Hollow Fiber Membrane Flow Regulation for Uniform Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow-fiber membrane modules experience rapid clogging due to suspended solids accumulation during filtration of high-turbidity liquids, leading to increased transmembrane pressure and inefficient cleaning, especially in areas with uneven flow during flushing, which results in incomplete removal of suspended solids.
Innovation Solution
A flow-regulating structure is implemented within the membrane module, comprising a flow-regulating cylinder and inner pipe, to direct fluid flow radially and uniformly across the membrane surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency by maintaining optimal flow velocities and preventing drift during flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If flushing is performed to clean suspended solids from the membrane module, then membrane cleaning effect is improved, but flow channel blockage occurs due to suspended solids accumulation and transmembrane pressure increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into multiple regions with different flow rate characteristics. The lower part of the module has higher flow rates while the upper part has lower flow rates, preventing uniform flow channel blockage and enabling staged cleaning of suspended solids without complete flow channel closure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts flow distribution through the height of the module during operation. By controlling flow rates to be higher at the lower part and lower at the upper part, the system adapts to accumulating suspended solids and maintains cleaning effectiveness while preventing catastrophic blockage
2Ease of repair
If high linear velocity flushing is applied to clean the membrane surface, then membrane cleaning effect is improved, but flow uniformity deteriorates and low flow rate portions exist
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the module are assigned different flow rate characteristics tailored to their specific cleaning needs. The lower part receives higher velocity flow for removing accumulated solids, while the upper part receives lower velocity flow appropriate for its cleaner state, optimizing overall cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic flushing operations where flow rates are modulated over time. By alternating between higher and lower flow rates and distributing flow non-uniformly through the module height, the system achieves thorough cleaning while preventing flow channel blockage that would occur with constant high velocity flow
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 flow-regulating structure effectively prevents suspended solids accumulation, ensuring stable filtration performance over extended periods by uniformly distributing flow velocities and improving membrane cleaning efficacy, particularly in high-turbidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A flow-regulating structure is implemented within the membrane module, comprising a flow-regulating cylinder and inner pipe, to direct fluid flow radially and uniformly across the membrane surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of hollow-fiber membranes (1) housed in the case (2), each having one end sealed and the other end opened
Implementation Method 3
enhancing cleaning efficiency by maintaining optimal flow velocities and preventing drift during flushing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module provided with: a tubular casing having a first end and a second end in the axial direction; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a first potting part; and a second potting part, the hollow fiber membrane module further having a flow regulation structure in which a fluid flowing outside the hollow fiber membranes from the second end side toward the first end side forms a flow directed to the radial center on the second end side of the first potting part, and further forms a radial flow directed from the radial center to the radially outer peripheral side on the second end side of the first potting part.