer 3 side in order to maintain space for the deposit layer 3. The deposit spacers 8s, 8i may be sandwiched between the filtration membrane 2 and the primary flow layer 4 as separate components from the filtration membrane 2 and the primary flow layer 4, as shown in the illustrated example, or they may be formed as a part of the filtration membrane 2, or they may be formed as a part of the primary flow layer 4. For example, as shown in Figures 28 to 30, by applying shaping processing such as embossing or other deformation processing to the primary flow layer 4, a projection 4P can be formed on the surface of the primary flow layer 4 that faces the deposit layer 3, and this projection 4P can be part or all of the deposit spacers 8s, 8i. In this case, a recess is formed on the surface of the primary flow layer 4 opposite to the projection 4P side, but the flow of the liquid to be treated in the primary flow layer 4 is not obstructed.

[0057] The number and arrangement of the deposition spacers 8s and 8i can be appropriately determined considering the spatial maintenance of the deposition layer 3. For example, it is preferable that multiple outer peripheral spacers 8s are arranged at circumferential intervals around the outer edge of the filter membrane 2, as shown in the illustrated example. Also, if necessary, such as when the area of ​​the deposition layer 3 is large, multiple auxiliary spacers 8i may be arranged at circumferential intervals at positions further inward from the outer edge of the filter membrane 2, as shown in the illustrated example. The number of outer peripheral spacers 8s and auxiliary spacers 8i is preferably 3 to 12, respectively.

[0058] The shape of each individual deposition spacer 8s, 8i can be determined as appropriate; a cylindrical shape is preferred as shown in the illustrated example, but a prismatic shape is also acceptable. Although not shown, the deposition spacers may be rectangular parallelepipeds extending in the radial direction. The dimensions of each individual deposition spacer 8s, 8i can be determined as appropriate, but if they are excessively large, the filtration area and filtration capacity will decrease. For example, the area of ​​each individual deposition spacer 8s, 8i is preferably about 0.05 to 0.8% of the area of ​​the filtration membrane.

[0059] The material of the deposition spacers 8s and 8i can be determined as appropriate, and may be a hard material such as plastic or metal, but it is preferable to form them using a known elastomer in order to reduce wear of the filter membrane and the primary flow layer 4. For example, the deposition spacers 8s and 8i may be thermosetting elastomers of natural rubber or synthetic rubber (such as diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber), or thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based elastomers. Furthermore, the deposition spacers 8s and 8i may be non-foamed, foamed with closed cells, or foamed with open cells.

[0060] (Fluid to be treated) The fluid to be treated Fi may be a liquid or a gas. Examples of liquids to be treated include river and lake water, seawater, groundwater, spring water, household wastewater, factory and business wastewater, and ship wastewater, and the filter module 1 described above can be used for the purification (separation of harmful substances) of these. Examples of gases to be treated include gases containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous substances such as ammonia, high-humidity gases, and carbon dioxide-containing gases. For the separation of carbon dioxide, metal-organic frames (MOFs) can be used as adsorbent powders.

[0061] (Flow velocity of the fluid to be treated) The flow velocity of the fluid to be treated Fi can be appropriately determined considering the pressure loss and the contact efficiency between the adsorbed powder particles and the fluid to be treated Fi (which affects the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbed powder). For example, if the fluid to be treated Fi is a gas, the flow rate can be 10 m / sec or less, and if the fluid to be treated Fi is a liquid, the flow rate can be 1 m / sec or less.

[0062] (Laminated Structure) The filter module 1 may consist of only one set of a filtration membrane 2, a deposit layer 3, and a primary flow layer 4. However, depending on the type of material to be filtered, the amount of material to be processed, and other operating conditions, it may consist of multiple sets to increase the filtration area (the area of ​​the cross-section of the deposit layer 3; if the area of ​​the cross-section is constant in the thickness direction, it is equal to the area of ​​the primary side surface of the deposit layer 3). That is, as shown in the example in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable that the filter module 1 has a filtration section 20 having a filtration membrane 2, a deposit layer 3, a primary flow layer 4, and a secondary flow layer 5 adjacent to the secondary side surface of the filtration membrane 2, and a blocking layer 6 that blocks the fluid. The filter sections 20 and blocking layers 6 are alternately stacked in the container 10, and a laminated body 200 is housed in which the blocking layers 6 are located at both ends in the stacking direction SD. The fluid to be processed Fi supplied into the container 10 from the supply port 14 is distributed and supplied to the primary flow layer 4 of each filtration section 20, and the processed fluid Fx is discharged to the outlet 15 via the secondary flow layer 5. The thickness, area, and shape of the filtration section 20 and its constituent members are preferably the same for all filtration sections 20, but they may be different. The stacking direction SD (thickness direction) of the filtration section 20 may be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, but it is preferable that they are stacked vertically so that the primary side surface of the stacked layer 3 is facing upwards, as shown in the illustrated example. Furthermore, if the container 10 has a cylindrical main section 11, it is preferable that the center direction of the main section 11 be the stacking direction SD of the filtration section 20. For example, if the container 10 has a vertically oriented cylindrical main section 11 such as a cylindrical shape, a bottom (second lid section 13) that closes the bottom opening of the main section 11, and an upper lid (first lid section 12) that closes the upper opening of the main section 11, the center direction of the main section 11 is vertical, and the filtration section 20 can be stacked along this direction.

[0063] The number of layers in the filtration section 20 can be determined as appropriate, for example, from 20 to 100. In this case, the total filtration area of ​​the deposited layers 3 (the sum of the filtration areas of all deposited layers 3) can be determined as appropriate, for example, from 0.03 to 7 m². ２ To a degree, more preferably 1 to 5 m ２ It can be considered to be of a certain degree.

[0064] (Secondary Distribution Layer) The secondary distribution layer 5 can be appropriately selected from the same materials as the primary distribution layer 4. The secondary distribution layer 5 may use the same material and thickness as the primary distribution layer 4, or it may use a different material and thickness.

[0065] (Blocking Layer) The barrier layer 6 is not particularly limited as long as it is impermeable to the pressurized fluid (liquid or gas). As the barrier layer 6, for example, a fluid barrier sheet made of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP), or synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used, as well as a non-porous metal plate such as stainless steel or aluminum. The material and thickness of the barrier layer 6 can be appropriately selected according to the chemical resistance to the liquid or gas to be blocked, as well as strength and durability.

[0066] <First Specific Example of Laminated Structure> To further explain the laminated structure shown in Figures 2 and 3, the container 10 has a cylindrical main part 11, and the laminated body 200 is arranged inside the main part 11 such that the lamination direction SD is aligned with the center of the main part 11. In addition, supply gaps 16 continuous with the lamination direction SD are provided between the deposited layer 3, the filtration membrane 2 and the secondary flow layer 5 in each filtration section 20 and the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11, and between the barrier layer 6 and the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11. These supply gaps 16 are in communication with the lamination direction SD of the laminated body 200 only via the primary flow layer 4, and a discharge channel 19 is provided that penetrates the laminated body 200 in the lamination direction SD. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, in order to form the portion through which the discharge channel 19 passes, the filtration membrane 2, the primary flow layer 4, the secondary flow layer 5, and the barrier layer 6 each form an annular shape with through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, and 6h penetrating in the thickness direction at their centers, and are stacked concentrically within the main part 11 of the container 10. The components of each filtration section 20 and the barrier layer 6 are of the same dimensions, shape, and material.

[0067] The outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane 2 of each filter section 20 is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer 6 located at the boundary with the adjacent filter section 20 on the secondary side, forming an annular joint 7. The annular joint 7 can be joined, for example, via an adhesive, or by welding the filter membrane 2 and the barrier layer 6.

[0068] Furthermore, each filtration section 20 has an annular outer elastic packing 8 sandwiched between the annular joint 7 and the primary flow layer 4, and an annular inner elastic packing 9 sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane 2 and the lower surface of the barrier layer 6 located at the boundary with the filtration section 20 adjacent to the primary side, and having a through hole 9h that penetrates in the thickness direction in the center. The deposited layer 3 is formed with a substantially uniform thickness over the entire region between the outer elastic packing 8 and the inner elastic packing 9 on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane 2. Therefore, the deposited layer 3 has an annular shape, with an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8 and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. The inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8 can be, for example, about 5 to 30 cm, and the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 can be about 1 / 5 to 1 / 15 times the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8.

[0069] The inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 can be formed using known elastomers, as long as they can block fluid flow by adhering tightly to the member in contact with the lamination direction SD while being compressed in the thickness direction TD. For example, the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 may be thermosetting elastomers of natural rubber or synthetic rubber (such as diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber), or thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based elastomers. Furthermore, the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 may be non-foamed or foamed with closed cells. The materials of the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 may be the same or different.

[0070] The outer diameter of the primary side flow layer 4 is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8. In other words, the entire outer peripheral edge of the primary side flow layer 4 coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent outer elastic packing 8 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD, so that the primary side flow layer 4 extends outward in the radial direction RD to reach the supply gap 16 over its entire circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer diameter of the primary side flow layer 4 is preferably equal to the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, within a range that allows the primary side flow layer 4 to be pushed into the container 10. However, as shown in Figure 9, it may be smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, and the entire outer peripheral edge of the primary side flow layer 4 may be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10. That is, the supply gap 16 may be continuous with the stacking direction SD of the laminate 200.

[0071] The inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 is spaced radially outward from the inner periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the direction RD. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is slightly larger (for example, about 1 to 5 mm) than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. As a result, the entire inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 is spaced radially outward from the outer periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the direction RD. In the cross-sectional view, for ease of understanding, a gap is shown between the inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 and the outer periphery of the inner elastic packing 9, between the barrier layer 6 and the deposition layer 3, but in reality, this gap can be reduced or eliminated to an extent that does not cause problems. For example, if the thickness of the primary flow layer 4 is thin to a certain extent, this gap can be reduced or eliminated as the inner elastic packing 9 is compressed in the thickness direction TD. Furthermore, if the primary flow layer 4 is a woven mesh, the gap can be reduced or eliminated by the primary flow layer 4 biting into the deposition layer 3. The inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 can be the same as the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, as shown in Figure 10, or smaller than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, as shown in Figure 11, as long as it is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In the latter case, the inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is sandwiched between the inner elastic packing and the barrier layer. As a result, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer 4 coincides with the position of the radial RD of the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent inner elastic packing 9, or is located between the inner and outer peripheral edges of the inner elastic packing 9, so that not only does the aforementioned gap disappear, but the entire surface of the deposition layer 3 can be covered with the primary flow layer 4.

[0072] The outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire outer edge of the secondary flow layer 5 is spaced radially outward from the outer edge of the inner elastic packing 9. As long as the outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, it may be slightly smaller (for example, about 1 to 5 mm) than the inner diameter of the annular joint 7, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, or it may be the same as the inner diameter of the annular joint 7, as shown in Figure 10, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the annular joint 7, as shown in Figure 11. In the latter case, the annular portion of the secondary flow layer 5 sandwiched between the filter membrane 2 and the barrier layer 6 also constitutes the annular joint 7. The outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, as shown in the illustrated example, and the entire outer edge of the primary flow layer 4 is preferably separated from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10. However, if the secondary flow layer 5 has permeability in the thickness direction TD, the outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 may be equal to the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, as long as it is possible to push the secondary flow layer 5 into the container 10.

[0073] The secondary flow layer 5 extends radially RD toward the center so as to reach the discharge channel 19 along its entire circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 can be the same as or smaller than the largest diameter among the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, the inner diameter of the filter membrane 2, and the inner diameter of the barrier layer 6, as shown in the illustrated example. In the latter case, the entire inner peripheral edge of the secondary flow layer 5 extends toward the center than the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9, the inner peripheral edge of the filter membrane 2, and the inner peripheral edge of the barrier layer 6. If the secondary flow layer 5 has permeability in the thickness direction TD, it is not necessary to form through holes 5h in the secondary flow layer 5 as shown in Figure 13 (the secondary flow layer 5 may be a circular layer instead of an annular layer). In this case, the flow passage in the thickness direction of the secondary flow layer constitutes the discharge channel.

[0074] The inner diameter of the filter membrane 2 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. The inner diameter of the filter membrane 2 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in the illustrated example, it may be the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in Figure 12.

[0075] The outer diameter of the filter membrane 2 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8 (that is, the outer elastic packing 8 can be sandwiched between the portion of the filter membrane 2 that constitutes the annular joint 7 and the primary flow layer 4). Also, the outer diameter of the filter membrane 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10), and the entire outer edge of the filter membrane 2 is separated from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10. The outer diameter of the filter membrane 2 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, as shown in the illustrated example. The outer edge of the filter membrane 2 may be located outside the outer edge of the annular joint 7, or it may coincide with the outer edge of the annular joint 7.

[0076] The inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 is less than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the sealing layer 6 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 toward the center. The inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in the illustrated example, it may be the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 is the smallest diameter among the through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, 6h, and 9h, but the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 may be the smallest diameter among the through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, 6h, and 9h.

[0077] The outer diameter of the sealing layer 6 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10), and the entire outer edge of the sealing layer 6 is separated from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10. The outer diameter of the sealing layer 6 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, as shown in the illustrated example. The outer edge of the sealing layer 6 may be located outside the outer edge of the annular joint 7, or it may coincide with the outer edge of the annular joint 7.

[0078] The outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10). In other words, the outer diameter of the members other than the primary side flow layer 4 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, and the supply gap 16 is formed by the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the members other than the primary side flow layer 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10.

[0079] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the filtration section 20 and the barrier layer 6 are stacked alternately and concentrically on the bottom of the container 10 such that the barrier layer 6 is located at both ends of the stacking direction SD, thereby constructing a laminated body 200 inside the container 10. Then, the first lid 12 (top lid) is pressed against the upper surface of the laminated body 200 and fixed to the main body 11, thereby pressing the primary side flow layer 4 against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration section 20. In particular, by designing the laminated body 200 to have a natural height greater than the compressed height of the laminated body 200 with the first lid 12 fixed, the primary side flow layer 4 is firmly pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration section 20. This degree can be determined as appropriate, but for example, if the aforementioned woven mesh is used for the primary side flow layer 4, it can be set so that part or all of the wire material of the woven mesh is embedded in the deposited layer 3. Therefore, the thickness of the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 can be the same as or greater than the thickness of the deposited layer 3. In either case, it is assumed that, with the laminate 200 compressed in the lamination direction SD and the first lid 12 fixed, the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8 are compressed in the thickness direction TD to a degree that can seal the fluid, and are crushed in the thickness direction TD, so that the primary side flow layer 4 is firmly pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration section 20. Furthermore, in order to effectively transmit the pressing force from the first lid 12 to the laminate 200, the uppermost sealing layer 6 of the laminate 200 can be made of metal such as stainless steel, and the other sealing layers 6 can be made of synthetic resin fluid sealing sheets.

[0080] Although the filtration section 20 (or its components) and the barrier layer 6 can be prepared separately and stacked sequentially, this would involve many steps and complicated work. Therefore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, it is preferable to construct the laminated body 200 of the filtration section 20 and the barrier layer 6 using multiple assembly units 30, each unit integrating the filtration membrane 2, the outer elastic packing 8 and inner elastic packing 9 adjacent to its primary side, the secondary flow layer 5 adjacent to the secondary side of the filtration membrane 2, the barrier layer 6 adjacent to the secondary flow layer 5, and the primary flow layer 4 adjacent to the barrier layer 6 on the opposite side of the secondary flow layer 5. Reference numeral 30h indicates a flow hole in which the through hole 5h of the secondary flow layer 5, the through hole 2h of the filtration membrane 2, the through hole 9h of the inner elastic packing 9, and the through hole 6h of the barrier layer 6 are connected in series.

[0081] In constructing the laminate 200, in each assembly unit 30, as shown in Figure 8, a deposit layer 3 is formed over the entire area between the outer elastic packing 8 and the inner elastic packing 9 on the primary side surface of the filter membrane 2, and the assembly units 30 are stacked in this order on the bottom of the container 10 so that the deposit layer 3 faces the top lid side, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. This makes it easy to manufacture the filter module 1. In this case, assembly units 30 with the deposit layer 3 already formed may be stacked, or the laminate 200 may be constructed by repeatedly performing the process of forming a deposit layer 3 by placing assembly units 30 without a deposit layer 3 in the container 10 and supplying a slurry of adsorbed powder to the primary side of the filter membrane 2 of the assembly unit 30 and filtering it through the filter membrane 2, one unit at a time.

[0082] To integrate all the components of each assembly unit 30, adjacent components can be bonded together with adhesive or welded together. For example, the filtration membrane 2 and the outer elastic packing 8 and inner elastic packing 9 adjacent to its primary side can be bonded together with an adhesive (not shown), and the filtration membrane 2, secondary flow layer 5, barrier layer 6, and primary flow layer 4 in the assembly unit 30 can be integrated by distributing columnar welded portions 31 that weld them together over the entire thickness direction TD at appropriate intervals in the planar direction.

[0083] When unitizing in this way, it is preferable that each assembly unit 30 stacked inside the container 10 is not joined to adjacent assembly units 30 and the container 10. This allows the container 10 and assembly units 30 to be recycled by repeatedly removing the first lid 12, removing the deposited layer 3 from the assembly unit 30 located on the opening side inside the container 10, and then removing it from the container 10, or removing it from the container 10 and then removing the deposited layer 3, one unit at a time.

[0084] Furthermore, when such unitization is performed, it is preferable that the outer edge of the primary side flow layer 4 is configured to contact the inner surface of the container 10, as shown in the illustrated example, because when each assembly unit 30 is stacked inside the container 10, the assembly units 30 are automatically arranged concentrically and their arrangement is maintained. The outer edge of the primary side flow layer 4 contacting the inner surface of the container 10 means that the outer diameter of the primary side flow layer 4 is equal to the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, or that the outer diameter of the primary side flow layer 4 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 to the extent that the primary side flow layer 4 can be pushed into the container 10.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the discharge port 15 for the processed fluid Fx is provided in the center of the first lid portion 12, and the supply port 14 for the fluid to be processed Fi is provided in the first lid portion 12 at a position away from the discharge port 15. Furthermore, in order to allow the fluid to be processed Fi flowing into the container 10 from the supply port 14 to flow into the supply gap 16 between the inner circumferential surface of the main portion 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the laminate 200, and to connect (communicate) the through hole 6h of the uppermost barrier layer 6 with the discharge port 15 of the first lid portion 12, and to firmly sandwich the laminate 200 between the first lid portion 12 and the second lid portion 13 (bottom of the container 10), an annular connecting elastic packing 17P is sandwiched between the inner circumferential edge of the uppermost barrier layer 6 and the first lid portion 12, and an annular first spacer 17S is interposed between the outer circumferential edge of the barrier layer 6 and the first lid portion 12. Furthermore, in order to prevent the fluid to be processed Fi from flowing into the flow hole 30h of the lowest assembly unit 30 through the gap between the bottom surface of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid portion 13, and in order to firmly sandwich the laminate 200 between the first lid portion 12 and the second lid portion 13, an annular sealing elastic packing 18P is sandwiched between the inner peripheral edge of the sealing layer 6 of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid portion 13 of the container 10, and an annular second spacer 18S is interposed between the outer peripheral edge of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid portion 13.

[0086] The inner and outer diameters of the connecting elastic packing 17P can be appropriately determined as long as they are less than or equal to the shortest distance between the inner periphery of the supply port 14 and the center of the laminate 200. As shown in the illustrated example, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the connecting elastic packing 17P is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, and the outer diameter of the connecting elastic packing 17P is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, so that the entire inner periphery of the connecting elastic packing 17P coincides with the position of the inner periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD, and the entire outer periphery of the connecting elastic packing 17P coincides with the position of the outer periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD, so that the laminate 200 can be more stably sandwiched between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13.

[0087] The inner diameter of the first spacer 17S is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting elastic packing 17P, so that a flow space for the fluid Fi to be processed is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the first spacer 17S and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting elastic packing 17P. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first spacer 17S is larger than the outer diameter of the barrier layer 6, so that the entire outer edge of the first spacer 17S is located radially outward RD from the outer edge of the barrier layer 6. The outer diameter of the first spacer 17S may be equal to the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, as shown in the illustrated example, or it may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, as long as the first spacer 17S can be pushed into the container 10. Furthermore, as shown in the illustrated example, if the inner diameter of the first spacer 17S is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, and the outer diameter of the first spacer 17S is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, then the entire inner peripheral edge of the first spacer 17S coincides with the position of the inner peripheral edge of the outer elastic packing 8 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD, and the entire outer peripheral edge of the first spacer 17S coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the outer elastic packing 8 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD, which is preferable because it allows the laminate 200 to be sandwiched more stably between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13.

[0088] The inner and outer diameters of the sealing elastic packing 18P can be determined as appropriate. As shown in the illustrated example, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, and the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, so that the entire inner peripheral edge of the sealing elastic packing 18P coincides with the position of the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD, and the entire outer peripheral edge of the sealing elastic packing 18P coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD, so that the laminate 200 can be sandwiched more stably between the first lid portion 12 and the second lid portion 13.

[0089] In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the second spacer 18S is larger than the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P, and a sealing space is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the second spacer 18S and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing elastic packing 18P. However, this sealing space may be eliminated by making the inner diameter of the second spacer 18S the same as the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P. The outer diameter of the second spacer 18S is equal to the outer diameter of the barrier layer 6, but it may be larger than the outer diameter of the barrier layer 6, or it may be equal to the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10. Furthermore, as shown in the illustrated example, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the second spacer 18S is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, and the outer diameter of the second spacer 18S is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the outer elastic packing 8, so that the entire inner peripheral edge of the second spacer 18S coincides with the position of the inner peripheral edge of the outer elastic packing 8 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD, and the entire outer peripheral edge of the second spacer 18S coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the outer elastic packing 8 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD, so that the laminate 200 can be sandwiched more stably between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13.

[0090] The sealing elastic packing 18P prevents the fluid Fi to be processed from flowing into the flow hole 30h of the lowest assembly unit 30 through the gap between the bottom surface of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid portion 13. Therefore, it does not need to be annular in shape and can be a continuous layer shape that does not have a flow hole at the center, such as a circle (not shown). Furthermore, the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing can be increased to about the outer diameter of the second spacer, and the second spacer can be omitted (not shown).

[0091] The connecting elastic packing 17P and the closing elastic packing 18P can be selected from the same materials as the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8, and may be made from the same material as the inner elastic packing 9 or the outer elastic packing 8, or from a different material. The first spacer 17S is not particularly limited as long as it allows the fluid Fi to be processed flowing into the container 10 from the supply port 14 to pass through freely, but a foam with open cells is preferred in that it can secure a certain thickness and also function as a strainer. The second spacer 18S does not need to allow the fluid Fi to pass through, so it may be made from the same materials as the inner elastic packing 9 and the outer elastic packing 8, or from a material with the same function as the first spacer 17S.

[0092] The fluid Fi to be processed, which flows into the container 10 from the supply port 14, does not flow out to the discharge port 15 due to the connecting elastic packing 17P, but passes through the first spacer 17S and flows into the supply gap 16 between the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the laminate 200. The fluid Fi to be processed that flows into the supply gap 16 is distributed and supplied to the primary flow layer 4 of each filtration section 20. In the illustrated example, the outer edge of the primary flow layer 4 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the container 10, but the fluid Fi to be processed passes through the primary flow layer 4 in the thickness direction TD and is supplied to each filtration section 20. In each filtration section 20, the fluid Fi to be processed is filtered by the adsorbent powder and the filter membrane 2. The processed fluid Fx from each filtration section 20 passes through the secondary flow layer 5 and merges into the discharge channel 19 formed by the series connection of the flow holes 30h of the entire assembly unit 30, and is then discharged through the connecting elastic packing 17P and out of the discharge port 15.

[0093] (Other) In the illustrated example, the outer and inner circumferential shapes of the inner elastic packing 9, outer elastic packing 8, filtration membrane 2, secondary flow layer 5, barrier layer 6, primary flow layer 4, connecting elastic packing 17P, first spacer 17S, closing elastic packing 18P, and second spacer 18S are circular. However, some or all of these shapes can be other than circular, for example, polygons or ovals, or other appropriate shapes. Also, in the illustrated example, the through holes and the flow holes formed thereby are provided in the center of the laminate 200. However, they may be provided elsewhere as needed, or multiple holes may be provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the lamination direction SD.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the inner circumferential surface of the discharge channel 19 is made up of the inner circumferential surfaces of each component of the flow hole 30h (through-hole 5h of the secondary flow layer 5, through-hole 2h of the filter membrane 2, through-hole 9h of the inner elastic packing 9, and through-hole 6h of the barrier layer 6), but piping that constitutes part or all of the discharge channel 19 may be installed inside the flow hole 30h.

[0095] Within the limits of not impairing the functionality of this first example, some of the configurations of the second example described later can be appropriately adopted.

[0096] <Second Specific Example of Laminated Structure> Below, a second specific example of the laminated structure will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in the second specific example, the container 10 has a cylindrical main part 11, and the laminated body 200 is arranged inside the main part 11 such that the lamination direction SD is aligned with the center of the main part 11. In addition, a supply gap 16 continuous with the lamination direction SD is provided between the laminated body 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11, and a discharge channel 19 is provided that penetrates the laminated body 200 in the lamination direction SD. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17 to 21, in order to form the portion through which the discharge channel 19 passes, the filtration membrane 2, the primary flow layer 4, the secondary flow layer 5, and the barrier layer 6 each form an annular shape with through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, and 6h penetrating in the thickness direction at their centers, and are stacked concentrically inside the main part 11 of the container 10. The components of each filtration section 20 and the barrier layer 6 are of the same dimensions, shape, and material.

[0097] The outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane 2 of each filter section 20 is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer 6 located at the boundary with the adjacent filter section 20 on the secondary side, including the outer peripheral edge of the secondary side flow layer 5, thereby forming an annular joint 7. The annular joint 7 can be joined, for example, via an adhesive, or by welding the filter membrane 2, the secondary side flow layer 5, and the barrier layer 6. As will be described later, if the outer peripheral edge of the secondary side flow layer 5 is located closer to the center than the annular joint 7, the annular joint 7 can be formed by joining the filter membrane 2 and the barrier layer 6 without including the secondary side flow layer 5.

[0098] Furthermore, each filtration section 20 has an annular inner elastic packing 9 sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane 2 and the lower surface of the barrier layer 6 located at the boundary with the adjacent filtration section 20 on the primary side, with a through hole 9h penetrating through the center in the thickness direction. The deposited layer 3 is formed with a substantially uniform thickness over the entire radially outer surface of the inner elastic packing 9 on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane 2. Therefore, the deposited layer 3 has an annular shape with an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 2 and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. The outer diameter of the filtration membrane 2 can be, for example, about 5 to 30 cm, and the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 can be about 1 / 5 to 1 / 15 times the outer diameter of the filtration membrane 2.

[0099] The inner elastic packing 9 can be formed using a known elastomer, as long as it can block fluid by adhering tightly to the member in contact with the stacking direction SD while being compressed in the thickness direction TD. For example, the inner elastic packing 9 may be a thermosetting elastomer of natural rubber or synthetic rubber (such as diene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber), or a thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, ester-based, or amide-based elastomer. Furthermore, the inner elastic packing 9 may be a non-foamed material or a foamed material with closed cells. The material of the inner elastic packing 9 may be the same as or different from the material of the stacking spacers 8s and 8i.

[0100] The outer diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the sediment layer 3. In other words, the entire outer edge of the primary flow layer 4 coincides with the position of the radial RD of the outer edge of the adjacent sediment layer 3, or is located further out in the radial RD, so that the primary flow layer 4 extends outward in the radial RD so as to reach the supply gap 16 over its entire circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10), so that the entire outer edge of the primary flow layer 4 is away from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 towards the center of the radial RD, because this allows for a wider cross-sectional area of ​​the supply gap 16. However, as long as a supply gap 16 is formed through each laminate 200, only a portion of the outer edge of the primary side flow layer 4 is separated from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 to form the supply gap 16, and the other portion does not need to be in close contact with the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 to form the supply gap 16.

[0101] The inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 is spaced radially outward from the inner periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the direction RD. In the example shown in Figure 17, the inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 is slightly larger (for example, about 1 to 5 mm) than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. As a result, the entire inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 is spaced radially outward from the outer periphery of the inner elastic packing 9 in the direction RD. In the cross-sectional view, for ease of understanding, a gap is shown between the inner periphery of the primary flow layer 4 and the outer periphery of the inner elastic packing 9, between the barrier layer 6 and the deposition layer 3, but in reality, this gap can be reduced or eliminated to an extent that does not cause problems. For example, if the thickness of the primary flow layer 4 is thin to a certain extent, this gap can be reduced or eliminated as the inner elastic packing 9 is compressed in the thickness direction TD. Furthermore, if the primary flow layer 4 is a woven mesh, the gap can be reduced or eliminated by the primary flow layer 4 biting into the deposition layer 3. The inner diameter of the primary flow layer 4 can be the same as the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, as shown in Figure 23, or smaller than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, as shown in Figure 24, as long as it is larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In the latter case, the inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is sandwiched between the inner elastic packing and the barrier layer. As a result, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer 4 coincides with the position of the radial RD of the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent inner elastic packing 9, or is located between the inner and outer peripheral edges of the inner elastic packing 9, so that not only does the aforementioned gap disappear, but the entire surface of the deposition layer 3 can be covered with the primary flow layer 4.

[0102] The outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire outer edge of the secondary flow layer 5 is spaced radially outward from the outer edge of the inner elastic packing 9. As long as the outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, it may be slightly smaller (for example, about 1 to 5 mm) than the inner diameter of the annular joint 7 as shown in Figure 22, or it may be the same as the inner diameter of the annular joint 7 as shown in Figure 23, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the annular joint 7 as shown in Figures 17 and 24. In the latter case, the annular portion of the secondary flow layer 5 sandwiched between the filter membrane 2 and the barrier layer 6 also constitutes the annular joint 7. It is preferable that the outer diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 is smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10, as shown in the illustrated example, so that the entire outer edge of the secondary flow layer 5 is spaced away from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10, in order to secure a wide cross-sectional area of ​​the supply gap 16. However, as long as a supply gap 16 is formed through each laminate 200, only a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the secondary flow layer 5 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 to form a supply gap, and the other portion does not need to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 to form a supply gap.

[0103] The secondary flow layer 5 extends radially RD toward the center so as to reach the discharge channel 19 along its entire circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the secondary flow layer 5 can be the same as the largest diameter among the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, the inner diameter of the filter membrane 2, and the inner diameter of the barrier layer 6, as shown in the example in Figure 17, or it can be smaller, as shown in the example in Figure 24. In the latter case, the entire inner peripheral edge of the secondary flow layer 5 extends toward the center than the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9, the inner peripheral edge of the filter membrane 2, and the inner peripheral edge of the barrier layer 6. If the secondary flow layer 5 has permeability in the thickness direction TD, it is not necessary to form through holes 5h in the secondary flow layer 5 as shown in Figure 26 (the secondary flow layer 5 may be a circular layer instead of an annular layer). In this case, the flow passage in the thickness direction TD of the secondary flow layer 5 constitutes the discharge channel 19.

[0104] The inner diameter of the filter membrane 2 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. The inner diameter of the filter membrane 2 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in the illustrated example, it may be the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in Figure 25.

[0105] The outer diameter of the filter membrane 2 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10), and it is preferable that the entire outer edge of the filter membrane 2 is separated from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10, in order to secure a wide cross-sectional area of ​​the supply gap 16. The outer diameter of the filter membrane 2 may be larger than the outer diameter of the primary flow layer 4, or it may be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the primary flow layer 4. The outer edge of the filter membrane 2 may be located outside the outer edge of the annular joint 7, or it may coincide with the outer edge of the annular joint 7.

[0106] The inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 is less than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In other words, the entire inner peripheral edge of the sealing layer 6 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 toward the center. The inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 as shown in the illustrated example, it may be the same as the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, or it may be larger than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the sealing layer 6 is the smallest diameter among the through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, 6h, and 9h, but the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9 may be the smallest diameter among the through holes 2h, 4h, 5h, 6h, and 9h.

[0107] The outer diameter of the barrier layer 6 is less than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10 (for example, about 1 to 5 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the main part 11 of the container 10), and it is preferable that the entire outer peripheral edge of the barrier layer 6 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the main part 11 of the container 10, in order to secure a wide cross-sectional area of ​​the supply gap 16. The outer diameter of the barrier layer 6 may be larger than the outer diameter of the filter membrane 2, as shown in the illustrated example, or it may be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the filter membrane 2. The outer peripheral edge of the barrier layer 6 may be located outside the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 7, or it may coincide with the outer peripheral edge of the annular joint 7.

[0108] By alternately and concentrically stacking the components of the filtration section 20, excluding the deposit layer 3, and the deposit layer 6 on the bottom of the container 10 such that the deposit layer 6 is located at both ends of the stacking direction SD, a laminated body 200 without the deposit layer 3 is constructed inside the container 10. Then, by pressing the first lid 12 (top lid) against the upper surface of the laminated body 200 and fixing it to the main body 11, a semi-finished product of a filter module 1 can be produced that includes everything except the deposit layer 3, and in which the space between the primary side flow layer 4 and the filter membrane 2 is exposed to the supply gap 16. In this semi-finished product, each inner elastic packing 9 is compressed in the thickness direction TD while adhering closely to the adjacent member in the thickness direction TD to the extent that it can seal the fluid. When deposit spacers 8s and 8i are provided, it is preferable that the deposit spacers 8s and 8i are in contact with the primary side flow layer 4 without being compressed in the thickness direction TD, but it is not necessary for them to be in contact with the primary side flow layer 4, and they may be compressed in the thickness direction TD. Therefore, the thickness of the deposition spacers 8s and 8i may be thinner, thicker, or the same as the inner elastic packing 9, but thinner is preferable. Furthermore, in order to effectively transmit the pressing force from the first lid portion 12 to the laminate 200, the uppermost barrier layer 6 of the laminate 200 can be made of metal such as stainless steel, and the other barrier layers 6 can be made of synthetic resin fluid barrier sheets. As shown in Figure 27, by pressurizing and supplying the slurry CW of adsorbent powder to the space between the primary flow layer 4 and the filter membrane 2 through the supply port 14 and supply gap 16 of this semi-finished product, the adsorbent powder C is deposited on the primary side of the filter membrane 2, and the liquid portion W of the slurry is passed through, filling the space between the primary flow layer 4 and the primary side surface of the filter membrane 2 with adsorbent powder C to form a deposition layer 3, thereby manufacturing a product module in which the primary flow layer 4 is pressed against the primary side surface of the deposition layer 3 of each filter portion 20. The concentration of the adsorbent powder slurry CW can be determined as appropriate, but for example, it can be about 0.5 to 3% by weight. Furthermore, the supply flow rate of the adsorbent powder slurry CW can be set as appropriate, but for example, it can be set to 17 to 28 L / min (permeation flux of about 500 to 800 LMH). In addition, by measuring the differential pressure between the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15 and supplying the adsorbent powder slurry until the differential pressure (target differential pressure) reached when a deposit layer 3 with adsorbent powder C properly filled is formed, a deposit layer 3 of the desired quality can be formed.The target differential pressure can be set as appropriate, but one example is that it can be around 15 to 30 kPa.

[0109] Furthermore, by alternately and concentrically stacking the filtration sections 20 and the barrier layers 6 on the bottom of the container 10 so that the barrier layers 6 are located at both ends of the stacking direction SD, a laminated body 200 can be constructed inside the container 10. Then, by pressing the first lid 12 (top lid) against the upper surface of the laminated body 200 and fixing it to the main body 11, the primary side flow layer 4 can be pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration section 20. In particular, by designing the laminated body 200 so that its natural height before being pressed by the first lid 12 is greater than the compressed height of the laminated body 200 with the first lid 12 fixed, the primary side flow layer 4 is firmly pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration section 20. This degree can be determined as appropriate, but for example, if the aforementioned woven mesh is used for the primary side flow layer 4, it can be set so that part or all of the wire material of the woven mesh is embedded in the deposited layer 3. Therefore, the thickness of the inner elastic packing 9 can be the same as or greater than the thickness of the deposited layer 3, and the thickness of the deposited spacers 8s and 8i can be the same as the thickness of the deposited layer 3. In either case, it is assumed that, with the laminate 200 compressed in the laminate direction SD and the first lid portion 12 fixed, the inner elastic packing 9 is compressed in the thickness direction TD to a degree that can seal the fluid, and is compressed in the thickness direction TD, so that the primary side flow layer 4 is firmly pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer 3 of each filtration portion 20. In this case as well, in order to effectively transmit the pressing force from the first lid portion 12 to the laminate 200, the uppermost sealing layer 6 of the laminate 200 can be made of metal such as stainless steel, and the other sealing layers 6 can be made of synthetic resin fluid sealing sheets.

[0110] Furthermore, in order to firmly sandwich the laminate 200 between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13 against external forces such as vibration during transportation and internal pressure of the container 10 when supplying or filtering the adsorbed powder slurry, it is preferable that the container is equipped with a female screw portion 40 provided in the center of the second lid 13, and male screw bodies 41, 42 having a head 41 on the first lid 12 and a shaft portion 42 that penetrates with a gap into the discharge port 15 and the discharge channel 19 of the laminate 200, with the tip of the shaft portion 42 being screwed into the female screw portion 40. By screwing the male screw bodies 41, 42 into the female screw portion 40 and tightening them, the heads 41 of the male screw bodies 41, 42 can press the first lid 12 toward the second lid 13. The liquid in the filtrate and the slurry of adsorbed powder is discharged through a gap formed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 42 of the male screw bodies 41 and 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the discharge port 15 and the discharge channel 19 of the laminate 200. In the illustrated example, the female screw portion 40 consists of an insertion hole formed in the center of the second lid portion 13 and a cap nut-shaped member 40n fixed to the outer surface of the center of the second lid portion 13. However, the female screw portion 40 may be fixed to the inner surface of the center of the second lid portion 13 without forming an insertion hole in the female screw portion 40. Also, in the illustrated example, the shaft portion 42 of the male screw bodies 41 and 42 consists of a female screw shaft 42a extending from the head 41 and a threaded rod 42b screwed onto this female screw shaft 42a. However, the bolt may be integrally formed.

[0111] Although the filtration section 20 (or its components) and the barrier layer 6 can be prepared separately and stacked sequentially, this would increase the number of steps and complicate the process. Therefore, as shown in Figures 17 to 20, for example, it is preferable to construct the laminated body 200 of the filtration section 20 and the barrier layer 6 using a plurality of assembly units 30, each integrating the filtration membrane 2, the inner elastic packing 9 adjacent to its primary side, the secondary flow layer 5 adjacent to the secondary side of the filtration membrane 2, the barrier layer 6 adjacent to the secondary flow layer 5, and the primary flow layer 4 adjacent to the barrier layer 6 on the opposite side from the secondary flow layer 5. The inner elastic packing 9 can also be provided on the side of the barrier layer 6 opposite to the secondary flow layer 5, as shown in the example in Figure 29(b). The assembly unit 30 may also include stacking spacers 8s and 8i. In this case, the deposition spacers 8s and 8i can be provided only on the primary side of the filter membrane 2, as shown in Figures 17, 29(a), and 30; or only on the side opposite to the secondary flow layer 5 in the barrier layer 6, as shown in Figure 29(b); or, as shown in Figure 28, some of the deposition spacers (outer peripheral spacer 8s in the illustrated example) can be provided on the primary side of the filter membrane 2, while the remaining deposition spacers (auxiliary spacer 8i in the illustrated example) can be provided on the side opposite to the secondary flow layer 5 in the barrier layer 6. Reference numeral 30h indicates a flow hole formed by the series connection of the through-hole 5h of the secondary flow layer 5, the through-hole 2h of the filter membrane 2, the through-hole 9h of the inner elastic packing 9, and the through-hole 6h of the barrier layer 6. Additional layers not included in the assembly unit 30, such as the primary flow layer 4 and the barrier layer 6, can be added to the top and bottom of the laminate 200 as needed to enable the top and bottom filtration sections 20 to function.

[0112] When producing the aforementioned semi-finished product, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, a laminate 200 without a deposit layer 3 can be constructed by sequentially stacking assembly units 30 without a deposit layer 3 on the bottom of the container 10 so that the inner elastic packing 9 faces the first lid portion 12. As described above, a laminate 200 with a deposit layer 3 can be formed by filtering the slurry CW of adsorbed powder with this semi-finished product. Alternatively, a laminate 200 with a deposit layer 3 can be constructed by stacking assembly units 30 with a deposit layer 3 already formed (similar to the state in Figure 21) on the bottom of the container 10 so that the deposit layer 3 faces the first lid portion 12. Or, a laminate 200 can be constructed by placing assembly units 30 without a deposit layer 3 inside the container 10 and supplying the slurry of adsorbed powder to the primary side of the filter membrane 2 of the assembly unit 30 and filtering it through the filter membrane 2 to form a deposit layer 3, repeating this process for each unit.

[0113] To integrate all the components of each assembly unit 30, adjacent components can be bonded together with adhesive or welded together. For example, the filtration membrane 2 and the deposit spacers 8s, 8i and inner elastic packing 9 adjacent to its primary side can be bonded together with an adhesive (not shown), and the filtration membrane 2, secondary flow layer 5, barrier layer 6 and primary flow layer 4 in the assembly unit 30 can be integrated by distributing columnar welded portions 31 that weld them together over the entire thickness direction TD at appropriate intervals in the planar direction.

[0114] When unitizing in this way, it is preferable that each assembly unit 30 stacked inside the container 10 is not joined to adjacent assembly units 30 and the container 10. This allows the container 10 and assembly units 30 to be recycled by repeatedly removing the first lid 12, removing the deposited layer 3 from the assembly unit 30 located on the opening side inside the container 10, and then removing it from the container 10, or removing it from the container 10 and then removing the deposited layer 3, one unit at a time.

[0115] Furthermore, when such unitization is performed, as shown in Figures 15 and 17, if each of the outer peripheral spacers 8s has a protruding portion 8p that protrudes laterally from the assembly unit 30, and if only the outer peripheral spacers 8s of the assembly unit 30 are configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the container 10, then when each assembly unit 30 is stacked in the container 10, the assembly units 30 are automatically arranged concentrically (concentrically in the illustrated example) and this arrangement is maintained, and since the spaces between adjacent protruding portions 8p in the circumferential direction communicate in the stacking direction SD, the continuity of the supply gap 16 in the stacking direction SD is also ensured, which is preferable. Contact between the protruding portions 8p of the outer peripheral spacers 8s and the inner circumferential surface of the container 10 includes either all of the protruding portions 8p of the outer peripheral spacers 8s contacting the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 without deformation of the outer peripheral spacers 8s, or contacting the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 with compression of the outer peripheral spacers 8s in the radial direction RD.

[0116] Although not shown in the figures, the outer peripheral spacer 8s may not have any protruding portions that project outward from the assembly unit 30, and at least one of the components of the assembly unit 30, such as the primary side flow layer 4, may have protruding portions that project outward in the radial direction RD and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, or the inner wall surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 may have protruding portions that project towards the center in the radial direction RD and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In these cases as well, a supply gap 16 communicating in the stacking direction SD is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 and the assembly unit 30 between adjacent protruding portions in the circumferential direction. In the example shown in Figure 30, protruding portions 4e that project outward in the radial direction RD are provided at circumferential intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the primary side flow layer 4, and a supply gap 16 communicating in the stacking direction SD is formed between the outer peripheral edge of the non-protruding portion 4d formed between adjacent protruding portions 4e in the circumferential direction and the inner circumferential surface of the main part 11 of the container 10. The protruding portion 4e and the non-protruding portion 4d can be formed by cutting the outer edge of the member, or by deforming the member.

[0117] Although not shown in the diagram, the outer surface (side surface) of the assembly unit 30 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the main part 11 of the container 10 along its entire circumference, and the supply gap 16 with an annular cross-section may be continuous in the stacking direction.

[0118] In the illustrated example, the discharge port 15 for the treated fluid Fx is provided in the center of the first lid portion 12, and the supply port 14 for the fluid to be treated Fi is provided in the first lid portion 12 at a position radially outward RD from the discharge port 15. A flow path for the fluid to be treated Fi flowing into the container 10 from the supply port 14 flows into the supply gap 16 between the inner circumferential surface of the main portion 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the laminate 200, and a flow path connecting (communicating) the through hole 6h of the uppermost barrier layer 6 and the discharge port 15 of the first lid portion 12 may be formed as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the discharge flow path 19 of the laminate 200 and the discharge port 15 are connected by sandwiching an annular first connecting elastic packing 17T between the inner circumferential edge of the uppermost barrier layer 6 and the first lid portion 12. In the illustrated example, an annular partition plate 17Q is provided radially RD outward from the first connecting elastic packing 17T, having an inner periphery whose inner periphery is located radially RD closer to the center of the supply port 14 and an outer periphery located radially RD outward from the first connecting elastic packing 17T. Multiple flow path spacers 17U are interposed between the outer periphery of the upper surface of the partition plate 17Q and the lower surface of the first lid 12 at circumferential intervals, and an annular second connecting elastic packing 17R is sandwiched between the inner periphery of the upper surface of the partition plate 17Q and the lower surface of the first lid 12. The supply gap 16 and the supply port 14 are connected via a gap 17i formed between the partition plate 17Q and the first lid 12. Furthermore, in order to prevent the fluid Fi to be processed from flowing into the flow hole 30h of the lowest assembly unit 30 through the gap between the bottom surface of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid 13, and in order to firmly sandwich the laminate 200 between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13, an annular sealing elastic packing 18P is sandwiched between the inner peripheral edge of the sealing layer 6 of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid 13 of the container 10.

[0119] The inner and outer diameters of the first connecting elastic packing 17T can be determined as appropriate. As shown in the illustrated example, if at least one of the following conditions is met: the inner diameter of the first connecting elastic packing 17T is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, and the outer diameter of the first connecting elastic packing 17T is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, then at least one of the following conditions is met: the entire inner peripheral edge of the first connecting elastic packing 17T coincides with the position of the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD; or the entire outer peripheral edge of the first connecting elastic packing 17T coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD. This is preferable because it allows the laminate 200 to be sandwiched more stably between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13.

[0120] The inner diameter of the partition plate 17Q can be appropriately determined as long as the inner peripheral edge of the partition plate 17Q is located closer to the center of the radial RD than the supply port 14, and the outer peripheral edge of the partition plate 17Q is located further out of the radial RD than the first connecting elastic packing 17T. The outer diameter of the partition plate 17Q can be appropriately determined, but in the case of having outer peripheral spacers 8s as shown in the illustrated example, it is preferable that the outer peripheral edge of the partition plate 17Q is positioned to overlap all of the outer peripheral spacers 8s, as this allows the laminate 200 to be more stably sandwiched between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13.

[0121] The shape, planar dimensions, material, arrangement, and number of the flow channel spacers 17U can be the same as those of the accumulation spacers 8s and 8i (especially the outer peripheral spacer 8s). The flow channel spacers 17U may or may not protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the partition plate 17Q.

[0122] The outer diameter of the second connecting elastic packing 17R should be larger than the inner diameter of the partition plate 17Q, and small enough not to block the supply port 14. The inner diameter of the second connecting elastic packing 17R should be the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting elastic packing 17T.

[0123] The inner and outer diameters of the sealing elastic packing 18P can be determined as appropriate. It is preferable that at least one of the following conditions is met: the inner diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner elastic packing 9, and the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the inner elastic packing 9. This results in at least one of the following states: the entire inner peripheral edge of the sealing elastic packing 18P coincides with the position of the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located closer to the center of the radial direction RD; or the entire outer peripheral edge of the sealing elastic packing 18P coincides with the position of the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing 9 in the radial direction RD, or is located further out in the radial direction RD. This allows the laminate 200 to be sandwiched more stably between the first lid 12 and the second lid 13. It is also preferable that the outer diameter of the sealing elastic packing 18P is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the lowest primary side flow layer 4 (diameter of the through hole 4h), so that the entire sealing elastic packing 18P is in close contact with the barrier layer 6.

[0124] The sealing elastic packing 18P prevents the fluid Fi to be processed from flowing into the flow hole 30h of the lowest assembly unit 30 through the gap between the bottom surface of the lowest assembly unit 30 and the second lid portion 13. Therefore, it does not need to be annular, and can be a continuous layer shape that does not have a flow hole at the center, such as a circle (not shown).

[0125] The first connecting elastic packing 17T, the second connecting elastic packing 17R, and the occluding elastic packing 18P can be selected from the same materials as the inner elastic packing 9, and may be made from the same material as the inner elastic packing 9 or from a different material. The material of the flow path spacer 17U can be determined as appropriate and may be a hard material such as plastic or metal, but it may also be formed using the same elastomer as the inner elastic packing 9. The material of the partition plate 17Q can also be determined as appropriate and may be a hard material such as plastic or metal, or it may be formed using the same elastomer as the inner elastic packing 9.

[0126] As shown in Figure 15, the fluid Fi to be treated, which flows into the container 10 from the supply port 14, does not flow out to the discharge port 15 due to the second connecting elastic packing 17R and the first connecting elastic packing 17T, but instead passes through the gap 17i formed between the partition plate 17Q and the first lid portion 12, and flows into the supply gap 16 between the inner circumferential surface of the main portion 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the laminate 200 from between the circumferentially adjacent flow path spacers 17U. The fluid Fi to be treated that flows into the supply gap 16 is distributed and supplied to the deposit layer 3 via the primary flow layer 4 of each filtration section 20 and directly. In each filtration section 20, the fluid Fi to be treated is filtered by the adsorbent powder and the filter membrane 2. The treated fluid Fx from each filtration section 20 passes through the secondary flow layer 5 and merges with the discharge flow path 19 formed by the series connection of the flow holes 30h of the entire assembly unit 30, and is then discharged from the discharge port 15 through the connecting elastic packing 17P.

[0127] The flow path is the same when supplying the slurry CW of adsorbent powder to the supply port 14 of the aforementioned semi-finished product. That is, the slurry CW of adsorbent powder flowing into the container 10 from the supply port 14 does not flow out to the discharge port 15 due to the second connecting elastic packing 17R and the first connecting elastic packing 17T, similar to the fluid Fi to be processed in Figure 15, but passes through the gap 17i formed between the partition plate 17Q and the first lid portion 12, and flows from between the circumferentially adjacent flow path spacers 17U into the supply gap 16 between the inner circumferential surface of the main portion 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the laminate 200. As shown in Figure 27, the adsorbent powder slurry CW that flows into the supply gap 16 enters the spaces between the primary flow layer 4 and the filter membrane 2. The adsorbent powder C in the slurry accumulates on the primary side of the filter membrane 2, while the liquid W of the slurry passes through the filter membrane 2 and the secondary flow layer 5 in that order. It then merges and is discharged into the discharge channel 19 formed by connecting the flow holes 30h of the entire assembly unit 30 in series, and is then discharged through the first connecting elastic packing 17T and the discharge port 15.

[0128] (Other) In the illustrated example, the outer and inner circumferential shapes of the inner elastic packing 9, filtration membrane 2, secondary flow layer 5, barrier layer 6, primary flow layer 4, first connecting elastic packing 17T, partition plate 17Q, second connecting elastic packing 17R, and closing elastic packing 18P are circular. However, some or all of these shapes can be other than circular, for example, polygons or ovals, or other appropriate shapes. Also, in the illustrated example, the through holes and the flow holes formed thereby are provided in the center of the laminate 200. However, they may be provided elsewhere as needed, or multiple holes may be provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the lamination direction SD.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the inner circumferential surface of the discharge channel 19 is made up of the inner circumferential surfaces of each component of the flow hole 30h (through-hole 5h of the secondary flow layer 5, through-hole 2h of the filter membrane 2, through-hole 9h of the inner elastic packing 9, and through-hole 6h of the barrier layer 6), but piping that constitutes part or all of the discharge channel 19 may be installed inside the flow hole 30h.

[0130] Within the limits of not impairing the functionality of this second specific example, some of the configurations of the first specific example described above can be appropriately adopted.

[0131] 1...Filter module, 2...Filtration membrane, 2h...Through-hole of filtration membrane 2, 3...Accumulation layer, 4...Primary flow layer, 4h...Through-hole of primary flow layer 4, 4P...Protrusion, 5...Secondary flow layer, 5h...Through-hole of secondary flow layer 5, 6...Blocking layer, 6h...Through-hole of blocking layer 6, 7...Annular joint, 8...Outer elastic packing, 8s, 8i...Accumulation spacer, 8s...Outer peripheral spacer, 8i...Auxiliary spacer, 8p...Protruding part, 9...Inner elastic packing, 9h...Through-hole of inner elastic packing 9, 10...Container, 11...Main part, 12...First lid, 13...Second lid, 14...Supply port, 15...Discharge port, 16...Supply gap, 17P...Connecting elastic packing, 17Q...Partition plate ,17R...Second connecting elastic packing, 17S...First spacer, 17T...First connecting elastic packing, 17U...Flow path spacer, 18P...Blocking elastic packing, 18S...Second spacer, 19...Discharge flow path, 20...Filtration section, 200...Laminate, 30...Assembly unit, 30h...Flow hole of assembly unit 30, 31...Welded section, 40...Female thread section, 40n...Bag nut-shaped member, 41, 42...Male threaded body, 41...Head, 42...Shaft section, 42a...Female threaded shaft, 42b...Threaded bolt, C...Adsorbent powder, CW...Slurry of adsorbent powder, Fi...Fluid to be processed, Fx...Processed fluid, RD...Radial direction, SD...Laminated direction, TD...Thickness direction, W...Liquid content of slurry.

Claims

1. A filter module comprising: a filtration membrane; a deposit layer of adsorbed powder attached to the primary side surface of the filtration membrane; a primary side flow layer pressed against the primary side surface of the deposit layer; a container in which the filtration membrane, the deposit layer, and the primary side flow layer are housed so as not to move; and a supply port and a discharge port provided in the container, wherein the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port flows through the primary side flow layer, the deposit layer, and the filtration membrane in that order to be filtered completely, and the treated fluid is then discharged outside the container from the discharge port.

2. The filter module according to claim 1, comprising: a filtration section having the filtration membrane, the deposition layer, the primary flow layer, and a secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary surface of the filtration membrane; and a blocking layer for blocking fluid, wherein a laminate is housed in the container, in which the filtration section and the blocking layer are alternately stacked, with the blocking layer located at both ends in the stacking direction; the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is distributed and supplied to the primary flow layer of each filtration section; and the treated fluid is discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer.

3. The container has a cylindrical main part, a first lid that closes one opening of the main part, and a second lid that closes the other opening of the main part, the laminate is arranged inside the main part such that the stacking direction is aligned with the center direction of the main part, a supply gap continuous in the stacking direction is provided between the deposited layer, the filter membrane, and the secondary flow layer and the inner circumferential surface of the main part in each of the filtration sections, and between the barrier layer and the inner circumferential surface of the main part, the supply gap is continuous in the stacking direction of the laminate or communicates with the stacking direction of the laminate only through the primary flow layer, a discharge channel is provided that penetrates the laminate in the stacking direction, the filter membrane, the primary flow layer, and the barrier layer each form an annular shape with a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, the outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane of each filtration section is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the secondary side, forming an annular joint, Each filtration section has an annular outer elastic packing sandwiched between the annular joint and the primary flow layer, and an annular inner elastic packing having a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane and the lower surface of the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the primary side, the deposited layer is formed over the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, the primary flow layer extends radially outward to the supply gap over its entire circumferential direction, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the entire outer peripheral edge of the secondary flow layer is spaced radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the secondary flow layer extends radially towards the center over its entire circumferential direction to the discharge channel, and the entire inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane is located radially at the same position as, or radially towards the center than, the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent inner elastic packing. The entire outer edge of the filter membrane, the entire outer edge of the barrier layer, and the entire outer edge of the outer elastic packing are spaced radially away from the inner surface of the main part toward the center.The filter module according to claim 2, wherein the laminate is sandwiched between the first lid and the second lid in the stacking direction, so that the primary side flow layer is pressed against the primary side surface of the deposited layer in each filtration section, the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is distributed to the primary side flow layer of each filtration section via the supply gap, and the treated fluid discharged through the secondary side flow layer is discharged through the discharge channel to the discharge port.

4. The filter module according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first lid and the second lid is configured to be detachable from the main body, and the filter module has an assembly unit in which the filter membrane, the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing adjacent to the primary side thereof, the secondary side flow layer adjacent to the secondary side of the filter membrane, the barrier layer adjacent to the secondary side flow layer, and the primary side flow layer adjacent to the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary side flow layer are integrated, the deposited layer is formed in each of the assembly units in the entire region between the outer elastic packing and the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filter membrane, and a plurality of the assembly units are stacked to construct the laminate such that the deposited layer is located on the side of the lid which is configured to be detachable from the main body, and each of the assembly units is not joined to adjacent assembly units and the container.

5. The filter module according to claim 4, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the primary flow layer is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the container.

6. The filter module according to claim 1, having a supply gap formed between the side surface of the deposit layer and the side surface of the primary flow layer and the inner surface of the side wall of the container, wherein the supply port is connected to the supply gap, and at least the side surface of the primary flow layer and at least the side surface of the deposit layer are each exposed to the supply gap, and the fluid to be treated supplied from the supply port to the supply gap in the container enters the deposit layer from the primary side surface of the deposit layer and from the portion of the deposit layer exposed to the supply gap, respectively, and flows through the deposit layer and the filtration membrane in that order to perform total filtration, after which the treated fluid is discharged outside the container from the discharge port.

7. The filter module according to claim 6, comprising a filtration section having a filtration membrane, a deposit layer, a primary flow layer, and a secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary surface of the filtration membrane, and a blocking layer for blocking fluid, wherein a laminate is housed in the container, in which the filtration sections and the blocking layers are alternately stacked, with the blocking layers located at both ends in the stacking direction, the fluid to be treated supplied into the container from the supply port is configured to be distributed and supplied to the deposit layer of each filtration section via the primary flow layer and directly, and the treated fluid is configured to be discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer.

8. The container has a cylindrical main part, a first lid that closes one opening of the main part, and a second lid that closes the other opening of the main part, the laminate is arranged inside the main part such that the stacking direction is aligned with the center direction of the main part, the supply gap is formed between the laminate and the inner circumferential surface of the main part so as to be continuous with the stacking direction of the laminate, a discharge channel is provided that penetrates the laminate in the stacking direction, the filter membrane, the primary side flow layer, and the barrier layer each have an annular shape with through holes through which the discharge channel passes, the outer peripheral edge of the filter membrane of each filter section is continuously joined in the circumferential direction to the barrier layer located at the boundary with the adjacent filter section on the secondary side, forming an annular joint, Each filtration section has an annular inner elastic packing having a through hole through which the discharge channel passes, sandwiched between the primary side surface of the inner peripheral edge of the filtration membrane and the lower surface of the barrier layer located at the boundary with the filtration section adjacent to the primary side, and a deposition spacer that maintains the distance between the deposition layer side surface of the filtration membrane and the deposition layer side surface of the primary side flow layer, the deposition layer is formed over the entire radially outer surface of the inner elastic packing on the primary side surface of the filtration membrane, the primary side flow layer extends radially outward to the supply gap over its entire circumferential direction, the entire inner peripheral edge of the primary side flow layer is spaced radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, the entire outer peripheral edge of the secondary side flow layer is spaced radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the inner elastic packing, and the secondary side flow layer extends radially towards the center over its entire circumferential direction to the discharge channel. The entire inner periphery of the filtration membrane coincides radially with the outer periphery of the adjacent inner elastic packing, or is located radially closer to the center; the entire outer periphery of the primary flow layer, the entire outer periphery of the deposition layer, the entire outer periphery of the filtration membrane, the entire outer periphery of the secondary flow layer, and the entire outer periphery of the barrier layer are spaced radially away from the inner periphery of the main part toward the center; the laminate is sandwiched between the first lid and the second lid in the stacking direction;The filter module according to claim 7, wherein the fluid to be treated, supplied into the container from the supply port, is distributed to each filtration section via the supply gap, and in each filtration section, it enters the deposition layer from the primary side surface of the deposition layer and from the portion of the deposition layer exposed to the supply gap, respectively, and the treated fluid, which has been completely filtered by flowing through the deposition layer and the filtration membrane in this order, is discharged to the outlet via the secondary flow layer and the discharge channel in this order.

9. The filter module according to claim 8, comprising an assembly unit in which the filtration membrane, the secondary flow layer adjacent to the secondary side of the filtration membrane, the barrier layer adjacent to the side of the secondary flow layer opposite to the filtration membrane, the primary flow layer adjacent to the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary flow layer or the side of the deposition layer opposite to the filtration membrane, the deposition spacer provided on at least one of the primary side of the filtration membrane and the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary flow layer, and the inner elastic packing provided on the primary side of the filtration membrane or the side of the barrier layer opposite to the secondary flow layer, wherein a plurality of the assembly units are stacked to construct the laminate such that the deposition layer is located on the side of the lid of the first lid and the second lid that is detachably configured with respect to the main part, and each of the assembly units is not joined to adjacent assembly units and the container.

10. The filter module according to claim 9, wherein the stacking spacer includes a plurality of outer peripheral spacers arranged at circumferential intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the assembly unit, each of the outer peripheral spacers has a protruding portion that protrudes laterally from the assembly unit, and only the protruding portions of the outer peripheral spacers of the assembly unit are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the container.

11. The filter module according to claim 9, wherein the deposition spacer is a projection that protrudes from a portion of the primary flow layer on the side opposite to the secondary flow layer in the barrier layer or on the side of the deposition layer.

12. The filter module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the filtration membrane is a fibrous membrane formed by the accumulation of fibers.

13. The filter module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the primary flow layer is a woven mesh with a wire diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a mesh count of 15 to 80.

14. A method for manufacturing a filter module according to any one of claims 6 to 11, comprising the steps of: producing a semi-finished product comprising the filter module except for the deposition layer, wherein the space between the primary flow layer and the filtration membrane is exposed to the supply gap; and forming the deposition layer by pressurizing and supplying a slurry of adsorbent powder to the space between the primary flow layer and the filtration membrane through the supply port and the supply gap of the semi-finished product, depositing the adsorbent powder on the primary side of the filtration membrane, and passing the liquid portion of the slurry through to fill the space between the primary flow layer and the primary side surface of the filtration membrane with the adsorbent powder.

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