Hollow Fiber Degasification Modules for Balanced Parallel Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The degasification performance of a system with connected degasification modules is lower when liquid is supplied in parallel due to varying flow rates between upstream and downstream modules, leading to decreased overall performance.
Innovation Solution
The system is configured to balance pressure losses across connected degasification modules by increasing pressure loss in downstream modules, reducing flow rate deviations through adjustments in pipe diameters, opening sizes, and membrane densities, among other factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid supply paths of multiple degasification modules are connected in series with parallel supply to hollow fiber membranes, then the system can handle increased flow rates and size, but the flow rate distribution becomes uneven between upstream and downstream modules, deteriorating overall degasification performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different pressure loss characteristics in different parts of the system. Specifically, the connection supply pipe has varying inner diameters (smaller at downstream side), and the hollow fiber membrane bundles have different configurations (different numbers of membranes or different membrane areas) in upstream versus downstream modules. This local differentiation ensures that downstream modules, which naturally receive higher flow rates, have higher pressure losses to compensate and balance the flow distribution across all modules, thereby maintaining reliable degasification performance throughout the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same number of hollow fiber membranes are used in all degasification modules, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow rate deviations between upstream and downstream modules cause uneven degasification performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by deliberately making the hollow fiber membrane bundles different between upstream and downstream modules. The downstream modules have either more hollow fiber membranes or larger membrane areas compared to upstream modules. This local variation compensates for the higher flow rates that naturally occur in downstream modules, ensuring that each module operates at optimal efficiency despite the series connection configuration. This approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while solving the flow distribution problem.
3Device complexity
If the connection supply pipe has uniform inner diameter throughout, then the system structure is simpler, but pressure loss cannot compensate for flow velocity differences, resulting in poor flow rate distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality to the connection supply pipe by varying its inner diameter along the flow direction. The pipe has a smaller inner diameter at the downstream side compared to the upstream side. This gradual reduction in diameter creates increasing pressure losses in downstream sections, which compensates for the higher flow velocities that naturally develop in series-connected modules. This localized geometric variation ensures balanced flow rate distribution without requiring complex active control systems.
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
This configuration improves the overall degasification performance by minimizing flow rate differences between upstream and downstream modules, enhancing the system's efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a degasification module that degasifies a liquid using hollow fiber membranes
Implementation Method 2
the pressure loss of the liquid from the supply port of the connection supply pipe to the discharge ports of the downstream side degasification module is larger than the pressure loss of the liquid from the supply port of the connection supply pipe to the discharge ports of the upstream side degasification module
Data Source
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AI summary
A degasification system includes a degasification unit in which a plurality of degasification modules degasifying a liquid are connected, wherein each of the plurality of degasification modules has a hollow fiber membrane bundle having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a liquid supply path through which a liquid is supplied, and a module container which houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, wherein the degasification unit has a connection supply pipe which connects the liquid supply paths of the plurality of degasification modules in series and in which openings through which the liquid passes are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of degasification modules such that the liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane bundles of the plurality of degasification modules in parallel, and wherein the degasification unit is configured such that a pressure loss of the liquid from a supply port of the connection supply pipe through which the liquid is supplied to the discharge ports of a downstream side degasification module is larger than a pressure loss of the liquid from the supply port to the discharge ports of an upstream side degasification module.