Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Counter-Current Flow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shell-side feed, hollow fiber gas separation modules face challenges in achieving counter-current flow without obstructing feed fluid flow while preventing fluid leakage into the hollow fiber bores, especially in applications requiring efficient low CO2 and high-pressure CO2 removal.
Innovation Solution
The design features one end of the hollow fibers encased collectively in a tubesheet and the other end sealed individually or in patterns, allowing for improved flow distribution and preventing feed fluid leakage, while maintaining efficient separation performance without relying on full tubesheet encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one tubesheet blocks the hollow fiber bores on the non-permeate fluid outlet end to achieve counter-current flow, then counter-current flow arrangement is enabled, but feed gas flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is divided into two distinct groups: first group fibers with both ends open for feed flow distribution, and second group fibers with both ends sealed for counter-current flow path. This segmentation allows the system to achieve counter-current flow without obstructing feed gas flow through the open-ended fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
A perforated pipe is introduced as an intermediary component at the non-permeate outlet end to collect permeate from sealed fibers and deliver it to the permeate outlet, enabling counter-current flow without requiring bore-blocking that would obstruct feed gas flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire end of the fiber bundle is encased in a tubesheet to block fiber bores, then counter-current flow is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for a blocked tubesheet by using selectively sealed fibers. Only the necessary fibers are sealed individually or in groups, removing the complex structure of a fully blocked tubesheet while maintaining counter-current flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly encasing all fiber ends in a blocked tubesheet, the invention applies sealing locally only to specific fibers or fiber groups that require it for counter-current flow, while leaving other fibers open for feed distribution, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If both ends of hollow fibers are opened to allow feed flow distribution, then flow distribution is improved, but feed fluid leakage into fiber bores occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented into first group fibers (both ends open) for feed flow distribution and second group fibers (both ends sealed) for permeate collection. This segmentation ensures feed fluid enters through open-ended fibers without leakage risk, while sealed fibers prevent feed fluid from entering their bores.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated pipe acts as an intermediary that collects permeate from sealed fibers and delivers it to the permeate outlet, creating a separate permeate collection path that prevents feed fluid from leaking into fiber bores while maintaining open fiber ends for proper feed distribution.
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 flow distribution, increases separation capacity by 60%, and reduces manufacturing and operational costs, achieving superior separation performance compared to traditional counter-flow modules.
Implementation Method 1
hollow fiber membranes that exhibit selective permeability to fluids such as gases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A shell-side feed, hollow fiber, fluid separation module arranged for counter-flow includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle with each individual hollow fiber membrane (31) in the bundle (30) having an open fiber end (39) and a sealed fiber end (43), The open fiber ends (39) are encapsulated in a tubesheet (19) located toward the permeate fluid outlet end (17) of the module (10). The sealed fiber ends (43) are tubesheet-free, uniformly spaced, and located toward the non-permeate fluid outlet end (41) of the module (10).