Tube module

Abstract

A tube module comprising a tube unit in which a plurality of tubes are bound at both ends thereof, and a housing that stores the tube unit, wherein: each of the plurality of tubes is a tubular film that allows gas to pass therethrough but does not allow liquid to pass therethrough; the housing has a tube-exterior-space opening for connecting a tube-exterior space, which is a space inside the housing and outside the plurality of tubes, to the outside of the housing, and a first tube-interior-space opening and a second tube-interior-space opening for connecting tube-interior spaces, which are the spaces inside each of the plurality of tubes, to the outside of the housing; and the fill rate, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the storage space in the housing, is at least 15%.

Description

Tube Module

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tube module in which multiple tubes are housed in a housing.

[0002] Conventionally, tube modules have been known in which multiple tubes, which are tubular membranes that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, are housed in a housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional tube module, it is possible to degas the liquid by supplying liquid to the internal space of each of the multiple tubes while drawing in air from the space outside the multiple tubes within the housing.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 029415

[0004] When the Discloser used a conventional tube module to degas a liquid, they were able to degas the liquid properly, but found that it took time for stable degassing to occur.

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a tube module that can perform stable degassing or aeration of liquids quickly.

[0006] The Discloser has diligently studied the above-mentioned problem and has obtained the following findings. When degassing a liquid using a tube module in vacuum mode, it is necessary to bring the housing's containment space to a predetermined reduced pressure state. For this reason, a suction pump corresponding to the size of the housing is used to draw air from the housing's containment space. However, in conventional tube modules, the volume of the multiple tubes is small relative to the volume of the housing's containment space, resulting in a relatively large amount of gas being discharged from the housing's containment space, and it takes time for the housing's containment space to reach the predetermined reduced pressure state. This is also true when degassing a liquid using a tube module in sweep mode, and when adding gas to a liquid using a tube module. This disclosure is made based on these findings.

[0007] [1] The tube module according to the present disclosure comprises a tube unit in which a plurality of tubes are bound together at both ends, and a housing that houses the tube unit, wherein each of the plurality of tubes is a tubular membrane that is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquid, and the housing has an opening for the outer tube space, which is the space outside the plurality of tubes inside the housing, to communicate with the outside of the housing, and a first opening for the inner tube space and a second opening for the inner tube space, which is the space inside each of the plurality of tubes, to communicate with the outside of the housing, and the filling rate, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing space, is 15% or more.

[0008] In this tube module, the packing ratio, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing's containment space, is 15% or more. Therefore, for example, when degassing a liquid using this tube module in vacuum mode, the amount of gas discharged from the housing's containment space is relatively small, thus shortening the time it takes for the housing's containment space to reach a predetermined reduced pressure state. Also, when degassing a liquid using this tube module in sweep mode, the amount of gas from the gas supply port to the gas outlet in the housing's containment space is relatively small, thus shortening the time it takes for the gas to stably flow in the housing's containment space. Furthermore, when adding gas to a liquid using the tube module, the amount of gas supplied to the housing's containment space is relatively small, thus shortening the time it takes for the housing's containment space to reach a predetermined pressurized state. As a result, stable degassing or adding gas to the liquid can be performed quickly.

[0009] [2] In the tube module described in [1], the filling rate may be 80% or less. In this tube module, since the filling rate is 80% or less, even if relatively inflexible tubes are used as multiple tubes, multiple tubes can be easily housed in the housing.

[0010] [3] In the tube module described in [1] or [2], the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes may be 60 or less. In this tube module, since the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes is 60 or less, the multiple tubes can be compactly arranged and housed in the housing. This makes it possible to increase the packing rate.

[0011] [4] In the tube module described in [3], the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes may be 35 or higher. In this tube module, since the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes is 35 or higher, it is possible to suppress excessive deformation of each of the multiple tubes when the housing space is reduced in pressure or pressurized.

[0012] [5] In the tube module described in any of [1] to [4], each of the multiple tubes may have a porous layer. In this tube module, each of the multiple tubes has a porous layer, so that each of the multiple tubes can be made highly flexible. As a result, the multiple tubes can be packed together into a small size and housed in the housing, thereby increasing the packing rate.

[0013] [6] In the tube module described in any of [1] to [5], the plurality of tubes have an annular portion wound in a ring shape, and the curvature of the annular portion is 0.55 cm －１ The above may also apply. This tube module has an annular section in which multiple tubes are wound in a ring shape, and the curvature of the annular section is 0.55 cm. －１ Therefore, multiple tubes can be bundled together in a smaller size. This allows for an increased filling rate.

[0014] [7] In the tube module described in [6], the curvature of the annular portion is 0.90 cm －１ The following is also acceptable: In this tube module, the curvature of the annular section is 0.90 cm. －１ Therefore, when forming the annular section, or when the housing's containment space is subjected to reduced or increased pressure, it is possible to suppress the bending of each of the multiple tubes.

[0015] According to this disclosure, stable degassing or aeration of a liquid can be performed quickly.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a tube module. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a tube unit. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an example of a tube unit. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an example of a tube. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a modified tube module. Figure 6 shows the evaluation results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0017] The tube module of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The tube module of this embodiment is an internal perfusion type tube module. The liquid is not particularly limited, but examples include organic solvents and water. In all the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a tube module. As shown in Figure 1, the tube module 1 comprises a tube unit 3 in which a plurality of tubes 2 are bound together at both ends 2a, 2a, and a housing 4 that houses the tube unit 3. The internal space of the housing 4 in which the tube unit 3 is housed is called the housing space S. In other words, the tube unit 3 is housed in the housing space S of the housing 4.

[0019] Each of the multiple tubes 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tube 2") is a tubular membrane that is permeable to gases but impermeable to liquids. The membrane shape and morphology of tube 2 are not particularly limited. The material of tube 2 will be described later.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a tube unit. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an example of a tube unit. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tube unit 3 is constructed by fastening the ends 2a, 2a of a plurality of tubes 2 together. In other words, the tube unit 3 comprises a plurality of tubes 2 and a pair of fastening parts 5, 5 that fasten one end 2a of the plurality of tubes 2 to the other end 2a, respectively. The number of tubes 2 that make up the tube unit 3 is not particularly limited. The pair of fastening parts 5, 5 are also the parts that are attached to the housing 4. Since the pair of fastening parts 5, 5 have the same configuration, one of the fastening parts 5 will be described as representative below. However, the pair of fastening parts 5, 5 may have different configurations.

[0021] The binding section 5 binds the ends 2a of the multiple tubes 2 together. The binding section 5 comprises an outer cylinder 6 fitted onto each end 2a of the multiple tubes 2, and a sealing section 7 filled between each end 2a of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer cylinder 6.

[0022] The outer cylinder 6 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and forms the outermost layer of the fastening portion 5. The outer cylinder 6 is the part that is attached to the housing 4.

[0023] The sealing portion 7 is filled between the ends 2a of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer cylinder 6, sealing the space between the ends 2a of the multiple tubes 2 and the outer cylinder 6. In other words, the sealing portion 7 is not filled in the internal space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2, but rather in the spaces between the multiple tubes 2 and between the multiple tubes 2 and the outer cylinder 6 (see Figure 3). Therefore, only the internal space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2 is open from the end face of the sealing portion 7.

[0024] Tube 2 is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ethylene copolymer resin) (ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), amorphous fluoropolymer (AF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), silicon, polyimide, and polyamide. An example of an amorphous fluoropolymer is Teflon® AF.

[0025] Among these, from the viewpoint of improving deaeration (air permeability), AF may be used as tube 2, for example. Also, from the viewpoint of improving workability and condensation prevention, PTFE, PFA, FEP, or PMP may be used as tube 2, for example.

[0026] Examples of materials for the outer cylinder 6 include fluororesins such as PFA and PTFE. Examples of materials for the sealing part 7 include fluororesins such as FEP and PFA.

[0027] The tube unit 3 has multiple cable ties 8. The cable ties 8 are also called Insulok (registered trademark), etc. The cable ties 8 have a head portion and a band portion extending from the head portion. Multiple teeth are formed on the band portion. The head portion has a ratchet mechanism into which the band portion is inserted and the teeth of the band portion are locked. When the band portion is inserted into the ratchet mechanism of the head portion, the teeth of the band portion are locked into the ratchet mechanism of the head portion, preventing the band portion from coming out of the ratchet mechanism.

[0028] The tube unit 3 has an annular portion 3a in which multiple tubes 2 are wound in a ring shape within the housing space S of the housing 4. Multiple tubes 2 extending from one binding portion 5 are bent to form an annular shape at the annular portion 3a, and then reach the other binding portion 5 from the annular portion 3a.

[0029] The bundling band 8 bundles a plurality of tubes 2 in the annular portion 3a. For example, a plurality of bundling bands 8 bundle a plurality of tubes 2 while arranged along the annular portion 3a. As an example, four bundling bands 8 are arranged at equal intervals along the annular portion 3a.

[0030] The material of the bundling band 8 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be nylon, polypropylene, fluororesin, elastomer, or stainless steel.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 4 includes a housing main body 11, a lid portion 12, a first connector 13, and a second connector 14. The accommodation space S of the housing 4 is divided into a tube inner space S1, which is the space inside each of the plurality of tubes 2 with the plurality of tubes 2 as a boundary, and a tube outer space S2, which is the space outside the plurality of tubes 2.

[0032] The housing main body 11 is a container for accommodating the tube unit 3. The housing main body 11 extends in a cylindrical shape and has an opening at one end face.

[0033] An opening 15 for the tube outer space is formed in the housing main body 11. The opening 15 for the tube outer space is an opening that penetrates the inside and outside of the housing main body 11 (housing 4) in order to communicate the tube outer space S2 inside the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4. A first pipe 16 that communicates with the tube outer space S2 through the opening 15 for the tube outer space is joined to the housing main body 11. The joining of the first pipe 16 to the opening 15 for the tube outer space can be performed, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, or the like.

[0034] The lid portion 12 is a lid that is airtightly joined to the housing body 11 and closes the opening of the housing body 11. The housing body 11 and the lid portion 12 are joined to each other, for example, with the end of the lid portion 12 inserted into the opening of the housing body 11. Specifically, a recess 11a into which the lid portion 12 is fitted is formed on the inner surface of the housing body 11, and an insertion portion 12a is formed on the lid portion 12 that is inserted into the recess 11a from the opening of the housing body 11. The housing body 11 and the lid portion 12 are joined with the insertion portion 12a of the lid portion 12 inserted into the recess 11a of the housing body 11. The joining of the lid portion 12 to the housing body 11 can be done, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, etc.

[0035] The lid portion 12 has an opening 17 for the internal space of the first tube and an opening 18 for the internal space of the second tube. The opening 17 for the internal space of the first tube and the opening 18 for the internal space of the second tube are openings that penetrate the inside and outside of the lid portion 12 (housing 4) in order to connect the internal spaces S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2 to the outside of the housing 4.

[0036] The first connector 13 and the second connector 14 are hermetically joined to the lid portion 12. The first connector 13 is fitted into the opening 17 for the internal space of the first tube and is hermetically joined to the lid portion 12. The second connector 14 is fitted into the opening 18 for the internal space of the second tube and is hermetically joined to the lid portion 12. The first connector 13 and the second connector 14 can be joined to the lid portion 12 by, for example, welding, screwing, fitting, etc.

[0037] The first connector 13 is hermetically joined to one bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3. Therefore, one end portion 2a of the plurality of tubes 2 is attached to the lid portion 12 via one bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3 and the first connector 13. The first connector 13 is formed in a tubular shape. In the first connector 13, through holes 13a are formed that communicate the respective tube inner spaces S1 of the plurality of tubes 2 with the outside of the housing 4. A second pipe 19 that communicates with the respective tube inner spaces S1 of the plurality of tubes 2 through the through holes 13a is joined to the first connector 13. The joining of one bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3 to the first connector 13 can be performed, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, or the like. Also, the joining of the second pipe 19 to the first connector 13 can be performed, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, or the like.

[0038] The second connector 14 is hermetically joined to the other bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3. Therefore, the other end portion 2a of the plurality of tubes 2 is attached to the lid portion 12 via the other bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3 and the second connector 14. The second connector 14 is formed in a tubular shape. In the second connector 14, through holes 14a are formed that communicate the respective tube inner spaces S1 of the plurality of tubes 2 with the outside of the housing 4. A third pipe 20 that communicates with the respective tube inner spaces S1 of the plurality of tubes 2 through the through holes 14a is joined to the second connector 14. The joining of the other bundling portion 5 of the tube unit 3 to the second connector 14 can be performed, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, or the like. Also, the joining of the third pipe 20 to the second connector 14 can be performed, for example, by welding, screwing, fitting, or the like.

[0039] In the tube module 1 configured in this way, the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100), which is the ratio of the volume V2 of the tube unit 3 to the volume V1 of the housing space S of the housing 4, is 15% or more, preferably 30% or more, and more preferably 45% or more. The upper limit of the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100) is not particularly limited, but the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100) may be, for example, 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, and more preferably 60% or less. From these viewpoints, the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100) may be 15% or more and 80% or less, preferably 30% or more and 70% or less, and more preferably 45% or more and 60% or less.

[0040] The volume V1 of the housing space S of the housing 4 is the volume including the tube unit 3 housed in the housing space S. Therefore, the volume V1 of the housing space S of the housing 4 is the sum of the volume of the space outside the tube S2 and the volume of the tube unit 3. The volume V2 of the tube unit 3 is the volume formed by the outer shape of the tube unit 3. Therefore, the volume V2 of the tube unit 3 also includes the volume of the internal space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2.

[0041] Means for achieving the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100) within the above range include, for example, the following: using a housing 4 with a small accommodation space S; using a long tube 2; using a thick tube 2; increasing the number of turns of the multiple tubes 2 in the annular section 3a; and reducing the outer diameter of the annular section 3a by increasing the curvature of each of the multiple tubes 2. Multiple of these means can also be combined.

[0042] From the viewpoint of keeping the filling rate ((V2 / V1) × 100) within the above range, the curvature of the annular portion 3a is, for example, 0.55 cm. －１ Preferably 0.60 cm －１ The above is a more preferable 0.65 cm. －１ The curvature of the annular portion 3a is 0.90 cm, from the viewpoint of preventing each of the multiple tubes 2 from bending when forming the annular portion 3a or when the housing space S of the housing 4 is reduced in pressure or pressurized. －１Hereinafter, preferably 0.80 cm －１ Hereinafter, more preferably 0.70 cm －１ It may be the following. From these viewpoints, the curvature of the annular portion 3a is, for example, 0.55 cm －１ or more and 0.90 cm －１ Hereinafter, preferably 0.60 cm －１ or more and 0.80 cm －１ Hereinafter, more preferably 0.65 cm －１ or more and 0.70 cm －１ It may be the following.

[0043] In order to increase the curvature of each of the plurality of tubes 2 and reduce the outer diameter of the annular portion 3a, it is preferable that each of the plurality of tubes 2 has sufficient flexibility. That is, each of the plurality of tubes 2 preferably has flexibility such that the filling rate ((V2 / V1)×100) is within the above range, and the curvature of each of the plurality of tubes 2 can be increased to reduce the outer diameter of the annular portion 3a.

[0044] From the viewpoint of imparting the above-described flexibility to each of the plurality of tubes 2, the Shore D hardness of each of the plurality of tubes 2 may be, for example, 60 or less, preferably 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessive deformation of each of the plurality of tubes 2, the Shore D hardness of each of the plurality of tubes 2 may be, for example, 35 or more, preferably 40 or more, and more preferably 45 or more. From these viewpoints, the Shore D hardness may be, for example, 35 or more and 60 or less, preferably 40 or more and 55 or less, and more preferably 45 or more and 50 or less.

[0045] Further, from the viewpoint of imparting the above-described flexibility to each of the plurality of tubes 2, each of the plurality of tubes 2 may have a porous layer.

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an example of a tube. The tube 2 shown in Figure 4 has a porous layer 2b. The porous layer 2b is a layer having pores. That is, a large number of holes are formed in the porous layer 2b. The porous layer 2b may also be a layer formed in a sponge-like manner. The porous layer 2b provides flexibility to the tube 2 by the contraction of the numerous holes formed therein.

[0047] The porous layer 2b may be located on the inside (inner surface side) of the tube 2, on the outside (outer surface side) of the tube 2, or inside the tube 2 (in a position not exposed to the inner or outer surfaces). In other words, the porous layer 2b may form the inner layer of the tube 2, the outer layer of the tube 2, or the intermediate layer of the tube 2.

[0048] When degassing a liquid using the tube module 1 in vacuum mode, for example, a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the first tube 16. Then, while the suction pump connected to the first tube 16 sucks (vacuum suction) the space outside the tube S2, liquid is supplied to the second tube 19 and the liquid is discharged from the third tube 20. As a result, the pressure in the space outside the tube S2 (containment space S) gradually decreases, and after a predetermined time, a predetermined reduced pressure state is reached. The liquid supplied to the second tube 19 is supplied from the opening 17 for the space inside the first tube to the space inside each of the multiple tubes 2, in which case gases such as dissolved gases and bubbles in the liquid permeate through each of the multiple tubes 2. This causes the liquid to be degassed. The degassed liquid is discharged from the opening 18 for the space inside the second tube to the third tube 20. The gases that have permeated through each of the multiple tubes 2 are sucked into the suction pump and discharged from the opening 15 for the space outside the tube to the first tube 16. The liquid may be supplied from the third pipe 20 and discharged from the second pipe 19.

[0049] When aerating a liquid using the tube module 1, for example, a pressure pump (not shown) is connected to the first tube 16. Then, while supplying gas to the space outside the tube S2 using the pressure pump connected to the first tube 16, liquid is supplied to the second tube 19 and the liquid is discharged from the third tube 20. As a result, the pressure in the space outside the tube S2 (containment space S) gradually increases and reaches a predetermined pressurized state after a predetermined time. The liquid supplied to the second tube 19 is supplied to the inner spaces S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2 from the opening 17 for the inner space of the first tube. The gas supplied to the space outside the tube S2 is added to the liquid supplied to the inner spaces S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2. This aerates the liquid. Aeration of a liquid means adding gas to a liquid. The aerated liquid is discharged to the third tube 20 from the opening 18 for the inner space of the second tube. Alternatively, the liquid may be supplied from the third tube 20 and discharged from the second tube 19.

[0050] As described above, in the tube module 1 of this embodiment, the packing rate, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing's containment space, is 15% or more, preferably 30% or more, and more preferably 45% or more. For this reason, for example, when degassing a liquid using this tube module in vacuum mode, the amount of gas discharged from the housing's containment space is relatively small, so the time it takes for the housing's containment space to reach a predetermined reduced pressure state is shortened. Also, when degassing a liquid using this tube module in sweep mode, the amount of gas from the gas supply port to the discharge port in the housing's containment space is relatively small, so the time it takes for the gas to stably flow in the housing's containment space is shortened. Furthermore, when adding gas to a liquid using the tube module, the amount of gas supplied to the housing's containment space is relatively small, so the time it takes for the housing's containment space to reach a predetermined pressurized state is shortened. As a result, stable degassing or adding gas to the liquid can be performed early.

[0051] Furthermore, in this tube module 1, if the filling rate is 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, and more preferably 60% or less, even if relatively inflexible tubes 2 are used as the multiple tubes 2, the multiple tubes 2 can be easily housed in the housing 4.

[0052] Furthermore, in this tube module 1, if the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes 2 is 60 or less, preferably 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less, the multiple tubes 2 can be compactly bundled and housed in the housing 4. This allows for an increase in the filling rate.

[0053] Furthermore, in this tube module 1, if the Shore D hardness of each of the multiple tubes 2 is 35 or higher, preferably 40 or higher, and more preferably 45 or higher, it is possible to suppress excessive deformation of each of the multiple tubes 2 when the housing space S of the housing 4 is reduced in pressure or pressurized.

[0054] Furthermore, in this tube module 1, if each of the multiple tubes 2 has a porous layer 2b, each of the multiple tubes 2 can be made highly flexible. This allows multiple tubes to be compactly bundled and housed in the housing, thereby increasing the packing efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, this tube module 1 has an annular section 3a in which multiple tubes 2 are wound in a ring shape, and the curvature of the annular section 3a is 0.55 cm. －１ Preferably 0.60 cm －１ The above is a more preferable 0.65 cm. －１ In this case, multiple tubes 2 can be bundled together in a smaller size. This increases the filling rate.

[0056] Furthermore, in this tube module 1, the curvature of the annular portion 3a is 0.90 cm. －１ Preferably 0.80 cm －１ More preferably, 0.70 cm －１In the following cases, when forming the annular portion 3a, or when the housing space S of the housing 4 is reduced in pressure or pressurized, it is possible to suppress the bending of each of the multiple tubes 2.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0058] Although the tube module in the above embodiment was described as degassing the liquid using vacuum mode, the tube module may degas the liquid using either vacuum mode or sweep mode.

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a modified tube module. The modified tube module 1A shown in Figure 5 is basically the same as the tube module 1 of the above embodiment, but differs from the tube module 1 of the above embodiment in that a first tube external space opening and a second tube external space opening are formed in the housing as openings for the space outside the tube.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the tube module 1A comprises a tube unit 3 and a housing 4A that houses the tube unit 3. The housing 4A comprises a housing body 11A, a lid 12, a first connector 13, and a second connector 14. The housing body 11A has a first tube outer space opening 22 and a second tube outer space opening 23 formed in place of the tube outer space opening 15 of the housing body 11 in the above embodiment. The first tube outer space opening 22 and the second tube outer space opening 23 are openings that penetrate the inside and outside of the housing body 11A (housing 4A) in order to connect the tube outer space S2 inside the housing 4A to the outside of the housing 4A. The housing body 11A is joined to a fourth pipe 24 that communicates with the tube outer space S2 through the first tube outer space opening 22 and a fifth pipe 25 that communicates with the tube outer space S2 through the second tube outer space opening 23.

[0061] When degassing liquid using the tube module 1A in vacuum mode, for example, suction pumps (not shown) are connected to the fourth tube 24 and the fifth tube 25. Then, while the space outside the tube S2 is sucked (vacuum suction) by the suction pumps connected to the fourth tube 24 and the fifth tube 25, liquid is supplied to the second tube 19 and liquid is discharged from the third tube 20. As a result, the pressure in the space outside the tube S2 (containment space S) gradually decreases, and after a predetermined time, a predetermined reduced pressure state is reached. The liquid supplied to the second tube 19 is supplied from the opening 17 for the first tube's internal space to the internal space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2. As the liquid passes through the internal space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2, dissolved gases, bubbles, and other gases in the liquid permeate through each of the multiple tubes 2. This causes the liquid to be degassed. The degassed liquid is discharged from the opening 18 for the second tube's internal space to the third tube 20. The gas that has permeated through each of the multiple tubes 2 is drawn in by a suction pump and discharged into the fourth tube 24 and the fifth tube 25 through the opening 22 for the space outside the first tube and the opening 23 for the space outside the second tube.

[0062] When degassing liquid using the sweep mode with the tube module 1A, for example, while supplying sweep gas to the outer space S2 of the tube from the fourth tube 24 and the opening 22 for the outer space of the first tube, liquid is supplied to the second tube 19 and liquid is discharged from the third tube 20. As a result, the sweep gas supplied to the outer space S2 of the tube pushes the gas in the outer space S2 out to the opening 23 for the outer space of the tube and the fifth tube 25, causing the gas to flow through the outer space S2 of the tube. At this time, the pressure gradually increases due to the sweep gas supplied to the outer space S2 of the tube from the fourth tube 24 and the opening 22 for the outer space of the first tube, and after a predetermined time, the gas flows stably through the outer space S2 of the tube. The liquid supplied to the third tube 20 is supplied to the inner space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2 from the opening 17 for the inner space of the first tube. As the liquid passes through the inner space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2, dissolved gases, bubbles, and other gases in the liquid permeate through each of the multiple tubes 2. This degasses the liquid. The degassed liquid is discharged from the opening 18 for the internal space of the second tube into the third tube 20. The gas that has permeated through each of the tubes 2 is swept away by the sweep gas supplied to the opening 22 for the external space of the first tube and discharged from the opening 23 for the external space of the second tube into the fifth tube 25.

[0063] When aerating liquid using the tube module 1A, for example, a pressure pump (not shown) is connected to the fourth tube 24 and the fifth tube 25. Then, while supplying gas to the space outside the tube S2 using the pressure pump connected to the fourth tube 24 and the fifth tube 25, liquid is supplied to the second tube 19 and liquid is discharged from the third tube 20. As a result, the pressure in the space outside the tube S2 (containment space S) gradually increases and reaches a predetermined pressurized state after a predetermined time. The liquid supplied to the second tube 19 is supplied to the inner space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2 from the opening 17 for the inner space of the first tube. The gas supplied to the space outside the tube S2 then permeates through each of the multiple tubes 2 and is added to the liquid supplied to the inner space S1 of each of the multiple tubes 2. This aerates the liquid. The aerated liquid is discharged to the third tube 20 from the opening 18 for the inner space of the second tube.

[0064] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0065] (Example 1) In Example 1, several tubes were fabricated using PTFE as the material. The flexibility of the fabricated tubes was then evaluated.

[0066] Furthermore, using the fabricated tubes, a tube module similar to tube module 1 shown in Figure 1 was fabricated. In this case, the multiple tubes were wound in a ring shape to prevent them from bending, resulting in a filling rate of 30%, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing's containment space. The flexibility of the tubes was then evaluated. In the tube flexibility evaluation, if no ribs, cracks, or bends occurred in any of the multiple tubes during the fabrication of the tube unit, it was classified as A, and if one or more ribs, cracks, or bends occurred, it was classified as B. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 6.

[0067] Subsequently, to degas the liquid using the fabricated tube module in vacuum mode, the space outside the tube was sucked (vacuum suction) using a suction pump connected to the first tube, and liquid was supplied to the second tube. The time from when the suction pump started sucking the space outside the tube until the housing reached a vacuum of 10 kPa was measured. This time was defined as the response time, and the response time was evaluated. In the response evaluation, a response time of 0.015 min or less was designated as A, and a response time exceeding 0.015 min was designated as B. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 6.

[0068] (Comparative Example 1) In Comparative Example 1, several tubes were made using Teflon® AF as the material. The flexibility of the manufactured tubes was then evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 6.

[0069] Furthermore, using the fabricated tubes, a tube module similar to tube module 1 shown in Figure 1 was fabricated. In this case, the multiple tubes were wound in a ring shape to prevent them from bending, resulting in a filling rate of 12%, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing space. Then, under the same conditions as in Example 1, the response time was measured and evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 6.

[0070] (Evaluation Results) As shown in Figure 6, in Comparative Example 1, the flexibility evaluation of the tube was B, resulting in a low filling rate of 12%, while in Example 1, the flexibility evaluation of the tube was A, allowing the filling rate to be increased to 30%. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 1, the response evaluation was B, and the response time was long at 0.021 min, while in Example 1, the response evaluation was A, and the response time was short at 0.012 min. From these results, it can be inferred that increasing the filling rate shortens the response time, thus enabling early and stable degassing of the liquid.

[0071] 1...Tube module, 1A...Tube module, 2...Tube, 2a...End, 2b...Porous layer, 3...Tube unit, 3a...Annular part, 4...Housing, 4A...Housing, 5...Binding part, 6...Outer cylinder, 7...Sealing part, 8...Binding band, 11...Housing body, 11A...Housing body, 11a...Recess, 12...Lid, 12a...Insertion part, 13...First connector, 13a...Through hole, 14...Second connector, 14a...Through hole, 15...Opening for the space outside the tube, 16...First tube, 17...Opening for the space inside the first tube, 18...Opening for the space inside the second tube, 19...Second tube, 20...Third tube, 22...Opening for the space outside the first tube, 23...Opening for the space outside the second tube, 24...Fourth tube, 25...Fifth tube, S...Housing space, S1...Space inside the tube, S2...Space outside the tube.

Claims

1. A tube module comprising: a tube unit in which a plurality of tubes are bound together at both ends; and a housing that houses the tube unit, wherein each of the plurality of tubes is a tubular membrane that is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquid; the housing has an opening for the outer tube space, which is the space outside the plurality of tubes within the housing, to communicate with the outside of the housing; and a first opening for the inner tube space and a second opening for the inner tube space, which is the space inside each of the plurality of tubes, to communicate with the outside of the housing; and the filling rate, which is the ratio of the volume of the tube unit to the volume of the housing space, is 15% or more.

2. The tube module according to claim 1, wherein the filling rate is 80% or less.

3. The tube module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Shore D hardness of each of the plurality of tubes is 60 or less.

4. The tube module according to claim 3, wherein the Shore D hardness of each of the plurality of tubes is 35 or higher.

5. The tube module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of tubes has a porous layer.

6. The plurality of tubes each have an annular portion that is wound in a ring shape, and the curvature of the annular portion is 0.55 cm. －１ The tube module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The curvature of the annular portion is 0.90 cm. －１ The tube module according to claim 6, which is as follows:

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