Hollow Fiber Degassing Module With Outer Support for Flow Stability
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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, leading to 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 to prevent pressure contact of swollen membranes, featuring a mesh or cylindrical shape to maintain flow channels and reduce pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hollow fiber membranes are used for degassing liquid, then degassing function is achieved, but pressure drop increases abruptly when membranes swell and contact housing inner surface
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, thereby eliminating the cause of abrupt pressure drop increase while maintaining the degassing function.
2Productivity
If hollow fiber membranes swell with liquid, then membrane permeability improves, but discharge port becomes clogged and gap closes
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 housing surface. This ensures that the discharge port remains unclogged and the gap between the membrane bundle and housing remains open, maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If no support is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but abrupt pressure drop increase occurs due to membrane-housing contact
Solution Approach 1:
A relatively simple support structure is introduced as an intermediary element. While this adds some structural complexity, it dramatically improves pressure stability by preventing membrane-housing contact. The support can be implemented in various simple forms such as a cylindrical cage or mesh structure.
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 for prolonged degassing operations by supporting swollen membranes and maintaining flow channels.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow fiber membrane bundle (3) including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (2) bundled into a cylindrical shape
Implementation Method 2
a suction port (7a) which is formed in communication with inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (2)
Data Source
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.