Hollow Fiber Degassing Module with Outer Support for Stable Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

The pressure drop in hollow fiber degassing modules increases abruptly due to swollen hollow fiber membranes coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing, causing clogging of the discharge port and closure of the gap between the membrane bundle and the housing.

Innovation Solution

A hollow fiber degassing module with an outer support disposed between the membrane bundle and the housing, supporting swollen membranes from the radial outer side to prevent pressure contact and maintain flow channels, combined with inner support to stabilize the membrane bundle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hollow fiber membranes are used for degassing, then degassing function is achieved, but pressure drop increases abruptly when membranes swell and contact the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegassing functionVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the housing. This support prevents direct contact between the swollen membranes and the housing inner circumferential surface, eliminating the cause of abrupt pressure drop increase while maintaining the degassing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is installed beforehand to prevent the harmful effect before it occurs. By providing a protective barrier in advance, the system prevents the swollen membranes from contacting the housing, thus avoiding clogging and abrupt pressure increase before they can happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If hollow fiber membranes swell with liquid, then membrane permeability increases, but discharge port becomes clogged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane permeabilityVSAvoiddischarge port clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as a mediator that allows the membranes to swell and maintain permeability while preventing them from reaching the discharge port. It provides a physical barrier that separates the membrane expansion zone from the discharge port area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If hollow fiber membranes come into pressure contact with housing, then structural support is provided, but gap between membrane bundle and housing closes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidgap area

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary structural support while maintaining the gap. It transfers the load from the membranes to the housing through a controlled interface, preventing complete gap closure while ensuring structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stress or pressure

If support structure is added to prevent membrane contact, then pressure drop stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure drop stabilityVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed as a thin-walled cylindrical tube that provides adequate mechanical support with minimal added complexity. The thin-walled design maintains simplicity while effectively preventing membrane-housing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Prevents abrupt increases in pressure drop, allowing prolonged degassing operations by maintaining open flow channels and reducing production costs through efficient module design.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow fiber membrane bundle (3) including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (2) bundled into a cylindrical shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the pressure inside the spaces inside the hollow fiber membranes are reduced to degas the ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3991821B1Hollow fiber degassing module, inkjet printer, and method for degassing liquid

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 DIC CORP

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A hollow fiber degassing module includes: a hollow fiber membrane bundle including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes bundled into a cylindrical shape; a housing that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, includes a liquid supply port and a liquid discharge port that are formed in communication with spaces between the plurality of hollow fiber membrane, and further includes a suction port formed in communication with inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and an outer support having a plurality of openings formed therein and disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the housing.