DE102010033826A1 - Apparatus and method for casting hollow fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides an apparatus (1) for potting hollow fiber membranes of a filter assembly. The apparatus (1) comprises a rotating device (2) which has a first section (10) for supplying a potting compound and at least one second section (20) for attaching a plurality of filter arrangements (30). Each filter arrangement (30) has a bundle (32) of hollow fiber membranes which are held in a potting mold (V), and turning the rotating device (2) about its axis (A) presses or hurls the potting compound from the first section (10) ) by the centrifugal force in the direction of each casting mold (V) in the second section (20). The first section (10) comprises a metering device which, by rotating the rotating device (2), distributes the casting compound to the multiple filter arrangements (30) essentially evenly. The invention also provides a corresponding method for casting hollow fiber membranes of a filter arrangement.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for casting hollow fibers, for example. In the manufacture of a filter assembly.

The apparatus and the method of the invention have particular application in the preparation of filter assemblies and other devices that use hollow fibers as filter elements or membranes, such as. B. Filter assemblies for separating blood into plasma and cellular components, or filter assemblies for dialyzing, or gas transfer devices in which one or more gases from one medium to another, such as. As in the accumulation of blood with oxygen and / or the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood.

Today, such filter assemblies and devices are increasingly used in medicine because they often lead to an improvement and / or to a simplification of the treatment methods. The filter assemblies for separating blood into plasma and cellular components provide e.g. Example, a method in which the blood in a sterilized closed system both in its individual components, in particular red blood cells and plasma, decomposed and can be conserved directly component by component. A good example of such a filter arrangement is in the published international patent specification WO 02/13888 A1 described in detail.

In the manufacture of such filter assemblies and devices, it has long been known that a membrane capillary bundle can be embedded in a hardening potting compound by means of a centrifugal casting process and thereby secured and sealed. The two published German patents, for example, testify to this DD 112 904 A and DE 38 13 576 A1 and the published European patent specification EP 1 385 605 B1 , However, the conventional methods, in which the potting compound is typically held in one or more reservoirs in the spinning apparatus or centrifuge used for spinning, often be extremely expensive in the filling and the provision of the reservoir, as well as in the implementation of metering and optimization and Control of the process with respect to the curing of the potting compound.

In making filter assemblies and other devices employing hollow fibers as porous membranes, the centrifugal casting process for embedding and sealing the hollow fiber membranes is very time critical. On the one hand, the potting compound must be pressed between the hollow fibers in such a way that it penetrates into all intermediate spaces and thus excludes voids or air bubbles as far as possible. On the other hand, however, it must be avoided that the potting compound penetrates through the porous hollow-fiber membrane due to excessively high pressure or because the casting time is too long, thus closing the cavities of the fiber. The duration of the potting or the time for curing the potting compound and their pressure are therefore very critical process parameters.

Brief description of the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a novel method for casting of hollow fiber membranes and apparatus for performing the method with which filter assemblies and other similar devices for use in the chemical, biotechnology and / or in medicine, for. B. for the treatment of the blood, can be made quickly, reliably and in large quantities.

This object is achieved by an apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Preferred features of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an apparatus for casting hollow-fiber membranes is provided in the production of a membrane device, in particular a filter arrangement. The apparatus comprises a rotating device or centrifuge which has at least one rotatable first section for supplying a potting compound and at least one rotatable second section for fastening a plurality of filter arrangements. Each filter assembly mounted in the second section has a bundle of hollow fiber membranes held in a mold and, as is typical in a centrifugal casting process, the potting compound is moved from the first section about its axis by centrifugal force towards each upon rotation of the rotary device Grouting mold pressed in the second section. The apparatus according to the invention is u. a. characterized in that the first portion comprises a metering device which distributes the casting compound to the plurality of filter assemblies substantially uniformly by rotating the rotating device.

It is important to note that the phrase "filter assemblies" is for the purpose of a simplified description of the invention. In other words, the person skilled in the art understands that other devices that use hollow fibers as a permeable or porous membrane, such. As gas transfer devices or dialysis machines, but not necessarily as filter arrangements apply, anyway also included in the term "filter arrangements" for purposes of this description.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metering device comprises an annular part, which rotates about the axis with the rotary device, and a feed line, which injects the potting compound into the annular part such that the supplied potting compound turns by rotating the rotary device distributed substantially evenly on the annular part. Preferably, the lead does not rotate with the rotating device, so that the annular member rotates relative to the lead during injection of the grout. The rotational speed of the rotary device or of the annular part during the supply or injection of the potting compound should be so high that the annular part undergoes several revolutions during the feeding or injection of the potting compound. The number of revolutions during the feeding or injection of the potting compound is preferably in the range of 100 to 1000, and more preferably in the range of 300 to 600. Preferably, the supply line extends into the annular part and remains substantially static or stationary at Feeding or injecting the potting compound. The feeding or injection of the potting compound is preferably carried out with a substantially constant throughput or with a substantially constant injection rate.

The supply line is formed as possible, so that the potting compound is fed or injected directly into the annular part, wherein the supplied potting compound by the rotation of the rotating device then distributed substantially evenly on the annular part. The feed line should also preferably supply the potting compound on a radially inner side of the annular part, so that the potting compound is distributed substantially uniformly when rotating the rotary device on this inner side of the ring or annular part. In this context, the radially inner side of the annular part is provided with a circumferential cavity for receiving the potting compound.

With regard to the supply and distribution of the potting compound in the apparatus according to the invention, it should be noted that the potting compound is normally a curable or hardening material which is pressed in a not yet cured, that is still liquid state by means of the metering device by the centrifugal force into the molds or is thrown. Particularly preferably, the potting compound consists of a synthetic resin, for. Based on a polyurethane, polysulfide, polyester, polyamide, vinyl ester, epoxide, alklyd or the like. In other words, the potting compound may be, for example, a polyurethane resin, polysulfide resin, polyester resin, polyamide resin, vinyl ester resin, epoxy resin or alklyd resin. Therefore, the potting compound normally consists of at least two components which must be mixed together, namely a polymer or resin component and a hardener or catalyst component.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed line has a mixing device which mixes the component of the potting compound during its feeding or injection into the annular part. Preferably, the mixing device has at least one element that mixes the components together by means of the flow of the injection-molding potting compound through the feed line. For example, the element could be a rotatable element, a screw and / or a twist. Preferably, the feed line comprises an outlet tube which directs the potting compound directly into the annular part, and the element (ie the rotatable element, the screw and / or the swirl) is located in the cavity of the outlet tube so that the outlet tube forms a mixing chamber for the potting compound , Since the supply of Vergussmassenkomponenten possibly under a pressure (eg., Air pressure), the flowing through the supply line components of the potting compound can be mixed together. As a result, the potting compound essentially applies only on arrival in the annular part of the metering device as a curable or curing material. This has great advantages for the determination and for the control of the process, because only when injecting the potting compound does the reaction time to cure the resin.

Typically, each of the filter assemblies has a housing in which the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is disposed, and at least one end portion of the bundle is held in the mold. In this case, the housing, in particular a wall of the housing, at least partially forms the casting mold. Preferably, the housing has an end cap in which the end portion of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes is held so that the end cap of the housing at least partially forms the mold. In a preferred example, opposite ends or end portions of the bundled hollow fiber membranes are held in two groups at the same end of the housing in the mold. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the second portion of the rotating device has a plurality of mounts for receiving the plurality of filter assemblies. The brackets are distributed around a circumference of the second section, as far as possible equidistant, and when the filter assemblies are mounted in the second section of the apparatus, the mold is located each Filter assembly at or in a radially outwardly directed end of the housing. Preferably, the plurality of filter assemblies are distributed substantially evenly around the circumference of the second portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the annular part with a plurality of z. B. radial passages and these are preferably distributed substantially uniformly around the circumference of the annular member. Each passage communicates with the mold of one of the filter assemblies, i. H. in a communicative connection in the sense of communicating tube, such. B. via a flexible hose. In this connection, each passage has a fitting on a radially outer side of the annular part, via which this passage is connected to the casting mold of the respective filter arrangement, preferably by means of the flexible hose.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the annular member has a plurality of storage chambers for accumulating the potting compound, each storage chamber being in communicating communication with one of the passages. These chambers are as far as possible on the inner side of the annular part and are preferably, like the passages, distributed substantially uniformly around the circumference of the annular part. Each chamber has a diameter that is significantly larger than a diameter of the passageway connected to that chamber. Each stowage chamber functions as a kind of hopper for the mold in communication with it. The annular part, also called "metering ring" or simply "ring", is preferably formed as an open, continuous or circular ring with a circumferential on the radially inner side cavity. The lower side of the ring is preferably provided with a radially inwardly extending protective layer which can absorb dripping of the injected or injected potting compound. This protective layer may, for example, be formed as a plate below the annular part.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the rotary device for fixing the filter assemblies in the axial direction (ie, along the axis of rotation) is offset from the first portion for supplying the potting compound. Preferably, the second portion is disposed below the first portion. The casting mold of each filter assembly mounted in the second section is located at a radial distance R ₄ from the axis of rotation, which is ideally greater than a radial distance R _{1 of} the radially outer side of the annular member, but greater than a radial distance R _{3 of} the radial inner side of the annular part of the rotation axis. The radial distance R _{4 of} the mold from the axis of rotation is preferably in relation to the radial distance R _{1 of} the radially outer side of the annular part, as follows: R ₄ = R ₁ + X, where X is in the range of 0% to 5% of the distance R ₁ and more preferably in the range of 0% to 2% of the distance R ₁ . The fact that you can exactly predetermine the distances R ₁ and R _{4 and} knows the volume of each mold and its communicating with the respective passage in the annular part tube (hose), you can accurately precalculate the necessary amount of potting. Furthermore, you can choose the distances R ₁ and R ₄ so and control the supply of the potting compound so that the rotating device or centrifuge essentially the entire amount of supplied potting from the metering (ie, from the annular part) hurls, which is particularly advantageous for an efficient and clean operation of the apparatus.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus has a plurality of second sections for fastening the filter arrangements, wherein the second sections are offset from each other in the axial direction (ie, along the axis of rotation) or stacked one above the other. Thus, the number of filter assemblies that are made in a single operation of the apparatus can be significantly increased, for. B. doubled or tripled. Preferably, in each second section, a relatively large number of filter assemblies can be attached and made by the potting method according to the invention. For example, the number of filter arrangements in each second section is in the range of about 20 to 200, preferably in the range of about 50 to 100.

The invention also provides a method for casting hollow-fiber membranes in the production of a membrane device, in particular a filter arrangement, which method comprises the following steps:
Providing a rotating device or centrifuge having a first portion for supplying a potting compound and a second portion for fixing a plurality of filter assemblies,
Attaching a plurality of filter assemblies in the second section, each filter assembly comprising a bundle of hollow fiber membranes held in a mold, and each mold being in communicating communication with the first potting compound supply section,
Turning the rotary device about its axis of rotation, and
Feeding the potting compound in the first section when rotating the rotating device, wherein the first portion functions as a metering device, which distributes the potting compound to the plurality of filter assemblies substantially uniformly by the rotation of the rotating device and by centrifugal force over presses or hurls the respective compounds into the casting molds.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first portion comprises an annular part which rotates about the axis with the rotating device. The potting compound is supplied or injected during rotation of the rotating device in the annular part, so that the supplied potting compound distributed by the rotation of the rotating device on the annular part substantially evenly. The feeding or injection of the potting compound via a supply line, which preferably does not rotate with the rotating device about the axis, so that the annular part rotates relative to the supply line. When supplying or injecting the potting compound rotates the rotating device at such a speed that the annular part undergoes several revolutions during the feeding or injection of the potting compound. The number of revolutions of the annular part during the feeding or the injection of the potting compound is preferably in the range of 100 to 1000, and more preferably in the range of 300 to 600. The supply or injection of the potting compound is preferably carried out with a substantially constant throughput or with a substantially constant injection rate. Particularly preferably, the potting compound is supplied or injected directly on a radially inner side of the annular part, so that the potting compound during rotation of the rotating device on the inner side of the annular part substantially evenly distributed, z. B. along a circumferential cavity on the radially inner side of the annular member.

In a preferred embodiment, the annular member is formed with a plurality of passages which are preferably substantially uniformly distributed about the circumference of the annular member, each passage communicating with the mold of one of the filter assemblies, preferably via a flexible hose such that the potting compound is pressed or thrown by the centrifugal force through the passages and the respective compounds in the grouting.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the rotary device for fixing the filter assemblies in the axial direction (ie, along the axis of rotation) is offset from the first portion for supplying the potting compound. Therefore, the potting compound is pushed or thrown from the first section in the axial direction or along the axis of rotation into the potting forms. In a further preferred embodiment, each passage in the dosing ring is in communicating connection with a filter arrangement offset in a peripheral or a direction extending along the axis. Therefore, the potting compound is preferably additionally pressed or thrown from the first section into the potting forms of the second section in a peripheral or in a direction running around the axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: mixing components of the potting compound during the feeding or injection of the potting compound into the annular part. Preferably, the mixing of the components is effected by a mixing device and / or by the flow of the supplied or injected potting compound. Particularly preferably, the components of the potting compound are pressed under pressure through a supply line, wherein the supply line includes the mixing device (such as a rotatable element, a swirl and / or a screw), which mixes the components flowing through each other. Thus, the potting compound essentially applies only on arrival in the annular part of the metering device as a hardenable or hardening material. Since it is known how long it takes for the resin to set and harden after the components are mixed together, the shapes of the potting in the filter assemblies can be very accurately determined and controlled. Preferably, the potting compound is supplied or injected into the annular part only after the rotary device or the centrifuge has reached an optimum rotational speed. Furthermore, because the potting compound is regarded as completely mixed and curable only when they arrive in the metering ring, the rotation time or spin time can be optimized for the course of the process.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of closing the ends of the individual hollow-fiber membranes in the end region of the bundle of hollow-fiber membranes in each filter arrangement before the filter arrangements are fastened in the second section of the rotary device. This can ensure that the potting compound does not penetrate through open ends of the hollow fibers in the inner cavities of the fiber. Preferably, the closing of the ends of the individual hollow-fiber membranes takes place in the end region of the bundle by leaving the hollow-fiber membranes, preferably with heat, eg. B. with a hot wire.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be explained with reference to certain embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like features are given the same reference numerals. It shows:

1 a schematic partial side view and a cross section of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, and

2 a schematic plan view of the first portion of the apparatus according to the embodiment in 1 ,

Description of the embodiments of the invention

1 shows a vertical cross section through an apparatus according to the invention 1 for casting hollow fiber membranes, which cross section along one in the 2 shown central half-level II was taken. The apparatus 1 includes a rotating device or centrifuge 2 which has a frame with a central shaft 3 for rotating about a central axis A and radially outwardly extending spokes 4 having. Furthermore, the rotating device or centrifuge 2 a rotatable first section 10 for supplying a potting compound and one below the first section 10 arranged, rotatable second section 20 for fastening a plurality of filter arrangements 30 on.

In this example, the filter arrangement 30 the same kind as in the international patent specification WO 02/13888 A1 are described. Each filter arrangement 30 has a housing 31 in which a bunch 32 is disposed of hollow fiber membranes, and at least one end or an end portion of the bundle 32 is held in a mold V, wherein the mold V in this embodiment of the housing 31 itself, especially from a side wall 33 and / or an end cap 34 of the housing 31 , at least partially formed. Each filter arrangement 30 is in a respective holder 21 in the second section 20 picked up and fixed there. The brackets 21 are essentially equidistant on a rotary plate 22 around a perimeter of the second section 20 distributed and the filter arrangements 30 are so in the second section 20 of the apparatus 1 mounted or attached, that the casting mold V each filter assembly 30 at a radially outward end of the housing 31 located. The turntable 22 of the second section 20 is over the lower spokes 4 rigid with the shaft 3 connected, so that the second section 20 with the turning device 2 about the axis A rotates.

The first paragraph 10 the apparatus of the invention 1 comprises a metering device, which by turning the rotating device 2 the potting compound to the multiple filter assemblies 30 equally distributed. The metering device has an annular part 11 up, rigid with the shaft 3 over the upper spokes 4 is connected and thereby with the rotating device 2 about the axis A rotates. Furthermore, the metering device in the first section 10 a supply line 12 on which the potting compound in the annular part 11 feeds or injects. The supply line 12 ends in an outlet pipe 13 that is in the annular part 11 extends into it and not with the rotating device 2 turns, so that the annular part 11 relative to the supply line 12 during the feeding or injection of the casting compound rotates. In other words, the outlet tube remains 13 when feeding or injecting the potting compound substantially relatively static.

The annular part 11 , also called "metering ring" or simply "ring", is designed as an open, circular ring with a hollow or concave curvature encircling the radially inner side 14 , The lower side of the ring 11 is on a bottom ring plate 15 supported him with the spokes 4 connects and forms a protective layer for catching a dripping of the injected potting compound. Because the outlet pipe 13 in the immediate vicinity of the cavity 14 its outlet has, the potting compound from the supply line 12 on a radially inner side of the annular part 11 supplied or injected. The dosing ring 11 is also with several radial holes 16 formed, which passages between the radially inner and outer sides of the ring 11 form. The holes or passages 16 are around the circumference of the annular part 11 equally distributed. At the radially outer side of the ring 11 every passage has 16 a connector 17 for connecting a tube or a flexible hose 18 communicating with the casting mold V one of the in the second section 20 attached filter assemblies 30 stands.

The potting compound, which consists of a polyurethane resin in this embodiment, is when turning the rotating device 2 in the direction of R about its axis A in the first section 10 supplied or injected. More specifically, the potting compound when turning the rotating device 2 through the supply line 12 and from the outlet pipe 13 directly on the inner side of the annular part 11 supplied or injected. Because the ring 11 together with the wave 3 rotates about the axis A, the ring rotates 11 at a relatively high speed with respect to the substantially static outlet pipe 13 , The rotating device or centrifuge 2 can z. B. rotate at a speed in the range of 200 to 800 revolutions per minute, preferably in the range of 300 to 500 per minute. The high speed of the ring 11 when injecting the resin causes the supplied amount of resin over the entire circumference of the ring 11 injected and distributed over several revolutions. Thus, the potting compound by turning the rotating device 2 around the dosing ring 11 distributed substantially evenly. Furthermore, the Potting compound by the centrifugal force over the passages 16 and the tubes 18 to the multiple filter arrangements 30 also substantially evenly distributed and pressed or hurled into each of the grouting V.

The potting compound or the polyurethane resin is in this embodiment in the supply line 12 when feeding or injecting into the dosing ring 11 mixed. That is, the polymer or resin component of the polyurethane resin is combined with the hardener or catalyst component and by means of a mixing device in the feed line 12 mixed. The mixing device has, for example, an element that transmits these components through the flow of the injection-molding potting compound through the supply line 12 mixes with each other. The element can, for. B. in the form of a screw and / or a swirl in the outlet pipe 13 be so the outlet tube 13 forms a mixing chamber for the potting compound. Here are the through the supply line 12 flowing through components of the potting compound in the outlet pipe 13 mixed together. As a result, the polyurethane resin is substantially only upon arrival in the annular part 11 a hardenable material.

Again 1 can be clearly seen, lies the second section 20 for fixing the filter assemblies 30 below the first section 10 for feeding the potting compound. In other words, the second section 20 in the axial direction (ie along the axis A) of the first section 10 added. Further, the mold V is located in each of the second section fixed filter assembly 30 at a radial distance R ₄ from the axis of rotation A which is slightly larger than a radial distance R _{1 of} the radially outer side of the annular part 11 , With the apparatus according to the invention and the method according to the invention, it is possible to provide a precise amount of potting compound or of the resin which is supplied via the supply line 12 in the ring 11 is fed or injected, so that you can be sure that the molds V are filled to a desired level.

Because of the turning device 2 generated centrifugal force Z the resin from the ring 11 radially outward into the communicating tubes (ie, into the bore 16 , the hose 18 and the case 31 ) pushes or hurls, the resin is in a desired level of the mold V, the hose 18 in the area marked with arrows "F". The resin is essentially completely out of the cavity 14 , from the hole 16 and from the connector 17 in the hose 18 spun. In other words, considering the volume of each mold V and the diameter and length of each hose 18 knows, you can precalculate the necessary total amount of resin to fill all molds V to the target level. According to the present invention, the rotating device 2 operated at the optimum rotational speed until the potting compound or the resin in the molds V blocks and hardens. At this time, the potting around the hollow fibers and between the hollow fibers at the end of the housing 31 finished shaped and the centrifuge 2 can be turned off. The tubes 18 However, they are then filled with hardened resin and are no longer usable. However, these may be for the next charge of filter assemblies 30 in the apparatus 1 be easily replaced.

To make sure that the potting compound or the resin substantially completely out of the metering ring 11 is thrown, resulting in an efficient and clean operation of the apparatus 1 contributes significantly, one should the filter arrangements 30 so in the second section 20 position and fix that a radial distance R _{5 of} the target level from the axis of rotation A is slightly greater than the radial distance R _{1 of} the radially outer side of the annular portion 11 , Preferably, therefore, the formula R ₅ > R ₁ applies. In this example, the radial distances R ₄ and R _{5 are} in the following ratio R ₄ -R ₅ = d mm, where d is the thickness of the casting mold V and the casting formed therein, and preferably in the range of 3 to 10 mm. For example, the radial distances R ₁ and R _{4 are} in a ratio as follows: R ₄ = R ₁ + X, where X is in the range of 0% to 5% of the distance R _1, and more preferably in the range of 0% to 2 % of the distance R. The radius R ₁ in this embodiment is preferably in the range of 300 mm to 800 mm, more preferably in the range of 400 mm to 600 mm.

With reference to the 2 points the dosing ring 11 several chamber or stowage chamber 19 for collecting the potting compound on the inner side of the metering ring 11 on, with each stowage chamber 19 in communication with a respective passage 16 stands. Because every chamber 19 has a diameter that is significantly larger than a diameter of the passageway connected thereto 16 , every stowage chamber works 19 as a kind of hopper for the standing in communicating compound mold V. The in the ring 11 injected resin is over the chambers 19 by means of the respective hoses 18 led into the corresponding Vergussformen V. As the 2 shows is every passage 16 in the dosing ring 11 with a filter arrangement offset in a peripheral direction or a direction running around the axis 30 over the hose 18 in a communicative connection. To ensure efficient and clean operation of the apparatus 1 to convey, the radial distance R _{4 of} each mold V from the axis of rotation A should be greater than a radial distance R _{2 of} each storage chamber 19 from the axis. Otherwise, the remains of the Potting compound from the holes 16 and from the storage chambers 19 after each operation of the apparatus 1 be removed.

The purpose of the foregoing description is to illustrate and to illustrate the structure and operation of preferred embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention. From the foregoing discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that are covered by the disclosure of the present invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 02/13888 A1 [0003, 0029]
• DD 112904 A [0004]
• DE 3813576 A1 [0004]
• EP 1385605 B1 [0004]

Claims (20)

Apparatus ( 1 ) for casting hollow-fiber membranes in the manufacture of a membrane device, in particular a filter arrangement, with a rotating device ( 2 ), a first section ( 10 ) for supplying a potting compound and at least one second section ( 20 ) for fastening a plurality of filter arrangements ( 30 ), each filter arrangement ( 30 ) a bundle ( 32 ) of hollow fiber membranes held in a mold (V), and wherein rotation of the rotary device ( 2 ) about its axis (A) the potting compound of the first section ( 10 ) by centrifugal force towards each mold (V) in the second section ( 20 ), characterized in that the first section ( 10 ) comprises a metering device, which by rotating the rotary device ( 2 ) the potting compound to the plurality of filter assemblies ( 30 ) are distributed substantially evenly. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the metering device comprises an annular part ( 11 ), which rotates about the axis (A) with the turning device, and a feed line ( 12 ), wherein the supply line ( 12 ) the potting compound in such a way in the annular part ( 11 ) supplies or injects that the supplied potting compound by the rotation of the rotating device ( 2 ) on the annular part ( 11 ) are distributed substantially evenly. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the supply line ( 12 ) not with the turning device ( 2 ) so that the annular part ( 11 ) relative to the supply line ( 12 ) rotates during the feeding or injection of the potting compound. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the supply line ( 12 ) has a mixing device, which component of the potting compound when feeding or injecting the potting compound into the annular part ( 11 ) mixed. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the mixing device comprises a rotatable element or a swirl which mixes the component together, preferably by means of the flow of the potting compound through the feed line ( 12 ). Apparatus ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the supply line ( 12 ) the potting compound on a radially inner side of the annular part ( 11 ), so that the potting compound when turning the rotary device ( 2 ) on the inner side of the annular part ( 11 ) distributed substantially uniformly, wherein the radially inner side of the annular part ( 11 ) preferably a circumferential cavity ( 14 ) for receiving the potting compound. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the annular part ( 11 ) with several passes ( 16 ) is formed, which preferably around the circumference of the annular part ( 11 ) are distributed substantially evenly, with each passage ( 16 ) in communication with the casting mold (V) of one of the filter assemblies ( 30 ), preferably via a flexible hose ( 18 ). Apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein each passage ( 16 ) a connection piece ( 17 ) on a radially outer side of the annular part ( 11 ), over which this passage ( 16 ) with the casting mold (V) of the respective filter arrangement ( 30 ), preferably by means of a flexible hose ( 18 ); and / or wherein the annular part ( 11 ) several storage chambers ( 19 ) for collecting the potting compound, each stowage chamber ( 19 ) in conjunction with one of the passes ( 16 ) stands. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section ( 20 ) of the rotary device ( 2 ) for mounting the filter assemblies ( 30 ) from the first section ( 10 ) is offset in the axial direction for supplying the potting compound and preferably below the first section ( 10 ) is arranged. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section ( 20 ) a variety of brackets ( 21 ) for receiving the plurality of filter arrangements ( 30 ), which holders ( 21 ) around a perimeter of the second section ( 20 ) are distributed, preferably substantially equidistant. Apparatus ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casting mold (V) of each filter arrangement ( 30 ) is at a radial distance (R ₄ ) from the axis of rotation (A), which is greater than a radial distance (R ₁ ) of the annular part (R ₁ ) 11 ) from the axis of rotation (A). Apparatus ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the filter arrangements ( 30 ) a housing ( 31 ), in which the bundle ( 32 ) is arranged by hollow-fiber membranes, wherein at least one end region of the bundle ( 32 ) is held in the casting mold (V), and wherein the casting mold (V) of each filter arrangement ( 30 ) at or in a radially outwardly directed end of the housing ( 31 ) is located. A method of casting hollow fiber membranes in the manufacture of a filter assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a rotating device ( 2 ), a first section ( 10 ) for supplying a Potting compound and a second section ( 20 ) for fastening a plurality of filter arrangements ( 30 ), attaching a plurality of filter assemblies ( 30 ) in the second section ( 20 ), each filter arrangement ( 30 ) a bundle ( 32 ) of hollow fiber membranes, at least one end of which is held in a mold (V), and wherein each mold (V) communicates with the first section (V) 10 ) is to supply the potting compound, turning the rotating device ( 2 ) about its axis of rotation (A), and feeding the potting compound in the first section ( 10 ) when turning the rotary device ( 2 ), the first section ( 10 ) functions as a metering device, which by rotating the rotary device ( 2 ) the potting compound to the plurality of filter assemblies ( 30 ) is distributed substantially evenly and pressed by centrifugal force (Z) on the respective compounds in the molds (V). The method of claim 13, wherein the first section ( 10 ) an annular part ( 11 ) associated with the rotary device ( 2 ) rotates about the axis (A), wherein when rotating the rotary device ( 2 ) the potting compound directly into the annular part ( 11 ) or on an inner side of the annular part ( 11 ) via a supply line ( 12 ) is injected, wherein the annular part ( 11 ) relative to the supply line ( 12 ) during the feeding or injection of the potting compound, and wherein the supplied potting compound by the rotation of the rotating device ( 2 ) on the annular part ( 11 ) are distributed substantially evenly. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the annular part ( 11 ) with several passes ( 16 ) is formed, which preferably around the circumference of the annular part ( 11 ) are distributed substantially evenly, with each passage ( 16 ) is in communicating connection with the casting mold of one of the filter arrangements, preferably via a flexible hose ( 18 ), wherein the potting compound (V) by means of the centrifugal force (Z) through the passages ( 16 ) and pressed over the respective compounds in the molds (V). Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the potting compound from the first section ( 10 ) is pressed in an axial direction into the molds (V). Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the rotating device ( 2 ) is rotated during feeding or injection of the potting compound at such a speed that the annular part ( 11 ) undergoes several revolutions during the feeding or injection of the potting compound, wherein the number of revolutions of the annular part ( 11 ) is preferably in the range of 100 to 1000, more preferably in the range of 300 to 600 during the feeding or injection of the potting compound. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the feeding or injection of the potting compound takes place with a substantially constant throughput or with a substantially constant injection rate. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, with the further step: Mixing components of the potting compound during feeding or injection of the potting compound in the annular part, preferably by a mixing device and / or by the flow of the supplied or injected components of the potting compound. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, with the further step: Closing the ends of the individual hollow fiber membranes at the end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in each filter assembly before attaching the plurality of filter assemblies in the second portion of the rotary device; wherein the closing of the ends of the individual hollow-fiber membranes at the end of the bundle of hollow-fiber membranes preferably takes place by sclerosing the hollow-fiber membranes, particularly preferably with a hot wire.

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