Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Structure to Prevent Membrane Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in size of hollow fiber membrane modules leads to increased fluid flow rates and pressure, causing displacement and potential damage to the membranes due to independent movement of sealing and fixing portions, which are difficult to mold and prone to crushing.
Innovation Solution
A hollow fiber membrane module with a holding member that fixes the sealing and fixing portions to prevent independent movement, using a plate-shaped structure with through holes for fluid passage and an elastic seal to secure the annular gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the hollow fiber membrane module is made larger to increase output, then the fluid flow rate and pressure-receiving area increase, but the sealing and fixing portions may move independently causing membrane damage
Solution Approach 1:
A holding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealing and fixing portions and the hollow fiber membranes. This holding member has a rigid structure that prevents independent movement of the sealing and fixing portions, thereby preventing membrane damage while allowing the module to be scaled up for increased output.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing and fixing portions are divided into multiple segments that are separately mounted on the holding member. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently positioned and secured, preventing displacement while maintaining the overall structural integrity needed for high-pressure operation.
2Reliability
If annular grooves are provided on the case inner circumferential surface to prevent displacement, then the sealing and fixing portions are secured, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to cutting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed with pre-formed structures that inherently prevent displacement of the sealing and fixing portions, eliminating the need for post-molding cutting processes to create annular grooves. The position stability is built into the holding member design rather than being added as a separate manufacturing step.
3Reliability
If the sealing and fixing portions are secured to prevent independent movement, then membrane damage is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it holds the hollow fiber membranes, secures the sealing and fixing portions, and prevents their independent movement. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the device structure while maintaining membrane protection.
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 suppresses loads on the hollow fiber membranes, preventing damage and simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex mold grooves and cutting processes.
Implementation Method 1
an annular gap between the pair of sealing and fixing portions and the case is sealed with an elastic seal portion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module capable of suppressing a load on a hollow fiber membrane is provided. A hollow fiber membrane module 10 including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220, a case 100, in an accommodation interior of which the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are accommodated, the accommodation interior being open at both ends, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 231 and 232 that seal gaps among the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 in a state where each of hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 is open on each of one end side and the other end side of the case 100, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module 10 further including a holding member 210 provided in the case 100 and configured to hold the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220, and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are fixed to the holding member 210 by the pair of sealing and fixing portions 231 and 232.