Hollow Fiber Membrane Bundle Spacer Thread Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules experience flow inhomogeneities and non-uniform fluid distribution at inflow and outflow regions due to conventional spacer thread arrangements, leading to suboptimal performance in filtration and gas separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A hollow fiber membrane bundle design where the threads between the membranes are arranged such that the membranes protrude beyond some threads at the ends, reducing the thread proportion in these regions, creating larger interstices and lower flow resistance, thereby enhancing uniform flow distribution across the bundle cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If threads are arranged uniformly throughout the membrane bundle to keep hollow fiber membranes apart, then structural stability and flow distribution are improved, but flow resistance increases and flow inhomogeneity occurs at inflow and outflow regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thread arrangement density along the longitudinal axis of the membrane bundle. The thread proportion is reduced in end regions (first and second regions) compared to the central region, creating localized structural differences that optimize flow characteristics at different positions while maintaining overall bundle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane bundle is segmented into distinct regions along its longitudinal axis: a first end region, a central region, and a second end region. Each region has a different thread proportion, allowing independent optimization of flow characteristics in each segment while maintaining the integrity of the entire bundle structure.
2Ease of operation
If threads are arranged to maximize flow distribution, then uniform fluid distribution is improved, but the number of threads increases leading to higher flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating threads in the central region where they most effectively promote uniform flow distribution, while reducing thread density in end regions where they would otherwise create unnecessary flow resistance. This localized arrangement achieves flow uniformity with minimal total thread count, reducing pressure drop.
3Productivity
If thread proportion is increased throughout the bundle to reduce flow resistance, then flow capacity is improved, but structural stability and membrane spacing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining high thread proportion in the central region to ensure structural stability and proper membrane spacing, while reducing thread proportion in end regions to minimize flow resistance and maximize flow capacity. This creates an optimized gradient that balances structural requirements with flow performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane module comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle with a longitudinal extent, a membrane bundle cross section and a first and a second bundle end, the bundle comprising a multitude of hollow fiber membranes extending between the first and the second bundle end, and also comprising, within the membrane bundle cross section, a proportion of threads which are arranged between the hollow fiber membranes and which keep the hollow fiber membranes apart. The arrangement of the threads between the hollow fiber membranes is such that at the first bundle end and/or at the second bundle end the hollow fiber membranes protrude beyond at least some of the threads, such that the hollow fiber membrane bundle has a smaller proportion of threads in a first and/or second end region, extending from the first and/or the second bundle end, than in a bundle region, located between the first and the second bundle end, which has a maximal proportion of threads, the length of the first end region and/or the length of the second end region being 1% to 45% of the bundle length.