Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Sealing for Thermal Expansion Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules face instability in sealability due to significant temperature changes, leading to inadequate sealing between the sealing and fixing parts and the case, especially in fuel cell environments with wide temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
The hollow fiber membrane module design includes a sealing part that is bonded to both the case and the sealing and fixing part, allowing it to expand or contract with changes in the gap spacing due to thermal expansion, with specific material combinations and dimensions to maintain sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing part structure is used, then the sealing part can be fixed to the case, but sufficient sealing cannot be achieved when temperature changes significantly due to thermal expansion differences between the sealing and fixing part and the case
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part is designed to be movable relative to the case, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion and contraction. The sealing part can move along the inner peripheral surface of the case, maintaining continuous contact and sealing effectiveness despite temperature-induced dimensional changes in the assembled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing part's position parameter is allowed to change in response to temperature variations. By permitting the sealing part to move to different positions along the case's inner surface, the system adapts to thermal expansion differences without compromising seal integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing part is rigidly bonded to the case, then the sealing part is fixed in position, but the sealing fails when thermal expansion causes gap spacing changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part transitions from a static, rigidly bonded state to a dynamic, movable state. It can slide or move along the inner peripheral surface of the case, allowing continuous adaptation to dimensional changes while maintaining sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing part is preliminarily positioned to contact the inner peripheral surface of the case, establishing a movable connection that anticipates and accommodates future thermal expansion variations without requiring rigid fixation.
3Reliability
If the sealing part is allowed to move to accommodate thermal expansion, then sealing stability is maintained, but the sealing part may not be securely fixed to the case
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part exhibits different bonding characteristics at different locations. It is bonded to the case at certain positions to provide anchoring and prevent complete detachment, while remaining movable at other positions to accommodate thermal expansion. This localized bonding approach balances fixation strength with movement capability.
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 ensures stable sealability across wide temperature ranges by accommodating thermal expansion, preventing stress concentration and maintaining sealing despite positional deviations.
Implementation Method 1
differences in the extent of thermal expansion between the sealing and fixing part and the case become large
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module having: a tubular case; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed within the case; sealing and fixing parts that fix the hollow fiber membranes to each other at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and sealing parts that seal annular gaps between the case and the sealing and fixing parts. The sealing parts are bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the case and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing and fixing parts while being allowed to expand or contract in the direction in which the spacing of the gaps between the case and the sealing and fixing parts changes.