Hollow Fiber Membrane Module with Segmented Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hollow fiber membrane modules with single fiber orientations face limitations in achieving high packing density, surface area, and mass transfer efficiency due to uniform void fractions and flow patterns, leading to stagnant flow and increased pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber bundles with multiple orientations, including tubular concentric or spirally-wound regions with axially-aligned and non-colinear hollow fibers, creates a high void fraction and tortuous path, reducing pressure drop and enhancing mass transfer while maintaining high packing density and surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hollow fibers are oriented uniformly along the axis (single orientation), then packing density and surface area are increased, but pressure drop increases and mass transfer efficiency decreases due to stagnant flow
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented into multiple regions with different fiber orientations (e.g., axially-aligned region and non-axially-aligned region). This segmentation creates varied flow paths and prevents stagnant flow patterns, improving mass transfer efficiency while managing pressure drop through regional functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fiber bundle are assigned different fiber orientations to create local quality variations. The axially-aligned region provides high packing density and surface area, while the non-axially-aligned region promotes flow distribution and reduces stagnation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of mass transfer and pressure characteristics.
2Productivity
If hollow fibers are oriented uniformly along the axis (single orientation), then packing density is increased, but flow stagnation occurs and mass transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is divided into multiple regions with different fiber orientations. The non-axially-aligned regions create tortuous flow paths that prevent stagnation and improve flow distribution, while the axially-aligned regions maintain high packing density. This segmentation enables both regions to contribute to overall mass transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber bundle employs asymmetric fiber orientation patterns, combining axially-aligned fibers with non-axially-aligned fibers at different angles. This asymmetry creates varied flow paths that enhance flow distribution and prevent stagnant zones, thereby improving ease of operation and mass transfer simultaneously.
3Productivity
If multiple fiber orientations are used, then mass transfer and flow distribution are improved, but packing density and surface area decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented into axially-aligned regions that provide high packing density and non-axially-aligned regions that enhance mass transfer. By allocating appropriate volumes to each region, the overall bundle achieves both high packing density and improved mass transfer efficiency through the synergistic combination of different fiber orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions are assigned different fiber orientations to optimize local functions. The axially-aligned regions maximize packing density and surface area, while the non-axially-aligned regions optimize flow distribution and mass transfer. The local quality differentiation allows the entire bundle to achieve superior overall performance.
4Loss of energy
If non-axially-aligned fibers are used, then pressure drop is reduced and mass transfer is enhanced, but packing density and surface area are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented to include both axially-aligned regions (high packing density) and non-axially-aligned regions (low pressure drop). The non-axially-aligned segments create tortuous flow paths that reduce pressure drop and enhance mass transfer, while the axially-aligned segments maintain high packing density, achieving a balanced overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions are assigned different fiber orientations to optimize local characteristics. The non-axially-aligned regions locally reduce pressure drop and enhance mass transfer, while the axially-aligned regions locally maximize packing density. This local quality differentiation allows the entire bundle to achieve superior overall performance.
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 results in improved mass transfer efficiency, reduced power consumption, and customized properties such as higher packing density and surface area for a fixed volume, compared to modules with single fiber orientations, while minimizing stagnant flow and weight.
Implementation Method 1
Mass transfer and separation of component from one fluid to another fluid may be caused by diffusion driven by a difference in concentration of a component between the two fluids
Implementation Method 2
Fine pores in the hollow fiber walls may permit a greater amount of transfer of one component in a fluid than another component in the fluid due to surface tension and/or pressure differential effects
Implementation Method 3
Fine pores in the hollow fiber walls may permit a greater amount of transfer of one component in a fluid than another component in the fluid due to surface tension and/or pressure differential effects
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a membrane module includes a fiber bundle. The fiber bundle includes a tubular first region and a tubular second region positioned around the tubular first region. One of the first or second regions includes hollow fibers oriented along an axis of the fiber bundle. Another of the first or second regions includes hollow fibers that are not colinear in a radial direction from the axis of the fiber bundle. A void fraction of the second region is different from a void fraction of the first region.