Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Diffuser for Uniform Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hollow fiber membrane modules face challenges in achieving uniform cleaning of the membrane bundle in the circumferential direction due to the restricted entry point of the cleaning gas, leading to inefficient filtration performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A hollow fiber membrane module design with a diffuser that includes a partition dividing the space under the receiving surface into an inner and outer space, allowing the cleaning gas to flow and diffuse uniformly across the membrane bundle, with diffusion holes arranged to ensure a controlled distribution of cleaning gas from the outer space to the inner space and ultimately to the membrane bundle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning gas enters the housing from a peripheral part of the housing (instead of the lower part), then the module can be adapted to different specifications, but the cleaning gas cannot flow thoroughly in the circumferential direction before diffusion, resulting in non-uniform cleaning of the hollow fiber membrane bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into an inner space and an outer space by a partition. The outer space receives cleaning gas from the inflow port and distributes it circumferentially, while the inner space receives the distributed gas and diffuses it through diffusion holes to the membrane bundle. This segmentation allows the gas to flow thoroughly in the circumferential direction before diffusion, achieving uniform cleaning even when the inflow port is at the peripheral part.
2Device complexity
If the cleaning gas enters directly into the inner space of the diffuser, then the diffusion process is simplified, but the cleaning gas cannot distribute uniformly in the circumferential direction, leading to biased cleaning distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The outer space acts as an intermediary between the inflow port and the inner space. Cleaning gas enters the outer space first, where it distributes uniformly in the circumferential direction along the partition. This intermediary space ensures that gas reaches all areas of the inner space evenly before diffusion occurs, achieving uniform cleaning distribution.
3Speed
If the diffusion holes are arranged to allow cleaning gas to diffuse directly from the inner space to the hollow fiber membrane bundle, then the diffusion path is shortened, but the cleaning gas cannot be distributed uniformly across the circumferential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The outer space performs preliminary distribution of cleaning gas in the circumferential direction before the gas enters the inner space. This preliminary action ensures that gas is evenly distributed around the partition, so when diffusion holes release gas to the membrane bundle, uniform circumferential cleaning is achieved while maintaining efficient diffusion speed.
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 design ensures uniform cleaning of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the circumferential direction, reducing the bias in cleaning gas distribution and maintaining filtration performance by allowing thorough circulation of cleaning gas, thus extending the module's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser having a receiving surface for receiving the cleaning gas having entered through the port, the receiving surface being formed with diffusion hole for diffusing the cleaning gas to the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module includes: a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a housing formed with a port for allowing a cleaning gas for the hollow fiber membrane bundle to inflow therethrough for accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle; and a diffuser having a receiving surface for receiving the cleaning gas having entered through the port, the receiving surface being formed with diffusion hole for diffusing the cleaning gas to the hollow fiber membrane bundle in housing. The diffuser includes a partition dividing a space under the receiving surface into an inner space and an outer space surrounding the inner space and permitting the cleaning gas having entered through the port to flow thereinto. The diffusion hole is arranged to allow at least a part of the cleaning gas flowing in the outer space to diffuse from the inner space to the hollow fiber membrane bundle.