DE102012008197A1 - Exchange system for the exchange of substances between two fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an exchange system for exchanging substances between two fluids, comprising at least one first space through which a first fluid can flow, with at least one first entrance and a first exit, a channel labyrinth (K), which forms a second space which at least partially passes through extends the first space, is formed with a second fluid flow through and at least one second inlet (3) and a second outlet (3), wherein the channel labyrinth (K) is formed from at least a first permeable membrane (1) and at least one membrane counterpart (2), wherein the first membrane (1) with the membrane counterpart (2) at predetermined lines (L) or surfaces is connected, so that between the first membrane (1) and the membrane counterpart (2) the channel labyrinth (K) is formed.

Description

The invention relates to an exchange system for exchanging substances between two fluids, comprising at least one first space, through which a first fluid can flow, having at least one first input and a first outlet, and a channel labyrinth, which forms a second space which at least partially through extends the first space, formed with a second fluid flow through and has at least one second input and a second output.

Basically, such mass transfer systems, in which selected substances are exchanged between two fluids via a permeable membrane, are known. Such membranes usually consist of macromolecular organic compounds and are classified as porous or dense membrane. Inorganic membranes or the combination with organic compounds are also known in principle. These permeable membranes are used, for example, for water purification, water desalination, blood washing or similar processes. However, the known systems are usually expensive and inflexible in the production.

It is an object of the invention to find a mass transfer system which is as easy to produce by machine and can also be easily adapted to different throughput requirements.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the subordinate claims.

The inventors have recognized that it is possible to fabricate a mass transfer system by creating it from bag-shaped membranes having an inlet and an outlet and having guided inner channels to provide a labyrinth system for flow of a first fluid in and a mass transfer arises with a second fluid flowing past outside.

For this purpose, two membranes, for. As plastic or metal, superimposed and connected together along structurally defined lines, preferably welded or glued, are. The lines are placed so that one or more pockets with at least one tubular cavity forms / form. A cavity runs through the gap like a channel system meandering or in branched, usually parallel, strands. A pocket with internal channels contains at least a pair of openings for the entry and exit of the medium and for connection to a line network or for coupling to adjacent pockets.

Through the mutual coupling, the pockets can be connected in parallel or in series and laced into larger packages to obtain larger mass transfer surfaces. A particular advantage lies in the ease of mass production possibility such that the two films of rolls are unwound in ribbon form and passed over each other. In a rolling mill with specially profiled and finished rolls according to the invention, the two foils can be welded together along defined welding lines by means of pressure and temperature. The cutting can be done in the same manufacturing process.

As a further possible manufacturing method can serve a stamping method in which by means of a press and specially developed stamp the welds are impressed by pressure and heat.

Another alternative is the use of ultrasonic welding with a mechanically guided and controlled sonde (transducer) or a corresponding to the desired welding lines designed sonde, which applies a whole weld in a working cycle on the slides.

Other known joining techniques such as high frequency welding, riveting or gluing can also be used with suitable material properties.

In this way, for example flat-shaped film pockets with preferred surface dimensions of about 600 × 300, 600 × 600 or 600 × 900 mm can be generated, which form a channel system with the help of continuous welds. The channels preferably have a width of 1 to 25 mm and inflate when being filled by the fluid when the inner fluid has a sufficient overpressure relative to the outer fluid. Depending on the application and desired performance, the channels can be dimensioned accordingly and their course within the bag parallel, looped, possibly with branches, z. B. also bionic.

Preferably, the channels have a main flow direction which starts at one pocket side and ends at another pocket side. In between, transverse channel sections are also possible, sometimes also backward channel courses. The channel inlet (s) and the channel outlet (s) can also be arranged centrally and peripherally, so that a substantially radial flow direction results.

The second medium leads past the outside of the pocket, whose flow direction is directed in a preferred manner against the main flow direction of the internal medium in the channels, that is, the countercurrent principle is realized. In principle, however, it is also within the scope of the invention if both directions of flow are rectified or partially rectified and / or partially at an angle to each other and / or partially aligned.

A mass transfer system consists, for example, of at least one pocket of the sizes 100 × 5 × 1 mm to 2000 × 2000 × 10 mm. Several pockets are arranged flat parallel to each other. Between the pockets, a gap of a few millimeters, preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, for the outer fluid, usually air, kept free. Several lined pockets form a package that can reach a size of, for example, 2000 × 2000 × 2000 mm.

An inventively ausgestalteter frame around the package can provide the bags hold and support. For this purpose, support rails with rake-shaped hooks arranged on the frame can be attached opposite each other. At such elastic and regularly spaced hooks, the bags can be hung on incorporated eyelets. Due to the tension of the hooks, the pockets keep their stretched shape and their position in the package. The packets enclosed in said frame, in turn, can be stacked and stacked into larger packages, for example 4000 × 4000 × 6000 mm. Hydraulically, the pockets at the inlets and outlets will be connected so that they form a unit.

For connection to a mains network (eg hot or cold water supply) or a collector, the bag packages can receive adapters for the supply and discharge of the fluid. Likewise, a coupler can be used for coupling the bags together with each other. Alternatively, mutually compatible adapter pieces for the input and output of the bags can be used, so that a parallel connection or series connection of several bags and packages is possible without any problems.

The adapter pieces used can be equipped so that a precise parallel connection of several pockets is possible. The lined up adapter pieces can form a collector tube for the inlet and a manifold for the process.

The terminal adapter pieces on the outer pockets of the packages can simultaneously form as a connection possibility to a supply line or to a transition to an adjacent package, in this case, a corresponding coupling piece can be interposed.

The described mass transfer system thus offers the possibility of cost-effective automated series production of membrane pockets in the specified format, which can be added to packages of at least one to several hundred bags.

Areas of application of the mass transfer system are primarily air conditioning systems in which the air flow between the air and brine solutions is to be exchanged. In principle, however, the use is not limited to air conditioning systems and can be used for the mass transfer between the most diverse fluids, for example in chemistry and environmental technology.

If, for example, the exchange system is used in a room ventilation or air conditioning system, a brine (= salt solution) can circulate in at least one membrane pocket and remove the moisture from the outside passing air (outer medium) due to the hygroscopic abilities of the salt. The specially designed membrane allows through their pores, the diffusion of water vapor from the air, whereas the brine in the opposite direction can not escape. Compared to a direct contact of a brine with the air, such. B. on wetted surfaces or by spray in the air stream, the separation of both media through a membrane has the advantage that the salt discharge is suppressed in the air. This will both corrosion to subsequent components as well as a health hazard z. B. avoided by LiCl or LiBr particles in the air. In addition, pollution of the brine - as in already known systems - prevented by the membrane separation. Likewise, by means of the construction according to the invention described above, a large contact surface can be produced in a confined space and thus a high efficiency can be achieved.

With a material exchanger according to the invention for the dehumidification of air investment costs for expensive refrigeration systems can be reduced or completely saved. This also applies to the electrical energy consumption that is significant in a refrigeration system. A material exchanger requires only one circulating pump with low power. Because dehumidification by cooling and condensation - according to the prior art - has the great disadvantage that the air must be cooled below the dew point until moisture condenses out. Especially the resulting condensation heat requires a high cooling capacity. After cooling, it is usually necessary to reheat to room temperature, which in turn consumes energy.

A membrane-based mass transfer agent can dehumidify directly without or with little cooling. Only in the second step for the regeneration of the brine thermal energy is needed, which is significantly cheaper than electrical. Especially on hot days, cheap heat sources are available and this is in line with the need for dampening performance.

For regeneration, a second, preferably identical, material exchanger can be used, which is connected downstream of the first and hydraulically associated with a second air flow. By changing the physical parameters temperature and pressure of the brine, the vapor pressure gradient can be reversed from the brine towards the air. Thus, water vapor is now separated into the air. In general, both processes are necessary to produce a regenerative circulation system between substance intake and substance delivery - here the moisture. With the parameters brine temperature and brine concentration, the power can be regulated.

Another application is the material exchanger in the function of a humidifier. Instead of the brine this ordinary tap water can be used. A big advantage is that the dissolved minerals (lime) are retained by the membrane and no deposits are formed in the environment. Other humidification systems require demineralized water or drainage equipment.

By controlling the parameters, a deliberately controlled humidification or dehumidification can be carried out. The honeycomb suspended pockets provide a large surface area and allow for high dehumidifier performance.

• – mindestens einen von einem ersten Fluid durchströmbaren ersten Raum mit mindestens einem ersten Eingang und einem ersten Ausgang,
• – ein Kanallabyrinth, welches einen zweiten Raum bildet, der sich zumindest teilweise durch den ersten Raum erstreckt, mit einem zweiten Fluid durchströmbar ausgebildet ist und mindestens einen zweiten Eingang und einen zweiten Ausgang aufweist,
• – wobei das Kanallabyrinth gebildet wird aus:
• – mindestens einer ersten permeablen Membran und
• – mindestens einem Membrangegenstück,
• – wobei die erste Membran mit dem Membrangegenstück an vorgegebenen Linien oder Flächen verbunden wird, so dass zwischen der ersten Membran und dem Membrangegenstück das Kanallabyrinth entsteht.

According to these findings, the inventors propose an exchange system for the exchange of substances between two fluids, which comprises:

• At least one first space through which a first fluid can flow, with at least one first inlet and one first outlet,
• A channel labyrinth, which forms a second space, which extends at least partially through the first space, is formed with a second fluid, and has at least one second inlet and one second outlet,
• - wherein the channel labyrinth is formed from:
• - At least a first permeable membrane and
• At least one membrane counterpart,
• - Wherein the first membrane is connected to the membrane counterpart at predetermined lines or surfaces, so that between the first membrane and the membrane counterpart the channel labyrinth is formed.

The membrane counterpart can be formed, for example, as a further permeable membrane, as an impermeable film, as a metal surface or as a plastic surface, depending on the nature of the membrane counterpart more or less flexible units of membrane and membrane counterparts are formed. Such units are referred to herein as pockets.

Furthermore, the membrane counterpart can also be embodied as a recessed surface, which can be formed both flexible and resistant to bending.

The connections between the first membrane and the membrane counterpart can be generated at least partially by welds or by bonds or by riveting.

Under certain conditions, it may be advantageous for the fluid to stay in the bag for a long time and to flow through it very slowly. For example, a meandering current flow is suitable for this purpose.

Alternatively, at high throughput rates at high speeds, for example, a parallel or bionic channeling with multi-branching branches and subsequent mergers, similar to structures in the bloodstream with branching arterial blood vessels and subsequent venous connections to large veins, is suitable. Such a bionic channel branch allows a more homogeneous flow distribution compared to a rake-shaped branch, thus supplying all channels with the same amount of fluid.

Alternatively, however, it may also be favorable, under other conditions, to design the channel labyrinth in such a way that, when flowing through the fluid, primarily the same directional flow directions are formed.

For ease of handling, installation and maintenance, the channel labyrinth may have at least one input connector for connection to an inlet and / or at least one outlet connector for connection to a drain. If these connecting pieces are also designed as a quick-release closure, the installation of the pockets in the first space, for example a housing through which air flows, can be carried out very easily and defective pockets can be easily replaced. Cheap can In addition, it may be additional if at least one frame is arranged in the first space, into which one or more pockets or packages can be inserted. If this frame designed removable, for example by means of a retractable rail system, the exchange of bags or packages can be done outside the housing and then the finished assembled frame can be spent in the housing.

It should be noted that, in principle, the frame is part of the substance exchanger and the housing is optional, since it does not require a separate housing for use in air conditioning systems. Here, the air conditioning itself forms the housing.

It is also advantageous if the first membrane and / or the membrane counterpart for attachment or suspension - the bag - is / are formed in the first space. For this purpose, in the area outside the channel labyrinth, preferably at multilayer locations, eyelets or hooks can be arranged.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if in the region of the connection between the first membrane or membrane counterpart material reinforcements and / or doublings are arranged. As a result, on the one hand the stability of the bag is promoted on the other hand prevents a continuous injury to the surfaces in welding and gluing work.

For modular construction of the mass transfer system according to the invention is further proposed to form a package from several pockets, wherein preferably the plurality of pockets are at least partially connected with respect to the flowing fluid in series or in parallel, so that a communicating channel system is formed.

The exchange system described here can preferably be used in conjunction with a membrane which is designed to exchange water or steam between air and a brine (= water-salt solution). For this purpose, the materials and plastics are preferred as a membrane in particular.

The described exchange system is suitable for any fluid combinations of liquid and gaseous fluids.

In the following the invention will be described in more detail with the aid of the figures, wherein only the features necessary for understanding the invention are shown.

They show in detail:

1 : Substitute bag with meandering channel labyrinth of two flexible membranes in plan view;

2 : Cloth exchange bag 1 on average AA;

3 : Substitute bag with meander-shaped channel labyrinth of a flexible membrane and a dimensionally stable and embossed membrane counterpart in plan view;

4 : Cloth exchange bag 3 in section BB;

5 : Substitute bag with parallel channel labyrinth of two flexible membranes in plan view, shown schematically - here with two inlets and two outlets;

6 : Cloth exchange bag 5 on average CC;

7 : Bag package consisting of several fabric exchange pockets connected in parallel and two pipe connections;

8th : Frame for a bag package with inserted clamping rake;

9 : Frame with bag packages hinged in the clamping frame;

10 : Schematic representation of a bionic channel guide.

The following figures show different embodiments of the cloth exchange bags according to the invention and also a variant of a stocked with a package of cloth exchange bags housing.

The 1 shows in a plan view of a mass transfer pocket T with meandering channel labyrinth K, consisting of two flexible membranes 1 and 2 was produced. For this purpose, the two membranes 1 and 2 superimposed and welded together with the aid of an appropriate tool on lines L provided. Due to the location of these lines L, in each case at the edge of a channel to be formed, a system of channels K connected to each other has been formed which have an input or an output at the beginning and end, to each of which a connecting piece 3 was welded.

In the 2 is this cloth transfer bag T from the 1 shown in section AA. Here are both sides of the bag with the membranes welded together 1 and 2 clearly visible. in principle In this embodiment, it is possible to perform only one side with a membrane and form the membrane counterpart by a completely impermeable film. However, this means that the surface available for replacement is halved compared to a version with two membranes.

Another embodiment of a mass transfer pocket T with meandering channel labyrinth is in 3 in supervision and in the 4 shown in section BB. This mass transfer pocket T consists of a flexible membrane 1 and a dimensionally stable and pre-embossed membrane counterpart 2 , The membrane counterpart 2 is relatively resistant to bending due to the embossing and the material used, so that even with a relatively strong flow passing outside the pocket T does not twist or tends to flutter. This design is suitable for its own rigidity, especially for horizontal alignment of the pockets (plates).

In the case shown here, the connecting lines L can be produced, for example, by gluing or welding.

Another embodiment of the bag is in the 5 and 6 shown. In the in 5 shown supervision can be seen that the connecting lines L of the two membranes 1 and 2 form a group of channels parallel to each other and horizontally running, communicating with each other through a vertical channel on the left and right. On the right and left channel are at the top and bottom ports 3 arranged, so that, for example, fluid can be supplied on the left side and fluid can be discharged on the right side. In the 6 underneath is a side view towards the channel. In this variant, the two sides are each through membranes 1 and 2 educated.

According to the invention, the pockets described above can be combined into packages by means of the connecting pieces. Such a package P of a plurality of interconnected pockets T is in the 7 shown. Here, the individual pockets in the area of their inputs and outputs are connected to each other to a system communicating with each other, so that all the bags of the package are served via a single fluid supply and a single liquid discharge.

For easy handling, the package P can 7 be hung in a frame R, as in the 8th is shown. This frame R has on at least one longitudinal side of a clamping rake S, in the pulled-out detail of 8th is clearly recognizable. With such a clamping rake S, which preferably sits on the Kanaleintritt- and Kanalaustrittseite and having a plurality of individual flexible clamping elements, the individual pockets T of the package P can be flexibly secured by the clamping elements E in eyelets 4 be hung on the pockets T. The similarly elastic fingers trained clamping elements E are equipped with side hooks, which in eyelets 4 engage the pockets and bring them in a stretched shape and keep it at a constant distance. This ensures that the pockets T are fixed substantially stable even with an existing air flow.

A representation of the frame R with hinged bag package P is in the 9 shown. It can be seen particularly well in the detail illustration how the clamping elements E are inserted into the eyelets 4 the pockets are mounted T and thus keeps all bags aligned parallel to each other, so that a vorbeestreifender draft can not stimulate the pockets to flutter.

The complete package P with frame R can thus be inserted into an air conditioner on guide rails and easily removed for inspection or cleaning purposes. The housing itself may for example be part of an air conditioning system. The channel-shaped frame guides the air through the bag pack, which then flows along the outside of the pockets. In this case, for example, water, which flows through the channel system of the pockets, diffuse through the membranes and moisten the passing air. Conversely, a concentrated salt solution can be present in the interior of the channels, so that moisture is removed from the passing air.

Optionally, additional structural components, such as rails, grids and / or spacers, can be used to improve stability against pressures and flutter as needed by, for example, holding a support grid or spacer in the channels to retain the membranes and intercept pressure differentials. Likewise, additional spacers in the form of nubs can keep the pockets at a distance, improve the statics through the support function, absorb high pressures and damp vibrations.

Furthermore, additional spacers in the form of rails, which are arranged aligned in the flow direction, keep the pockets at a distance and also improve the statics by the support function, high pressures intercept and damp vibrations. The rails can also be adapted to the wavy outer contour of the bag.

The foregoing description also mentions the possibility of bionic channeling on the pockets. The 10 illustrates such a bionic channel guide the channels K in a schematically represented pocket T on the basis of a simple branching structure of the channels K. In this case, a single channel K, which begins here by way of example top right and bottom left ends, similar to the blood vessels in a tissue, up to increasingly branching out to ever thinner channels and then increasingly merging again until it ends again in a single channel.

Overall, the invention thus shows an exchange system for the exchange of substances between two fluids, with at least one first fluid flowed through by a first fluid space with at least a first input and a first output, a labyrinth of channels, which forms a second space, wherein the second Space at least partially extends through the first space and thus has boundary surfaces which are formed umströmbar with a second fluid. Furthermore, at least a second input and a second output is required, wherein the channel labyrinth is formed from at least one first permeable membrane and at least one membrane counterpart, wherein the first membrane is connected to the membrane counterpart at predetermined lines or surfaces, so that between the first membrane and the membrane counterpart the channel labyrinth arises. Since at least one of the membranes is permeable to a substance, a mass transfer can take place between the first and the second space. In principle, this permeability of the at least one membrane can have no material specificity, so that-at least because of the membrane structure-no substance is selected. On the other hand, in a particular embodiment of the invention, however, also include membranes that have a semipermeability, so can only diffuse specific substances for exchange through the membrane due to the membrane structure.

It is understood that the abovementioned features of the invention can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

membrane

2

Membrane, membrane counterpart

3

connector

4

eyelets

e

clamping element

K

channel

L

lines

P

package

R

frame

S

clamping rake

T

Mass transfer case

Claims (37)

Exchange system for the exchange of substances between two fluids, comprising: 1.1. at least one of a first fluid to flow through the first space with at least a first input and a first output, 1.2. a channel labyrinth (K), which forms a second space, which extends at least partially through the first space, is formed with a second fluid and can flow through at least one second entrance (FIG. 3 ) and a second output ( 3 ), 1.3. where the channel labyrinth (K) is formed from: 1.3.1. at least one first permeable membrane ( 1 ) and 1.3.2. at least one membrane counterpart ( 2 ), 1.3.3. the first membrane ( 1 ) with the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is connected to predetermined lines (L) or surfaces, so that between the first membrane ( 1 ) and the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) the channel labyrinth (K) is created. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is another permeable membrane. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is an impermeable film. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is a metal surface. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is a plastic surface. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) represents a surface embossed with depressions. Exchange system according to the preceding patent claim 6, characterized in that the embossed surface is flexible. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 6, characterized in that the embossed surface is formed resistant to bending. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first membrane ( 1 ) and the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) are at least partially connected by welds. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first membrane ( 1 ) and the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) are at least partially interconnected by bonds. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first membrane ( 1 ) and the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) are at least partially connected by rivets. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the channel labyrinth (K) is designed such that opposite directions of flow form when flowing through the fluid. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 12, characterized in that the channel labyrinth (K) runs meandering. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the channel labyrinth (K) is designed such that form primarily the same directional flow directions when flowing through the fluid. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the channel labyrinth (K) at least one input connector ( 3 ) for connection to an inlet and / or at least one outlet connection piece ( 3 ) for connection to a drain. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first membrane ( 1 ) and / or the membrane counterpart ( 2 ) is designed for attachment / suspension in the first space or are. Exchange system according to the preceding claim 16, characterized in that in the region outside the channel labyrinth (K), preferably at multilayer points, eyelets ( 4 ) or hooks are attached. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, characterized in that in the region of the connection between the first membrane ( 1 ) and membrane counterpart ( 2 ) Material reinforcements and / or doublings are arranged. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, characterized in that from a membrane ( 1 ) and a membrane counterpart ( 2 ) a pocket (T) is formed. Exchange system according to the preceding Patent Claim 19, characterized in that a package (P) is formed from a plurality of pockets (T). An exchange system according to the preceding claim 20, characterized in that the plurality of pockets (T) are connected in series at least partially with respect to the fluid flowing through. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 20 to 21, characterized in that the plurality of pockets (T) are at least partially connected in parallel with each other with respect to the fluid flowing therethrough. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the first space is a housing. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 19 to 22, characterized in that in the first space at least one frame (R) for receiving at least one pocket (T) or a package (P) is arranged. An exchange system according to the preceding claim 24, characterized in that the frame (R) is connected to the first space via a telescopic linkage. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the membrane ( 1 . 2 ) is adapted to exchange a substance from the following list: - liquids, in particular water, sols, alkanes, - gases, in particular water vapor, CO ₂ , methane; - Pollutants, in particular VOCs, nitrogen oxides, CO. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the membrane ( 1 . 2 ) consists at least partially of a material of the following list: plastics, metals, cellulose, ceramics, graphite, organic matter. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the first fluid is liquid. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the first fluid is gaseous. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is liquid. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is gaseous. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is water. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is a saline solution. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is a LiCl-water solution. An exchange system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the second fluid is a LiBr-water solution. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 35, characterized in that it is part of an air conditioning / ventilation system. Exchange system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 35, characterized in that it is part of an adsorption or absorption chiller.

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