Outer-Supported Hollow Fiber Degassing Module for Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The pressure drop in hollow fiber degassing modules increases abruptly due to swollen hollow fiber membranes coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing, leading to clogging and gap closure, which affects the degassing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A hollow fiber degassing module with an outer support disposed between the membrane bundle and the housing to prevent pressure contact of swollen membranes, maintaining flow channels and reducing pressure drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hollow fiber membranes are used for degassing, then degassing efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases abruptly when membranes swell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegassing efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the housing. This support prevents direct contact between the swollen membranes and the housing inner circumferential surface, thereby mediating the mechanical interaction and preventing abrupt pressure drop increases while maintaining degassing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is installed beforehand to cushion and prevent the harmful effect of membrane swelling. By providing this protective structure in advance, the system prevents the membranes from coming into pressure contact with the housing, thus preventing clogging and gap closure before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Quantity of substance

If hollow fiber membranes swell with liquid, then membrane permeability is improved, but membranes come into contact with housing causing clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow through membranesVSAvoidclogging of discharge port

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as an intermediary that physically separates the swollen membranes from the housing and discharge port. This prevents the membranes from migrating into and clogging the discharge port while still allowing liquid to flow through the membranes effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the membranes from moving toward the discharge port in the first place. By establishing this physical barrier before clogging can occur, the system prevents the harmful effect rather than correcting it after it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Quantity of substance

If hollow fiber membranes swell with liquid, then membrane permeability is improved, but gap between bundle and housing closes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow through membranesVSAvoidgap volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as an intermediary that maintains the gap volume between the membrane bundle and housing. By providing this intermediate element, the support prevents the swollen membranes from eliminating the gap while still allowing sufficient space for liquid flow and thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If no support is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but abrupt pressure drop increase occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A relatively simple support structure is introduced as an intermediary element that provides substantial reliability improvement. The support prevents abrupt pressure drop increases with minimal added complexity, offering an efficient balance between structural simplicity and pressure stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents abrupt increases in pressure drop, allowing prolonged and efficient degassing of liquids by supporting swollen membranes and maintaining flow channels.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow fiber membrane bundle (3) including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (2) bundled into a cylindrical shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the pressure inside the spaces inside the hollow fiber membranes are reduced to degas the ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250288959A1Hollow fiber degassing module, inkjet printer, and method for degassing liquid

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 DIC CORP

AI summary

A hollow fiber degassing module includes: a hollow fiber membrane bundle including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes bundled into a cylindrical shape; a housing that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, includes a liquid supply port and a liquid discharge port that are formed in communication with spaces between the plurality of hollow fiber membrane, and further includes a suction port formed in communication with inner spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and an outer support having a plurality of openings formed therein and disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the housing.