Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Header Apparatus and Binding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling hollow fiber membranes to headers in water treatment modules require complex processes, such as fugitive materials or cutting, to prevent blockage of membrane ends, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases the risk of leakage.
Innovation Solution
A hollow fiber membrane binding apparatus with a header apparatus that uses a potting layer and holding bands to securely attach one end of the membrane mat laminate to the header, eliminating the need for fugitive materials and simplifying the potting process by using through-slits and transverse wall portions to guide and secure the membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex processes such as fugitive materials or cutting are used to prevent blockage of membrane ends, then blockage prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic fugitive materials and cutting processes from the manufacturing procedure. Instead of using temporary blocking materials that require removal or complex cutting operations, the invention directly forms the potting layer to seal the membrane ends, eliminating the need for these intermediate steps and their associated complexity and leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the potting layer structure before final assembly. The holder apparatus is designed with integrated potting layer formation capability, allowing the sealing structure to be established in advance, which prevents blockage issues without requiring subsequent complex interventions like material removal or cutting operations.
2Reliability
If fugitive materials are used to temporarily block membrane ends, then blockage prevention is improved, but manufacturing time and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the fugitive material step entirely from the manufacturing process. Instead of applying temporary blocking materials that must later be removed, the potting layer is directly formed to provide permanent sealing, eliminating both the application and removal time requirements for fugitive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The potting layer formation is performed as a preliminary action that permanently solves the blockage prevention need in a single step. The holder apparatus enables this sealing action to be completed during the initial assembly phase, avoiding time-consuming subsequent operations for material removal or additional sealing steps.
3Reliability
If cutting process is used to partially cut potted ends of hollow fiber membrane, then blockage prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cutting process from the manufacturing sequence. By designing the holder apparatus to properly contain and seal the membrane ends during potting, the invention removes the need for subsequent cutting operations to expose the hollow portions, thereby reducing manufacturing time and complexity while maintaining blockage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder apparatus is designed to maintain proper membrane end positioning during the potting process itself, performing the blockage prevention function in the preliminary sealing step. This eliminates the need for later cutting operations, as the potting layer is directly formed to the appropriate configuration without requiring subsequent material removal.
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 solution provides a more secure and efficient coupling of hollow fiber membranes to headers, reducing the risk of leakage and simplifying the manufacturing process, while ensuring effective water collection and filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a potting layer adhesively holding the one end of the mat laminate
Implementation Method 2
A technology for selective separation of materials through membranes is used in water treatment
Data Source
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AI summary
A hollow fibre membrane restraining apparatus comprising: first and second horizontal wall parts having slits therethrough, wherein the inner walls face one another; and two vertical wall parts erected facing both end parts of the first horizontal wall parts in a horizontal axis direction, wherein a mat stacking part is formed and stacked on the first horizontal wall part such that end parts of mats on which hollow fibre membranes are arranged in a row can be aligned, and the second horizontal wall part is locked onto the vertical wall parts by pushing and restraining the mat stacking part; a header apparatus comprising the same; a hollow fibre membrane module; and a method for manufacturing a hollow fibre membrane module are provided.