Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Parallel Inlet Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hollow fiber membrane modules face challenges in shortening cleaning time without risking damage to the membranes, particularly when increasing the flow rate of cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
The hollow fiber membrane module is designed with an external-pressure type structure where the feed water inlet is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the membranes, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for efficient cleaning by using membranes with high permeation flux, such as polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes, and incorporating a baffle and net structure for enhanced durability and flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the flow rate of cleaning liquid is increased to shorten cleaning time, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the risk of damaging the hollow fiber membrane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed water inlet is positioned at one end portion of the container such that the flow direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membranes, rather than perpendicular or at an angle. This dimensional change in flow direction allows cleaning liquid to flow along the length of the membranes, reducing direct impact and damage risk while maintaining effective cleaning through extended contact time along the flow path
2Productivity
If the flow rate of cleaning liquid is increased to shorten cleaning time, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the mechanical stress on the membrane increases
Solution Approach 1:
By aligning the feed water inlet at one end portion with flow direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the membranes, the cleaning liquid flows along the length of the hollow fiber membranes rather than impacting them directly. This dimensional reorientation allows high flow rates to be maintained without subjecting the membranes to excessive mechanical stress or direct impact forces
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 enables the module to be cleaned quickly while preventing membrane damage, maintaining high permeation flux and rejection performance, thus reducing the time to achieve required water quality and extending the module's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow fiber membrane module... mainly contributes to removal of particulates... cleaning is performed to remove foreign matter such as contamination (fouling) on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane
Implementation Method 2
A permeation flux of the hollow fiber membranes at a transmembrane pressure difference of 0.1 MPa is higher than or equal to 850 liter/m2/h
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module 100 includes: a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 10; a container 20 storing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 10; and a feed water inlet 201 provided at one end portion of the container 20 such that a direction in which feed water flows into the container 20 is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 10. A permeation flux of the hollow fiber membranes 10 at a transmembrane pressure difference of 0.1 MPa is higher than or equal to 850 liter/m2/h.