AU2017213474B9 - Filter system - Google Patents

Abstract

16MNCO64AU01 Provided is a filter system. The filter system includes a case which has a hollow therein and into which raw water is introduced from the outside, a hollow fiber membrane accommodated 5 in the hollow of the case and having at least a portion that is potted by a resin and fixed to the case, and an electrostatic adsorption part disposed between the hollow fiber membrane and the case and accommodated in the case. Nanoparticles introduced into the pore of the hollow fiber membrane are ion-adsorbed to 0 the electrostatic adsorption part, and the electrostatic adsorption part surrounds the hollow fiber membrane. Thus, a phenomenon in which an amount of water flowing through a membrane filter, to which the hollow fiber membrane is applied, is reduced may be prevented. Also, the membrane filter, to which the hollow 5 fiber membrane is applied, may be improved in lifespan. Also, since the membrane filter, to which the hollow fiber membrane is applied, is improved in lifespan, the filters different from each other may be consistent in placement period. - 121 - 127

Description

Filter system

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:1

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.

119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-20160102182 filed on 11 August 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND [0002] The present disclosure relates to a filter system.

[0003] Various filters are used for water purifiers, which are devices for purifying water. In general, filters such as a sediment filter, a pre carbon filter, a membrane filter, and a post carbon filter may be used. Among them, the membrane filter is used as a core filter. A reverse osmosis membrane filter and

a hollow fiber membrane filter	are	the most	representative
membrane filters.
[0004] The sediment	filter	is a	filter	that prevents
sediments having large	particles	from	being introduced and is

mainly called a pretreatment filter or a sedimentation filter because it is installed first in the filter. The sediment filter is mainly used to filter large dust, rust, sand, soil, and the

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 like. Thus, whether the sediment filter is used is selected in consideration of sizes of the particles contained in raw water introduced into the filter.

[0005] The pre carbon filter is a filter that removes chlorine (Cl), odor, and organic substances, which are contained in the raw water. Thus, the pre carbon filter is a filter that mainly disinfects impurities such as chlorine in the raw water pretreated by the sediment filter. If the sediment filter is not provided, the impurities such as chlorine are directly disinfected in the raw water. The pre carbon filter operates on a principle that carbon (activated carbon) adsorbs impurities.

[0006] The post carbon filter operates on a principle that carbon (activated carbon) adsorbs impurities in a manner similar to the pre carbon filter. The carbon (activated carbon) used in the post carbon filter removes gas, odor, and the like, which remain in the raw water, by using carbon (activated carbon) having quality higher that that of the carbon (activated carbon) used in the pre carbon filter or by adding an additional component. The pre carbon filter and the post carbon filter are named according to an installation order and the carbon

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 (activated carbon) thereof. The pre carbon filter is installed before the membrane filter, and the post carbon filter is installed after the membrane filter.

[0007] The reverse osmosis membrane filter of the membrane filter refers to a filter using a reverse osmosis phenomenon. In a high-concentration solution and a low-concentration solution, which are isolated by a semipermeable membrane, water naturally passes through the semipermeable membrane to move from the lowconcentration solution to the high-concentration solution. This phenomenon is called an osmotic phenomenon. Here, a difference in water level between the high-concentration solution and the low-concentration solution refers to as an osmotic pressure. However, when a pressure higher than the osmotic pressure is applied to the high-concentration solution, water passes through the semipermeable membrane to move from the high-concentration solution to the low-concentration solution as a phenomenon opposite to the natural phenomenon. This phenomenon is called a reverse osmotic phenomenon. Here, a difference in water level between the low-concentration solution and the high-concentration solution refers to as a reverse osmotic pressure. The reverse

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 osmosis method is carried out by allowing only water molecules to pass through the semipermeable membrane due to the reverse osmotic phenomenon.

[0008] The hollow fiber membrane filter of the membrane filter uses hollow fibers such as a thread having a hollow in the center, like bamboo, as a filter membrane (hereinafter, referred to as a hollow fiber membrane). In the hollow fiber membrane, pores are formed to filter target substances to be removed, which are contained in water, and to allow water molecules to pass therethrough. If water passes through the hollow fiber membrane by using a water pressure, the removal target substances having sizes greater than that of each of the pores do not pass through the pores, and the water molecules pass through the hollow fiber membrane because the water molecule has a size less than that of the pore. The hollow fiber membrane is configured to purify raw water by using the above-described principle. However, it is known that the hollow fiber membrane does not remove finer substances as compared with the reverse osmosis membrane.

[0009] In the target substances to be removed, which are contained in the raw water viruses are formed in vary

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 microscopic sizes that are invisible to eyes. Particularly, if viruses that adversely affect the human body such as Norovirus are contained in drinking water, it is necessary to remove the virus through the water purifier because it causes abdominal pain and the like. However, since the reverse osmosis method is more effective than the hollow fiber membrane method in order to remove minute substances such as viruses that are formed in microscopic sizes, the removal of the viruses from the raw water has been generally performed through the reverse osmosis method.

[0010] However, when the reverse osmosis method is used, a long time is required to remove viruses, and a water storage tank for storing water has to be provided.

[0011] Research and development have been carried out to remove viruses by using the hollow fiber membrane that is capable of being used in a direct water system as a solution for this limitation. As a result, for example, there is Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0093446 filed by the applicant.

[0012] According to the above-described technique, a hollow fiber membrane having pores each of which has a size less than that of each of viruses may be provided to remove the viruses in

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 a direct water supply manner.

[0013] However, since the hollow fiber membrane has the pores each of which has the size less than that of each of the viruses, there has been a limitation that an amount of flowing water is significantly reduced by nanoparticles existing in the water as time goes on.

[0014] Also, the small-sized pore of the membrane filter may be blocked to reduce the replacement period of the membrane.

[0015] Thus, when the hollow fiber membrane type filter, which is capable of removing viruses, is applied, there is a need for a filter system that is capable of overcoming the phenomenon in which the amount of flowing water is significantly reduced by the nanoparticles.

[0016] In addition, there is a need for a filter system that ensures various filters having replacement periods different from each other to be consistent in replacement period.

SUMMARY [0017] Embodiments provide a filter system that is capable of preventing an amount of flowing water from being significantly

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 reduced by nanoparticles except for viruses when a hollow fiber having a pore with a size capable of removing a virus is applied to the filter.

[0018] Embodiments also provide a filter system that is capable of being differently employed for each pollution condition and being reduced in manufacturing cost.

[0019] Embodiments also provide a filter system that is capable of replacing filters having replacement periods different from each other together at an appropriate replacement period to improve user's convenience.

[0020] Embodiments also provide a filter system that is capable of being variously expanded by using a hollow fiber membrane filter having a pore having a size that is sufficient to remove viruses and an electrostatic adsorption part that is capable of removing nanoparticles except for the viruses through an ion adsorption manner.

[0021] In one embodiment, a filter system includes a case which has a hollow therein and into which raw water is introduced from the outside; a hollow fiber membrane accommodated in the hollow of the case and having at least a portion that is potted

16MNC064AU01 by a resin and fixed to the case; and an electrostatic adsorption part disposed between the hollow fiber membrane and the case and accommodated in the case.

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [0022] Nanoparticles introduced into fiber membrane may be ion-adsorbed adsorption part.

[0023] The electrostatic adsorption the pore to the part may of the hollow electrostatic surround the hollow fiber membrane.

[0024] The electrostatic adsorption part may be disposed at a position that is lower than the portion, which is potted by the resin and fixed, in the case.

[0025]

The electrostatic adsorption part may include a nonwoven fabric support body, a fiber material, and an ion adsorption material.

[0026] The fiber material may include one of at least glass fibers and celluloses.

[0027]

The ion adsorption material may include alumina to positive charges that are necessary for the ion adsorption.

[0028]

The hollow fiber membrane of the membrane filter may have a pore with a size of about 25 nm or less.

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 [0029] The case may have a cylindrical shape with upper and lower ends opened, and an inflow hole may be defined in a side surface of the case.

[0029a] In one aspect, there is provided a filter system including: a case which has a hollow therein and into which raw water is introduced from the outside, a hollow fiber membrane accommodated in the hollow of the case and having at least a portion that is potted by a resin and fixed to the case and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane in the case and supported by the hollow fiber membrane, wherein the hollow fiber membrane has a pore having a size less than that of a virus to remove the virus contained in the raw water, and nanoparticles introduced into the pore of the hollow fiber membrane are ion-adsorbed to the electrostatic adsorption part.

[0029b] In another aspect, there is provided a membrane filter including: a hollow fiber filtering water introduced through an outer surface thereof, a hole having a size that is sufficient to filter a virus and defined in the outer surface of the hollow fiber, a hollow fiber membrane provided in the form of a bundle of hollow fibers and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane and supported by the hollow fiber

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 membrane to efficiently filter nanoparticles introduced into the hole of the hollow fiber.

[0029c] In a further aspect, there is provided a filter system including: a first housing having a space therein and having one side through which water is introduced and the other side through which the introduced water is discharged, a carbon block filter accommodated in the first housing to remove residual chlorine contained in the water, a second housing having one side through which the water passing through the carbon block filter is introduced and the other side through which the introduced water is discharged and a membrane filter accommodated in the second housing to remove nanoparticles and viruses contained in the water, wherein the membrane filter includes: a hollow fiber membrane having a pore with a size less than that of each of the viruses to filter the viruses and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane and supported by the hollow fiber membrane.

[0030] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

10A

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a fluid flow in a filter system according to a first embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a membrane filter according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the membrane filter according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the membrane filter according to an embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 5 is an enlarged photograph of a hollow fiber membrane provided in the membrane filter.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating details of

10B

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 the electrostatic adsorption part.

[0037]

Fig. 7 is a photograph of the electrostatic adsorption

part.

[0038]	Fig. 8 is a conceptual view for explaining a mechanism
in which	nanoparticles are ion-adsorbed to the electrostatic

adsorption part.

[0039]	Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a membrane filter
according	to a second embodiment.
[0040]	Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the membrane
filter of	Fig. 9.
[0041]	Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a filter system
according	to a third embodiment.
[0042]	Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a filter system
according	to a fourth embodiment.
[0043]	Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a filter system
according	to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0044]	Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure
will be	described in more detail with reference to the

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar components may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals although they are described according to different embodiments, and the explanation is substituted for the first explanation. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary.

[0045] It will be understood that although the ordinal numbers such as first and second are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these numbers. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0046] In this specification, the meaning of 'include' or 'comprise' specifies a property, a region, a fixed number, a step, a process, an element and/or a component but does not exclude other properties, regions, fixed numbers, steps, processes, elements and/or components.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a fluid flow in a filter system according to a first embodiment.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 1, a filter system 100 requires more components than those illustrated in Fig. 1 so as to implement

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 purification of raw water or products of an apparatus (water purifier) for purifying raw water. However, in Fig. 1, only essential components related to the technical ideas are illustrated, and the remaining components are omitted.

[0049] The filter system 100 according to this embodiment may include a membrane filter 120, which filters impurities from raw water A to generate purified water C.

[0050] The membrane filter 120 may be provided in a hollow fiber membrane manner to remove viruses. The membrane filter 120 may have pores with an average size less than that of each of the viruses to remove the viruses existing in the water.

[0051] The membrane filter 120 may be applied in a reverse osmosis manner rather than the hollow fiber membrane manner. Although not limited to this idea, it is assumed that the membrane filter 120 is provided in the hollow fiber membrane manner in this embodiment.

[0052] The pores provided in the hollow fiber membrane manner according to the related art have an average size of about 100 nm. However, since the viruses have an average size of about 25 nm to about 27 nm, it is difficult to remove the viruses by using the

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 hollow fiber membrane manner according to the related art. The reason in which the pore has a size greater than that of the virus in the hollow fiber membrane manner according to the related art is because a function in the hollow fiber membrane manner is not related to the removal of the viruses.

[0053] One feature of the membrane filter 120 according to this embodiment is to remove the viruses. For this, the membrane filter 120 may have pores with an average size less than that of each of the viruses to remove the viruses. Since the viruses to be removed from water have an average size of about 25 nm to about 2 7 nm, the membrane filter 12 0 may have an average pore size of about 25 nm or less. To secure reliability in removal of viruses, the membrane filter 120 may have an average pore size of about 20 nm.

[0054] The membrane filter 120 having the average pore size of about 25 nm or less may remove viruses existing in water through a size exclusion mechanism. Particularly, the membrane filter 120 that removes the viruses through the size exclusion mechanism may have an advantage in that the viruses are capable of being removed regardless of kinds of raw water.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [0055] Among the methods according to the related art, there has been proposed a filter for removing viruses in a different manner without using a size exclusion mechanism. However, the method according to the related art has a disadvantage in that its performance is determined according to conditions of raw water such as a pH of the raw water.

[0056] That is, since the membrane filter 120 according to this embodiment uses the size exclusion mechanism, the membrane filter 120 is not affected by conditions of the raw water.

[0057] However, nanoparticles each of which has a size of about 200 nm or less as well as the viruses may exist in raw water such as water within a water supply. When the raw water passes through the membrane filter 120 to remove the viruses from the raw water containing the nanoparticles, the pores of the membrane filter 120 may be blocked by the nanoparticles as time goes on, and thus, an amount of water flowing through the membrane filter 120 may be significantly reduced.

[0058] In the hollow fiber membrane having an average pore size of about 100 nm according to the related art, a phenomenon in which an amount of flowing water is significantly reduced by

16MNC064AU01 the nanoparticles had not been found clearly. Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane filter according to the related art, the

2017213474 09 Aug 2017

phenomenon in	which	the	amount of	flow water	is reduced	by	the
nanoparticles	has	not	been a	factor that	greatly	affects
performance of	the water	purifier .
[0059] However,	as	described	in this embodiment,	in	the

filter system 100 using the membrane filter 120 having an average pore size of about 25 nm or less, the decrease in amount of flowing water by the nanoparticles may greatly affect performance of the water purifier.

[0060] The filters of the water purifier, which are widely used currently, are periodically replaced. However, the decrease in amount of flowing water by the nanoparticles may more reduce the placement period of the membrane filter 120. Also, since the decrease in amount of flowing water causes a decrease in flow rate of purified water to be supplied to the user, the decrease in amount of flowing water may cause the low quality of the water purifier in the user's view.

[0061] Thus, in this embodiment, proposed is a filter system 100 to which the membrane filter 120 having a pore with a size

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 that is sufficient to remove viruses is applied and in which an electrostatic adsorption part (see reference numeral 130 of Fig. 2) together with the membrane filter 120 is used to solve the limitation in which the amount of flowing water is reduced by applying the membrane filter 120.

[0062] For example, viruses contained in the raw material A may be removed by the membrane filter 120 having the pores with an average size less than that of the viruses.

[0063] The pores having the average size less than that of the viruses may be blocked by the nanoparticles. Here, since the electrostatic adsorption part (see reference numeral 130 of Fig. 2) is used together with the membrane filter 120, a portion of the nanoparticles contained in the raw water A may be filtered to prevent the pores of the membrane filter 120 from being blocked.

[0064] That is, the blocking of the pores of the membrane filter 120 by the nanoparticles may be prevented by the electrostatic adsorption part (see reference numeral 130 of Fig. 2) to increase the replacement period of the membrane filter 120.

[0065] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the membrane filter according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 membrane filter according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 is a crosssectional view of the membrane filter according to an embodiment, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged photograph of a hollow fiber membrane provided in the membrane filter.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 2 to 5, the membrane filter 120 may include a hollow fiber membrane 125 and a case 121 accommodating the hollow fiber membrane 125 therein. Here, the hollow fiber membrane 125 represents a membrane such as a thread having a hollow portion in the middle.

[0067] The case 121 may have a shape with a hollow therein. The case 121 may have upper and lower ends 122 and 124, which are opened. Also, an inflow hole 123 of which a portion is opened to allow water to be introduced may be provided in a side surface of the case 121. For example, the case 121 may have a cylindrical shape or a pipe shape having a hollow space therein.

[0068] A bundle of hollow fiber membranes 125 may be accommodated in the case 121. One end and the other end of the hollow fiber membrane 125 may be disposed in the same direction and inserted into the opened upper end 122 of the case 121. In the state in which the hollow fiber membrane 125 is inserted into

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 the opened upper end 122 of the case 121, the hollow fiber membrane 125 may be potted to be fixed by a resin such as polyurethane. Also, water may be discharged through a middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane 125, which is exposed by cutting the potted and fixed resin.

[0069] Here, the portion through which the water is discharged through the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane 125 by cutting the resin may be called a discharge part. The discharge part may be understood as a passage or a flow path along which the water from which the viruses are removed by passing through the hollow fiber membrane 125 flows.

[0070] Pores each of which has a small size may be defined in an outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane 125. Each of the pores may have a size of about 25 nm or less to remove the viruses. To more completely remove the viruses, the pores may have an average size of about 20 nm.

[0071] The water may be introduced into an outer circumferential surface of the membrane filter 120, i.e., the pore having a small size, provided in the outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane 125. The viruses existing

16MNC064AU01

2017213474 09 Aug 2017 in the water may not pass through the pores while passing through the membrane filter 120, and thus may be removed from the water.

[0072] That is, the hollow fiber membrane 125 may be fixed to the upper end 122 of the case 121, and the discharge hole or the passage through which the water from which the viruses are removed by passing through the hollow fiber membrane 125 may be defined in the upper end 122 of the case 121.

[0073] Also, each of the lower end 124 and the inflow hole 123 of the case 121 may be understood as a passage through which water is introduced from the outside to the inside of the case 121, i.e., introduced into the outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane 125.

[0074] That is, in the case 121, the water may be discharged toward the upper end 122 and introduced through the lower end 124 and the inflow hole 123.

[0075] The electrostatic adsorption part 127 may be disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the case 121 and the hollow fiber membrane 125. That is, the electrostatic adsorption part 127 may be disposed inside the case 121 to surround the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 125. Also, the electrostatic

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 adsorption part 127 may be disposed to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the case 121. The present disclosure is not limited to this idea.

[0076] The electrostatic adsorption part 127 may prevent a flow rate of water through the hollow fiber membrane 125 from being reduced by the nanoparticles. The electrostatic adsorption part 127 may be provided in the form of one layer or film. Also, the electrostatic adsorption part 127 may have a pore and a gap, each of which has a predetermined size to allow water to pass therethrough.

[0077] That is, water may be introduced into the case 121 through the inflow hole 123 and the opened lower end 124 from the outside of the case 121. The water introduced into the case 121 may pass through the hollow fiber membrane 125 and the electrostatic adsorption part 127. Here, the viruses may be removed by the hollow fiber membrane 125. Also, the nanoparticles may be removed by the electrostatic adsorption part 127 .

[0078] The water passing through the hollow fiber membrane 125 and the electrostatic adsorption part 127 may be discharged

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 to the outside of the case 121 through the upper end 122 of the case 121 to flow.

[0079] Fig. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating details of the electrostatic adsorption part.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 6, the electrostatic adsorption part 127 is configured to remove negatively charged nanoparticles existing in the water by using electrostatic attractive force. The electrostatic adsorption part 127 may include a nonwoven fabric support body 127a, a fiber material 127b, an ion adsorption material 127c, and a pore 127d.

[0081] Also, in the electrostatic adsorption part 127, the nonwoven fabric support body 127a may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 125. Particularly, the nonwoven fabric support body 127a may be manufactured in the form of a sheet and also may be provided in various shapes through processing. For example, the nonwoven fabric support body 127a may be provided in a corrugated shape. Also, the nonwoven fabric support body 127a may be provided in a cylindrical shape. The present disclosure is not limited to this idea .

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [0082] The nonwoven fabric support body 127a may support the fiber material 127b. Also, the pores 127d through which water passes may be provided in the plurality of nonwoven fabric support bodies 127a, respectively.

[0083] The fiber material 127a may be attached to a surface of the nonwoven fabric support body 127a. The fiber material 127a is configured to fix the ion adsorption material 127c. The fiber material 127b having the form of fibrils may be randomly arranged on the surface of the nonwoven fabric support body 127a and entangled with each other. A gas may be defined between the fiber material 127b in which the fibrils are entangled with each other, and thus water may pass through the gap. Particles each of which has a size greater than that of the gap may be removed from the water through the size exclusion mechanism.

[0084] The ion adsorption material 127c may be formed by being grafted on the surface of the fiber material 127b. The grafting is a process for fixing the ion adsorption material 127c to the surface of the fiber material 127b. The grafting may include a process of fixing the ion adsorption material 127c to the fiber material 127b through physical rolling. The ion

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 adsorption material 127c may provide positive charges so that the ion adsorption material 127c is ion-adsorbed to the nanoparticles having negative charges existing in the water passing through the nonwoven fabric support body 127a.

[0085] The ion adsorption material 127c may include alumina (A1OOH) . The alumina may be dissociated into A1O+ cations and OH- anions. The ion adsorption material 127c may provide positive charges that are necessary for the ion adsorption using the A1O+ cations. Each of the positive charges may have a size of about +80 mV.

[0086] The ion adsorption material 127c may generate bipolar particles on the surface as described above, and the bipolar particles may collect organic substances and metal oxides dissolved in the water. For example, the organic substances may include organic compounds having functional groups such as COOH-, OH-, COO-, and the like. For example, the metal oxides may include A12O3. Since the substance to be collected is negative, it may be collected into the ion adsorption material. Inorganic substances beneficial to the human body such as Ca+ may be collected to the ion adsorption material 127c, thereby

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 contributing to improvement of water quality.

[0087] Each of the nanoparticles that are negatively charged by the positive charges provided by the ion adsorption material 127c may be ion-adsorbed to the ion adsorption part 127.

[0088] For example, the fiber material 127b may include glass fibers or celluloses.

[0089] When the glass fibers are entangled with each other on the nonwoven fabric support body 127a, a gap having a size of about 2 //m to about 3 μπι may be defined between the glass fibers. Thus, particles each of which has a size greater than that of the gap may be removed from the water through the size exclusion mechanism. Also, the nanoparticles passing through the gap between the glass fibers may be ion-adsorbed by the ion adsorption material 127c and thus removed.

[0090] When the celluloses are entangled with each other on the nonwoven fabric support body 127a, a gap having a size of about 0.5 μπι to about 1 //m may be defined between the celluloses, and water may pass through the gap. Thus, particles each of which has a size greater than that of the gap may be removed from the water through the size exclusion mechanism. Also, the

16MNC064AU01 nanoparticles passing through the gap between the celluloses may be ion-adsorbed by the ion adsorption material 127c and thus

2017213474 09 Aug 2017

removed.
[0091]	The cellulose may	have several	advantages when
compared	with the glass fiber.
[0092]	First, the cellulose	is harmless to	the human body.

Since the ion adsorption part 127 is a component of the filter system 100 generating drinking water, the ion adsorption part 127 should not be harmful to the human body. Also, since the cellulose is proved to be harmless as compared with the glass fiber, the cellulose may be suitable as a component of the ion adsorption part 127 for treating the drinking water.

[0093] Also, a gap having a size less than that of the glass fiber may be defined between the celluloses. Thus, the performance of removing the impurities existing in the water through the size exclusion mechanism may be improved.

[0094] An arrow illustrated in Fig. 6 represents a direction in which water flows.

[0095] First, when explaining a flow direction of water introduced through the inflow hole 123 of the case 121 with

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 reference to an arrow, the water may pass through the pore 127d of the nonwoven fabric support body 127a. While processing through the gap of the fiber material 127b and the pore 127d, particles each of which has a size greater than that of each of the gap and the pore may be removed from the water through the size exclusion mechanism.

[0096] Also, the water may pass through the ion adsorption material 127c and the fiber material 127b, which are supported on the nonwoven fabric support body 127a. The nanoparticles contained in water may be ion-adsorbed while the water passes through the gap of the fiber material 127b on which the ion adsorption material 128c is grafted.

[0097] Thereafter, the water passing through the electrostatic adsorption part 127 may pass through the hollow fiber membrane of the membrane filter 120 in the state in which the nanoparticles are removed from the water. That is, the water may pass through the hollow fiber membrane 125 in the state in which the nanoparticles are removed from the water to prevent the pore 125a of the hollow fiber membrane 125 from being blocked by the nanoparticles.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [0098] When explaining a flow direction of water introduced into the lower end 124 of the case 121 with reference to the arrow, a portion of the water introduced into the lower end 124 may pass through the pore 125a of the hollow fiber membrane 125 to flow inside the hollow fiber membrane 125.

[0099] Also, the other portion of the water introduced into the lower end 124 may flow inside the case 121 to flow along the surface of the fiber material 127b of the electrostatic adsorption part 127.

[00100] Here, the nanoparticles contained in the water flowing along the surface of the fiber material 127b may be removed by the ion adsorption material 127c provided in the fiber material 127b. Also, the water from which the nanoparticles are removed while passing along the surface of the fiber material 127b may flow inside the hollow fiber membrane 125 through the pore 125a of the hollow fiber membrane 125.

[00101] Also, the water flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane 125 may be discharged through a cut surface of the hollow fiber membrane 125, which is potted by the resin and cut at the upper end 122 of the case 121.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [00102] As a result, the nanoparticles contained in the water introduced into the case 121 may be removed by the electrostatic adsorption part 127 that is provided to surround the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes 125. Also, the water from which the nanoparticles are removed may pass through the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes 125 to prevent the membrane filter 120 from being reduced in lifespan.

[00103] In the electrostatic absorption part 127 of Fig. 6, the ion adsorption material 127c and the fiber material 127b are disposed in a direction that is directed to the hollow fiber membrane 125. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this idea. For example, the ion adsorption material 127c and the fiber material 127b may be disposed in a direction that is directed to the case 121.

[00104] Fig. 7 is a photograph of the electrostatic adsorption part.

[00105] Referring to Fig. 7, in the photograph, lower left and upper right bright portions correspond to the nonwoven fabric support body 127a. Also, the dark fibers extending from upper left end to lower right end correspond to the fiber material 127b.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017

The particles disposed on the surface of the fiber material 127b may correspond to the alumina.

[00106] Fig. 8 is a conceptual view for explaining a mechanism in which the nanoparticles are ion-adsorbed to the electrostatic adsorption part.

[00107] The mechanism in which the nanoparticles are ionadsorbed may be described with reference to the electrostatic adsorption part as an example, and an arrow illustrated in Fig. 8 represents a flow of water.

[00108] Referring to Fig. 8, three fiber materials 127b are disposed to be entangled with each other. A gap having a triangular shape may be defined between the three fiber materials 127b, and water may pass through the gap. The alumina fixed to the surface of the fiber materials 127b may provide cations that are required for the ion adsorption using the cations. Thus, positive charges may be formed on the surfaces of the fiber materials 127b. Sine the nanoparticles existing in the water are negatively charged, the nanoparticles may be ion-adsorbed to the cations existing on the surface of the fiber materials 127b while the water passes through the fiber materials 127b.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017

[00109]	Fig.	9 is	a	perspective view of a	membrane filter
according	to	a second	embodiment, and Fig.	10 is a cross-
sectional	view	of the	membrane filter of Fig. 9.

[00110] Referring to Figs. 9 to 10, a membrane filter 220 may be formed by bundling hollow fiber membranes 225. Each of the hollow fiber membranes 225 represents a membrane such as a thread having a hollow portion in the middle. A lower end 224 may be potted by a resin such as polyurethane to block a flow of water. Also, a resin of an upper end 223 may be cut after the potting to discharge water through the central portion of the hollow fiber membrane. Pores each of which has a small size may be defined in an outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane 225. Each of the pores may have a size of about 25 nm or less to remove the viruses. To more completely remove the viruses, the pores may have an average size of about 20 nm.

[00111] A passage 222 through which water is discharged may be provided in a central portion of the membrane filter 220. The passage 222 may be understood as a path through which the water passing through the hollow fiber membrane 225 flows.

[00112] The membrane filter 220 may further include an

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 electrostatic adsorption part 227 provided to surround the hollow fiber membrane 225. The electrostatic adsorption part 227 may be provided in the form of a bundle of hollow fiber membranes 225 and be fixed to the upper end 223 and the lower end 224. Here, the electrostatic adsorption part 227 may be disposed inside the upper end 223 and the lower end 224.

[00113] Also, the electrostatic adsorption part 227 may be disposed at a position that is lower than the portion of the upper end 223 to which the hollow fiber membrane 225 is potted and fixed. When the electrostatic adsorption part 227 is disposed at the portion to which the hollow fiber membrane 225 is potted by the resin and fixed, a portion of water introduced into the membrane filter 220 may directly flow into the passage 222 without passing through the hollow fiber membrane 225. Thus, the electrostatic adsorption part 227 may be disposed at a position that is lower than the portion to which the hollow fiber membrane 225 is potted and fixed.

[00114] The water may pass through an outer circumferential surface of the membrane filter 220, i.e., the electrostatic adsorption part 227 and be introduced through the small-sized

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 pore provided in an outer circumferential surface of the hollow fiber membrane 225. The nanoparticles existing in the water may be removed by the electrostatic adsorption part 227 while the water passes through the membrane filter 220. Also, since viruses do not pass through the hollow fiber membrane 225, the viruses may be removed from the water from which the nanoparticles are removed.

[00115] Also, the water passing through the membrane filter 220 may be discharged through the passage 222 provided in the central portion of the membrane filter 220.

[00116] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a filter system according to a third embodiment.

[00117] Referring to Fig. 11, in a filter system 300 according to this embodiment, a carbon block filter 310 and a membrane filter 320 may be provided in housings 301 and 302 that are divided into two parts, respectively. The housings 301 and 302 may include a first housing 301 accommodating the carbon block filter 310 and a second housing 302 accommodating the membrane filter 320. A function of the membrane filter 220 is the same as that described above.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [00118] The carbon block filter 310 may remove residual chlorine existing in water by allowing water to pass therethrough. The carbon block filter 310 may include carbon block formed in the form of a block by compressing activated carbon through heat, a pressure, or a binder. The carbon block filter 310 may have a cylindrical shape and thus have a hollow part therein. That is, water may be introduced through an outer circumferential surface of the carbon block filter 310 to flow to the hollow part of the carbon block filter 310. In this process, the residual chlorine contained in the water may be removed by the activated carbon.

[00119] The water from which the residual chlorine is removed may flow along the hollow part of the carbon block filter 310 and be discharged to the outside of the first housing 301 and then introduced into the second housing 302. The water introduced into the second housing 302 may pass through the membrane filter 320 to remove the viruses.

[00120] The carbon block filter 310 may include an adsorption material (not shown) for additionally removing heavy metals or organic compounds. The adsorption material may be molded by being mixed with a raw material of the carbon block filter 310

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 together with a binder and extruded.

[00121] For example, the adsorption material may include iron hydroxide and a silica material. The iron hydroxide may remove arsenic existing in the water, and the silica material may remove lead existing in the water. Also, the adsorption material may include a material for removing chloroform that is a representative organic compound existing in water.

[00122] As a result, the carbon block filter 310 and the membrane filter 320 may be provided as modules, respectively. Water may pass through the carbon block filter 310 and then pass through the membrane filter 320.

[00123] When the membrane filter 320 and the carbon block filter 310 are respectively provided as separate modules, the membrane filter 320 and the carbon block filter 310 may have different replacement periods. That is, although one filter of the membrane filter 320 and the carbon block filter 310 has lost its function, it may be unnecessary to replace the other filter.

[00124] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a filter system according to a fourth embodiment.

[00125] Referring to Fig. 12, a filter system 400 according to

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 this embodiment may include a first carbon block filter 410, a membrane filter 420, and a second carbon block filter 430. The first carbon block filter 410, the membrane filter 420, and the second carbon block filter 430 may be provided as separate modules, respectively. A function of the membrane filter 420 is the same as that described above.

[00126] The first carbon block filter 410 or the second carbon block filter 430 may operate on a principle of adsorbing impurities existing in water by allowing water to pass therethrough. The used activated carbon may be provided by heating carbonaceous materials such as charcoal, coconut shell, and lignite, which are mostly carbon, as raw materials. Also, an adsorption material may be provided in at least one of the first and second carbon block filters 410 and 420.

[00127] The first carbon block filter 410 or the second carbon block filter 430 may remove residual chlorine, gases, and odor contained in contained in water and prevent germs from being propagated. When the adsorption material is provided in the first or second carbon block filter 410 or 430, heavy metals or organic compounds may be additionally removed.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [00128] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a filter system according to a fifth embodiment.

[00129] Referring to Fig. 13, a filter system 500 according to this embodiment may include a sediment filter 540, a first carbon block filter 510, a membrane filter 520, and a second carbon block filter 530. A function of each of the first carbon block filter 510, the membrane filter 520, and the second carbon block filter 530 is the same as that described above.

[00130] The sediment filter 540 may prevent sediments having large particles from being introduced and perform a pretreatment or sedimentation function of the filter system 500. When the sediments having large particles are not contained in the water, the filter system 500 may not include the sediment filter 540.

[00131] The sediments having the large particles contained in the water may be removed by the sediment filter 540. Also, residual chlorine contained in the water may be removed by the first carbon block filter 510. The membrane filter 520 may remove nanoparticles and viruses, which are contained in water. The second carbon block filter 530 may remove residual chlorine, gases, and odor. Also, an adsorption material may be provided in

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 activated carbon of at least one of the first and second carbon block filters 510 and 530 to additionally remove heavy metals or organic compounds .

[00132] An installation order of the filters may be changed. However, in the membrane filter 520, the electrostatic adsorption part (see reference numeral 127 of Fig. 3) surrounding the hollow fiber membrane (see reference numeral 125 of Fig. 3) has to be provided. Also, the filter system 500 may include the membrane filter 520 as an essential component and be expanded in multistates .

[00133] According to the embodiments, the nanoparticles, which cause the decrease in flow rate, of the hollow fiber membrane capable of removing the viruses may be previously removed through the size exclusion mechanism before being introduced into the hollow fiber membrane to prevent the amount of water flowing through the filter, to which the hollow fiber membrane is applied, from being significantly reduced.

[00134] According to the embodiments, a portion of the nanoparticles may be prevented from being introduced into the hollow fiber membrane to improve the lifespan of the filter.

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2017213474 09 Aug 2017 [00135] According to the embodiments, the filter having the replacement periods different from each other may be replaced together at the appropriate placement period so that the filters are consistent in replacement period.

[00136] According to the embodiments, the hollow fiber membrane type filter and the electrostatic adsorption part may be modularized as one filter to simplify the filter and be expanded to one stage or multi-stages as occasion demands.

[00137] The above-described filter system is not limited to the constituent and method according to the abovementioned embodiments, but the embodiments can be configured such that all or some of the embodiments are selectively combined with each other .

[00138] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.

In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[00139] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[00140] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (16)

1. A filter system including:

a case which has a hollow therein and into which raw water is introduced from the outside;

a hollow fiber membrane accommodated in the hollow of the case and having at least a portion that is potted by a resin and fixed to the case; and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane in the case and supported by the hollow fiber membrane, wherein the hollow fiber membrane has a pore having a size less than that of a virus to remove the virus contained in the raw water, and nanoparticles introduced into the pore of the hollow fiber membrane are ion-adsorbed to the electrostatic adsorption part.

2. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic adsorption part is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the case.

3. The filter system according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the case has a cylindrical shape with upper and

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 lower ends opened, and an inflow hole is defined in a side surface of the case.

4. The filter system according to claim 3, wherein the hollow fiber membrane is fixed to the upper end of the case in a state in which one end and the other end of the hollow fiber membrane are disposed in the same direction and has a discharge part provided by cutting a portion of the hollow fiber membrane that is potted by the resin and fixed.

5. The filter system according to claim 4, wherein the electrostatic adsorption part is disposed at a position that is lower than the portion, which is potted by the resin and fixed, in the case.

6. The filter system according to any one of claims 1 to

5, wherein the hollow fiber membrane has a pore with a size of about 25 nm or less.

7. The filter system according to any one of claims 1 to

6, wherein the electrostatic adsorption part includes:

a nonwoven fabric support body having a pore;

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 a fiber material attached to a surface of the nonwoven fabric support body; and an ion adsorption material provided on a surface of the fiber material to provide positive charges so as to be ionadsorbed to nanoparticles having negative charges, which are contained in water passing through the nonwoven fabric support body.

8. The filter system according to claim 7, wherein the fiber material includes one of at least glass fibers and celluloses .

9. The filter system according to claim 7, wherein the ion adsorption material is grafted on a surface of the fiber material. 10 . The filter system according to claim 7, wherein the ion

adsorption material includes alumina, and the alumina is dissociated into A1O+ cations and OH- anions to provide positive charges that are necessary for the ion adsorption using the A1O+ cations.

2017213474 20 Nov 2018

11. A membrane filter including:

a hollow fiber filtering water introduced through an outer surface thereof;

a hole having a size that is sufficient to filter a virus and defined in the outer surface of the hollow fiber;

a hollow fiber membrane provided in the form of a bundle of hollow fibers; and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane and supported by the hollow fiber membrane to efficiently filter nanoparticles introduced into the hole of the hollow fiber.

12. The membrane filter according to claim 11, further including a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane and the electrostatic adsorption part and having an opened inner space.

13. The membrane filter according to either claim 11 or 12, wherein the electrostatic adsorption part includes:

a nonwoven fabric support body having a pore;

a fiber material attached to a surface of the nonwoven fabric support body; and an ion adsorption material provided on a surface of the

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 fiber material to provide positive charges so as to be ionadsorbed to nanoparticles having negative charges, which are contained in water passing through the nonwoven fabric support body.

14. The membrane filter according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the fiber material and the ion adsorption material are disposed in a direction that is directed to the hollow fiber membrane .

15. A filter system including:

a first housing having a space therein and having one side through which water is introduced and the other side through which the introduced water is discharged;

a carbon block filter accommodated in the first housing to remove residual chlorine contained in the water;

a second housing having one side through which the water passing through the carbon block filter is introduced and the other side through which the introduced water is discharged; and a membrane filter accommodated in the second housing to remove nanoparticles and viruses contained in the water, wherein the membrane filter includes:

2017213474 20 Nov 2018 a hollow fiber membrane having a pore with a size less than that of each of the viruses to filter the viruses; and an electrostatic adsorption part surrounding the hollow fiber membrane and supported by the hollow fiber membrane.

16. The filter system according to claim 15, wherein the carbon block filter further includes an adsorption material removing heavy metals or organic compounds contained in the water .

17. The filter system according to either claim 15 or 16, wherein the electrostatic adsorption part includes:

a nonwoven fabric support body having a pore;

a fiber material attached to a surface of the nonwoven fabric support body; and an ion adsorption material provided on a surface of the fiber material to provide positive charges so as to be ionadsorbed to nanoparticles having negative charges, which are contained in water passing through the nonwoven fabric support body.

18. The filter system according to claim 17, wherein the fiber material and the ion adsorption material are disposed in a direction that is directed to the hollow fiber membrane.

2017213474 20 Nov 2018