JP2005296808A - Protective pipe mounting method on hollow fiber bundle, and its apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a hollow fiber from being damaged and being contaminated with impurities and various germs when the hollow fiber bundle is inserted into a protective pipe and prevent the hollow fiber from being broken or damaged due to a load applied on a hollow fiber when the hollow fiber bundle is inserted into the protective pipe. <P>SOLUTION: The protective pipe mounting method on the hollow fiber bundle comprises the steps of winding the hollow fiber two or more times on a rotating two point reel to make it the fiber bundle form, then grasping both the ends of the hollow fiber wound on the reel using the grasping member, removing the two point reel and subsequently inserting the hollow fiber bundle so that it becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe using a shaping tool while forming it into a circular shape and applying a fixed tension to the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber bundle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to the manufacture of a hollow fiber filtration membrane separation membrane device used in an artificial kidney that removes waste products in blood by dialysis or filtration, and in particular, transports, processes, inserts a hollow fiber bundle into a module case, etc. The present invention relates to a hollow fiber bundle insertion method and apparatus for automatically inserting a hollow fiber bundle into a protective pipe so as not to damage or damage the hollow fiber when handling the hollow fiber. .

Conventionally, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 have been disclosed as methods for loading a hollow fiber bundle into a module case. In the method described in Patent Document 1, the sheet is wound around the hollow fiber bundle to converge the hollow fiber bundle, and then inserted into the case together with the wound sheet, and then the sheet is held in a state where one end of the hollow fiber bundle is gripped. It is a technology that pulls out only from the case. However, since this method is all performed manually, extra sanitary considerations such as sterilization of exposed body parts to maintain aseptic conditions are required, and work efficiency is low and productivity is low. There is a problem that the cost becomes high.
JP 60-54711 A

Further, in Patent Document 2, a hollow fiber bundle guide tube is provided at the upper end of a case in a vertical state, the hollow fiber bundle is inserted into the guide tube, and the inside of the case is sucked to reduce the pressure. By doing this, the hollow fiber bundle is sucked and lowered into the case while being inserted along the guide tube. However, in this case, since the yarn bundle sealing the upper end of the case is a hollow fiber, complete sealing cannot be performed. Therefore, it takes a long time to decompress the inside of the case, and the productivity is very high. Not only is it bad, but the hollow fiber bundle that is thrown into the guide tube remains in a large diameter state that is not converged, and it is squeezed while being sucked down below the inner diameter of the case at the exit end of the guide tube, There is a problem in the hollow fiber bundle that a single yarn that is damaged at the exit end of the guide tube is generated.
JP 60-80463 A

Further, Patent Document 3 introduced a hollow fiber bundle having a bundling portion at one end into a hollow cylindrical bag equipped with a lead-out means at the lower end, inserted them into the case, and then provided at the lower end of the bag. In this method, only the bag is extracted from the case using the derivation means. In this method, when the bag is pulled out from the case, the binding part provided at one end of the hollow fiber bundle is stopped at the throat part of the case so that the hollow fiber bundle is not discharged at the same time, thereby restraining the movement of the hollow fiber bundle. Yes. Therefore, it cannot be applied to the insertion of a hollow fiber bundle that does not have a bundling portion, and if an attempt is made to insert such a hollow fiber bundle by this method, an unnecessary extra bundling portion must be provided. However, there is a problem that the cost is increased. Further, when a high-density hollow fiber bundle is inserted into the case, the hollow fiber bundle becomes bulky, and there is a problem that the hollow fiber bundle is damaged at the corner of the throat portion of the case. .
JP-A-61-86906

Patent Documents 1 to 3 relate to a method of filling a yarn bundle into a module case. However, as a method of inserting a yarn bundle into a protective pipe, a protective sheet is wound around the entire yarn bundle and the yarn bundle is formed into a pipe after molding. A method of inserting is disclosed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 4). However, with this insertion method and device, humans must intervene when removing the hollow fiber bundle from the skein frame or attaching the hollow fiber bundle to the device. There is a problem that the hollow fiber is damaged by a simple mistake, or that germs and impurities are mixed when the operator touches the hollow fiber directly. In addition, the hollow fiber bundle is greatly shaken by the force generated when the protective sheet is wound, and a large force is applied to the portion gripping both ends of the hollow fiber bundle, so that the hollow fiber breaks and the hollow fiber bundle is placed in the protective pipe. When a hollow fiber portion that has been broken when inserted into a module enters, there is a problem of yield reduction in module assembly, such as leakage. In order to increase the filtration flow rate and performance, the porosity is increased (especially, the rough skin layer and the rough layer that covers most of the cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber) lower the tensile strength. Therefore, there is a problem that the above problem appears remarkably.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-60076

  The present invention was made against the background of the problems of the prior art, and when inserting a hollow fiber bundle into a protective pipe, the hollow fiber is damaged by human error, or the chance of directly contacting the hollow fiber increases, so impurities are mixed. The problem is to increase the possibility and to reduce damage such as applying a load to the hollow fiber and breaking it when the protective pipe is inserted.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have finally completed the present invention.
That is, the present invention has the following configuration.
(A) A hollow two-point skein frame is wound into a two-point skein frame, and the hollow fiber bundle wound around the skein frame is gripped at both ends using a gripping member. Then, while applying a constant tension in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber bundle, it is inserted into the protective pipe using a forming jig so that it is smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe and is formed into a circular shape. A method for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle.
(B) A hollow fiber bundle characterized by gripping both ends of the hollow fiber bundle with a gripping member, inserting a support bar into the gap of the hollow fiber bundle, rotating 90 ° C., and pulling out the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle Protective pipe installation method.
(C) After rotating the support bar again and returning it to a position parallel to the gap of the hollow fiber bundle, the support bar is extracted from the hollow fiber bundle, and then the holding member holding both ends of the hollow fiber bundle is pulled, Apply a tension of [5% of yield point of one hollow fiber × number of hollow fibers] to [50% of yield point of one hollow fiber × number of hollow fibers], and form a hollow fiber bundle into a circular shape with a forming jig. A method for attaching the protective pipe to the hollow fiber bundle, wherein the hollow pipe is inserted into the protective pipe.
(D)
(a) A gripping member for gripping both ends of the hollow fiber bundle wound around the skein frame
(b) A support bar for expanding the hollow fiber bundle when removing the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle
(c) A forming jig for forming the hollow fiber bundle into a circular shape smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe
(d) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, comprising a hollow fiber bundle transfer mechanism for attaching the protective pipe to the hollow fiber bundle.
(E) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the gripping member comprises a pair of claws and is a mechanism for gripping a U-shaped end of the hollow fiber bundle.
(F) A protective pipe is attached to the hollow fiber bundle, wherein the gripping member for gripping the hollow fiber bundle detects the tension applied to the hollow fiber bundle and is controlled so that a certain tension is applied to the hollow fiber bundle. apparatus.
(G) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the opening cross-sectional area of the forming jig decreases sequentially from the hollow fiber bundle inlet side to the outlet side.
(H) The outer diameter of the forming jig on the inlet side of the hollow fiber bundle is 5% or more larger than the outer diameter of the hollow fiber bundle before forming, and the outer diameter of the cross section on the outlet side of the hollow fiber bundle is the inner diameter of the end face of the protective pipe. A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the diameter is 3% to 30% smaller than the diameter and the hollow fiber bundle has a diameter that is at least 5% larger than the diameter at which the hollow fiber bundle is closest packed.
(I) An angle of a gradient connecting the inlet side opening and the outlet side opening of the forming jig is 2 ° to 45 ° with respect to the center line of the forming jig. Protection pipe mounting device.
(J) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the forming jig has a length of 10 to 200 mm.
(K) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the support bar is composed of two bars and is rotatable.

  With the hollow fiber bundle insertion device according to the present invention, the hollow fiber bundle can be inserted into the protective pipe without human intervention, so that the hollow fiber can be damaged by human error and foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from being mixed. When inserting a hollow fiber bundle into a protective pipe, the hollow fiber bundle can be transported at a constant tension and speed, reducing the load on the hollow fiber, increasing the performance, and increasing the tensile strength of the hollow fiber. It is possible to insert the hollow fiber into the protective pipe without breaking the hollow fiber that has been lowered.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the two-point skein frame has a structure in which a claw having a double crotch structure in which a hollow fiber bundle is actually wound is vertically attached in the vicinity of both ends of one long rod (referred to as a shaft). ing. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft may be any structure such as a circle, a triangle, or a square, but a hollow square shape is preferable. By making it hollow, the weight can be reduced, and the equipment cost and running cost can be reduced when the skein frame is automatically conveyed. In addition, the rectangular shape is strong against twisting, and has the advantage that the orientation of the skein frame can be regulated and positioned during automation. The structure of the nail is divided into two as shown in FIG. 2, and the cross-sectional shape of the nail may be any structure such as a circle, a triangle, or a square, but a semicircular shape is preferable. There is an advantage that the gripping member can be inserted smoothly without damaging the hollow fiber by making the arc part face the part where the hollow fiber hits and the flat part faces the part where the gripping member is inserted. is there. Since the nail part may rub against the hollow fiber when the skein frame is pulled out from the hollow fiber bundle, the surface of the nail part is treated with a satin finish or coated with a fluororesin, ceramic, etc. It is preferable to devise to reduce the frictional resistance of the part. A guide and a pin for regulation are attached to the nail so that the position where the hollow fiber is wound can be fixed so that the hollow fiber bundle can be securely held by the holding member.

  Only the two-point skein frame may be transported by humans, but in order to prevent damage to the hollow fiber due to human error and contact with the hollow fiber and contamination of the hollow fiber, it is automatically transported. preferable.

  When the transported two-point skein frame is set in the apparatus of the present invention, the hollow fiber bundle is gripped by first inserting the claws of the bifurcated structure with the gripping member shown in FIG. 3 open, and then closing the gripping member. Is done. Examples of the gripping member include a hook-shaped member, a wire made of a shape memory alloy, a member made of a resin called artificial muscle, and the like. The maximum diameter when closed is smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe to be inserted, the thickness of the gripping member is smaller than the clearance of the claw of the skein frame, and the clearance of the gripping member when the gripping member is closed pushes the hollow fiber bundle. It is preferable to make it larger than the limit gap at which the hollow fiber starts to break when crushed. Further, it is preferable that the gripping portion has a structure combining an L type and an I type so that the hollow fiber is not caught between the gripping members when the gripping member is pulled and tension is applied to the hollow fiber. When configured with L-types, the hollow fiber is likely to be caught between the overlapping parts of the L-shaped tip part, and the force to push and spread the tip of the gripping member is applied to the center part, and the overlapping part is easy to open. In addition, hollow fibers are more likely to enter. Since the inner and outer surfaces of the gripping member are in contact with the hollow fiber, the corners are preferably rounded. This is because sharp corners increase the possibility of cutting the hollow fiber. The surface of the gripping member has a possibility of rubbing between the gripping member and the hollow fiber bundle when tension is applied to the hollow fiber bundle, and the hollow fiber may be broken. It is preferable to have a surface state called.

  In order to remove the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle gripped by the gripping members at both ends, the hollow fiber may break unless the claw is removed after reducing the frictional force between the claw and the hollow fiber bundle. For this purpose, for example, the gap between the nail and the hollow fiber bundle is expanded by spreading the gap between the hollow fiber bundles near the claw in the vicinity of the claw with two spaced bars (referred to as support bars) as shown in FIG. It is possible to remove the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle without damaging the hollow fiber by spreading the nail, moving the nail to the support bar, and pulling up the skein frame. When the support bar is parallel to the hollow fiber bundle, the thickness (width) is thinner (narrower) than the gap between the hollow fiber bundles wound around the skein frame, and the hollow fiber bundle can be expanded as it rotates. If it is, it will not specifically limit. The two or more rod-shaped members may be arranged in a line, or may be a flat plate. Since the support bar is rotated while being in direct contact with the hollow fiber bundle, the surface of the support bar is made to minimize the frictional resistance with the hollow fiber bundle, for example, the contact area is made as small as possible, or the surface is textured. It is preferable to consider.

  By inserting and rotating the support bar in the gap between the hollow fiber bundles generated in the vicinity of the claw, the hollow fiber bundle in the vicinity of the claw is widened, and the opening angle between the hollow fiber bundles between the support bar and the claw is increased, and the claw is moved. The contact between the nail and the hollow fiber can be reduced. If the support bar is inserted at a position away from the nail, the opening angle of the hollow fiber bundle is reduced, the contact amount between the nail and the hollow fiber bundle is increased, and the hollow fiber is damaged when the nail is moved. . As for the insertion position of the support bar, it is preferable that the opening angle of the skein frame bundle between the support bar and the claw when the hollow fiber bundle is spread at a position where the support bar does not interfere with the claw is 60 ° to 100 °. When the opening angle is smaller than 60 °, the amount of contact between the nail and the hollow fiber increases when the nail is moved, and the possibility of damaging the hollow fiber is increased. Further, when the opening angle is larger than 100 °, the resistance when the hollow fiber bundle is pushed and spread when the support bar is rotated 90 ° is increased, and the hollow fiber is damaged and the possibility that the hollow fiber is broken increases. . More preferably, the opening angle is set to 70 ° to 90 °.

  In the structure of the support bar, the cross section is circular and the shortest distance between the bars needs to be larger than the maximum width of the claw of the skein frame, and is preferably 5 to 10 mm wider than the maximum width of the claw. If the distance between the bars is less than 5 mm, the support bar and the claw may come into contact with each other. On the other hand, if it is larger than 10 mm, the load on the hollow fiber bundle increases when the support bar is rotated, which may damage the hollow fiber. The diameter of the bar of the support bar is preferably 5 to 12 mm, and if it is smaller than φ5 mm, the support bar may be bent when the hollow fiber bundle is expanded due to insufficient strength. On the other hand, when the diameter is larger than 12 mm, the load on the hollow fiber increases when the hollow fiber bundle is expanded, and the possibility that the hollow fiber breaks increases. It is preferable that the bar of the support bar has a structure capable of rotating smoothly by incorporating a bearing or the like. By rotating the bar of the support bar, the frictional resistance with the hollow fiber when the hollow fiber bundle is expanded is reduced, and the possibility that the hollow fiber is cut or damaged is reduced. Further, it is preferable that the surface of the support bar is treated so as to reduce the coefficient of friction with the hollow fiber similarly to the claw of the skein frame.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the support bar is first inserted into the gap between the hollow fiber bundles in a state parallel to the hollow fiber bundle. Then, the hollow fiber bundle can be expanded by rotating the support bar while maintaining the distance between the bars. Since the load applied to the hollow fiber when it is spread by the support bar can be reduced by improving the structure of the support bar and the insertion position of the support bar as described above, the hollow fiber is not broken or crushed. Generally, when a hollow fiber is wound around a two-point skein frame, the hollow fiber bundle is squeezed with a support bar in order to wind the hollow fiber bundle with a length of 1 to 3 m, a yield elongation of the hollow fiber, and below strength (80% or less). The elongation of the yarn at that time is a slight fluctuation of 0.2% or less. Therefore, the problem that the hollow fiber is broken or crushed does not occur. After pulling out the skein frame, the support bar is rotated again to return to the state parallel to the hollow fiber bundle, and then the support bar is pulled out.

  When the skein frame and the support bar are removed, the hollow fiber bundle is more slack than when it is wound around the skein frame. This is because the thickness of the gripping member is smaller than the width of the claw of the skein frame. Therefore, the size of the hollow fiber bundle becomes larger than the state wound around the skein frame, the resistance increases when the protective pipe is inserted, and the possibility that the hollow fiber is damaged increases. Therefore, the holding members at both ends of the hollow fiber bundle are pulled so as to apply a tension determined by (winding tension per hollow fiber × number of hollow fibers). By doing so, the hollow fiber bundle becomes small, and since only the tension at the time of winding is applied, problems such as breakage of the hollow fiber do not occur.

  In a state where tension is applied, the trumpet-shaped forming jig and the protective pipe set in advance on one gripping member side are moved to the hollow fiber bundle side, and the hollow fiber bundle is moved to the protective pipe by the trumpet-shaped forming jig. The hollow fiber bundle is inserted into the protective pipe while being molded to be smaller than the diameter of the end portion. In the present invention, the both ends of the hollow fiber bundle are gripped by the gripping member and inserted into the protective pipe with a certain tension applied, so that the frictional resistance between the hollow fiber bundle and the protective pipe is always constant. The problem that the hollow fiber breaks, bends, or meanders due to friction with the protective pipe does not occur. The speed for moving the forming jig and the protective pipe is preferably 100 mm / second to 400 mm / second. If it is slower than 100 mm / sec, the production speed is too slow to be used as a real production facility. When the speed is faster than 400 mm / second, the amount of change in the hollow fiber per hour increases, so that the resistance increases and the hollow fiber is broken, bent, and crushed. Preferably, the range is 200 mm / second to 300 mm / second. Therefore, when a module is manufactured using the hollow fiber bundle obtained in the present invention, there is no mixing of broken yarn, cut yarn, and meandering thread that cause leaks, so the yield is high and the quality module Can be produced.

  After the insertion is completed, the gripping part is opened, the hollow fiber bundle is cut into a predetermined length in a state where the hollow fiber bundle enters the protective pipe, and the process proceeds to the next step.

  The hollow fiber membrane used in the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, an ultrafiltration membrane used for blood purification and water treatment, a polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide as a microfiltration membrane And a hollow fiber membrane having an inner diameter of 50 to 500 μm and a film thickness of 10 to 100 μm made of regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate and the like.

  3 to 6, the hollow fiber bundle is pulled with a constant tension from both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the tension at this time is [5% of yield point of one hollow fiber × the number of hollow fibers] to [hollow 50% of the yield point of one yarn × the number of hollow fibers] is desirable. When pulling beyond the yield point, the hollow fiber will be deformed and damaged, so it is necessary to apply tension below the yield point. However, due to variations in the length of the hollow fiber, it actually affects each individual hollow fiber. There is variation in tension. Therefore, the tension is more preferably 48% or less of the yield point. It is more preferably 45% or less, and still more preferably 40% or less. If the yield point is below 5% of the lower limit of the tension, the hollow fiber may be bent by the frictional force between the forming jig and the hollow fiber, and the hollow fiber may be damaged. Therefore, the tension is more preferably 15% or more, further preferably 20% or more, and further preferably 25% or more.

  As a method of keeping the tension constant, a method of connecting a load cell for measuring the tension between the gripping part and the driving part to which the tension is applied, and controlling the driving part so that the tension measured by the load cell becomes constant, etc. However, the air cylinder is used for the drive part to apply the tension, the tension is obtained from the driving force obtained from the cross-sectional area of the cylinder part of the air cylinder and the air pressure applied to the air cylinder, and the air pressure is maintained at a predetermined pressure. It is preferable to use an air cylinder because the required method can be obtained while the system is simple in structure.

  The hollow fiber bundle is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe while moving the forming jig so that the hollow fiber bundle passes from the large diameter side to the small diameter side of the forming jig. It is preferable to select a material that can reduce the frictional force with the hollow fiber bundle for the forming jig. For example, a metal whose surface is processed, a thermoplastic resin, or the like can be used. Preferably, it is preferable to use a stainless steel material whose surface is hard chrome-plated or a fluororesin cut-out product represented by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

  The protective pipe can be inserted into the protective pipe without bending the formed hollow fiber bundle by being brought into close contact with the other end of the forming jig (on the hollow fiber bundle after forming) and moved together with the forming jig. If it is not limited, however, it is preferable to use an olefin plastic pipe as described in JP-A-7-156262, for example. The protective pipe is used to prevent damage such as disturbance or scratches in the hollow fiber bundle due to vibration during transportation and handling or generation of static electricity due to friction between the hollow fibers. What processed or embossed is preferable. The inner diameter is preferably 5% to 30% larger than the diameter at which the hollow fiber bundle is closest packed. Below 5%, the hollow fiber bundle is damaged by friction with the protective pipe when the protective pipe is attached to the hollow fiber bundle, and when the hollow fiber bundle is withdrawn from the protective pipe, the friction with the protective pipe is the same. The hollow fiber may be damaged. In addition, in the case of an inner diameter larger than 30% larger than the diameter that becomes the closest packing of the hollow fiber bundle, the hollow fiber bundle is likely to fall out from the protective pipe or shift, and thus handling becomes difficult. Unnecessary space is required for transportation and storage. The thickness of the protective pipe is preferably 0.1 mm or more, and if it is thinner than that, the hollow fiber may be damaged due to insufficient strength of the protective pipe. Moreover, since the softness | flexibility of the protection pipe itself will fall even if it is too thick, it may damage a hollow fiber. The thickness of the protective pipe is preferably about 0.5 mm or less. You may process the shaping jig side and the opposite side of a protection pipe into a trumpet shape. By processing into a trumpet shape, the pipe can be loaded without being caught by the gripping member when it is loaded on the gripping member side before insertion. It is not necessary to load the hollow fiber bundle while bringing the forming jig into close contact, and the hollow fiber bundle can be loaded without damaging the hollow fiber even if the forming jig and the protective pipe are placed at a distance of 50 mm or less. It is technically difficult to move the protective pipe and the forming jig in close contact, and if there is variation in the length of the protective pipe, the protective pipe may be crushed when the forming jig and the protective pipe are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, since the length of the protective pipe must be managed at 2 mm or less, the effect of providing a distance between the forming jig and the protective pipe is great.

  The inner diameter of one end of the forming jig is preferably increased by 5% or more of the outer diameter of the hollow fiber bundle before forming. The outer diameter of the hollow fiber bundle before forming is more preferably 10% or more larger because there is variation in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber bundle. The inner diameter of the other end is preferably 3% to 30% smaller than the inner diameter of the end face of the protective pipe, and is preferably 5% or more larger than the diameter at which the hollow fiber bundle is closest packed. More preferably, the diameter is 5% to 20% smaller than the end face diameter of the protective pipe and 7% or more larger than the diameter at which the hollow fiber bundle is closest packed. If it is smaller than this, the hollow fibers come into contact with each other, and an excessively large force is locally applied due to the variation in the outer diameter of the hollow fibers, and the hollow fibers are crushed and damaged such as deformation.

  The angle of the gradient connecting one end and the other end of the hollow fiber bundle forming jig is 2 ° to 45 °, more preferably 5 ° to 30 °, and still more preferably 8 ° with respect to the center line of the hollow fiber bundle forming jig. ~ 20 °. If the angle is smaller than this, the length of the hollow fiber bundle forming jig is abruptly increased, so the contact length between the hollow fiber and the hollow fiber bundle forming jig is increased. Friction is increased and the hollow fiber may be crushed and damaged such as deformation. Further, when the gradient angle is 45 ° or more, a force for rapidly reducing the hollow fiber bundle diameter is applied, so that there is a possibility that the hollow fiber may be broken, cut, or scratched.

  In the present invention, the hollow fiber bundle is grasped at both ends, is applied with a certain tension, and is mounted in the protective pipe while forming the hollow fiber bundle with a hollow fiber bundle forming jig. Even if the hollow fiber forming jig and the protective pipe are moved and the hollow fiber bundle is loaded into the protective pipe, the hollow fiber forming jig and the protective pipe are fixed and moved while keeping the hollow fiber bundle at a constant tension. A hollow fiber bundle may be loaded on the pipe. A mechanism for moving the hollow fiber molding jig and the protective pipe is preferable because the facilities are not complicated.

(Leak test)
A leak tester manufactured by Cosmo Keiki Co., Ltd. was used for the leak test. With this leak tester, measurement is possible with a maximum of 999 mmH ₂ O, a minimum of 1 mmH ₂ O, and an accuracy of ± 1 mmH ₂ O. Nitrogen was used as the feed gas. For the circuit connecting the leak tester and the product, a pressure-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene tube that does not change in volume even when pressurized is used, and the tube diameter is 6 mm outer diameter, 4 mm inner diameter, and 1 mm wall thickness. The circuit length was 50 cm. Before the leak test, the instrument was calibrated and zero point adjustment was performed. In addition, it was confirmed that there were no leaks in the equipment and circuits. Then, the circuit and the module were connected and measurement was performed. The supply pressure was 1.5 kgf / cm ² and the pressurization time was 20 seconds. Thereafter, after 10 seconds of equilibration time, the pressure drop value was measured for 10 seconds. A pressure drop value of 100 mmH ₂ O or less was accepted.

(Example 1)
10,000 wet hollow fibers made of polyethersulfone having an inner diameter of 200 μm and a film thickness of 30 μm were wound on a two-point skein frame shown in FIG. The winding tension was 2 g / line with respect to the yield point 8 g / line. A support bar in which both ends of the obtained hollow fiber bundle are gripped by a gripping member as shown in FIG. 3 and then polytetrafluoroethylene is coated with SUS304 in a gap formed in the hollow fiber bundle at a position as shown in FIG. The hollow fiber bundle was expanded by inserting and rotating 90 °. Thereafter, the skein frame was pulled out and at the same time the support bar was rotated again to return it to a position parallel to the hollow fiber bundle. (FIG. 6). A gripping member is pulled from both ends and transferred while applying a tension of 20 kg to the hollow fiber bundle, and a forming jig made of polytetrafluoroethylene having an opening cross-sectional area of one end of φ60 mm, an opening cross-sectional area of the other end of φ30 mm, and a length of 100 mm The hollow fiber bundle was inserted into a protective pipe having an inner diameter of 32 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm at the same time as it was molded by passing through the inside. The obtained hollow fiber bundle was cut into a length of 27 cm, and the appearance of each was examined. As a result, the presence of yarn breakage, crushing, and meandering yarn was not observed. Moreover, when a module was produced using the obtained hollow fiber bundle, the occurrence of leakage or the like was not detected, and a module of good quality could be obtained.

(Comparative Example 1)
The hollow fiber was wound around the two-point skein frame in the same manner as in Example 1, and the obtained hollow fiber bundle was gripped by the grip member, and then the skein of the skein frame was moved without using the support bar, and the skein frame was pulled out. The portion near the claw of the skein frame of the hollow fiber bundle was cut into a hollow fiber, bent and crushed when the claw was moved. Further, when the skein frame was subsequently removed from the hollow fiber bundle, the hollow fiber near the skein of the skein frame was cut, bent or crushed. In addition, the hollow fiber was caught on the claw of the skein frame, and it was difficult to pull out the skein frame. When a module was produced using the obtained hollow fiber bundle, leaks occurred frequently and there were problems in terms of yield and quality.

(Comparative Example 2)
In the same manner as in Example 1, after removing the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle using the support bar, a tension of 4 kg (yield point × 5% / piece × 1000) was applied to the hollow fiber bundle. The hollow fiber bundle was loaded into the protective pipe while forming the hollow fiber bundle with the forming jig. The tension applied to the hollow fiber bundle and the insertion resistance were not balanced, the hollow fiber bundle was disturbed on the entrance side of the forming jig, and the yarn was bent or broken at the exit of the forming jig. The hollow fibers loaded in the protective pipe were greatly undulated and some of the hollow fibers were intertwined. When a module was produced using the obtained hollow fiber bundle, leaks and poor appearance occurred frequently, and there were problems in terms of yield and quality.

(Comparative Example 3)
When removing the hollow fiber bundle from the skein frame in the same manner as in Example 1, a support bar was used, and then the tension of 68 kg (yield point x 85% / line x 1000) was applied to the hollow fiber bundle. As described above, the hollow fiber bundle was loaded into the protective pipe while forming the hollow fiber bundle with the forming jig. Although the insertion itself could be performed without resistance, since the tension applied to the hollow fiber bundle was too large, the hollow fiber near the center of the hollow fiber bundle was cut when the tension was applied. When a module was produced using the obtained hollow fiber bundle, leaks occurred frequently and there were problems in terms of yield and quality.

(Comparative Example 4)
In the same manner as in Example 1, after 10000 hollow fibers were wound around two skein frames, they were loaded into the same protective pipe as in Example 1 by the method of Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-112529. The tension applied to the hollow fiber bundle was 20 kg, and after winding the protective tape, the hollow fiber bundle was loaded into the protective pipe while releasing the protective tape. As a result, when the protective tape was wound, the hollow fiber bundle was greatly shaken and some hollow fibers were broken, and broken yarn was inserted in the protective pipe in a disordered manner. It has become unusable as a product.

(Comparative Example 5)
After removing the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle using the support bar in the same manner as in Example 1, after applying a tension of 20 kg to the hollow fiber bundle, the opening diameter at one end is φ60 mm, the opening diameter at the other end is φ30 mm, the length The hollow fiber bundle was inserted into a protective pipe having an inner diameter of 32 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm at the same time as it was formed by passing through a forming tool made of polytetrafluoroethylene of 8.7 mm (gradient 60 °). Since the hollow fiber was rapidly formed, a load was applied to the hollow fiber, and the hollow fiber bundle was swelled immediately before the exit of the forming jig, and the hollow fiber was broken, bent, or cut. When a module was produced using the obtained hollow fiber bundle, leaks occurred frequently and there were problems in terms of yield and quality.

  The present invention can be widely used in a process of inserting a hollow fiber bundle into a protective pipe in order to prevent the hollow fiber from being damaged when the hollow fiber membrane is bundled and transferred to and handled in each process. The hollow fiber bundle can be inserted into the protective pipe by reducing the damage to the hollow fiber even for the hollow fiber whose yarn strength is lower than before due to its high performance.

It is the schematic of the two-point skein frame used for this invention. It is the figure which expanded the nail | claw part. It is a figure which shows until it holds a hollow fiber membrane bundle with a holding member. It is a figure which shows the shape and arrangement | positioning of a support bar. It is a figure which shows the state which inserts and pushes a support bar in the clearance gap between hollow fiber membrane bundles. It is a figure which shows until it pulls out a 2-point skein frame and inserts a hollow fiber bundle in a protection pipe. It is a figure which shows the shape of a shaping | molding jig.

Explanation of symbols

1. Axis 2. Nails 3. Regulatory guide 4. 4. Gripping member Support bar 6. 6. Molding jig Protective pipe 8. Protective pipe pushing jig

Claims (11)

  After winding the hollow fiber around the rotating two-point skein frame a plurality of times, the two ends of the hollow fiber bundle wound around the skein frame are gripped using a gripping member, and the two-point skein frame is extracted. Then, while applying a constant tension in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber bundle, it is inserted into the protective pipe while being formed into a circular shape so as to be smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe using a forming jig. How to attach a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle.   After gripping both ends of the hollow fiber bundle with a gripping member, the hollow fiber bundle is expanded by rotating a support bar inserted in the gap of the hollow fiber bundle, and the skein frame is subsequently pulled out from the hollow fiber bundle. Item 2. A method for attaching a protective pipe to the hollow fiber bundle according to Item 1.   After rotating the support bar again and returning it to a position parallel to the gap of the hollow fiber bundle, the support bar is pulled out of the hollow fiber bundle, and then the holding member holding both ends of the hollow fiber bundle is pulled. Apply a tension of 5% of one yield point x number of hollow fibers] to [50% of yield point of one hollow fiber x number of hollow fibers] to protect the hollow fiber bundle while forming it into a circular shape with a forming jig. The method for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pipe is inserted into a pipe. (a) A gripping member for gripping both ends of the hollow fiber bundle wound around the skein frame
(b) A support bar for expanding the hollow fiber bundle when removing the skein frame from the hollow fiber bundle
(c) A forming jig for forming the hollow fiber bundle into a circular shape smaller than the inner diameter of the protective pipe
(d) A device for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle, comprising a hollow fiber bundle transfer mechanism for attaching the protective pipe to the hollow fiber bundle.   The apparatus for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to claim 4, wherein the gripping member is a mechanism for gripping a U-shaped end portion of the hollow fiber bundle comprising a pair of claws.   The hollow fiber bundle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a gripping member for gripping the hollow fiber bundle is controlled so that a tension applied to the hollow fiber bundle is detected and a constant tension is applied to the hollow fiber bundle. Protective pipe mounting device.   The apparatus for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein an opening cross-sectional area of the forming jig gradually decreases from the hollow fiber bundle inlet side toward the outlet side.   The outer diameter of the cross section on the inlet side of the hollow fiber bundle of the forming jig is 5% or more larger than the outer diameter of the hollow fiber bundle before molding, and the outer diameter of the cross section on the outlet side of the hollow fiber bundle is 3% larger than the inner diameter of the end face of the protective pipe. The apparatus for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the hollow fiber bundle has a diameter that is smaller by 5 to 30% and is 5% or more larger than the diameter at which the hollow fiber bundle is closest packed.   The angle of the gradient connecting the inlet side opening and the outlet side opening of the forming jig is 2 ° to 45 ° with respect to the center line of the forming jig. Protective pipe mounting device for hollow fiber bundles.   The apparatus for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the length of the forming jig is 10 to 200 mm.   The apparatus for attaching a protective pipe to a hollow fiber bundle according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the support bar is composed of two bars and is rotatable.

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