Hollow Fiber Membrane Module High Strength Cleaning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hollow-fiber membrane modules face challenges in maintaining stable filtration due to membrane clogging, which increases with higher membrane surface linear velocities or air scrubbing flow velocities, leading to potential membrane breakage.

Innovation Solution

A hollow-fiber membrane module with a breaking strength of 25 MPa or more and a filling ratio of 40 to 80% is developed, allowing for high membrane surface linear velocities and increased cleaning effectiveness while preventing membrane breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the membrane surface linear velocity is increased to improve cleaning effect, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the stress on the hollow-fiber membrane increases causing breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the hollow-fiber membrane by controlling the pore diameter (0.03-0.08 μm) and porosity (30-80%) to optimize the balance between cleaning efficiency and membrane strength, allowing high linear velocity operation without breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the filling ratio of the hollow-fiber membrane is increased to increase membrane surface linear velocity, then the cleaning effect is intensified, but the membrane becomes more susceptible to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the filling ratio parameter to a specific range (40-80%) that allows achieving high membrane surface linear velocity while maintaining sufficient membrane reliability and resistance to breakage under operational stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If cross-flow filtration is performed at high membrane surface linear velocity to reduce clogging, then the membrane cleaning effect is improved, but the stress generated causes hollow-fiber membrane breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the membrane parameters including pore size (0.03-0.08 μm) and porosity (30-80%) to enable operation at high membrane surface linear velocities that prevent clogging while the membrane structure remains strong enough to avoid breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhanced membrane module achieves improved cleaning efficiency at higher flow velocities without risking membrane breakage, thus extending the membrane's operational lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a separation membrane such as microfiltration membrane or ultrafiltration membrane is utilized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrofiltration:

Implementation Method 2

a separation membrane such as microfiltration membrane or ultrafiltration membrane is utilized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrafiltration:

Implementation Method 3

the hollow fiber has a porous structure and allows a liquid to permeate therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

the hollow fiber has a porous structure obtained by a phase separation method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3466526B1Hollow fiber membrane module

Publication Date: 2025.04.16

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

This hollow fiber membrane module is provided with: a cylindrical case having a first end and a second end in the direction of height; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes accommodated in the cylindrical case; and a first potting unit attaching the end parts of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes positioned at the first end of the cylindrical case while the end parts are open. The hollow fiber membranes have a rupture strength of 23 MPa or more. The filling rate for the hollow fiber membranes is 40 - 80%.