JP2005046689A - Hollow fiber membrane module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hollow fiber membrane module in which the volume of water content exchange by individual hollow fiber membranes is uniformed. <P>SOLUTION: The hollow fiber membrane module comprises first passages formed to penetrate through the interior hollows of the hollow fiber membranes 40, and second passages formed to penetrate along the outer wall side of the hollow fiber membranes 40. The module is also provided with a connection header 13, which joins the first and second passages together while preventing both passages from crossing each other and connects a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 to a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12. The connection header 13 is provided with a mixing space M, which mixes fluids coming out of the interior hollow of each hollow fiber membrane of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module that performs humidification or dehumidification utilizing the membrane separation action of a hollow fiber membrane.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a hollow fiber membrane module that performs humidification or dehumidification utilizing the membrane separation action of a hollow fiber membrane is known. For example, in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, electricity and water vapor are generated by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Since electricity generated during this reaction moves with water molecules, it is necessary to keep the partition wall (ion exchange membrane) moisturized. Therefore, a humidifier for keeping the partition moist is required. Then, what utilized the hollow fiber membrane module mentioned above for this humidifier is known. Here, the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane, wherein (A) shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof, and (B) shows a cross-sectional view thereof. As shown in the figure, the fluid X is caused to flow inside the hollow fiber membrane 200, and the fluid Y is also caused to flow toward the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane. Then, the fluid X usually forms a laminar flow. On the other hand, as indicated by an arrow Z, the fluid Y flows while colliding with the surface of the hollow fiber membrane 200. If there is a humidity difference between the fluid X and the fluid Y, the moisture on the fluid side with high humidity (usually water vapor) moves to the fluid side with low humidity due to the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane. Accordingly, one fluid is humidified and the other fluid is dehumidified.
[0003]
By the way, in the hollow fiber membrane module using the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane, the performance is determined by how wide the membrane surface area of the hollow fiber membrane contributing to humidification or dehumidification is increased. That is, the humidification performance or the dehumidification performance is determined depending on how evenly the fluid can flow through the plurality of hollow fiber membranes filled in the case. In particular, the flow rate of the fluid passing through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane tends to vary. Therefore, in the field of hollow fiber membrane modules applied to humidifiers and dehumidifiers, how to equalize the flow rate for multiple hollow fiber membranes (particularly, the flow rate through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane). Is one of the important issues. Conventionally, several techniques aimed at solving this problem have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0004]
However, it is difficult to equalize the flow rate for multiple hollow fiber membranes in a large hollow fiber membrane module or a hollow fiber membrane module with a large flow rate of flowing fluid. It was not possible to plan.
[0005]
Here, the reason why the humidification performance or the dehumidification performance deteriorates when the flow rates for the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are uneven will be briefly described. When the flow rate is not uniform, the hollow fiber membranes vary with respect to the water exchange amount. Accordingly, there are hollow fiber membranes that do not sufficiently exchange moisture. In addition, there is a limit to the amount of water exchange of one hollow fiber membrane. That is, if the humidity inside and outside the membrane is equal, no further water exchange is performed. From the above, when the flow rates for the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are uneven, the water exchange efficiency in the entire hollow fiber membrane module is lowered.
[0006]
Moreover, normally, the water exchange capacity of the hollow fiber membrane module is designed on the assumption that the above flow rate flows uniformly. However, in practice, since the flow rate is uneven, the moisture concentration inside the hollow fiber membrane varies among the hollow fiber membranes. Therefore, even if the moisture exchange capacity is designed as described above, the amount of moisture exchange is insufficient or the moisture exchange is excessively performed by each hollow fiber membrane. And about the hollow fiber membrane in which the exchange of moisture is performed excessively, the exchange of moisture reaches equilibrium, and no further exchange of moisture is performed. As a result, the water exchange amount of the entire hollow fiber membrane module will not reach the design value.
[0007]
In addition, about the technique disclosed by patent document 2, since it is necessary to weave a hollow fiber membrane and it is necessary to provide a seal on the axis line side, the structure becomes complicated and the production becomes difficult. There is also.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-29883A [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-5-245347
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
One of the objects of the present invention is to equalize the water exchange amount in each hollow fiber membrane.
[0010]
One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the water exchange efficiency in the entire hollow fiber membrane module.
[0011]
One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the humidification efficiency or the dehumidification efficiency.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
[0013]
That is, the present invention connects a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges in series, mixes the fluid discharged from the hollow interiors of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes in the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and then creates a hollow on the downstream side. Adopted a configuration to feed into the yarn membrane cartridge.
[0014]
By the structure of this invention, the fluid discharged | emitted from the hollow inside of each hollow fiber membrane is mixed between hollow fiber membrane cartridges. As a result, a fluid having a uniform moisture concentration flows into the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane in the downstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge. Therefore, the water exchange amount in each hollow fiber membrane in the downstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge is equalized.
[0015]
As a more specific hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention,
A plurality of hollow fiber membranes are accommodated in the case, and a first path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane and a second path passing through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane are formed, and the hollow fiber membrane membrane A hollow fiber membrane module including a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges that separate moisture between fluids flowing through these paths by separation,
The first path and the second path are provided with a connecting member that connects the hollow fiber membrane cartridges while connecting the first path and the second path so that the first path and the second path do not cross each other.
In the connection member, each hollow fiber membrane in the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge in the course of fluid flowing from the first route of the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge to the first route of the downstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge. What is characterized by being provided with the mixing area | region which mixes the fluid which came out from was mentioned.
[0016]
According to the configuration of the present invention, the fluid discharged from the first path of the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge flows into the first path of the downstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge after the fluid is mixed by the mixing region. To go. Thereby, equalization of the moisture concentration in the fluid can be achieved in the mixing region.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 1, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a partially broken cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
As shown in the drawing, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 includes a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12, a connection header 13 as a connection member for connecting these hollow fiber membrane cartridges, and a first hollow fiber membrane module. A first header 14 attached to the end of the thread membrane cartridge 11 and a second header 15 attached to the end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 are provided.
[0020]
The first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 includes an outer case 20 having a cylindrical portion, an inner case (inner pipe) 30 having a cylindrical portion, and between the outer case 20 and the inner case 30. A plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40 filled in the annular gap and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40 are sealed and fixed so that only the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 40 is opened at both ends of the case. 1 sealing fixing part 51 and 2nd sealing fixing part 52 are provided. The outer case 20 is provided with a plurality of through holes 21. The inner case 30 is also provided with a plurality of through holes 31.
[0021]
The first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 configured as described above is formed with a first path from the one end side of the case through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 40 to the other end side of the case. In addition, the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 enters the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 40 from one of the through holes 21 and 31 and passes through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane 40 to the other through hole. A second path is formed to escape. Therefore, it is possible to humidify one and dehumidify the other by flowing the fluid having different humidity through the first path and the second path by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane 40.
[0022]
Since the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 has the same configuration as the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11, the description thereof is omitted.
[0023]
The connection header 13 includes an inner tube portion 13a and an outer tube portion 13b. The first path in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and the first path in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 are connected by the inside of the inner tube portion 13a. The inner tube portion 13a is fitted to the end portion of the outer case of each cartridge. And the space | interval between the inner peripheral surface of this inner pipe part 13a and the outer peripheral surface of each outer case is sealed. Accordingly, the fluid inside the inner tube portion 13a does not leak to the outside of the inner tube portion 13a, and the outside fluid does not enter the inside of the inner tube portion 13a. And in the inside of the inner pipe part 13a, the mixing space M as a mixing area | region where the fluid discharged | emitted from the 1st path | route in the 1st hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 is mixed is formed. The mixing space M is formed by providing a predetermined distance or more between the end surface of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and the end surface of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12. The mixing space M has a region where the fluid discharged from each hollow fiber membrane 40 in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 is sufficiently mixed.
[0024]
Further, the second path in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and the second path in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 are connected by an annular gap between the outer tube portion 13b and the inner tube portion 13a. The outer tube portion 13b is fitted into a large-diameter portion (a portion indicated by reference numeral 22 in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11) provided in the outer case of each cartridge. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 13b and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion provided in each outer case is sealed. Therefore, the fluid inside the outer tube portion 13b does not leak to the outside of the outer tube portion 13b, and the outside fluid does not enter the inside of the outer tube portion 13b.
[0025]
The 1st header 14 is provided with the 1st pipe part 14a which forms the passage only for the 1st course, and the 2nd pipe part 14b which forms the passage only for the 2nd course. The main body of the first header 14 is fitted to the end of the outer case 20 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the main body of the first header 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20 is sealed. The second pipe portion 14 b is fitted to the end portion of the inner case 30. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe portion 14b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 30 is sealed. Therefore, in any pipe portion, the fluid inside the pipe does not leak to the outside of the pipe, and the fluid does not enter the inside of the pipe from the outside of the pipe.
[0026]
The second header 15 also includes a first tube portion 15a and a second tube portion 15b. Since the second header 15 has the same configuration as the first header 14, a detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0027]
A case will be described in which the above configuration causes a dry gas to flow on the first path side and a wet gas to flow on the second path side. The dry gas entering from the first pipe portion 14a of the first header 14 (arrow X1) passes from one end side of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 40 to the other end side. go. And this dry gas is mixed in the mixing space M of the connection header 13 (arrow X2). Thereafter, the mixed dry gas passes from the one end side of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 to the other end side through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12. And this dry gas goes out from the 1st pipe part 15a of the 2nd header 15 (arrow X3). The dry gas that has flowed through the first path is humidified in the course of flowing through the first path. Therefore, it is not appropriate to call it dry gas from the middle, but for the sake of convenience of description, it has been referred to as dry gas. The same applies to the following description.
[0028]
On the other hand, the wet gas entered from the second pipe portion 15b of the second header 15 (arrow Y1) passes through the inside of the inner case of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12, and passes through the through hole provided in the inner case to the hollow fiber. Go out into the membrane bundle (arrow Y2). Then, the wet gas passes through the outer wall surface side of each hollow fiber membrane and enters an annular gap between the outer tube portion 13b and the inner tube portion 13a in the connection header 13 from a through hole provided in the outer case. Go (arrow Y3). Thereafter, the wet gas goes out from the through hole 21 of the outer case 20 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 into the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 40. The wet gas passes through the outer wall surface side of each hollow fiber membrane (arrow Y4) and enters the inner case 30 from the through hole 31 provided in the inner case 30. Thereafter, the wet gas passes through the inside of the inner case 30 and exits from the second pipe portion 14b of the first header 14 (arrow Y5). The wet gas that has flowed through the second path is dehumidified in the process of flowing through the second path. Therefore, it is not appropriate to call it a wet gas from the middle, but for the sake of convenience of description, it has been referred to as a wet gas. The same applies to the following description.
[0029]
As described above, the dry gas flowing through the first path is humidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane in each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12. Further, the wet gas flowing through the second path is dehumidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane in each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12.
[0030]
Here, the flow rate of the wet gas flowing through the second path is usually uneven with respect to the cross section of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. This is due to the positional relationship between the inlet and the outlet of the second path, how the hollow fiber membrane is filled, and the like. In general, the flow rate is lower as the inside of the bundle of hollow fiber membrane bundles, and the flow rate increases as the outside of the bundle. In particular, a gap is formed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the wall surface of the case, and the flow rate in the vicinity of the gap increases. Therefore, the flow rate of the wet gas passing through the outer wall surface side of the hollow fiber membrane becomes uneven for each hollow fiber membrane.
[0031]
As described above, in particular, in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 on the upstream side with respect to the first path, the water exchange amount becomes uneven due to the individual hollow fiber membranes 40. In particular, the degree of non-uniformity of the exchange amount gradually increases toward the downstream side of the first path. Therefore, the moisture concentration in the dry gas discharged from each hollow fiber membrane 40 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 varies. However, the dry gas discharged from each hollow fiber membrane 40 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 is mixed in the mixing space M. Therefore, the moisture concentration in the dry gas entering the hollow inside of each hollow fiber membrane of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 is uniform.
[0032]
Accordingly, in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 as well, although the flow rate of the wet gas passing through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane is not uniform for each hollow fiber membrane, the exchange of moisture in each hollow fiber membrane It is possible to reduce the amount of unevenness and achieve equalization. This is because the moisture concentration in the dry gas entering the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 is uniform and the humidity of the dry gas is high. This is also due to the fact that it is smaller than the case of the 1 hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11.
[0033]
As described above, in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 on the downstream side with respect to the first path, it is possible to equalize the water exchange amount in each hollow fiber membrane. Thereby, compared with the prior art about the whole hollow fiber membrane module 10, the exchange amount of the water | moisture content in each hollow fiber membrane can be equalized. Therefore, the water exchange efficiency in the entire hollow fiber membrane module 10 is improved. Further, along with this, the humidification efficiency or the dehumidification efficiency is improved.
[0034]
In the above description, the case where the dry gas is flowed to the first path side and the wet gas is flowed to the second path side has been described. However, the same effect is exhibited even when the wet gas is flowed to the first path side and the dry gas is flowed to the second path side. That is, in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 on the upstream side in the first path, the water exchange amount in each hollow fiber membrane becomes uneven. Therefore, the moisture concentration of the wet gas discharged from the hollow inside of each hollow fiber membrane of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 11 becomes uneven. However, the exhausted wet gas is mixed in the mixing space M. Therefore, the moisture concentration of the wet gas sent to each hollow fiber membrane in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 is uniform. Therefore, the same effect as the above case can be obtained.
[0035]
In the above description, the case where two hollow fiber membrane cartridges are connected has been described. However, three or more hollow fiber membrane cartridges may be connected. As the number of hollow fiber membrane cartridges to be connected is increased, the unevenness in the amount of water exchange in each hollow fiber membrane can be reduced.
[0036]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the case where the case of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge is configured with a double tube has been described. In the present embodiment, the case where the case is configured with a single tube will be described. . FIG. 2 is a partially broken cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
As shown in the figure, the hollow fiber membrane module 110 includes a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112, a connection header 113 as a connecting member for connecting these hollow fiber membrane cartridges, and a first hollow fiber membrane module 110. A first header 114 attached to the end of the yarn membrane cartridge 111 and a second header 115 attached to the end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 are provided.
[0038]
The first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 includes a case 120 having a cylindrical portion, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 140 filled in the case 120, and only the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 140 at both ends of the case 120. Are provided with a first sealing and fixing part 151 and a second sealing and fixing part 152 for sealing and fixing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 140. A plurality of through holes 121 and 122 are provided on the side surfaces near both ends of the case 120, respectively.
[0039]
The first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 configured in this way is formed with a first path from one end side of the case 120 to the other end side of the case 120 through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 140. The Further, the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 enters the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 140 from one of the through holes 121 and 122 and passes through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane 140 to the other through hole. A second path is formed to escape. Therefore, it is possible to humidify one and dehumidify the other by flowing the fluid having different humidity through the first path and the second path by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane 140.
[0040]
Since the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 has the same configuration as the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111, the description thereof is omitted.
[0041]
The connection header 113 includes an inner tube portion 113a and an outer tube portion 113b. The first path in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and the first path in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 are connected by the inside of the inner tube portion 113a. The inner tube portion 113a is fitted to the end portion of the case of each cartridge. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe portion 113a and the outer peripheral surface of each case is sealed. Accordingly, the fluid inside the inner tube portion 113a does not leak to the outside of the inner tube portion 113a, and the outside fluid does not enter the inside of the inner tube portion 113a. And in the inside of the inner pipe part 113a, the mixing space M as a mixing area | region where the fluid discharged | emitted from the 1st path | route in the 1st hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 is mixed is formed. The mixing space M is formed by providing a predetermined distance or more between the end surface of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and the end surface of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112. The mixing space M has a region where the fluid discharged from each hollow fiber membrane 140 in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 is sufficiently mixed.
[0042]
Further, the second path in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and the second path in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 are connected by an annular gap between the outer pipe portion 113b and the inner tube portion 113a. The outer tube portion 113b is fitted into a first large-diameter portion (a portion indicated by reference numeral 123 in the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111) provided in the case of each cartridge. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 113b and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion provided in each case is sealed. Therefore, the fluid inside the outer tube portion 113b does not leak to the outside of the outer tube portion 113b, and the outside fluid does not enter the inside of the outer tube portion 113b.
[0043]
The 1st header 114 is provided with the 1st pipe part 114a which forms the passage only for the 1st course, and the 2nd pipe part 114b which forms the passage only for the 2nd course. The main body of the first header 114 is fitted to the end of the case 120 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111. And between the inner peripheral surface of the main body of the first header 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the case 120, the inner peripheral surface of the main body of the first header 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the second large diameter portion 124 provided in the case 120. Is sealed. Therefore, in any pipe portion, the fluid inside the pipe does not leak to the outside of the pipe, and the fluid does not enter the inside of the pipe from the outside of the pipe.
[0044]
The second header 115 also includes a first pipe portion 115a and a second pipe portion 115b. Since the second header 115 has the same configuration as the first header 114, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
A case will be described in which the above configuration causes a dry gas to flow on the first path side and a wet gas to flow on the second path side. The dry gas entering from the first pipe portion 114a of the first header 114 (arrow X1) passes from one end side of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 140 to the other end side. go. This dry gas is mixed in the mixing space M of the connection header 113 (arrow X2). Thereafter, the mixed dry gas passes from the one end side of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 to the other end side through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane in the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112. Then, this dry gas goes out from the first pipe portion 115a of the second header 115 (arrow X3). The dry gas that has flowed through the first path is humidified in the course of flowing through the first path. Therefore, it is not appropriate to call it dry gas from the middle, but for the sake of convenience of description, it has been referred to as dry gas. The same applies to the following description.
[0046]
On the other hand, the wet gas entered from the second pipe portion 115b of the second header 115 (arrow Y1) enters the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the through hole provided in the case of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112. This wet gas passes through the outer wall surface side of each hollow fiber membrane (arrow Y2), and from the through hole provided in the case, an annular gap between the outer tube portion 113b and the inner tube portion 113a in the connection header 113. (Arrow Y3). Thereafter, the wet gas enters the bundle of hollow fiber membranes 140 from the through holes 121 of the case 120 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111. Then, the wet gas passes through the outer wall surface side of each hollow fiber membrane (arrow Y4), and goes out of the case 120 from the through hole 122 provided in the case 120. Thereafter, the wet gas leaves the second pipe portion 114b of the first header 114 (arrow Y5). The wet gas that has flowed through the second path is dehumidified in the process of flowing through the second path. Therefore, it is not appropriate to call it a wet gas from the middle, but for the sake of convenience of description, it has been referred to as a wet gas. The same applies to the following description.
[0047]
As described above, the dry gas flowing through the first path is humidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane in each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112. Further, the wet gas flowing in the second path is dehumidified by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane in each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112.
[0048]
As described above, also in the present embodiment, the dry gas discharged from each hollow fiber membrane 140 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 111 is mixed in the mixing space M. Therefore, the moisture concentration in the dry gas entering the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 112 is uniform.
[0049]
Therefore, the same effect as in the case of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, as described in the first embodiment, the same effect can be exhibited even when the wet gas is flowed to the first path side and the dry gas is flowed to the second path side. In addition, as described in the first embodiment, three or more hollow fiber membrane cartridges may be connected.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to equalize the amount of water exchange in each hollow fiber membrane. Therefore, the moisture exchange efficiency can be improved in the entire hollow fiber membrane module. Further, along with this, it is possible to improve humidification efficiency or dehumidification efficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially broken sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially broken cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 hollow fiber membrane module 11 first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 12 second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 13 connection header 13a inner tube portion 13b outer tube portion 14 first header 14a first tube portion 14b second tube portion 15 second header 15a first 1 tube portion 15b second tube portion 20 outer case 21, 31 through hole 22 large diameter portion 30 inner case 40 hollow fiber membrane 51 first sealing fixing portion 52 second sealing fixing portion 110 hollow fiber membrane module 111 first hollow Yarn membrane cartridge 112 Second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 113 Connection header 113a Inner tube portion 113b Outer tube portion 114 First header 114a First tube portion 114b Second tube portion 115 Second header 115a First tube portion 115b Second tube portion 120 Cases 121, 122 Through-hole 123 First large diameter portion 124 Second large diameter portion 140 Hollow fiber membrane 151 First sealing fixing portion 152 Second sealing fixing portion Mixing space

Claims (1)

A plurality of hollow fiber membranes are accommodated in the case, and a first path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane and a second path passing through the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane are formed, and the hollow fiber membrane membrane A hollow fiber membrane module including a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges that separate moisture between fluids flowing through these paths by separation,
The first path and the second path are provided with a connecting member that connects the hollow fiber membrane cartridges while connecting the first path and the second path so that the first path and the second path do not cross each other.
In the connection member, each hollow fiber membrane in the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge in the course of fluid flowing from the first route of the upstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge to the first route of the downstream hollow fiber membrane cartridge. A hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that a mixing region is provided for mixing the fluid coming out of the air.

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