Module Case Separation-Preventing Grooves for Hollow Fiber Membrane Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane modules in water treatment systems face issues with the bundle of membranes separating from the module case due to reduced adhesive strength during manufacturing and operation, especially under pressure and vibration during aeration processes.
Innovation Solution
The module case features a novel design with separation-preventing grooves on its inner surfaces, filled with a potting agent to securely hold the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, enhancing the contact area and preventing separation even when adhesive strength is reduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is closely held using potting agent, then the bundle is formed, but the adhesive strength is reduced during hardening process
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the module case is divided into multiple grooves that extend along the longitudinal direction. These grooves segment the contact interface between the bundle and the module case, creating multiple localized bonding zones that compensate for reduced overall adhesive strength. The grooves are arranged to distribute the bonding interface along the length of the hollow fiber membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are specifically positioned at locations where bonding is most needed, creating localized zones of enhanced mechanical interlocking. The groove structure provides local reinforcement at critical interfaces without requiring the entire inner surface to have enhanced bonding properties, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bundle is placed in the module case and filled with potting agent, then the bundle is potted, but the adhesive strength is reduced due to expansion or shrinkage during hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are pre-formed in the module case before the potting agent is applied. This preliminary structuring of the bonding interface ensures that when the potting agent is filled and hardens, the grooves are already in position to provide mechanical interlocking. The grooves are prepared in advance to accommodate the potting agent and maintain bonding effectiveness despite volume changes during hardening.
3Productivity
If the module is submerged in water for long period, then water treatment is performed, but the adhesive strength is reduced due to pressure inside the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves segment the bonding interface into multiple distributed zones along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation creates multiple localized bonding points that can withstand the pressure differential during water treatment operations. The distributed groove structure prevents stress concentration at any single bonding point, maintaining adhesive effectiveness under operational pressure.
4Productivity
If aeration process is carried out, then pollutants are removed, but the adhesive strength is reduced due to vibration occurring during aeration
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure segments the bundle-module case interface into multiple localized bonding zones distributed along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation creates a distributed bonding network that resists vibration-induced detachment better than a single continuous bonding interface. The multiple groove locations provide redundant bonding points that maintain attachment during vibrational aeration operations.
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 prevents the bundle of hollow fiber membranes from separating from the module case, ensuring stable operation and maintaining the module's functionality despite reduced adhesive strength, thereby enhancing the reliability of the water treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
separation-preventing grooves on its inner surfaces, filled with a potting agent to securely hold the bundle of hollow fiber membranes
Implementation Method 2
there are micro-pores provided on a surface of tubular fiber structure, so that pollutants are filtered through the micro-pores included in the hollow fiber membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fiber membrane module is disclosed, which is capable of preventing a bundle of hollow fiber membranes from being separated from a module case, the hollow fiber membrane module for accommodating a bundle of hollow fiber membranes closely held together through the use of potting agent, including a module case including: a first inner surface serving as a projection on which the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is stably placed; a second inner surface upwardly extending from one end of the first inner surface, the second inner surface including at least one separation-preventing groove to prevent the bundle of hollow fiber membranes from being separated from the module case; a third inner surface downwardly extending from the other end of the first inner surface; and a fourth inner surface connected to the third inner surface.