Cartridge Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Steam Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow-fiber membrane modules in continuous fermentation processes are prone to membrane damage due to fluid flow-induced stress during cross-flow filtration or air scrubbing, and steam sterilization inefficiencies due to stagnation issues, which compromise sterilizability.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge-type hollow-fiber membrane module design where the second potting part is held by pins inserted into grooves, allowing restricted movement to prevent membrane lifting and incorporating gaps for steam drainage to ensure effective sterilization at 121°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hollow fiber membranes are not held by the cylindrical case at the lower ends, then the module structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the hollow fiber membranes are lifted up and bent and damaged during cross flow filtration or air scrubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into distinct functional zones: an upper holding section where hollow fiber membranes are secured to the cylindrical case, and a lower free section that allows controlled movement during operation. This segmentation prevents complete membrane lifting while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure is designed to preemptively counteract the upward force generated by fluid flow during cross-flow filtration or air scrubbing. By providing initial mechanical support at the upper ends, the system prevents the harmful lifting and bending of membranes before damage can occur.
2Reliability
If the module is designed for steam sterilization at 121°C, then sterilizability is ensured, but air or steam drain stagnation occurs in dead-end spaces causing temperature rise failure
Solution Approach 1:
Dead-end spaces where air or steam drain stagnation occurs are identified and eliminated from the module design. The hollow fiber membrane arrangement and housing configuration are optimized to ensure continuous steam flow paths without stagnant zones, preventing temperature rise failure during sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The module design incorporates dynamic steam flow characteristics that prevent stagnation. By ensuring proper spacing, orientation, and permeability distribution of hollow fiber membranes, the system maintains active steam circulation throughout the sterilization process, allowing efficient heat penetration and moisture removal.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hollow fiber membranes are held in the cylindrical case with adhesive, then the membranes are fixed in position, but the membranes are still lifted up by fluid flow stress during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane support system is segmented into multiple attachment points distributed along the length of the hollow fiber membranes. This distributes the fluid flow stress across multiple locations rather than relying on a single adhesive bond, preventing membrane lifting while maintaining positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixation methods are combined: adhesive bonding is used in conjunction with mechanical support structures within the cylindrical case. This hybrid approach provides both initial bonding and ongoing structural support, enhancing resistance to fluid flow stress during cross-flow filtration or air scrubbing operations.
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 design effectively inhibits membrane damage during fluid flow and ensures steam sterilizability by maintaining membrane integrity and facilitating steam drainage, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the fermentation process.
Implementation Method 1
a method has been proposed in which the microorganism or incubated cells are filtrated off with a separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
Normal conditions of the steam sterilization include 121 °C for 20 minutes
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge type hollow-fiber membrane module of the present invention includes: a housing; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing; a first potting part which bundles first ends of the hollow fiber membranes while keeping the first ends open; a second potting part which bundles second ends of the hollow fiber membranes while keeping the second ends sealed; a fixing part which detachably fixes the first potting part to the housing; a sealing part which liquid-tightly seals a space between the first potting part and the housing; and a holding part which holds the second potting part so that the second potting part is detachable from the housing and so that liquids can pass through a space between the second potting part and the housing.