Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hollow fiber membrane modules have a limited ratio of membrane area contributing to membrane separation effect due to fluid flow concentration near inlets and outlets, leading to reduced flow rates and efficiency in humidifying and dehumidifying processes.
Innovation Solution
The hollow fiber membrane module incorporates a tubular case with an inlet and outlet positioned on opposite ends and features flow-straightening and flow-disturbing projections on the inner wall surface to prevent fluid concentration and redirect flow, increasing the membrane area contributing to separation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a gap is provided between the inner wall surface of the case and the hollow fiber membrane bundle, then fluid flow concentration near inlet and outlet is prevented, but the flow rate of fluid flowing through the gap increases causing concentration near sealing and fixing section
Solution Approach 1:
A flow-straightening projection is introduced as an intermediary element between the case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane bundle. This projection serves as a mediator that guides the fluid flow, preventing direct concentration at the inlet/outlet while also blocking the flow path toward the sealing and fixing section, thus resolving the flow distribution issue without compromising membrane area utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-straightening projection divides the gap space into different flow channels, segmenting the fluid flow path. This segmentation prevents the fluid from concentrating in specific regions (inlet/outlet and sealing sections) by creating multiple flow paths that distribute the fluid more evenly across the membrane surface, thereby improving both flow distribution and membrane area contribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle adheres to the entire inner wall surface of the case, then membrane area contributing ratio is maximized, but fluid flow concentrates near inlet and outlet reducing effective membrane area
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-straightening projection acts as an intermediary structure that maintains optimal spacing between the membrane bundle and case wall. It prevents direct adherence that would cause flow concentration, while also preventing excessive gap formation that would reduce membrane area utilization. The projection mediates the relationship between flow uniformity requirements and membrane area maximization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-straightening projection creates local variations in the gap structure, providing different flow characteristics at different locations. Near the inlet and outlet, the projection prevents flow concentration by directing fluid away from these regions. In the central regions, it maintains appropriate spacing to ensure uniform flow distribution across the membrane surface, thus optimizing local flow quality throughout the system.
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 enhances the membrane area contributing to separation effects, improving humidification and dehumidification performance by maintaining a consistent flow rate and ensuring efficient moisture transfer.
Implementation Method 1
moisture in the moist air is fed to the dry air by membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membranes
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module that increases a ratio of a membrane area contributing to membrane separation effect. On an inner wall surface of a case 100, at least one flow-straightening projection 130 and at least one flow-disturbing projection 140 are provided. The flow-straightening projection 130 projects toward an outer circumferential surface of a hollow fiber membrane bundle 300 to secure a gap between the inner wall surface of the case 100 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 300 and extends from one end side toward the other end side of the case 100 and straightens a flow of fluid. The flow-disturbing projection 140 extends along a circumferential direction of the case 100 and disturbs the flow of the fluid.