Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Wall Thickness for Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules face pressure resistance issues, particularly at connecting portions, leading to potential fractures when subjected to positive pressure during filtration operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing case with first and second molding members, where the wall thickness at specific axial distances from the connecting position is optimized (3-5 times the second molding member's thickness) to reduce stress concentration, using materials like ABS resin and polyvinyl chloride, and joining methods such as heating or solvent adhesion to enhance pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the housing body is formed by connecting separate parts to increase processing amount, then the device complexity increases, but the pressure resistance at connecting portions deteriorates due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the wall thickness at different locations of the housing body. Specifically, the wall thickness is designed to be greater at connecting portions (1.0 to 1.5 times the reference wall thickness) compared to other areas. This localized thickening reinforces the connecting portions to resist stress concentration while maintaining the overall modular structure for high processing amount.
2Strength
If the wall thickness is increased at connecting portions to improve pressure resistance, then the manufacturing complexity increases, but the stress concentration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the wall thickness parameter at different axial positions. The wall thickness is defined as 1.0 to 1.5 times the reference wall thickness at connecting portions, while maintaining other dimensions within standard ranges. This controlled parameter variation improves pressure resistance while keeping the overall design within manufacturable limits.
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing body is made as a single molded piece to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the pressure resistance deteriorates due to size limitations in single-piece molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the housing body into multiple separate parts (first housing body part and second housing body part) that are connected together. This segmentation allows each part to be molded independently with standard single-piece molding capabilities, while the connected structure achieves the necessary pressure resistance through reinforced connecting portions with increased wall thickness.
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 solution provides improved overall pressure resistance, allowing the module to withstand pressures up to 2 MPa or more without fractures starting from the connecting position, enhancing the module's durability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
joining methods such as heating or solvent adhesion
Implementation Method 2
joining methods such as heating or solvent adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module 10 has a hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and a housing case 15. The housing case 15 has first molding members 17 and a second molding member 18. At each first molding member, a tubular portion 19 and a nozzle portion 20 are integrally molded. The second molding member 18 has a tubular shape coaxially continuous from the tubular portion 19. Values obtained by dividing, by the wall thickness of the second molding member, the wall thicknesses of the housing case 15 at positions separated in the axial direction from a connecting position toward the first molding member 17 side by distances of 3 times and 5 times the wall thickness of the second molding member 18 are 1.0 to 1.3 and 1.0 to 1.5, respectively.