DE102019132699A1 - Device for filtering components from a fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for separating components from a fluid is shown, the device comprising at least one, in particular elongate or tubular, filter module with filter housing and a membrane element arranged therein, the at least one filter module having a first end face and a second end face opposite the first end face and wherein the filter module provides a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules. Furthermore, the device has a first filter cap on the first end face of the at least one filter module with a first chamber and a second chamber and at least one filter module receptacle and a second filter cap on the second end face of the at least one filter module opposite the first end face with a further filter module receptacle. The first chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules and the second chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules, so that the capillary flows of the filter module (s) in the first chamber are mixed with one another and so that the envelope flows of the or the filter modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a filtration device, a filter for a filtration device and a filter cap, in each case in particular for the purpose of dialysis

Background and general description of the invention

Dialysis is best known as a method of treating kidney failure. Dialysis in the real sense is the exchange of substances by diffusion across a semipermeable membrane, with dissolved molecules migrating from highly concentrated liquids into weakly concentrated solutions (dialysis solution). There are also technical separation tasks in which, for example, the gentle separation of substances from mostly liquid mixtures is required. Such a mixture can be a disperse medium or, for example, a solution in which further constituents are dissolved in a base material. An example of such an application can be the separation of alcohol from beer to produce alcohol-free beer. A particularly gentle process enables alcohol to be removed with minimal impairment of the taste. Particularly in the area of these technical applications, there is currently intensive search for further developments, for example to increase the throughput of the medium to be filtered, or to further reduce costs. In contrast to medical devices, much larger membrane areas are required for technical systems.

Dialyzers also serve as the basis for further refinements. For example, dialyzers can be used to refine the membranes on the lumen side with a proprietary coating. The dialyzers refined in this way can therefore be used for forward osmosis.

In general, the flow guidance within the dialyzer is important for the resulting performance. Due to their construction, dialyzers have very good prerequisites.

Dialyzers are commercially available almost exclusively for hemodialysis. The quality is very good and the prices based on the membrane area are affordable. However, the size of the dialyzers is tailored to the medical application and with a membrane area of just a few square meters is very small. In order to use such units for technical applications or for applications with a higher fluid throughput, complex reworking is necessary in order to produce larger units from the relatively small units, which can be usefully used in technical systems with greater processing capacity.

Another limitation is the limited mechanical and chemical stability. Since dialyzers are optimized for medical use under very gentle operating conditions on the human body, they cannot withstand higher loads such as high temperatures (up to 60 ° C) or high transmembrane pressures (over 3 bar) for long periods of time without damage. With high volume flows on the “shell side”, there is a risk of mechanical overloading of the membranes in the area of the side port due to the cross flow occurring there. High flow velocities repeatedly lead to membrane damage in this area. Aggressive chemicals, at least used for cleaning, also attack dialyzers and lead to short operating times.

Also, because of the medical target application, certifications for e.g. food or drinking water use are practically impossible to obtain.

Another limitation lies in the specified geometries for membrane capillaries and dialyzers. Adjustments to requirements from litigation for z. B. high viscosities and / or low pressure losses in the flow are practically impossible.

The present invention has therefore set itself the task of solving the aforementioned problems or at least introducing improvements thereto. Specifically, the invention has set itself the task of making dialysis accessible for technical requirements. For this purpose, the task has also been set to increase the filter throughput and to improve the service life of the system, i.e. to increase the time between possible failures of dialyzers.

In addition, the present invention is also concerned with increasing the economic efficiency of the use of dialyzers, particularly in technical areas, so that, if necessary, new applications can only be developed for the use of dialyzers or the process costs are reduced. Another aspect of the underlying problem is to design a device that is easy to handle for a user and that can also be cleaned well, for example, which is an important requirement in the food sector in particular.

The object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The improvements proposed in this specification focus from a technical point of view, among other aspects, on providing a device which is suitable for separating components from a fluid. Such a separation is, for example, the filtration of a fluid, i.e. the dissolving of substances from a solution, the stripping or separation of suspended matter from a disperse medium such as a suspension, or also for osmosis, especially forward osmosis.

The device according to the invention comprises at least one, in particular elongate or tubular, filter module with filter housing and membrane element arranged therein, in particular membrane capillaries. The at least one filter module has a first end face and a second end face opposite the first end face, the filter module providing a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules. In other words, it is preferred if in the filter module a first fluid flows on the capillary side and a second fluid flows on the shell side.

The capillary flow is the flow on the first side of the filter layer, that is, typically on the inside of the filter layer. In the case of capillary tubes, that is to say membrane capillaries or membrane tubes, the capillary flow is inside the membrane element, which is called the capillary side or also called the lumen side. In this case, a multiplicity of membrane capillaries or membrane tubes are typically included in the membrane element. In the case of a membrane absorber, this is a first side of the membrane absorber.

The envelope flow is the flow on the second side of the filter layer, that is, typically on the outside of the filter layer, also called the “shell side”. In the case of capillary tubes, the envelope flow is therefore on the outside of the capillary envelopes, or along the envelope of the filter module. In the case of the membrane absorber, this is a second side of the membrane absorber.

The capillary flow can flow in the same direction as the envelope flow or, depending on the application, also in the opposite direction. The envelope flow or the capillary flow can also flow comparatively slowly, or quasi stand still, so that there is a flow velocity difference between the envelope flow and the capillary flow. The flow velocities are set so that an optimal exchange can be achieved in the dialyzer or in the filter device.

The device also has a first filter cap on the first end face of the at least one filter module with a first chamber and a second chamber and at least one filter module receptacle. The filter module or the filter modules are plugged into the filter module receptacle (s), for example, so that part of the housing protrudes into the filter cap.

The filter cap is designed in such a way that the first chamber of the filter cap is connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules and at the same time the second chamber of the filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules. The capillary flows of the filter module or modules mix with one another in the first chamber, and the envelope flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber.

The device also has a second filter cap on the second end face of the at least one filter module, which is opposite the first end face, with a further filter module receptacle. In one example, the second filter cap can be mirror-symmetrical to the first filter cap, that is, it can be constructed in the same way as the first filter cap. With regard to the flow guidance, the second filter cap can preferably also be designed in such a way that it is designed for the fluid supply into the filter module and the first filter cap is designed for the fluid discharge from the filter module. The second filter cap can be arranged on the underside of the filter module or modules. In that case, the second filter cap can have fastening or support means in order to stabilize the device or to stabilize it in a set-up arrangement.

The first filter cap can have a first connection which is connected to the first chamber in a communicating manner. For example, the first connection is designed as a drain so that the fluid can flow out there. The first connection can also be designed as an inlet. The connection can be implemented, for example, as a hose connection, a screw connection or a flange, so that a pipe or a hose or the like can be connected to it in order to lead the first fluid to the first filter cap or to lead it away from the first filter cap.

The first filter cap can have a second connection, that is to say, for example, a second outlet or second inlet which is connected in a communicating manner with the second chamber. In other words, the connection can be designed so that a supply of fluid is enabled. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flows through the filter module in the same direction both on the capillary side and on the shell side, so that the first connection is a first outlet and the second connection is a second outlet.

A sealing element is preferably arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber to seal off the capillary flow from the envelope flow. This sealing element can be arranged on the outside of the housing of the filter module so that it is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber when the filter module is inserted into the filter cap and seals the two chambers from one another.

The sealing element can thus be arranged in such a way that it seals the first chamber against the second chamber when the filter module or modules is / are inserted into the filter module receptacle.

The first and / or the second filter cap can furthermore have an outer, in particular axial, capillary flow channel which connects the first connection to the first chamber.

The first and / or the second filter cap can also have a capillary flow opening on the radial side for this purpose. In addition, the first and / or the second filter cap can have an envelope flow opening on the radial side.

The filter module can have a plurality of envelope flow openings arranged on the circumference of the filter housing, so that the envelope flow is distributed over the plurality of envelope flow openings. In this way, a distributed inflow of the envelope flow into the filter module or a distributed outflow of the envelope flow out of the filter module can be realized. In particular, if the envelope flow openings are distributed uniformly over the radial direction of the filter module, the load, such as pressure load on the membrane element, can be significantly reduced by uniform flow distribution. A lower mechanical load on the membrane elements can mean an increased reliability of the device if the membrane elements can achieve longer service lives.

At least some of the radial envelope flow openings are preferably arranged in a common plane along the radial length of the filter housing. They are therefore arranged in a common plane which is perpendicular to the direction of extent of the filter module, and are distributed, for example, radially around the filter housing. For example, two enveloping flow openings are arranged opposite one another, so that the pressure surge occurring due to the inflow or outflow of the enveloping medium is reduced, possibly even canceled out, and the mechanical load on the membrane element is thereby reduced.

The first and / or the second filter cap can furthermore have a support receptacle for receiving a support element connecting the first to the second filter cap. Such a support element can be a rod-shaped connecting element which is screwed, welded or glued into the first filter cap, for example, and to which the second filter cap can be attached and screwed, for example, with a connecting means such as a screw nut. A screw connection enables the same to exert a pressing force between the two filter caps on the filter module, so that if necessary the tightness can be increased and / or a tight fit can be achieved in pressure applications in which, for example, there are fluid pressures that are higher than the ambient pressure , for example in the range from 2 to 10 bar.

The support receptacle is arranged in particular between the filter modules. The support receptacle can comprise a screw sleeve which is glued, welded or otherwise fastened into one of the filter heads, for example. The support receptacle can further or alternatively comprise at least one securing element. This securing element can be arranged on the filter housing. For example, the securing element can comprise a snap ring or several snap rings.

The support receptacle is preferably at a distance from the fluid flows, so that the support element is not in contact with the fluid flows in the installed state.

Depending on the application, the size of the device or the filter modules, more than one support receptacle can also be provided, so that the support elements can also stabilize the device at the same time. For example, two or four support receptacles can be provided per filter cap. The support receptacles can each be arranged between two filter modules. The support receptacles can also all be arranged in an inner area between the filter modules, so that the filter modules are arranged around the support receptacles on the outside.

The filter module receptacle of the first or second filter cap can have a lateral collar in order to cover a filter module inserted into the filter module receptacle beyond a radial-side enveloping flow opening, so that the The end capillary flow opening and the radial-side envelope flow opening can be inserted into the filter cap and the fluid connection of the capillary flow with the first chamber and the envelope flow with the second chamber takes place during insertion.

The first and / or second filter cap can each have a filter module stop for each filter module receptacle. A filter module can, for example, rest with its front end against the filter module stop when it is completely inserted or pushed into the filter module receptacle. For example, the correct mounting of the filter module in the filter module mounting can then be ensured using the filter module stop. The filter module cannot be inserted too deeply if this should be possible otherwise, so that, for example, the capillary flow is not impaired.

The device typically comprises two or more filter modules which are inserted jointly into the first filter cap on the first end face. These can in particular be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or a plurality of filter modules which are in particular arranged next to one another and in particular have substantially identical dimensions or at least the same length to one another.

The filter modules are preferably arranged symmetrically or concentrically around the support receptacle

Each filter module can have a fluid barrier, in particular made of potting compound, on at least one side. The fluid barrier separates the capillary flow inside the filter module from the envelope flow. For example, the end of the membrane can also be welded to the fluid barrier, so that the capillary side and the shell side are separated.

The fluid barrier can preferably be designed to stabilize the membrane element. This can be achieved when the fluid barrier is placed on the membrane element. The fluid barrier preferably produces a mechanical connection between the membrane element and the housing, in particular between the filter capillaries and the housing.

The invention further comprises a filter module for a device for separating components from a fluid, in particular as described above. The filter module comprises an, in particular elongate or tubular, filter housing, a membrane element arranged in the filter housing, the filter module having a first end face and a second end face opposite the first end face.

For the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module, the filter module provides a capillary side and an envelope side for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules. The filter module also has a plurality of envelope flow openings arranged on the circumference of the filter housing, which are arranged in a plane along the radial length of the filter housing, so that the envelope flow is distributed radially over the plurality of envelope flow openings.

The invention further comprises a filter cap for a device for separating components from a fluid, in particular as described above, which can in particular be arranged on a plurality of filter modules, as explained above. The filter cap comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, and at least one filter module receptacle, the first chamber of the filter cap being connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules inserted into the filter cap when the filter modules are inserted into the filter cap, and the second chamber of the first The filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules when the filter modules are inserted into the filter cap, so that the capillary flows of the filter modules are mixed with one another in the first chamber and so that the envelope flows of the filter modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber.

The invention finally comprises a method for producing or providing a device for separating components from a fluid, in particular as described above, with the steps of providing a first filter cap with a first chamber and a second chamber and at least one filter module holder; Introducing (for example, plugging in or screwing in) at least one, in particular elongated or tubular, filter module with filter housing and membrane element arranged therein, in particular membrane capillaries, with a first end face into a filter module receptacle of the first filter cap; Attaching a second filter cap to the second end face of the at least one filter module opposite the first end face, the filter module providing a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules; and wherein the first chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules and wherein the second chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules, so that the capillary flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the first chamber and so that the envelope flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber.

Furthermore, the step of frictional connection of the first filter cap to the second filter cap by means of a support element can be included.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, with identical and similar elements in some cases being provided with the same reference numerals and the features of the various exemplary embodiments being able to be combined with one another.

Figure list

• 1 Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Filtrierung eines Fluids,
• 2 perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung,
• 3 Aufsicht auf eine Filterkappe einer Vorrichtung,
• 4 Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung,
• 5 Schnittansicht eines Filtermoduls,
• 6 Aufsicht auf ein Filtermodul,
• 7 Schnittansicht eines Details einer Vorrichtung,
• 8 Schnittansicht eines Details einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung,
• 9 Schnittansicht durch einen Ausschnitt der Vorrichtung,
• 10 Schnittansicht durch eine Filterkappe entlang der Linie B-B,
• 11 eine Schnittansicht durch die Filterkappe entlang der Linie C-C,
• 12 perspektivische Ansicht auf ein Filtermodul,
• 13 perspektivisches Detail einer Stirnseite eines Filtermoduls,
• 14 Detailschnitt eines Filtermoduls,
• 15 Detailschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Filtermoduls,
• 16 Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Filtermoduls,
• 17 Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Details einer Vorrichtung mit Filtermodulen gemäß 16.

Show it:

• 1 Side view of a device for filtering a fluid,
• 2 perspective view of a device,
• 3rd Top view of a filter cap of a device,
• 4th Side view of a further embodiment of a device,
• 5 Sectional view of a filter module,
• 6th Supervision of a filter module,
• 7th Sectional view of a detail of a device,
• 8th Sectional view of a detail of a further embodiment of the device,
• 9 Sectional view through a section of the device,
• 10 Sectional view through a filter cap along the line BB,
• 11 a sectional view through the filter cap along the line CC,
• 12th perspective view of a filter module,
• 13th perspective detail of an end face of a filter module,
• 14th Detail section of a filter module,
• 15th Detailed section of a further embodiment of a filter module,
• 16 Side view of a further embodiment of a filter module,
• 17th Sectional view of a further embodiment of a detail of a device with filter modules according to FIG 16 .

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows a first embodiment of a device 30th for filtering a fluid in a side view, with two filter modules 1 in the device 30th are shown. The device shown 30th can, for example, have two or four filter modules 1 include, the representation shown would not differ. The embodiment of the 1 should have four filter modules 1 include. That or the filter module 1 can, for example, be used as cartridges 1 be designed, more specifically as a replaceable cartridge 1 , with a filter module 1 can be replaced as a unit, for example in the event of a defect or wear.

About filter caps 2 , 2a are the filter modules 1 laterally (in the illustration of the 1 ) or on their respective end faces 22nd connected. The filter caps 2 , 2a or filter caps 2 , 2a ensure the desired fluid flow. On each filter cap 2 a connection to the “shell side” 23, 23a or to the envelope flow and to the “lumen side” 24, 24a or to the capillary flow is arranged. The filter modules 1 are designed to be interchangeable with one another in this embodiment, that is to say in particular have identical or approximately the same external dimensions. This has the practical advantage that each filter module 1 with any exchange module (see e.g. 5 ) can be exchanged.

2 shows a further embodiment of the device 30th in a perspective view. In this embodiment there are 4 filter modules 1 "Interconnected" and in the common filter caps 2 , 2a used. For guiding the fluid in the filter cap 2 is a distribution channel 6th external and integral with the filter cap 2a formed, which is inside the filter cap 2a with each capillary connection of the filter modules 1 communicates. The envelope flow is via the connection 23 connected, i.e. from the filter cap 2a discharged or into the filter cap 2a introduced, depending on the connection direction. The embodiment of the device shown 30th is shown universally in this regard with regard to the flow direction (s), so it can be operated in all flow combinations, both in countercurrent and co-flowing, both "from top to bottom" (in the illustration) and "from bottom to top". This universality increases the profitability of production because the same device is used for a wide variety of applications 30th can be used.

The connections 23 , 23a , 24 , 24a are equipped in this embodiment with hose nozzles or hose connections, so that a hose is pushed on there and, for example Can be fixed and sealed with a hose clamp or the like.

3rd shows a plan view of a filter cap 2 a device 30th , where first and second connector 23 , 24 on top of the filter cap 2 are arranged. The second connection 24 is with the distribution channel 6th in fluid communication. A fastening device is central 32 arranged, for example, there can be a threaded rod 33 from inside the device 30th through the filter cap 2 be led through and from outside with a mother 34 secured. In 3rd dashed section lines D and E are shown, which indicate the location of the drawings 7th and 9 symbolizes.

4th shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 30th with two filter modules 1 , a first filter cap 2 and a second filter cap 2a . The connections 23 , 23a , 24 , 24a are on the side of the filter heads 2 , 2a arranged and equipped, for example, with screw connections to appropriate pipe or hose lines at the connections 23 , 23a , 24 , 24a to connect.

Throughout the description of the figures, the same reference symbols indicate the same objects, it being possible for the objects to be designed differently from one another, but to fulfill the same function.

5 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a filter module 1 , which is a filter housing 35 or cladding tube 35 having. Such a cartridge 1 has a membrane element 16 in the form of a capillary bundle 16 on that in the cladding tube 35 is embedded. The capillary bundle 16 is through a potting compound 20th with the cladding tube 35 connected.

The cladding tube is used for guiding the fluid 35 at the end of the capillary bundle, but inside the potting compound 20th , with radial openings 21 provided for access to the “shell side”, which in this embodiment is the area between the capillaries 16 inside the cladding tube 35 to enable. How 6th shows, the openings can 21 evenly on the circumference of the cladding tube 35 be distributed. The incoming or outgoing fluid flow is due to the large open area that the openings 21 together provide low, and the occurring transverse forces acting on the membranes 16 near the openings 21 could act, small compared to the prior art, even at high volume flows. This results in a low mechanical load on the membranes and thus a lower risk of membrane rupture and increased reliability in operation.

The capillaries shown 16 the 5 are on the front sides 22nd open. Here the fluid reaches the “lumen side” inside the capillaries 16 or out of these and into the filter cap 2 , 2a . The filter modules 1 show in the embodiment of 5 and the 6th a groove 37 on, in which, for example, a sealing element can be used. The use of a sealing element in the groove 37 can be useful for use in the food industry, for example, because it can be designed in such a way that it prevents moisture such as cleaning solutions from entering the device from outside 30th can prevent or suppress.

6th shows a side view of a filter module 1 with filter housing 35 and the side openings 21 for connecting the envelope flow inside the filter module 1 .

7th shows a sectional view of a detail of a device assembled according to the invention 30th at which the ends 22nd the filter modules 1 in module mounts 42 the filter cap 2 are built in. The "Lumen Side" connection 8th guides the fluid through a distribution channel 6th distributed and through openings 7th into the "Lumen Side" chambers 3rd . From there the fluid reaches the end faces 22nd the cartridges 1 into the cartridge. The “Shell Side” chambers 4th get the fluid through the "Shell Side" holes 9 . From there the fluid reaches the side openings 21 on the "shell side" of the cartridges 1 . The chambers 3rd , 4th are against each other and to the outside via appropriate seals 5 sealed. attacks 10 secure the cartridges 1 against axial displacement. Alternatively, it can also be secured, for example, by using snap rings on the cartridges.

8th shows a further sectional view of a detail of an alternative design of the device 30th , with the fluids directly via suitably designed chambers 3rd , 4th can be distributed. In the "Shell Side" chamber 4, the corresponding fluid is applied to the cartridges 1 distributed or from the cartridges 1 recorded.

In 9 is the spacer for the filter caps 2 , 2a shown. A backup 34 , here a nut, holds the filter cap 2 , 2a tight so that between the filter caps 2 , 2a one through the spacer 32 the specified distance is maintained even when operating with increased internal pressure. The transition from the “shell side” connection to the distribution wells is also shown. For modules with 6 or more cartridges, more spacers should be used to relieve the larger filter caps evenly.

The distribution of the fluid within the filter cap 2 on the "lumen side" is carried out through a distribution channel through openings 7th . These openings are so large that the fluid can enter the “lumen side” chambers 3 without hindrance. In extreme cases, the openings are so large that the distribution channel is open along the entire length to the "Lumen Side" chambers.

10 shows a sectional view through the filter cap 2 along the line BB, as in 9 is shown. The section shows the first chambers 3rd the filter cap 2 , The individual chambers are brought together via the openings 7th . The fastening device is central 32 arranged.

11 shows a sectional view through the filter cap 2 along the line CC. The distribution of the fluid within the filter cap 2 In this embodiment, the “shell side” takes place through connection channels 11 , for example designed as bores or provided by a casting or compression mold by means of molding. These connecting channels 11 are dimensioned in such a way that the fluid can enter the “shell side” chambers 4 or be withdrawn from them unhindered. The connection channels can be designed in such a way that the “shell side” chambers are connected to form a large chamber, so that the connection channels form an integral part of the second chamber 4th form. The fluid supply to the cartridges 1 preferably takes place in such a way that the lowest possible transverse load on the membrane capillaries 16 is given and thus membrane ruptures due to high cross currents in the area of the "shell side" openings 21 can be avoided. A discharge or supply of the fluid in or from the second chamber 4th can by means of a hole 9 which in this example take place directly on one of the cross channels 11 is arranged.

Referring to 12th Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a filter module 1 shown, the membrane capillaries 16 on the front sides 22nd are open. The envelope flow can through lateral openings 21 are supplied or discharged. 13th shows a detail section 12th , one way of arranging the membrane element 16 in the filter module 1 is shown. The membrane element 16 is as an adjacent bundle of membrane capillaries 16 executed, the envelope flow flushing through between the individual membrane capillaries and at the side openings 21 is discharged or supplied.

The cartridges 1 can be produced in a casting process. 13th shows an embodiment in which the connection between the cladding tube 35 and the membranes 16 by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding 20th with the end 12th of the capillaries 16 or tubes 16 at the end or ends 22nd of the cladding tube 35 connect to.

14th shows a further alternative embodiment in which a mechanical seal is implemented, for example by means of a sealing element 14th like an O-ring 14th between bundles of membranes 16 and cladding tube 35 . The tube sheet 13th can for example consist of a thermoplastic material or of potting compound 20th . Alternatively, the tube sheet 13th made of thermoplastic material 20th be constructed, in this case the membrane elements 16 for example at their end 12th with the tube sheet 13th welded. The ends 12th the membrane elements 16 stay with the capillary flow connection 15th open to. For example, the membrane elements 16 in the area of the ends 12th be robotically or manually welded on their outsides in order to adjust the sealing effect for the envelope flow.

15th shows the use as a membrane absorber, for which the cartridge concept of the device 30th is also suitable. The flow guidance is here within the cartridge 1 in such a way that the supplied fluid enters the cartridge via the “shell side” connection 21 1 got. There the fluid penetrates the cartridge 1 especially with the release of ingredients to the absorber 18th . The absorber 18th is designed as a hollow cylinder. The fluid enters the other end of the module 1 through the "Lumen Side" connection 15 of the cartridge 1 out. Alternatively, both “LumenSide” connections 15 can also be used on the two end faces 22nd of the filter module 1 be used for fluid inlet and outlet. In rinsing mode, both connections are used on the “shell side” to clean the outer absorber surface. The same applies to the two "Lumen Side" connections to clean the inner absorber surface. The absorber is over an end plate 19th with the cladding tube 35 connected. These connections are made by gluing. Alternatively, the end plate 19th can also be manufactured as a potting block.

16 shows a further embodiment of a filter module 1 which, for example, differs from the 6th another groove 38 having. In the further groove 38 For example, a position securing element (see 17th ) be used, in particular a snap ring.

17th finally shows a detail for a device 30th at which filter modules 1 according to the example of 16 are used. The filter cap 2 has no filter stops in this embodiment 10 on. Rather, the filter modules 1 in this embodiment via a position securing element 39 , by means of which an installation lock the filter modules 1 in the filter cap 2 can be achieved.

To build the cartridges 1 there are membrane capillaries 16 , the potting compound and the cladding tube 35 commercial raw materials are available. A suitable selection of materials enables certificates to be obtained, for example for contact with food or drinking water. The choice of materials also determines the chemical resistance. The dimensioning of the capillary geometry (diameter, wall thickness), of the cladding tube 35 as well as the potting block essentially defines the mechanical stability, which is important for operation at higher pressures (> 2 bar). Together with the choice of material, the dimensioning determines the mechanical stability at elevated temperatures (e.g. 60 ° C). The same applies to dynamic loads.

The thickness of the potting block is 20% to 50%, preferably 25% to 40% of the cladding tube diameter. The cartridges 1 can therefore be adjusted within wide limits in terms of diameter and length. A range of 10 mm to 160 mm, preferably 25 mm to 120 mm and particularly preferably 40 mm to 100 mm can be achieved for the diameters. The maximum length is only determined by the maximum length of the capillary or tube bundle 16 set. Sensible length ranges are 100 mm to 3,800 mm, preferably 200 mm to 1,800 mm and particularly preferably 250 mm to 1,200 mm. A range of 10 mm to 160 mm, preferably 25 mm to 120 mm and particularly preferably 40 mm to 100 mm can be achieved for the diameters. The maximum length is only determined by the maximum length of the capillary or tube bundle 16 set. Sensible length ranges are 100 mm to 3,800 mm, preferably 200 mm to 1,800 mm and particularly preferably 250 mm to 1,200 mm.

The built-in membrane capillaries 16 or membrane tubes can be suitable for a wide variety of membrane separation processes. In dialysis, FO, transmembrane distillation, gas drying or humidification or membrane contactors, the controlled fluid flow on both the “lumen side” and the “shell side” is beneficial in terms of good mass transfer. Membrane capillaries can also be used 16 or membrane tubes, made of polymer or inorganic material, for ultrafiltration and microfiltration as well as nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, gas separation, pervaporation and vapor permeation.

With membranes 16 which have a coating, it is possible here to apply it in situ. The cartridge concept is particularly advantageous here because smaller units can be coated and checked in quality control before they are assembled into larger units (modules).

For the filter caps 2 , 2a Commercially available raw materials are available. The same relationships apply as with the cartridges 1 . The filter caps 2 , 2a can be made in a number of ways. Suitable manufacturing processes are injection molding, machining, or also additive processes such as, in particular, 3D printing or combinations thereof. Semi-finished products produced with these processes can also be connected to one another by thermal processes such as joining or welding, ultrasonic or friction welding or by mechanical securing using seals in order to obtain the desired shape.

With these freedoms, membrane devices 30th design and manufacture that can be adapted in wide areas to the requirements of industrial processes. This applies to both operating conditions and module sizes and compliance requirements.

The number of cartridges 1 can be varied over a wide range. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19 or more cartridges can be used. The maximum number of cartridges 1 is only due to the maximum size of the filter caps 2 , 2a limited.

It is evident to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and that the invention is not restricted to them, but can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of protection of the claims. Furthermore, it can be seen that the features, regardless of whether they are disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures or otherwise, also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described together with other features. In all figures, the same reference symbols represent the same objects, so that descriptions of objects that are possibly only mentioned in one or at least not with regard to all figures can also be transferred to these figures, with regard to which the object is not explicitly described in the description .

List of reference symbols

1

Filter module

2, 2a

Filter cap

3

first chamber, capillary side

4th

second chamber, shell side

5

Sealing element

6th

channel

7th

Connection channel

8th

connection

9

Passage or bore

10

Filter stop

11

Transverse channel

12th

End (s) of the membrane element (s)

13th

Tube sheet

14th

Sealing element or O-ring

15th

end capillary flow opening of the filter module

16

Membrane element or filter capillaries

18th

Membrane element or absorber

19th

End plate

20th

Fluid barrier, separating element or potting compound

21

side openings

22nd

front end

23, 23a

first connection

24, 24a

second connection

30th

contraption

32

Fastening device or spacer

33

Threaded rod

34

Fuse or nut

35

Filter housing or cladding tube

37

Groove

38

further groove

39

Position securing element such as snap ring

42

Filter element holder

81

Hose fasteners

Claims (20)

Apparatus (30) for separating components from a fluid, the apparatus comprising: - At least one, in particular elongate or tubular, filter module (1) with filter housing (35) and a membrane element (16) arranged therein, the at least one filter module having a first end face (22) and a second end face opposite the first end face, and wherein the filter module provides a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules, - A first filter cap (2) on the first end face of the at least one filter module with a first chamber (3) and a second chamber (4) and at least one filter module receptacle (42), - A second filter cap (2a) on the second end face of the at least one filter module opposite the first end face with a further filter module receptacle, the first chamber of the first filter cap being connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules and the second chamber of the first filter cap to the envelope sides of the Filter modules is connected so that the capillary flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the first chamber and so that the envelope flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber. Device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the membrane element (16) comprises filter capillaries, in particular membrane capillaries, and / or wherein the membrane element (16) comprises a membrane absorber. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further with a first connection (8, 24) which is connected to the first chamber (3) in a communicating manner, in particular a drain and / or further with a second connection (23) which communicating with the second chamber, in particular a second process. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing element (5) arranged between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) in the first filter cap (2) for sealing the capillary flow against the envelope flow. Device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing element (5) is arranged in such a way that it seals the first chamber (3) against the second chamber (4) when the filter module or modules (1) are inserted into the filter module receptacle (42). is / are plugged in. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the first and / or the second filter cap (2, 2a) also with an outer, in particular axial, capillary flow channel (6) which connects the first outlet (24) to the first chamber (3), or a radial-side capillary flow opening (24) and / or a radial-side envelope flow opening (21, 23). Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality arranged on the circumference of the filter housing (35) Envelope flow openings (21), so that the envelope flow is distributed over the majority of the envelope flow openings. Device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least some of the radial envelope flow openings (21) are arranged in a plane along the radial length of the filter housing (35). Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the first and / or the second filter cap (2, 2a) furthermore with a support receptacle (33, 34) for receiving a support element (32) connecting the first to the second filter cap. Device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support receptacle (33, 34) is arranged between the filter modules (1), and / or wherein the support receptacle (33, 34) comprises a screw sleeve, and / or wherein the support receptacle comprises at least one securing element (11), and / or wherein the support receptacle is spaced from the fluid flows, so that the support element in the installed state is not in contact with the Fluid flows is. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter module receptacle (42) has a lateral collar in order to cover a filter module (1) inserted therein beyond a radial-side envelope flow opening (21, 23) so that the end capillary flow opening (15) and the radial-side envelope flow opening (21, 23) in the filter cap (2, 2a) can be inserted and, when inserted, the fluid connection of the capillary flow with the first chamber (3) and the envelope flow with the second chamber (4) takes place. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the first and / or second filter cap (2, 2a) each having a filter module stop (10) for each filter module (1) or for each filter module holder (42), so that in particular the filter module rests against the filter module stop when it is in the filter module holder is inserted and the correct mounting of the filter module in the filter module mount is ensured by means of the filter module stop. Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises two or more filter modules (1) which are inserted jointly into the first filter cap (2) on their first end face (22), in particular 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8 or a plurality of filter modules, which are in particular arranged next to one another and in particular have substantially identical dimensions or at least the same length to one another. Device (30) according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 12th , wherein the filter modules (1) are arranged symmetrically or concentrically around the support receptacle (33, 34). Device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein each filter module (1) has a fluid barrier (20) on at least one side, in particular made of potting compound, the fluid barrier separating the capillary flow inside the filter module from the envelope flow, Device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid barrier (20) is designed to stabilize the membrane element (16) and to establish a mechanical connection between the membrane element and the filter housing (35), in particular between the filter capillaries and the filter housing. Filter module (1) for a device (30) for separating components from a fluid, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an, in particular elongated or tubular, filter housing (35) a membrane element (16) arranged in the filter housing, wherein the filter module has a first end face (22) and a second end face opposite the first end face, and wherein the filter module provides a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules, and a plurality of envelope flow openings (21) arranged on the circumference of the filter housing, which are arranged in a plane along the radial length of the filter housing, so that the envelope flow is distributed radially over the plurality of envelope flow openings. Filter cap (2, 2a) for a device (30) for separating components from a fluid, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, which can be arranged in particular on a plurality of filter modules (1) according to the preceding claim, the filter cap comprising: a first chamber (3), a second chamber (4), and at least one filter module receptacle (42), the first chamber of the filter cap being connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules inserted into the filter cap when the filter modules are inserted into the filter cap, and wherein the second chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules when the filter modules are inserted into the filter cap, so that the capillary flows of the filter modules in the first chamber are mixed with one another and so that the envelope flows of the filter modules in the second chamber are mixed with one another are. Method for producing a device (30) for separating components from a fluid, in particular according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 15th , with the following steps: providing a first filter cap (2) with a first chamber (3) and a second chamber (4) and at least one filter module receptacle (42), introducing at least one, in particular elongated or tubular, filter module (1) with Filter housing (35) and a membrane element (16) arranged therein, with a first end face (22) in the filter module receptacle of the first filter cap, placing a second filter cap (2a) on the second end face of the at least one filter module opposite the first end face, the filter module provides a capillary side and an envelope side for the at least one fluid flowing through the filter module for generating a capillary flow and an envelope flow in each of the filter modules, and wherein the first chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the capillary sides of the filter modules and wherein the second chamber of the first filter cap is connected to the envelope sides of the filter modules, so that s the capillary flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the first chamber and so that the envelope flows of the filter module or modules are mixed with one another in the second chamber. A method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the step frictional connection of the first filter cap (2) to the second filter cap (2a) by means of a support element (32).

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