Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Bypass Flow for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hollow fiber membrane modules experience pressure loss during gas flow, which hampers their humidification performance due to stagnation of gas inside the module.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass pipe that connects to the inner case and communicates with a bypass port, forming a fluid path to reduce pressure loss by allowing gas to bypass the main flow path and prevent stagnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas flows through the hollow fiber membrane module for humidification, then humidification performance is improved, but pressure loss increases causing gas stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into multiple channels: a first flow path through the hollow fiber membranes for humidification, and a second bypass flow path through the bypass passage. This segmentation allows gas to be divided into different streams, with one stream undergoing humidification while another stream bypasses the resistance, thereby reducing overall pressure loss while maintaining humidification performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass passage acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the high-resistance humidification path and the discharge. By providing this intermediate bypass route, the system reduces the overall flow resistance without completely bypassing the humidification function, as the bypass still contributes to pressure equalization and flow management.
2Quantity of substance
If gas flows through the hollow fiber membranes for humidification, then moisture transfer occurs, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow is segmented such that only a portion of the gas must pass through the high-resistance hollow fiber membranes for moisture transfer, while another portion bypasses this resistance. This reduces the total pressure loss while maintaining sufficient moisture transfer through the membranes, as the bypass flow helps maintain pressure gradients that drive moisture diffusion.
3Ease of operation
If the hollow fiber membrane module is designed for efficient humidification, then contact between humid and dry gas is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow is segmented into multiple paths: one path maximizes contact between humid and dry gas for efficient humidification, while another path provides a bypass to reduce overall pressure loss. The bypass passage is specifically designed to allow gas to flow from the introduction portion to the discharge portion without passing through the high-resistance hollow fiber membranes, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining humidification efficiency.
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 effectively curbs pressure loss and enhances the humidification efficiency by ensuring smooth gas flow and reducing dynamic pressure within the module.
Implementation Method 1
the moisture in the humid off gas moves to a side of the dry reaction gas due to a membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module includes: an inner case; an outer case that covers the inner case from an outer periphery side with a space left therebetween; at least one bypass pipe that connects to the inner case in the space between the inner case and the outer case; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes that are provided in the space, the inner case including, on an upstream side, an introduction portion that establishes communication between inside and outside, the outer case including, on a downstream side, a discharge portion that establishes communication between the inside and the outside, the inner case including, on the downstream side, at least one bypass port that penetrates through the inner case between the inside and the outside, the bypass pipe communicating with the bypass port and being capable of forming a fluid path that connects the bypass port and the discharge portion.