Center Fluid Distributor Layout for Uniform Multi-Fiber Spinneret Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-fiber spinnerets face challenges in achieving uniform center fluid flow distribution due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to uneven inner diameters of produced hollow fiber membranes, and require significant installation space for multiple center fluid control units.
Innovation Solution
A center fluid distributor with a single inlet and multiple capillaries is designed to equalize flow rates through nozzles by adjusting capillary lengths, ensuring a ratio of 0.95 to 1.05, mounted on a multi-fiber spinneret to maintain consistent inner diameters and reduce installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple center fluid connectors are used for each nozzle in a multi-fiber spinneret, then the center fluid flow can be precisely controlled for each nozzle, but the installation space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple center fluid connectors into a single integrated distributor unit that serves all nozzles simultaneously. The distributor contains multiple internal channels that distribute center fluid to each nozzle, eliminating the need for separate external connectors for each nozzle and reducing installation space while maintaining flow control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The center fluid distributor acts as an intermediary device between the center fluid source and the multiple nozzles. It receives center fluid from a single source and distributes it through internal channels to each nozzle, enabling precise flow control without requiring multiple separate connectors
2Area of stationary object
If a single center fluid connector is used for all nozzles, then the installation space is reduced, but the center fluid flow distribution becomes uneven due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor incorporates individual internal channels with specifically designed dimensions for each nozzle path. By optimizing the local geometry of each channel (length, diameter, curvature), the design compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the nozzles themselves, ensuring uniform flow distribution despite variations in nozzle bore diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the parameters of the internal distributor channels (such as length, diameter, and cross-sectional area) to compensate for nozzle manufacturing tolerances. By adjusting these channel parameters, the system achieves balanced flow distribution to all nozzles even when the nozzles themselves have dimensional variations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures uniform center fluid flow across all nozzles, maintaining consistent inner diameters of hollow fiber membranes and reducing the need for multiple control units, while requiring only a single connection to a center fluid source.
Implementation Method 1
The capillaries are configured to distribute a flow of center fluid provided at the inlet port between the outlet ports in such a manner that the flow rate through all the center fluid needles is the same
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a center fluid distributor for a multi-fiber spinneret for producing hollow fiber membranes in a phase inversion process.