JP4984542B2 - Hollow fiber membrane module manufacturing method and hollow fiber membrane module - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module manufacturing method and a hollow fiber membrane module that perform gas humidification, dehumidification, separation, liquid separation, and the like by utilizing a membrane separation action of a hollow fiber membrane.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell needs to be operated by humidifying a reaction gas (fuel gas such as hydrogen, oxidant gas such as oxygen) in order to keep the ion exchange membrane moist. As this humidifying means, there is a method of humidifying a reaction gas supplied to a fuel cell by a wet reaction exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell using a humidifying hollow fiber membrane module (see Patent Document 1).

  Generally, this type of hollow fiber membrane module is a hollow fiber membrane cartridge in which both ends of a hollow fiber membrane packed in a cylindrical case are sealed with a potting agent, and this cartridge is housed in a housing case, or A fluid focusing head (see Patent Document 2) is attached to both ends of the cartridge.

  A manufacturing process of this type of hollow fiber membrane module will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a manufacturing process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to the prior art. However, in FIG. 11, only the state of the hollow fiber membrane module in each step is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 402 are filled in the case 403.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, a sealing portion 404 is created by filling a sealing agent (potting agent) such as an epoxy resin. In the figure, reference numeral 405 denotes a lid fixed to the end of the case 403 so that the sealant does not leak.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, after the sealing portion 404 is cured, both ends of the case 403 are cut off together with the lid 405 at positions including both portions of the sealing portion 404 at both ends of the case 403.

  Thereby, the opening 406 is formed such that only the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 402 is opened.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-112016 JP 2004-154772 A

  As described above, in the hollow fiber membrane cartridge used in the conventional hollow fiber membrane module, both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are cut together with the case to form an open end surface. It was necessary to provide a fluid circulation port by storing the head in both ends.

Such a hollow fiber membrane module has a large gap in the position of the distribution port at the time of assembly due to the accuracy of the opening end face and the mounting accuracy of the head, so the module distribution port and the fuel cell distribution port are directly connected. I couldn't let you. That is, the flow port of the hollow fiber membrane module and the flow port on the fuel cell side need to be connected via a gas pipe or the like provided in the middle.

  On the other hand, recently, as a use of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, for example, a low output type fuel cell for mobile use has been proposed. Since this type of fuel cell generally has a small amount of power generation, the reaction gas flow rate to be supplied also decreases. Therefore, in this type of fuel cell, downsizing of the fuel cell itself is the biggest issue, and the humidifying hollow fiber membrane module used for this is required to be as small as possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that does not require housing in a housing and attachment of a head or the like, and a method for manufacturing the same. There is.

In order to achieve the above object, the hollow fiber membrane module manufacturing method in the present invention is:
A hollow fiber membrane in which the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane opens at the end surface of the bundle portion formed by binding the ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and curing the elastic member poured between the outer membrane walls at the ends Forming a bundle;
In a case having a first opening for a route passing through the hollow interior and a second opening for a route passing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane, the internal space of the case has an inner wall surface of the case and the binding portion A first space that is formed by an end surface of the hollow fiber membrane that is open to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane and that circulates to the outside of the case through the first opening, a case inner wall surface, and a membrane of the hollow fiber membrane The outer peripheral surface of the bundling portion is arranged in the case so as to be divided into a space formed by an outer wall surface and the bundling portion and circulated to the outside of the case through the second opening. Accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle in close contact with the wall surface ;
In the second space of the case , a liquid adhesive is injected between the binding portion and the second opening of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is obtained by curing the liquid adhesive. And sealing and fixing in the case,
The bundling portion prevents the liquid adhesive from flowing out to the end surface side of the bundling portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  Thus, in the manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane module, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle is prepared in advance, and this is housed in the module case and fixed with the liquid adhesive, the binding portion is the liquid adhesive binding portion. Since the outflow to the end face side is prevented, it is not necessary to cut the cured portion in order to open the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane after the liquid adhesive (potting agent) is cured, as in the prior art.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the case includes an inlet and an outlet for the liquid adhesive, and the inlet and the outlet are closed by the cured liquid adhesive.

  In this way, the case itself is provided with an injection port for the adhesive, so it is necessary to use a dedicated jig for injection or to devise and use the fluid inlet and outlet for liquid adhesive injection. Absent. Moreover, since the hardened liquid adhesive plugs the injection port and the discharge port, it is possible to prevent fluid from leaking from them, and there is no problem as a product.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the second space in the case, the gap between the inner wall of the case and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the region filled with the liquid adhesive is a liquid adhesive. It is characterized by being larger than the gap between the inner wall of the case in the region other than the region to be filled and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  As described above, since the gap between the case inner wall in the region filled with the liquid adhesive and the outer periphery of the membrane bundle is large, the wraparound of the adhesive occurs smoothly, and the region between the case inner wall and the membrane bundle outer periphery in the region where membrane separation is performed Since the gap is small, the amount of fluid that flows out without being involved in membrane separation can be reduced.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce defects due to insufficient filling of the liquid adhesive and improve the humidification efficiency.

  The case may be made of a metal material.

  The metal material may be aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy thereof.

  As a general configuration of the fuel cell, a fuel cell stack, a current collector plate, a fastening plate, and the like can be generally given. The fuel cell stack is composed of a plurality of fuel cells stacked via separators, and current collectors are stacked on both sides in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, and current generated inside the fuel cell stack is generated. Collect and enable external power supply. The fastening plate is placed on the outer side of the current collector plate, and the combustion stack and the current collector plate are fastened from both sides in the stacking direction by bolts or the like.

  Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane module is integrated with the fuel cell stack and used for humidifying the reaction gas of the fuel cell, if the case is made of a metal material, appropriate wiring is provided to the case due to its electrical conductivity. It is possible to provide a function as a current collector plate. In addition, since the rigidity of the case is increased, it is possible to directly tighten the hollow fiber membrane module without using the fastening plate. Furthermore, due to its thermal conductivity, it is possible to dissipate heat generated by power generation through the hollow fiber membrane module.

  Therefore, a current collecting plate, a fastening plate and the like are not required, and the number of members can be reduced, and the fuel cell system can be reduced in size and simplified.

In order to achieve the above object, the hollow fiber membrane module in the present invention is:
A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a case for accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle,
A hollow fiber membrane bundle fixing part for sealing and fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the case, which is formed by curing a liquid adhesive filled between a case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane,
A bundling portion for bundling the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, formed by curing an elastic member poured between outer membrane walls at the end portion , and opening the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane at the bundling portion end surface And a bundling portion that prevents the liquid adhesive from flowing out to the bundling portion end surface side while the outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the case and divides the internal space of the case .
One space of the internal space of the case divided by the binding portion, a first space formed by an inner wall surface of the case and an end surface where the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane of the binding portion is opened,
A second space formed by the inner wall surface of the case, the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle fixing portion, which is the other space of the inner space of the case divided by the binding portion. ,
A first opening for a path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane, provided in the case so as to circulate between the first space and the outside of the case;
The hollow provided in the case so as to circulate between the second space and the outside of the case
A second opening for a path passing through the outside of the membrane of the thread membrane;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a groove for guiding the liquid adhesive is provided between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the inner wall of the case in a region filled with the liquid adhesive on the inner wall of the case. It is characterized by being.

  In this way, in the region where the liquid adhesive is filled, for example, by providing a groove on the inner wall surface of the case, the liquid adhesive smoothly wraps around the inner wall surface of the case.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce problems due to insufficient filling of the liquid adhesive.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the second space in the case, the gap between the inner wall of the case and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the region filled with the liquid adhesive is a liquid adhesive. It is characterized by being larger than the gap between the inner wall of the case in the region other than the region to be filled and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case, and positioning means for determining the mounting position of the hollow fiber membrane module for mounting surfaces, said first opening, be provided integrally with said second opening It is characterized by.

  Thus, since the positioning means for the attachment counterpart of the fuel cell or the like and the opening forming the flow path are integrally provided on the case, the positional accuracy of the opening with respect to the positioning means can be increased. .

  In addition, since the positioning accuracy between the positioning means and the opening becomes high, the opening of the mounting partner and the opening of the module can be directly and accurately connected without using a gas pipe or the like separately provided in the middle as in the prior art. It can be well connected.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the case is configured to be divided into two in the thickness direction.

  For example, the module case has a configuration in which a case body divided into two in the thickness direction and a case lid are bonded to each other, so that a positioning means for an attachment partner and an opening for forming a flow path are formed on one case lid. By forming, the positional accuracy between the positioning means and the opening can be increased.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, both ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together, and the case includes the first opening as an inlet and the first opening as an outlet. provided and, within the casing, the first opening is viewed circulation of one end of the hollow fiber membrane as the inlet, viewed circulation of the other end of the first opening as the outlet the hollow fiber membrane Thus, a partition member for partitioning the first space is provided.

  Thus, the flow path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane can be formed by partitioning the inlet and the outlet by the partition member.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the case includes a means for injecting an adhesive between the partition member and the binding portion.

  Thus, by injecting an adhesive between the partition member and the binding portion, it is possible to improve the sealing performance of the path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane.

  The case may be made of a metal material.

  The metal material may be aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy thereof.

  As described above, the hollow fiber membrane module and the manufacturing method of the present invention do not require a step such as cutting the potting portion as in the prior art, and further accommodate the module in the housing or attach a head or the like. Since it is not necessary, the number of members can be reduced, and therefore, space can be saved and the module can be reduced in size.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. .

First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention is demonstrated. Fig.1 (a) is a typical perspective view of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. FIG.1 (c) is a typical front view of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention seen from the direction of arrow B in Fig.1 (a). Fig.2 (a) is a schematic diagram of the CC cross section of FIG.1 (c) of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. FIG.2 (b) is the schematic diagram of the DD cross section of FIG.1 (b) of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention.

  The hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 and a case 3.

  The hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 4, and opening both ends of each hollow fiber membrane 4, and binding both ends thereof with a flexible elastic material such as silicon or urethane (bundling) Part 5).

  The substantially hexahedron-shaped case 3 has a pair of first openings 61 and 62 for circulating fluid inside the hollow fiber membrane 4 and a pair of first openings for circulating fluid outside the hollow fiber membrane. Two openings 71 and 72 are provided.

  The case 3 is provided with a pin hole 8 for attaching the hollow fiber membrane module 1 to an attachment partner (not shown) such as a fuel cell, and the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is provided by a screw or the like passed through the pin hole 8. And the mounting partner can be stacked and integrally assembled and fastened.

  In this embodiment, pin holes are used as attachment means to the attachment counterpart. For example, other attachments such as fitting by fitting a convex portion provided in the module case with a concave portion provided in the attachment counterpart are possible. It is also possible to use positioning means.

  Furthermore, since the opening and the mounting pin hole are integrally provided in the module case 3, the positional accuracy of these can be increased, and the high positional accuracy of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 It is possible to directly connect the opening and the gas inlet / exhaust port on the mounting counterpart without using a gas pipe or the like. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of members and improve the sealing performance of the gas flow path, and further contribute to space saving and downsizing of the module.

  The binding part 5 made of an elastic material is disposed between the first opening 61 and the second opening 71 and between the first opening 62 and the second opening 72.

  For example, a liquid adhesive such as epoxy or urethane is filled between the bundling portion 5 and the second openings 71 and 72, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is sealed and fixed in the case by curing of the liquid adhesive. (Fixing part 9).

  The internal space of the case 3 includes a space formed by the binding portion 5 and the fixing portion 9 by the inner wall surface of the case and the end surface of the binding portion 5 in which the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane is opened, and the inner wall surface of the case and the hollow fiber membrane 4. It is divided into a space formed by the outer wall surface of the film and the fixing portion 9.

  Thus, a first path is formed by the first openings 61 and 62, the space formed by the inner wall surface of the case and the end face of the binding portion, and the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 4, and the second openings 71 and 72 are formed. The second path is formed by the space formed by the inner wall surface of the case, the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane and the fixing portion 9.

As the case 3, a resin material made of a general material can be used. However, when the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used by being stacked on the fuel cell stack for humidifying the reaction gas of the fuel cell. Adopts a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy thereof as the case 3 so that the hollow fiber membrane module 1 functions as a current collector plate and a fastening plate of the fuel cell stack. be able to.

  That is, when a resin material, which is a general material, is used as the case of the hollow fiber membrane module, a current collector plate is separately used to collect the current generated inside the fuel cell stack and supply it to the outside. In addition, a fastening plate is required because of the strength of the resin case. For this reason, the fuel cell system becomes large and the configuration may be complicated.

  Therefore, if the case 3 is made of a metal material, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 can be caused to function as a current collector plate by providing appropriate wiring to the case 3 due to its electrical conductivity.

  In addition, since the rigidity is increased, the fuel cell stack configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cells can be directly tightened by the hollow fiber membrane module without using the fastening plate. Tightening can be performed, for example, by passing a fastening member such as a bolt through the pin hole 8.

  Further, due to the thermal conductivity, heat generated by power generation can be released through the hollow fiber membrane module.

  Therefore, a current collecting plate, a fastening plate and the like are not required, and the number of members can be reduced, and the fuel cell system can be reduced in size and simplified.

  Further, the corrosion resistance of the hollow fiber membrane module can be improved by performing a gold plating process or the like on the surface of the metal case.

  Next, the usage method of the hollow fiber membrane module comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

  First, a gas such as air containing water vapor or water (hereinafter referred to as “gas or the like”) is sent into the case 3 from one first opening 61 (arrow E). The gas or the like sent into the case 3 passes through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and is discharged from the other first opening 62.

  On the other hand, the humidifying target gas is sent into the case 3 from one second opening 71 (arrow F). The gas or the like sent into the case 3 passes through the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 4, is discharged from the other second opening 72, and is sent into a mounting partner such as a fuel cell.

  By doing so, in the process in which the gas containing water vapor passes through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 4, moisture contained in the gas or the like passes through the membrane and is discharged to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 4. . Therefore, the humidifying target gas is humidified in the process of passing through the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and is sent into the mounting partner.

  In addition, in the description so far, the case where a gas containing water vapor is flowed to the hollow inner side of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and the humidification target gas is flowed to the outer side of the hollow fiber membrane 4 has been described. It goes without saying that the gas to be humidified can be humidified even if a gas containing water vapor is allowed to flow on the outer side of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and the gas to be humidified is allowed to flow on the hollow inner side of the hollow fiber membrane 4.

In the present embodiment, the case of humidifying the gas using the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane has been described. However, the dehumidification of the gas using the membrane separation action, the removal of foreign substances in the fluid, the separation, etc. It is also possible to do this.

  Further, when used for humidifying the reaction gas of the fuel cell, as described above, the case 3 is made of a metal material, thereby collecting current generated in the fuel cell stack, The heat generated by tightening and power generation can be dissipated, and can function as a current collecting plate and a fastening plate of the fuel cell stack.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane bundle used for the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a jig used for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the hollow fiber membrane opening end surface of the binding portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. FIG. 5 is a schematic production process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the hollow fiber membrane manufacturing jig includes a jig body 12 and a jig lid 13. The jig is made of an acrylic resin material, for example.

  A fluorine-based mold release agent is applied to the jig body 12 and the jig lid 13, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 4 are bundled and sealed (FIG. 5 (a)). The jig lid 13 is fixed to the jig main body 12 with a tapping screw 14 or the like.

  The hollow fiber membrane 4 is cut at the end face of the jig. The hollow fiber membranes 4 are aligned, and both ends thereof are sealed with an adhesive such as epoxy (sealing portion 15).

  After the adhesive is cured, the silicon insertion nozzle 16 is fixed to one potting portion, and the jig is fixed to a rotary potting device (not shown).

  The potting device is activated, and silicon is poured between the jig body 12 and the jig lid 13 to fill the silicon (FIG. 5B). Excess silicon flows out to the side (arrow G).

  After rotating at room temperature for 30 minutes, it is kept in a constant temperature bath at 60 ° C. for 3 hours.

  Similarly, silicon potting is performed on the opposite side.

  The jig lid 13 is removed, and the vicinity of the end face of the sealing portion 15 is cut with a cutter. The strip is taken out from the jig body 12 and cut with a cutter so that the potting portion (binding portion 5) is 2 to 3 mm (FIG. 5C). The jig is an acrylic case, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 can be removed by the effect of the release agent without the potting part sticking to the jig.

  FIG. 4 shows an end face of the binding portion 5 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 manufactured in this way. As shown in the figure, the outer wall of the hollow fiber membrane 4 is sealed with a potting agent, and only the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 4 is open at the end face.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on 1st Example of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic manufacturing process diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view showing the case main body before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is accommodated, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle is accommodated in the case main body. FIG. 7C is a schematic perspective plan view showing a state in which a case lid is bonded to the case main body.

  The substantially hexahedron case 3 includes a case lid 31 and a case main body 32. The case main body 32 has a membrane accommodating portion 22 for accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2.

  The membrane accommodating portion 22 is open in the direction of the mating surface with the case lid 31, and a space for accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is formed inside the case 3 by bonding the case lid 31 and the case body 32.

  The hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 manufactured as described above is accommodated in the membrane accommodating portion 22 of the case main body 32, and the case lid 31 is bonded to the case main body 32.

  The binding portion 5 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is accommodated in close contact with the inner wall of the case 3 on the entire outer peripheral surface thereof.

  In the case 3, the second openings 71 and 72, the liquid adhesive inlet 10, and the liquid adhesive outlet 11 are provided on the inner side of the housing location of the binding part 5 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. The filling region of the hollow fiber membrane 4 communicates with the outside of the case 3.

  The second opening 71 is provided on one binding part 5 side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2, and the second opening 72 is provided on the other binding part 5 side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. One inlet 10 is provided between each of the binding portions 5 and the second opening 71 and between the other binding portion 5 and the second opening 72. A pair of discharge ports 11 is provided between each injection port 10 and the second openings 71 and 72. On the bottom surface of the film housing portion 22, a groove 92 is provided between the injection port 10 and the discharge port 11 to help the liquid adhesive wrap around the film housing portion 22.

  A liquid adhesive is poured into the case 3 from the inlet 10 (arrow H). The poured liquid adhesive overflows from the discharge port 11 (arrow I) because the open end face side of the hollow fiber membrane 4 is sealed by the binding portion 5. The liquid adhesive is poured and cured until the liquid adhesive overflows from the discharge port 11 and the discharge port 11 is filled with the liquid adhesive. The injection port 10 and the discharge port 11 are closed by the hardened adhesive (fixing part 9).

  Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the present embodiment, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is prepared in advance and accommodated in the module case 3 and fixed with the liquid adhesive, the binding unit 5 In order to open the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane after the liquid adhesive (potting agent) is cured, as in the conventional case, the liquid adhesive is manufactured by preventing the liquid adhesive from flowing out to the end face side of the binding portion. There is no need to cut the cured part.

  Conventionally, in order to form the opening of the hollow fiber membrane, it has been cut by a potting portion, and it has been difficult to form an opening that fits the inlet / outlet of the mounting partner. Therefore, it is necessary to store the module in a housing having an opening suitable for the inlet / outlet of the mounting partner, or to separately attach a head or the like having the opening to the opening of the module. However, since the hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention can be provided with an opening suitable for the mounting partner in advance in the module case itself, it is necessary to store the module in a housing or attach a head or the like as in the past. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of members, save space, and reduce the size of the module.

  If the bundling portion 5 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is smaller in width and height than the hollow fiber membrane accommodating portion 22, the injected liquid adhesive leaks out to the end face side of the bundling portion 5 or conversely accommodates it. If it is larger than the portion 22, problems such as collapse of the filled hollow fiber membrane 4 or failure to fit in the accommodating portion 22 occur. For this reason, the dimension of the width | variety and height of the binding part 5 is set 3-15% larger than that of the accommodating part 22, Preferably it is 5-7% larger.

A space 24 formed by the end face of the binding unit 5 and the inner wall of the case 3 communicates with the outside of the case 3 through first openings 61 and 62 provided in the case lid 31. Therefore, the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 4 communicates with the outside of the case 3 through the space 24 and the first openings 61 and 62.

  In this embodiment, the case lid 31 and the case main body 32 which are divided into two in the thickness direction are bonded together, and the mounting pin hole 8 and the openings 61 and 62 to the mounting partner are formed on the case lid 31. Therefore, the position accuracy of the opening with respect to the mounting position can be increased. Therefore, the positioning means and the gas flow opening are not affected by errors due to misalignment at the time of assembly, which has occurred in a conventional type module in which the members are formed of separate members.

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 8, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of a U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the hollow fiber membrane module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective plan view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the hollow fiber membrane module 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 102 is used as the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), a U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 102 is formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 104 into a U shape and binding the ends thereof with a flexible elastic material such as silicon or urethane. (Bundling part 105). The hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 104 is opened at the end face of the binding portion 105.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the first openings 161, 162 are both provided on the hollow fiber membrane opening end face side of the binding portion 105 of the U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 102 of the module case 103, The fluid is circulated to the side of the hollow fiber membrane 104 inside the case 103 where the hollow interior is open.

  Further, the partition plate 151 is provided inside the case so that the fluid flowing in from one opening 161 does not flow through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 104 and is not discharged from the other opening 162. It has been.

  The partition plate 152 partitions the space inside the case 103 at a position surrounded by the innermost hollow fiber membrane of the U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 102 and the binding portion 105. The second openings 171 and 172 for allowing the fluid to flow outside the hollow fiber membrane are provided on the binding portion 105 side so that the fluid bypasses the partition plate 152 and flows to the entire outside of the membrane (arrow J). .

  A pair of the liquid adhesive injection port 110 and the discharge port 111 are provided on both sides of the case 103 with the partition plate 152 interposed between the binding portion 105 and the second openings 171 and 172.

  In the hollow fiber membrane module according to the present example, the filling area of the liquid adhesive is partitioned by the bundling portion 5 and the partition plate 152, and therefore the injection port 110 provided on one side with the partition plate 152 interposed therebetween. The liquid adhesive injected by the liquid overflows from the discharge port 111 provided on one side across the partition plate 152, and the liquid adhesive injected through the injection port 110 provided on the other side across the partition plate 152. The adhesive overflows from the discharge port 111 provided on the other side across the partition plate 152.

  Since the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on a present Example other than the above, and its usage are the same as that of a 1st Example, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 9, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view of a case lid of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective plan view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9C and 9D are schematic partially enlarged perspective plan views of the vicinity of the adhesive injection hole of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, for example, when a gap is generated between the partition plate 251 and the binding unit 205 due to an error in manufacturing the binding unit 205, the fluid flowing in from the one opening 261 Some may flow out from the gap to the other opening 262 side without passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane (arrow in FIG. 9C). If it does so, a part of fluid will be discharged | emitted without being membrane-processed, and will cause the membrane-processing efficiency of a module to fall.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the hollow fiber membrane module 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with an adhesive injection hole 291 in the case lid 231.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the adhesive injection hole 291 is provided in a position and shape that opens a portion where the bundling portion 205 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the partition plate 251 are adjacent to each other outside the case. Since the other configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the hollow fiber membrane module according to this example, first, similarly to the second example, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is sealed and fixed in the case with a liquid adhesive. At this time, in order to prevent the liquid adhesive from flowing out from the adhesive injection hole 291, the hole 291 opens only a part of the binding part 205, and the gap between the hole 291 and the hollow fiber membrane fixing part is between The state is sealed by the bundling portion 205.

  Thereafter, the adhesive is injected from the adhesive injection hole 291 into the gap between the binding portion 205 and the partition plate 251 to close the gap (299).

  In this way, by closing the gap between the partition plate 251 and the binding portion 205, it is possible to prevent the inflowed fluid from being discharged without passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the membrane processing efficiency of the module.

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 10, the hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on the 4th Example of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective plan view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first example of the present invention as a comparative example. FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective plan view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The design of a small humidification membrane module with a small membrane filling capacity is generally carried out so as to reduce the difference between the width of the inner wall of the module case and the width of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in order to further reduce the size. is there.

  However, for example, when the difference between the width dimension of the inner wall of the module case 3 and the width dimension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is small (when the gap between the inner wall of the module case 3 and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is small). When filling the liquid adhesive, the adhesive does not smoothly flow around in the case, for example, the overflow of the adhesive from the adhesive discharge port 11a on the injection port 10 side is the main, and the filling region on the opposite side to the injection port There is a problem that a defect due to insufficient filling of the adhesive is likely to occur at (gap K).

  On the other hand, when the difference between the width dimension in the module case 3 and the width dimension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is large (when the gap between the inner wall of the module case 3 and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is large), adhesion Although the wraparound of the agent occurs smoothly, the fluid can easily flow through the gap (gap L) between the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 and the inner wall of the case (bypass action). That is, since the fluid flowing through the gap L is not involved in the permeation of water vapor by the hollow fiber membrane, the amount of humidification is reduced (decreasing the humidification efficiency of the entire module) due to the decrease in the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the membrane bundle.

  That is, in the dimension and shape of the hollow fiber membrane module, it can be said that the dimension and shape suitable for the region where the adhesive is filled and the dimension and shape suitable for the region where membrane separation is performed are contradictory.

  Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane module 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the width in the case is increased in the adhesive filling region (the gap M between the case inner wall and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is increased). The width is set to be small (the gap N between the inner wall of the case and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is small) in the region where membrane separation is performed inside this region.

  Accordingly, in the adhesive filling region, the gap M is wide, so that the adhesive wraps around smoothly, poor adhesive filling is reduced, and in the region where membrane separation is performed, the gap N is narrow so that the fluid flows between the hollow fiber membranes. It becomes easy to enter, the amount of bypass fluid not involved in water vapor permeation is reduced, and the humidification efficiency of water vapor is improved.

  Since the manufacturing method and usage method of the hollow fiber membrane module according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a jig used for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the hollow fiber membrane opening end surface of the binding portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. FIG. 5 is a schematic production process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic manufacturing process diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a manufacturing process diagram of a hollow fiber membrane module according to the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hollow fiber membrane module 2 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 3 Case 31 Case lid 32 Case main body 4 Hollow fiber membrane 5 Binding part 61, 62 1st opening part 71, 72 2nd opening part 8 Pin hole 9 Fixing part 10 Inlet 11 Exhaust Outlet 11a, b Discharge port 12 Jig lid 13 Jig body 14 Tapping screw 15 Sealing part 16 Nozzle 92 Groove 22 Membrane accommodating part 24 Space 101 Hollow fiber membrane module 102 U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 Case 105 Bundling part 110 Inlet 111 Discharge port 151, 152 Partition plate 161, 162 First opening portion 171, 172 Second opening portion 201 Hollow fiber membrane module 205 Bundling portion 231 Case lid 251 Partition plate 261, 262 First opening portion 291 Adhesive injection hole 299 Adhesive Agent 301 Hollow fiber membrane module 402 Hollow fiber membrane 403 Case 404 Sealing part 4 5 lid 406 opening

Claims (14)

A hollow fiber membrane in which the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane opens at the end surface of the bundle portion formed by binding the ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and curing the elastic member poured between the outer membrane walls at the ends Forming a bundle;
In a case having a first opening for a route passing through the hollow interior and a second opening for a route passing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane, the internal space of the case has an inner wall surface of the case and the binding portion A first space that is formed by an end surface of the hollow fiber membrane that is open to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane and that circulates to the outside of the case through the first opening, a case inner wall surface, and a membrane of the hollow fiber membrane The outer peripheral surface of the bundling portion is arranged in the case so as to be divided into a space formed by an outer wall surface and the bundling portion and circulated to the outside of the case through the second opening. Accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle in close contact with the wall surface;
In the second space of the case, a liquid adhesive is injected between the binding portion and the second opening of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is obtained by curing the liquid adhesive. And sealing and fixing in the case,
The method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module, wherein the binding portion prevents the liquid adhesive from flowing out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the end surface side of the binding portion.   The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein the case includes an inlet and an outlet for the liquid adhesive, and the inlet and the outlet are closed by the cured liquid adhesive. Production method. In the second space in the case, the gap between the inner wall of the case in the region filled with the liquid adhesive and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is in the region other than the region filled with the liquid adhesive. The hollow fiber membrane module manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner wall is larger than a gap between the inner wall of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.   The said case consists of metal materials, The hollow fiber membrane module manufacturing method in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 4, wherein the metal material is aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a case for accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle,
A hollow fiber membrane bundle fixing part for sealing and fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the case, which is formed by curing a liquid adhesive filled between a case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane,
A bundling portion for bundling the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, formed by curing an elastic member poured between outer membrane walls at the end portion, and opening the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane at the bundling portion end surface And a bundling portion that prevents the liquid adhesive from flowing out to the bundling portion end surface side while the outer peripheral surface is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the case and divides the internal space of the case.
One space of the internal space of the case divided by the binding portion, a first space formed by an inner wall surface of the case and an end surface where the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane of the binding portion is opened,
A second space formed by the inner wall surface of the case, the outer wall surface of the hollow fiber membrane, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle fixing portion, which is the other space of the inner space of the case divided by the binding portion. ,
A first opening for a path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane, provided in the case so as to circulate between the first space and the outside of the case;
A second opening for a path passing through the outside of the hollow fiber membrane provided in the case so as to circulate between the second space and the outside of the case;
A hollow fiber membrane module comprising:   The groove for guiding the liquid adhesive between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the inner wall of the case is provided in a region filled with the liquid adhesive on the inner wall of the case. The hollow fiber membrane module described in 1. In the second space in the case, the gap between the inner wall of the case in the region filled with the liquid adhesive and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is in the region other than the region filled with the liquid adhesive. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module is larger than a gap between the inner wall of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the outermost periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.   The said case is integrally provided with the positioning means for deciding the attachment position of the hollow fiber membrane module with respect to an attachment other party, the said 1st opening part, and the said 2nd opening part. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of the above.   The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the case is configured to be divided into two in the thickness direction. Both ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled together,
The case includes the first opening as an inlet and the first opening as an outlet ;
Within the casing, the first opening is viewed circulation of one end of the hollow fiber membrane as the inlet, the so said first opening as the outlet is observed distribution and the other end of the hollow fiber membrane The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, further comprising a partition member that partitions the first space .   The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 11, wherein the case has means for injecting an adhesive between the partition member and the binding portion.   The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the case is made of a metal material.   The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 13, wherein the metal material is aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy thereof.

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