JP4364143B2 - Membrane element and membrane module with built-in membrane element - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a membrane element composed of a plurality of tubular membranes and a membrane module incorporating the membrane element.

  Conventionally, as this type of membrane element, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a converging body 72 obtained by converging a large number of hollow fiber membranes 71 is fixed to an inner surface of an annular member 73 while keeping its ends open. There is a fixed configuration.

  The annular member 73 is provided with a protective net member 75 that wraps the outer periphery thereof at the root of the converging body 72 and prevents the converging body 72 from spreading. If the interval between the protective net member 75 and the converging body 72 is wide, the outward spreading of the hollow fiber membrane 71 cannot be suppressed. Therefore, the interval can be minimized, or the protective net member 75 can be attached to the hollow fiber membrane. 71 is contacted.

  In addition, a water collecting pipe 76 that collects and discharges the filtered water filtered by the hollow fiber membrane 71 is disposed at the central portion of the focusing body 72. Both ends of the water collecting pipe 76 are inserted into the annular member 73 and fixed to the annular member 73 by the fixing member 74. The openings 76 a at both ends of the water collecting pipe 76 face both end faces of the membrane element 77. Further, the water collecting pipe 76 is formed with a plurality of water collecting holes 76b that open to the inner and outer peripheral surfaces.

  The membrane element 77 is housed in a container (not shown), and the container has a raw water supply port (not shown) for supplying raw water to the opening 71a at the end of each hollow fiber membrane 71. A filtered water discharge passage (not shown) for discharging the filtered water collected in the water collecting pipe 76 to the outside of the container is formed.

The membrane element having the above configuration is described in Patent Document 1 below.
According to this, the raw water supplied into the container from the raw water supply port flows into the inside of each hollow fiber membrane 71 from the opening 71a, permeates from the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 71 to the outside, and collects water as filtered water. Water is collected into the water collecting pipe 76 from 76b, and discharged from the opening 76a at the end of the water collecting pipe 76 to the outside of the container through the filtrate discharge passage.

  When backwashing is performed, the backwash water supplied from the filtered water discharge passage through the opening 76 a into the water collecting pipe 76 passes through the water collecting hole 76 b from the water collecting pipe 76, and the hollow fiber membrane 71. It flows from the outside to the inside and is discharged from the opening 71a of the hollow fiber membrane 71 to the outside of the container through the raw water supply port.

  However, in the above-described conventional format, the hollow fiber membrane 71 is a soft and flexible membrane. Therefore, when the distance between the protective net member 75 and the focusing body 72 is minimized as described above, the hollow fiber membrane 71 is used. There is a possibility that the hollow fiber membrane 71 may come into contact with the protective net material 75 due to vibrations or vibrations, and the protective net material 75 has flexibility so that the hollow fiber membrane 71 will not be damaged even if contacted. . Therefore, the protective net member 75 is weak against external force. For example, when the membrane element 77 is put in and out of the container, the protective net member 75 is easily deformed when it comes into contact with a foreign object or the like on the corner or outside of the container. The thread film 71 may be damaged. Thus, the protective net material 75 has a problem that the hollow fiber membrane 71 cannot be sufficiently protected from external objects.

  Moreover, although the hollow fiber membrane 71 is prevented from spreading to the inner central portion by the water collecting pipe 76, it is necessary to provide the water collecting pipe 76 over the entire length of the hollow fiber membrane 71, which increases the weight of the membrane element 77. There's a problem.

Moreover, since the backwash water passes through the water collection hole 76b from the inside of the water collection pipe 76 at the time of backwashing, there is a problem that the pressure loss increases, the pressure of the backwash water is greatly lost, and the backwash efficiency is lowered. is there.
Further, since the length of the membrane element 77 corresponds to the length of the container, a plurality of types of membrane elements 77 having the same number of lengths as the types of containers are used for a plurality of types of containers having different lengths. There is a problem that the number of types of membrane elements 77 increases.
JP-A-5-23550

  An object of the present invention is to provide a membrane element that can sufficiently protect a tubular membrane from outside objects, can eliminate a water collecting pipe, and further improve backwash efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide a membrane module that can use a common membrane element for containers of different lengths.

In order to achieve the above object, the membrane element in the first invention comprises a membrane assembly in which a plurality of ceramic tubular membranes are assembled, a protective cylinder covering the outer periphery of the membrane assembly, and each of the tubular membranes. And a filler that joins both ends of the protective cylinder and both ends of the protective cylinder,
Openings at both ends of each tubular membrane face both end surfaces of the membrane element,
A water collection part for collecting filtrate water is formed in a part of the membrane assembly,
Water collecting ports communicating with the water collecting portion are formed on both end faces of the membrane element,
A membrane element in which raw water flows from the opening of the tubular membrane, and filtrate is discharged from the water collection port ,
It is composed of a cylindrical casing and lids that close the openings at both ends of the casing, and a raw water inflow portion that allows raw water to flow outward from the membrane element, and a water collecting portion of the membrane element that is formed on at least one lid Is stored in a container provided with a filtered water discharge part for discharging the filtered water collected in to the outside of the container from the water collection port,
The water collection port of the membrane element facing the filtrate drainage unit can be connected to the filtrate drainage unit via a tubular water collection member .

  According to this, raw water flows from the end face of the membrane element through the opening of each tubular membrane into the tubular membrane, permeates from the inside of the tubular membrane to the outside, and is collected in the water collecting portion as filtered water. It is discharged from the water mouth.

  Since the tubular membrane is made of ceramic, it has high rigidity compared to the hollow fiber membrane, so that the tubular membrane does not spread outward like the hollow fiber membrane. Compared to less vibration. Accordingly, the radial distance between the tubular membrane and the protective cylinder is always maintained, and the tubular membrane does not contact the protective cylinder and break. As a result, the protective cylinder can be manufactured with a sufficiently strong member, and the tubular membrane can be sufficiently protected from external objects by the protective cylinder when the membrane element is taken in and out of the container or the like. .

The membrane element in the second invention is a water collection space formed by surrounding the water collection portion with a plurality of tubular membranes,
A gap along the axial direction between each tubular membrane communicates with the water collection space,
The water collecting port communicates with both end surfaces of the membrane element and both end portions of the water collecting space.

  According to this, raw water flows into the tubular membrane from the end face of the membrane element through the opening of each tubular membrane, permeates from the inside of the tubular membrane to the outside, and passes along the axial direction between the tubular membranes as filtered water. It flows into the water collection space through the gap and is discharged from the water collection space through the water collection port.

  Since the tubular membrane is made of ceramic, it has high rigidity, and thereby, it becomes possible to form a water collection space surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes. Therefore, a long water collecting pipe that extends over the entire length of the membrane element can be eliminated, and the membrane element is reduced in weight.

In addition, as described above, the filtered water flows from the surroundings into the water collection space through a long gap along the axial direction between the tubular membranes, so that compared with the case where the filtered water passes through the water collection hole of the water collection pipe, Pressure loss during filtration is reduced, and filtration efficiency is improved.

  Further, during backwashing, backwash water is supplied from the water collection port into the water collection space and dispersed from the water collection space through the gap along the axial direction between the tubular membranes around the water collection space. , Flows from the outside to the inside of the tubular membrane, passes through the inside of the tubular membrane, and is discharged from the opening at the end of the tubular membrane to the outside of the end face of the membrane element.

  Thus, the backwash water passes through the long gap along the axial direction between the tubular membranes from within the water collection space and disperses around the water collection space, so when passing through the water collection hole of the water collection pipe In comparison, the pressure loss is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the backwash water and improving the backwash efficiency.

The membrane element in the third invention is a water collection space formed by surrounding the water collection portion with a plurality of tubular membranes and a protective cylinder,
A gap along the axial direction between each tubular membrane communicates with the water collection space,
The water collection port communicates with both end surfaces of the membrane element and both end portions of the water collection space.

  According to this, since the tubular membrane is made of ceramic, it has high rigidity, and further, since the protective cylinder can be manufactured with a sufficiently strong member, the surroundings are provided with a protective cylinder and a plurality of tubular films. It becomes possible to form a water collection space surrounded by. Therefore, a long water collecting pipe that extends over the entire length of the membrane element can be eliminated, and the membrane element is reduced in weight.

  In addition, during filtration, filtered water flows from the surroundings into the water collection space through a long gap along the axial direction between the tubular membranes. The pressure loss at the time is reduced, and the filtration efficiency is improved.

  Furthermore, during backwashing, the backwash water passes through a long gap along the axial direction between the tubular membranes from within the water collection space and disperses around the water collection space. In comparison with the above, the pressure loss is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the backwash water and improving the backwash efficiency.

  Moreover, since the water collection space is formed so as to be surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes and protective cylinders, the water collection space is located at the outer end in the radial direction of the membrane element. Therefore, by disposing the membrane element with the water collecting space formed upward, the air in the membrane element is easily collected in the water collecting space and easily discharged through the water collecting port. . Thereby, the air in the membrane element can be easily removed.

In the membrane element of the fourth invention, both ends of the membrane assembly are inserted into a pair of annular headers,
Both ends of each tubular membrane, both ends of the protective cylinder, and the header are joined together by a filler.

According to this, the membrane element can be assembled with a small number of man-hours, and the production efficiency is improved.
The membrane element in the fifth invention has a plurality of membrane elements housed in a container,
The water collection ports of the membrane elements adjacent to each other can be connected to each other via a tubular connecting member .

The membrane module in the sixth invention is a membrane module in which a membrane element is housed in a container,
The membrane element includes a membrane assembly in which a plurality of ceramic tubular membranes are assembled, a protective cylinder covering the outer periphery of the membrane assembly, and both ends of the tubular membranes and both ends of the protective cylinder. Consisting of fillers,
Openings at both ends of each tubular membrane face both end surfaces of the membrane element,
A water collection part for collecting filtrate water is formed in a part of the membrane assembly,
Water collecting ports communicating with the water collecting portion are formed on both end faces of the membrane element,
Raw water flows from the opening of the tubular membrane, filtered water is discharged from the water collection port,
The container is composed of a cylindrical casing and lids that close openings at both ends of the casing,
The vessel is provided with a raw water inflow portion for allowing raw water to flow outward from the membrane element, and a filtered water discharge portion for discharging the filtrate collected in the water collection portion of the membrane element from the water collection port to the outside of the vessel,
The filtrate drainage is formed on at least one lid,
The filtered water discharge part and the water collecting port of the membrane element facing the filtered water discharge part are connected via a tubular water collecting member .

According to this, the raw water is flowing into the container from the water inlet, flows from the end face of the membrane element into the tubular film, transmitted from the inside of the tubular membrane to the outside, as filtered water, Ru is collecting in the water collecting portion . The filtered water collected in the water collecting part in this manner flows from the water collecting port through the tubular water collecting member to the filtered water discharging part, and is discharged from the filtered water discharging part to the outside of the container.

The membrane module in the seventh invention has a plurality of membrane elements housed in a container,
The water collection ports of the membrane elements adjacent to each other are connected to each other through a tubular connecting member.

  According to this, the filtered water collected by the water collection part can flow into the water collection part of another adjacent membrane element through the tubular connection member. Therefore, the filtered water collected in the water collection part flows through the tubular connection member to the water collection part of the membrane element arranged at the end in the container, and collects the water collection part of the endmost membrane element. It is discharged from the water outlet to the outside of the container through the filtered water discharge part.

  If the container length is short, the number of membrane elements stored is reduced accordingly, and if the container length is long, the number of membrane elements stored is increased accordingly. Are connected via a tubular connecting member, so that a common membrane element can be used for containers of different lengths. Thereby, the kind of membrane element with respect to the kind of container can be reduced.

In the membrane module of the eighth invention, the tubular water collecting member and the tubular connecting member are the same member.
According to this, the tubular connecting member and the tubular water collecting member can be commonly used as one type of member.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, a water passage that communicates with both end surfaces of the membrane element is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the membrane element and the inner peripheral surface of the container.
According to this, the raw water supplied into the container from the raw water inflow portion is distributed to the both end surfaces of the membrane element through the water passage, and flows into the inside of the tubular membrane through the openings at both ends of each tubular membrane and is filtered. The Thereby, since raw | natural water flows in from the both ends of each tubular membrane with sufficient balance, and is filtered, the unbalanced filtration that most raw | natural water flows in from one end of each tubular membrane and is filtered can be prevented.

  In addition, when a plurality of membrane elements are stored in series in a container, turbidity that tends to stay between the membrane elements can be discharged to the outside through the water passage. Thereby, discharge of turbidity is promoted and turbidity retention can be prevented.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the protective cylinder can be manufactured with a sufficiently strong member, and the tubular film can be sufficiently protected from external objects by the protective cylinder.
According to the second and third inventions, the water collecting pipe can be dispensed with, and the membrane element is reduced in weight. Moreover, the pressure loss of backwash water decreases at the time of backwashing, and the backwashing efficiency is improved. Furthermore, according to the third invention, since the water collection space is located at the outer end portion in the radial direction of the membrane element, the membrane element is disposed with the side where the water collection space is formed facing upward. The air inside can be easily removed.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the membrane element can be assembled with a small number of man-hours, and the production efficiency is improved .

According to the seventh invention, since a common membrane element can be used for containers of different lengths, the types of membrane elements with respect to the types of containers can be reduced .

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the tubular connecting member and the tubular water collecting member can be used in common as one kind of member, so that the types of parts can be reduced.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, raw water can be filtered from both ends of each tubular membrane with good balance, and uneven filtration can be prevented. Moreover, discharge of turbidity is promoted, and turbidity retention can be prevented.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a membrane module, which includes a container 2 and two (a plurality of) membrane elements 3 a and 3 b housed in the container 2.

  The container 2 includes a cylindrical casing 5 that is a standard product, and disk-shaped lids 7 a and 7 b that close the openings 6 a and 6 b at both ends of the casing 5. Both the lids 7a and 7b are fitted into the openings 6a and 6b, respectively, and are fixed by a C-shaped retaining ring 8 so as not to come out. In addition, inclined portions 10 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the lids 7a and 7b and the inner peripheral surfaces of both end portions of the casing 5, and the amount of entry into the lids 7a and 7b is regulated by the inclined portions 10. Yes. The outer peripheral surface of the lids 7a and 7b and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 5 are sealed with an O-ring 9.

  At both ends of the casing 5, raw water inlets 11a and 11b (an example of the raw water inflow portion) for allowing raw water to flow outward from one end surfaces of both membrane elements 3a and 3b are formed. Moreover, the one lid | cover 7a is provided with the filtered water discharge part 12 which discharges the filtrate filtered by both the membrane elements 3a and 3b outside. The filtered water discharge portion 12 includes a through hole 13 formed in one lid 7 a and a filtered water discharge pipe 14 that is inserted into the through hole 13 and communicates with the inside and outside of the container 2. The through hole 13 is also formed in the other lid 7b, but the through hole 13 is closed by a round bar-like plug member 15. The casing 5 is made of FRP or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the membrane elements 3 a and 3 b includes a membrane assembly 18 in which a plurality of ceramic tubular membranes 17 are assembled, and a protective cylinder covering the outer periphery of the membrane assembly 18. 19 and a pair of annular headers 20 fitted on both ends of the protective cylinder 19. The both ends of each tubular membrane 17, both ends of the protective cylinder 19, and the header 20 are grouped together. In this way, the filler 22 is joined.

  The tubular membrane 17 is formed in a hollow circular tube and has openings 17a at both ends. Further, both end portions of the membrane assembly 18 are inserted into the header 20, each tubular membrane 17 is supported at both ends by the filler 22, and the opening 17 a of each tubular membrane 17 is the membrane element 3 a, 3 b, respectively. Facing both end faces. The outer diameter of the header 20 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tubular membranes 17 are in contact with each other in one direction X orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the membrane elements 3a, 3b, and are in one direction with the longitudinal direction of the membrane elements 3a, 3b. They are arranged with a predetermined gap A in the other direction Y orthogonal to X.

  A water collection space 24 for collecting filtered water is formed at one central portion of the membrane assembly 18 and between both fillers 22. The water collection space 24 is a space formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17, and a long gap A along the axial direction between the tubular membranes 17 communicates with the water collection space 24. Further, a short pipe 26 is inserted into the filler 22, and the short pipe 26 forms a water collection port 25 communicating with both end faces of the membrane elements 3 a and 3 b and both end parts of the water collection space 24. Yes. The short tube 26 is also joined together with the tubular membrane 17, the protective cylinder 19, and the header 20.

  The water collection ports 25 of both the membrane elements 3 a and 3 b are connected to each other through a tubular connection member 27. As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular connection member 27 is formed in a circular tube shape, and includes a distance maintaining part 27 a and insertion parts 27 b formed at both ends of the distance maintaining part 27 a. The insertion part 27b is detachably inserted into the water collecting port 25, and the outer diameter thereof is set smaller than the outer diameter of the interval maintaining part 27a. In addition, stepped surfaces 27c are formed at both ends of the interval maintaining portion 27a so as to drop from the outer peripheral surface of the interval maintaining portion 27a to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 27b. An O-ring 28 that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 27b and the inner peripheral surface of the water collecting port 25 is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the distal end of the insertion portion 27b.

  The filtrate discharge pipe 14 of the filtrate discharge part 12 and the water collection port 25 of one membrane element 3 a are connected via a tubular water collection member 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular water collecting member 30 is a member having the same shape, size and material as the tubular connecting member 27, and similarly, the interval maintaining portion 30a, the insertion portion 30b, and the step surface 30c. And an O-ring 28. One insertion part 30 b of the tubular water collecting member 30 is inserted into the filtered water discharge pipe 14, and the other insertion part 30 b is inserted into the water collection port 25.

  The water collecting port 25 of the other membrane element 3b and the plug member 15 are similarly connected through a tubular water collecting member 30. That is, one insertion part 30 b of the tubular water collecting member 30 is inserted into the recess 15 a formed in the plug member 15, and the other insertion part 30 b is inserted into the water collection port 25.

Hereinafter, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When normal filtration is performed, raw water flows into the container 2 from the raw water inlets 11a and 11b, as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. Among these, the raw water flowing in from one raw water inlet 11a flows into the tubular membranes 17 through the openings 17a from one end surface side of the one membrane element 3a, and permeates from the inside of the tubular membrane 17 to the outside. As filtered water, water is collected in the water collecting space 24 through the gap A between the tubular membranes 17, passes through the water collecting port 25 from the water collecting space 24, passes through the tubular water collecting member 30, and goes to the outside from the filtered water discharge pipe 14. Discharged.

  Further, a part of the raw water flowing in from one raw water inlet 11a passes through the tubular membrane 17 of one membrane element 3a, flows into the tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b, and is filtered in the same manner. Is collected in the water collecting space 24 of the other membrane element 3b. Furthermore, the raw water flowing in from the other raw water inlet 11b also flows into the tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b and is similarly filtered and collected as filtered water in the water collecting space 24 of the other membrane element 3b. . Thus, the filtered water collected in the water collecting space 24 of the other membrane element 3b flows from the water collecting port 25 through the tubular connecting member 27 into the water collecting space 24 of the one membrane element 3a. It is discharged from the discharge pipe 14 to the outside.

  Further, a part of the raw water flowing in from the other raw water inlet 11b passes through the tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b, flows into the tubular membrane 17 of the one membrane element 3a, and is filtered in the same manner. Is collected in the water collection space 24 of one membrane element 3a.

  Further, at the time of backwashing, backwashing water is supplied from the filtrate drain pipe 14 to the water collecting space 24 of one membrane element 3a through the tubular water collecting member 30, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. The water is also supplied to the water collecting space 24 of the other membrane element 3b through the tubular connecting member 27. Thus, the backwash water supplied to the water collection space 24 of both membrane elements 3a, 3b is dispersed around the water collection space 24 through the gap A between the respective tubular membranes 17 and the tubular membrane 17 Flows from the outside to the inside, flows through the tubular membrane 17 and flows out of the end faces of the membrane elements 3a and 3b from the opening 17a, and is discharged to the outside from both raw water inlets 11a and 11b.

  The membrane element 3a, 3b can be taken in and out of the casing 5 by removing the retaining ring 8 from the casing 5 and removing at least one of the lids 7a, 7b from the casing 5.

  Since the tubular membrane 17 is made of ceramic, it has a higher rigidity than the hollow fiber membrane. As a result, the tubular membrane 17 does not spread outward like the hollow fiber membrane. Less vibration compared to hollow fiber membranes. Therefore, the radial distance between the tubular membrane 17 and the protective cylinder 19 is always maintained, and the tubular membrane 17 does not contact the protective cylinder 19 and is not damaged. Thereby, the protection cylinder 19 can be manufactured with a sufficiently strong member, and when the membrane elements 3a and 3b are taken in and out of the casing 5, the tubular membrane 17 is sufficiently protected from the outside by the protection cylinder 19. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, since the tubular membrane 17 is made of ceramic to ensure high rigidity, it is possible to form a water collection space 24 surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17. Therefore, a long water collecting pipe that extends over the entire length of each membrane element 3a, 3b can be eliminated, and each membrane element 3a, 3b is reduced in weight.

  Furthermore, at the time of backwashing, the backwash water passes through the gap A along the axial direction between the tubular membranes 17 from the inside of the water collection space 24 and is distributed around the water collection space 24. As compared with the case of passing through the pressure loss, the pressure loss is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the backwash water and improving the backwash efficiency.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since both ends of the tubular membrane 17, both ends of the protective cylinder 19, the header 20 and the short tube 26 are joined together by the filler 22, each membrane element 3a, 3b is joined. Can be assembled with a small number of man-hours, improving the production efficiency.

  Further, by inserting one insertion portion 27b of the tubular connecting member 27 into the water collection port 25 of one membrane element 3a and inserting the other insertion portion 27b into the water collection port 25 of the other membrane element 3b, both membrane elements 3 a and 3 b are connected via a tubular connecting member 27. At this time, the outer ends of the short pipes 26 of the water collecting ports 25 of the membrane elements 3a and 3b abut against the stepped surfaces 27c of the tubular connecting member 27, so that the distance between the membrane elements 3a and 3b is larger than a predetermined distance. Is not narrowed, and the interval is maintained.

  Moreover, one membrane element 3a is inserted by inserting one insertion part 30b of the tubular water collecting member 30 into the filtered water discharge pipe 14, and inserting the other insertion part 30b into the water collection port 25 of one membrane element 3a. The tubular water collecting member 30 is connected to the one lid 7a. At this time, the inner end of the filtered water discharge pipe 14 and the outer end of the short pipe 26 of the water collecting port 25 of the one membrane element 3 a come into contact with both step surfaces 30 c of the tubular water collecting member 30, thereby The interval between 3a and one lid 7a is not narrower than a predetermined interval, and the interval is maintained.

  Similarly, the other membrane element is obtained by inserting one insertion portion 30b of the tubular water collecting member 30 into the recess 15a of the plug member 15 and inserting the other insertion portion 30b into the water collection port 25 of the other membrane element 3b. 3 b is connected to the other lid 7 b through the tubular water collecting member 30. At this time, the inner end of the plug member 15 and the outer end of the short pipe 26 of the water collecting port 25 of the other membrane element 3b are in contact with both stepped surfaces 30c of the tubular water collecting member 30, so that the other membrane element 3b and The interval between the other lid 7b is not narrower than a predetermined interval, and the interval is maintained.

  Further, since the tubular connecting member 27 and the tubular water collecting member 30 are members having the same shape, size, and material, the tubular connecting member 27 and the tubular water collecting member 30 are commonly used as one type of member. Can do.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, since the tubular membranes 17 are arranged in contact with each other in one direction X, the number of tubular membranes 17 in the one direction X is smaller than when arranged with a gap. As a result, the membrane area of each membrane element 3a, 3b increases. Further, since the tubular membranes 17 are arranged with a predetermined gap A in the other direction Y, the gap A becomes a flow path of filtered water and backwash water, and the flow of filtered water and backwash water is obstructed. Can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a header 20, but as the second embodiment, a header 20 is provided as shown in FIG. Instead, each membrane element 3a, 3b may be constituted by a membrane assembly 18, a protective cylinder 19, a filler 22, and a short tube 26. In this case, both end portions of the tubular membrane 17, both end portions of the protective cylinder 19, and the short tube 26 are joined together by the filler 22, so that the header 20 is unnecessary, and the membrane elements 3 a and 3 b are further connected. Assembling can be done with a small number of man-hours, and the production efficiency is further improved. In this case, the outer diameter of the protective cylinder 19 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing 5.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The raw water inlets 11a and 11b are formed at the center of the lids 7a and 7b. Moreover, the water collection space 24 and the water collection port 25 are formed in the outer end part of each membrane element 3a, 3b in the radial direction. The water collection space 24 is a space formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17 and a part of the protective cylinder 19.

  According to this, since the tubular membrane 17 is made of ceramic, it has high rigidity, and furthermore, since the protective cylinder 19 can be manufactured with a sufficiently strong member, the periphery of the protective cylinder 19 and a plurality of tubular tubes are provided. It is possible to form a water collection space 24 surrounded by the membrane 17. Therefore, a long water collecting pipe that extends over the entire length of each membrane element 3a, 3b can be eliminated.

  Further, since the water collection space 24 is located at the outer end portion in the radial direction of each membrane element 3a, 3b, as shown in FIG. 7, each membrane element 3a is formed with the side where the water collection space 24 is formed facing upward. , 3b in the container 2, the air in each of the membrane elements 3a, 3b is easily collected in the water collection space 24 and easily discharged to the outside through the water collection port 25. Thereby, the air in each membrane element 3a, 3b can be easily vented.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a header 20, but as the fourth embodiment, a header 20 is provided as shown in FIG. Instead, each membrane element 3a, 3b may be constituted by a membrane assembly 18, a protective cylinder 19, a filler 22, and a short tube 26.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The raw water inlets 11a and 11b are formed at one place at the center of each lid 7a and 7b. Moreover, the two filtered water discharge parts 12 are formed in two places where 180 degrees of one lid | cover 7a was distributed. These filtered water discharge portions 12 are located closer to the outside in the radial direction than the raw water inlet 11a. Similarly, the two plug members 15 are formed at two locations on the other lid 7b that are separated by 180 °.

  The water collection space 24 is formed in two places where one membrane element 3a is distributed by 180 ° and two places where the other membrane element 3b is distributed by 180 °. These water collection spaces 24 are spaces formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17 and a part of the protective cylinder 19. Further, a water collection port 25 communicating with both end portions of each water collection space 24 and both end surfaces of each membrane element 3a, 3b is formed in the filler 22.

  Two sets of water collection ports 25 of the membrane elements 3 a and 3 b facing each other are connected to each other via two tubular connection members 27. Further, the filtered water discharge pipes 14 of the two filtered water discharge portions 12 and the two water collecting ports 25 of one membrane element 3 a facing these are connected through two tubular water collecting members 30. Similarly, the recesses 15 a of the two plug members 15 and the two water collection ports 25 of the other membrane element 3 b facing them are connected via two tubular water collection members 30.

  According to this, since both the membrane elements 3a and 3b are connected to each other at two positions via the two tubular connecting members 27, both the membrane elements 3a and 3b are inclined without being displaced in the circumferential direction. Without being connected straight. Furthermore, since one lid 7a and one membrane element 3a are connected to each other through two tubular water collecting members 30, one membrane element 3a is circular with respect to one lid 7a. They are connected straight without shifting in the circumferential direction and without tilting. Similarly, since the other lid 7b and the other membrane element 3b are connected at two locations via two tubular water collecting members 30, the other membrane element 3b is connected to the other lid 7b. It is connected straight without shifting in the circumferential direction and without tilting. Thereby, in the container 2, it can prevent that both membrane element 3a, 3b mutually shifts | deviates in the circumferential direction and is connected, and can position both membrane element 3a, 3b in the circumferential direction. it can.

  In the fifth embodiment, two water collection spaces 24 are formed in each of the membrane elements 3a and 3b, but a plurality of three or more may be formed. Similarly, two filtered water discharge pipes 14 are provided on one lid 7a and two plug members 15 are provided on the other lid 7b, but a plurality of three or more may be provided. Further, according to the number of the filtrate drain pipes 14 and the number of the water collecting ports 25 of the one membrane element 3a, a plurality of three or more tubular water collecting members 30 are provided, and the water collecting port of the one membrane element 3a is provided. 25 and the filtrate drain pipe 14 may be connected. Further, according to the number of the plug members 15 and the number of the water collecting ports 25 of the other membrane element 3b, a plurality of three or more tubular water collecting members 30 are provided, and the water collecting ports 25 of the other membrane element 3b The plug member 15 may be connected.

Similarly, three or more tubular connection members 27 may be provided to connect the water collection ports 25 of both membrane elements 3a and 3b.
In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a header 20, but as the sixth embodiment, a header 20 is provided as shown in FIG. Instead, each membrane element 3a, 3b may be constituted by a membrane assembly 18, a protective cylinder 19, a filler 22, and a short tube 26.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a water pipe 35 that opens to both end faces of the membrane elements 3a, 3b. The water flow pipe 35 and the water collection space 24 are respectively distributed by 180 ° and are provided at the radially outer ends of the membrane elements 3a and 3b. The water collection space 24 of each membrane element 3a, 3b is a space formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17 and a part of the protective cylinder 19.

Both ends of the tubular membrane 17, both ends of the protective cylinder 19, both ends of the water flow pipe 35, the header 20 and the short pipe 26 are joined together by a filler 22.
According to this, raw | natural water flows in into the container 2 from both raw | natural water inflow ports 11a and 11b. Among these, a part of the raw water flowing into the space B on the one end face side of the one membrane element 3a from the one raw water inlet 11a passes through the water pipe 35 of the one membrane element 3a, and passes through the water pipe 35 of one membrane element 3a. It is also supplied to the space C on the other end surface side.

  As a result, the raw water can be distributed to the spaces B and C on the both end faces of one membrane element 3a, and the raw water is introduced into the inside of the tubular membrane 17 from the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the one membrane element 3a. Flow into. Accordingly, since raw water flows in a balanced manner through the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of one membrane element 3a and is filtered, most of the raw water is opened at one end of each tubular membrane 17 of one membrane element 3a. Uneven filtration, such as flowing in from the portion 17a and being filtered, can be prevented.

  Further, part of the raw water flowing into the space D on the one end face side of the other membrane element 3b from the other raw water inlet 11b passes through the water pipe 35 of the other membrane element 3b, and the other membrane element 3b. It is also supplied to the space C on the end face side.

  As a result, the raw water can be distributed to the spaces C and D on the both end surfaces of the other membrane element 3b, and the raw water is introduced into the inside of the tubular membrane 17 from the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b. Flow into. Accordingly, since raw water flows in a balanced manner through the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b and is filtered, most of the raw water is opened at one end of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b. Uneven filtration, such as flowing in from the portion 17a and being filtered, can be prevented.

  Moreover, the turbidity that tends to stay in the space C between the membrane elements 3a and 3b during backwashing is discharged to the spaces B and D through the water flow pipe 35 and from the raw water inlets 11a and 11b to the outside of the container 2. Discharged. Thereby, discharge of turbidity is promoted and turbidity retention can be prevented.

  Further, since both ends of the tubular membrane 17, both ends of the protective cylinder 19, both ends of the water flow pipe 35, the header 20 and the short pipe 26 are joined together by the filler 22, each membrane element 3 a, 3 b Can be assembled with a small number of man-hours, improving the production efficiency.

  In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a header 20, but as the eighth embodiment, a header 20 is provided as shown in FIG. Instead, each membrane element 3 a, 3 b may be constituted by the membrane assembly 18, the protective cylinder 19, the short pipe 26, the water pipe 35 and the filler 22.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
A part E of the outer peripheral surface of the header 20 of each of the membrane elements 3a and 3b and a part F of the protective cylinder 19 are formed in a flat shape instead of a circular shape. Thereby, the water flow path 37 connected to the both end surfaces of each membrane element 3a, 3b is formed between the part E, F of the outer peripheral surface of each membrane element 3a, 3b and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 5. The water passage 37 and the water collection space 24 are in a positional relationship that is distributed by 180 ° with respect to the centers of the membrane elements 3a and 3b. The water collection space 24 of each membrane element 3a, 3b is a space formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes 17 and a part of the protective cylinder 19.

  According to this, raw | natural water flows in into the container 2 from both raw | natural water inflow ports 11a and 11b. Among these, a part of the raw water flowing into the space B on the one end face side of the one membrane element 3a from the one raw water inlet 11a passes through the water passage 37 between the one membrane element 3a and the casing 5, It is also supplied to the space C on the other end surface side of the one membrane element 3a.

  As a result, the raw water can be distributed to the spaces B and C on the both end faces of one membrane element 3a, and the raw water is introduced into the inside of the tubular membrane 17 from the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the one membrane element 3a. Flow into. Accordingly, since raw water flows in a balanced manner through the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of one membrane element 3a and is filtered, most of the raw water is opened at one end of each tubular membrane 17 of one membrane element 3a. Uneven filtration, such as flowing in from the portion 17a and being filtered, can be prevented.

  Further, a part of the raw water flowing into the space D on the one end face side of the other membrane element 3b from the other raw water inlet 11b passes through the water passage 37 between the other membrane element 3b and the casing 5, and the other It is also supplied to the space C on the other end surface side of the membrane element 3b.

  As a result, the raw water can be distributed to the spaces C and D on the both end surfaces of the other membrane element 3b, and the raw water is introduced into the inside of the tubular membrane 17 from the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b. Flow into. Accordingly, since raw water flows in a balanced manner through the openings 17a at both ends of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b and is filtered, most of the raw water is opened at one end of each tubular membrane 17 of the other membrane element 3b. Uneven filtration, such as flowing in from the portion 17a and being filtered, can be prevented.

  Moreover, the turbidity that tends to stay in the space C between the membrane elements 3a and 3b during backwashing is discharged to the spaces B and D through the water passage 37, and from the raw water inlets 11a and 11b to the outside of the container 2. Discharged. Thereby, discharge of turbidity is promoted and turbidity retention can be prevented.

  In the ninth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, each membrane element 3a, 3b is provided with a header 20, but as the tenth embodiment, a header 20 is provided as shown in FIG. Instead, each membrane element 3a, 3b may be composed of a membrane assembly 18, a protective cylinder 19, a short tube 26, and a filler 22.

  In each of the above embodiments, the two membrane elements 3a and 3b are accommodated in the container 2. However, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), one membrane element 3a and 3b is accommodated in the container 2. The membrane element 3a may be accommodated. In this case, the tubular connection member 27 is unnecessary, one water collection port 25 of the membrane element 3 a is connected to the filtrate drain pipe 14 via the tubular water collection member 30, and the other water collection port 25 is the tubular water collection member 30. It is connected to the plug member 15 via

  As a twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23B, three membrane elements 3a, 3b, 3c may be accommodated in the container 2. In this case, one water collecting port 25 of the middle membrane element 3c and the other water collecting port 25 of the one end membrane element 3a are connected via the tubular connecting member 27, and the other water collecting port 25 of the middle membrane element 3c is connected. The water port 25 and one water collecting port 25 of the membrane element 3 b at the other end are connected via a tubular connecting member 27.

  According to this, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), in the membrane module 1 containing the three membrane elements 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, the filtered water collected in each water collection space 24 is the tubular connecting member 27. And can flow into the water collecting space 24 of another adjacent membrane element 3a, 3b, 3c. Accordingly, the filtered water collected in the water collecting space 24 of the membrane element 3b at the other end flows through the tubular connecting member 27 into the water collecting space 24 of the intermediate membrane element 3c, and the intermediate membrane element 3c. The filtered water collected in the water collection space 24 flows into the water collection space 24 of the membrane element 3a at one end through the tubular connecting member 27, and finally, the tubular collection from the water collection port 25 of the membrane element 3a at one end. It passes through the water member 30 and is discharged to the outside through the filtered water discharge pipe 14.

  At the time of backwashing, backwash water is supplied from the filtered water discharge pipe 14 through the tubular water collecting member 30 to the water collecting space 24 of the membrane element 3a at one end, and a part of the water is collected. 24 is supplied to the water collecting space 24 of the intermediate membrane element 3c through the tubular connecting member 27, and a part of the water is supplied from the water collecting space 24 through the tubular connecting member 27 to the membrane element 3b at the other end. It is supplied to the water collection space 24. Thereby, backwash water is supplied to each membrane element 3a, 3b, 3c, and each membrane element 3a, 3b, 3c is backwashed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), when the length of the container 2 is short, the number of the membrane elements 3a is reduced to one accordingly, and as shown in FIG. When the length is long, the number of the membrane elements 3a, 3b, 3c is increased to three accordingly, so that the common membrane elements 3a, 3b, 3c are used for the containers 2 of different lengths. Can do. Thereby, the kind of membrane element 3a, 3b, 3c with respect to the kind of container 2 can be reduced.

  In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23B, three membrane elements 3a, 3b, 3c are housed in the container 2, but depending on the length of the container 2. A plurality of four or more may be stored.

  In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the tubular membranes 17 are brought into contact with each other in one direction X and arranged with a predetermined gap A in the other direction Y. As a form, as shown in FIG. 24A, the tubular membranes 17 may be arranged in contact with each other in one direction X and in contact with each other in the other direction Y. According to this, the number of the tubular membranes 17 further increases, and the membrane area of the membrane element further increases.

  Further, as a fourteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24B, the tubular membranes 17 are arranged with a predetermined gap A in the other direction Y and with a predetermined gap G in one direction X. May be. According to this, both the gaps A and G serve as a flow path for the filtrate water, and the flow of the filtrate water can be further prevented from being hindered. The gaps A and G may have the same size or different sizes.

  In each of the above embodiments, the filtered water discharge pipe 14 is provided in one lid 7a and the plug member 15 is provided in the other lid 7b. However, the reverse may be possible. The filtered water discharge pipes 14 may be provided on both the lids 7a and 7b, and the filtered water may be discharged from both ends of the container 2 or backwash water may be supplied.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the protective cylinder 19 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but the gap between the outer peripheral surface of each end of each membrane element and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 5 is sealed with a sealing material such as an O-ring. In this case, holes that open to the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface may be formed in the protective cylinder 19. By forming the holes in this way, the membrane element can be further reduced in weight, and the inside of the membrane element, that is, the state of the tubular membrane 17 can be observed from the outside of the membrane element.

It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of a membrane module. It is a WW arrow directional view in FIG. It is a ZZ arrow line view in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the tubular connection member and tubular water collection member of a membrane module. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of the membrane module in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of a membrane module. It is a WW arrow directional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of the membrane module in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of a membrane module. It is a WW arrow directional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of the membrane module in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of a membrane module. It is a WW arrow directional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of the membrane module in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of a membrane module. It is a WW arrow directional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the membrane element of the membrane module in the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the membrane module in the 11th and 12th embodiment of this invention, (a) shows 11th Embodiment, (b) shows 12th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence pattern of the tubular membrane of the membrane element of the membrane module in 13th and 14th embodiment of this invention, (a) is 13th Embodiment, (b) is 14th Embodiment. The form is shown. It is a figure of the conventional membrane element.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Membrane module 2 Container 3a-3c Membrane element 5 Casing 7a, 7b Lid 11a, 11b Raw water inlet (raw water inflow part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Filtration water discharge part 17 Tubular membrane 17a Opening part 18 Membrane aggregate 19 Protection cylinder 20 Header 22 Filler 24 Water collection space (water collection part)
25 Water collection port 27 Tubular connection member 30 Tubular water collection member 35 Water flow pipe 37 Water flow path A Gap X One direction Y Other direction

Claims (9)

A membrane assembly in which a plurality of ceramic tubular membranes are aggregated, a protective cylinder that covers the outer periphery of the membrane aggregate, and a filler that joins both ends of each tubular membrane and both ends of the protective cylinder Configured,
Openings at both ends of each tubular membrane face both end surfaces of the membrane element,
A water collection part for collecting filtrate water is formed in a part of the membrane assembly,
Water collecting ports communicating with the water collecting portion are formed on both end faces of the membrane element,
A membrane element in which raw water flows from the opening of the tubular membrane, and filtrate is discharged from the water collection port ,
It is composed of a cylindrical casing and lids that close the openings at both ends of the casing, and a raw water inflow portion that allows raw water to flow outward from the membrane element, and a water collecting portion of the membrane element that is formed on at least one lid Is stored in a container provided with a filtered water discharge part for discharging the filtered water collected in to the outside of the container from the water collection port,
A membrane element characterized in that the water collection port of the membrane element facing the filtrate drainage can be connected to the filtrate drainage via a tubular water collection member . The water collection part is a water collection space that is formed by being surrounded by a plurality of tubular membranes,
A gap along the axial direction between each tubular membrane communicates with the water collection space,
The membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the water collection port communicates with both end faces of the membrane element and both end portions of the water collection space. The water collection part is a water collection space formed by surrounding a plurality of tubular membranes and protective cylinders,
A gap along the axial direction between each tubular membrane communicates with the water collection space,
2. The membrane element according to claim 1, wherein the water collection port communicates with both end faces of the membrane element and both end portions of the water collection space. Both ends of the membrane assembly are inserted into a pair of annular headers,
The membrane element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both ends of each tubular membrane, both ends of the protective cylinder, and a header are joined together by a filler. A plurality of membrane elements are stored in the container,
The membrane element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water collection ports of the membrane elements adjacent to each other are connectable via a tubular connecting member . A membrane module containing a membrane element in a container,
The membrane element includes a membrane assembly in which a plurality of ceramic tubular membranes are assembled, a protective cylinder covering the outer periphery of the membrane assembly, and both ends of the tubular membranes and both ends of the protective cylinder. Consisting of fillers,
Openings at both ends of each tubular membrane face both end surfaces of the membrane element,
A water collection part for collecting filtrate water is formed in a part of the membrane assembly,
Water collecting ports communicating with the water collecting portion are formed on both end faces of the membrane element,
Raw water flows from the opening of the tubular membrane, filtered water is discharged from the water collection port,
The container is composed of a cylindrical casing and lids that close openings at both ends of the casing,
The vessel is provided with a raw water inflow portion for allowing raw water to flow outward from the membrane element, and a filtered water discharge portion for discharging the filtrate collected in the water collection portion of the membrane element from the water collection port to the outside of the vessel,
The filtrate drainage is formed on at least one lid,
A membrane module, wherein the filtrate drainage section and a drainage port of a membrane element facing the filtrate drainage section are connected via a tubular catchment member. A plurality of membrane elements are stored in the container,
The membrane module according to claim 6, wherein the water collection ports of the membrane elements adjacent to each other are connected to each other via a tubular connecting member . The membrane module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the tubular water collecting member and the tubular connecting member are the same member . 9. A water passage that communicates with both end faces of the membrane element is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the membrane element and the inner peripheral surface of the container. membrane module.

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