JP5890981B2 - Separation membrane module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a separation membrane for dehydrating (concentrating) a fluid such as a mixed solution or mixed vapor of an organic solvent and water in an alcohol dehydration facility such as an ethanol production facility or an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) recycling facility. It is about modules.

 Conventionally, a separation membrane module is known as an apparatus for separating components in a mixed gas or a mixed solution. For example, a mixed vapor of ethanol and water is supplied to the separation membrane module to separate water vapor, Used when concentrating.

 In this type of separation membrane module, a tubular zeolite separation membrane with one end sealed is inserted into the outer tube (casing) to form a double tube structure and mixed in the space between the outer tube and the tubular zeolite separation membrane. A double-pipe type separation membrane module that supplies steam and allows a component to be separated (for example, water vapor) to permeate inside the tubular zeolite separation membrane is known. Concentrate ethanol vapor to concentration.

 In the conventional double-tube separation membrane module, in order to maximize the membrane separation performance of the tubular zeolite separation membrane, the space between the outer tube and the tubular zeolite separation membrane is set small, By increasing the flow rate, the development of the concentration boundary layer is suppressed. However, as the capacity of the plant increases, the required number of outer tubes increases along with the required number of tubular zeolite separation membranes. In general, the outer tube is made of stainless steel in order to cope with various objects to be processed, and there is a problem that the material cost increases.

 As a module structure that solves the problem related to the material cost of such a conventional double-tube separation membrane module, a plurality of tubular zeolite membranes and baffle plates are accommodated in the outer tube as described in Patent Document 1 below. A so-called shell and tube type separation membrane module is known.

JP 2011-72972 A

  However, in the separation membrane module described in Patent Document 1, in order to sufficiently disturb the flow of the mixed fluid in the outer tube and to maximize the performance of the tubular zeolite separation membrane, the number of baffle plates installed is reduced. However, if the number of baffle plates increases, the pressure loss increases during operation of the separation membrane module, and the primary side and 2 of the component to be separated, which is the driving force for permeation of the tubular zeolite separation membrane, increase. There was a problem that the partial pressure difference on the secondary side was reduced and the amount of permeated vapor was reduced.

 Further, in the separation membrane module described in Patent Document 1, the flow of the mixed fluid in the outer tube of the separation membrane module reduces the leakage of the mixed fluid that passes through the space between the outer tube and the tubular zeolite separation membrane. Since the design concept is that all of the fluid flow is orthogonal to the tubular zeolite separation membrane, the inner diameter of the tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is the minimum size required for assembly of the separation membrane module. In addition, inside the insertion hole, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular zeolite separation membrane are almost in contact with each other, so that the mixed fluid can be prevented from leaking. However, although the flow of the mixed fluid can be orthogonal to all the tubular zeolite separation membranes, the zeolite separation membrane portion corresponding to the thickness of the baffle plates is formed inside the tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion holes of each baffle plate. There is also a problem that the membrane separation function of the tubular zeolite separation membrane does not work effectively because it cannot contact the flow of the mixed fluid.

 The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and even if the number of baffle plates installed in the separation membrane module is increased, pressure loss can be suppressed, and 1 of the components to be separated which is the driving force for permeation. It is possible to ensure a sufficient partial pressure difference between the secondary side and the secondary side, prevent a decrease in the amount of permeated vapor, and not impair the effect of disturbing the flow of the mixed fluid by the baffle plate. An object of the present invention is to provide a separation membrane module capable of effectively functioning the membrane separation over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane in the separation membrane module.

 In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged in a casing in parallel with the tubular separation membrane elements supported by the tube plate and orthogonal to these tubular separation membrane elements. A separation membrane module having a required number of baffle plates, wherein the inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element, A mixed fluid flow gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element, and the mixed fluid separation function by the separation membrane of the tubular separation membrane element is also performed in the gap. It is characterized by that.

 Invention of Claim 2 is a separation membrane module of Claim 1, Comprising: The internal diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is 1.10-1 of the outer diameter of a tubular separation membrane element .50 times.

 Invention of Claim 3 is a separation membrane module of Claim 1 or 2, Comprising: Inside of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate, the inside of a tubular separation membrane element is inserted from the inner wall of this insertion hole. A plurality of spacing projections extending toward the outer wall surface of the separation membrane are provided.

  The invention of claim 1 includes, in the casing, a parallel tubular separation membrane element supported by a tube plate, and a required number of baffle plates arranged orthogonal to these tubular separation membrane elements. The separation membrane module has an inner diameter of a tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate, which is larger than an outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element. A mixed fluid flow gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the separation membrane element, and the mixed fluid separation function by the separation membrane of the tubular separation membrane element is also performed in the gap. According to the invention of Item 1, even if the number of baffle plates installed in the separation membrane module is increased, the mixed fluid between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole provided in each baffle plate and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element In the distribution gap, By circulating the combined fluid, pressure loss can be suppressed, and the partial pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the component to be separated, which is the driving force for permeation, can be sufficiently secured, and the amount of permeated vapor can be reduced. It is possible to prevent the decrease, and without impairing the effect of disturbance of the mixed fluid flow by the baffle plate, it corresponds to the thickness of the baffle plate inside the tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion hole of each baffle plate. Since the tubular zeolite separation membrane part can also come into contact with the flow of the mixed fluid, the membrane separation function of the tubular zeolite separation membrane can be used effectively, and as a result, the membrane separation function over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane in the separation membrane module. There is an effect that can be worked effectively.

 Invention of Claim 2 is a separation membrane module of Claim 1, Comprising: The internal diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is 1.10-1 of the outer diameter of a tubular separation membrane element According to the second aspect of the present invention, each baffle plate is provided in such a range between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element. By providing the mixed fluid circulation gap, the pressure loss can be suppressed even when the number of baffle plates in the separation membrane module is increased, and the primary side and secondary side of the component to be separated, which is the driving force for permeation The partial pressure difference can be sufficiently ensured, the decrease in the amount of permeated vapor can be prevented, and the effect of disturbing the flow of the mixed fluid by the baffle plate is not impaired. Over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane An effect that it is possible to work effectively the separation of functions.

 Invention of Claim 3 is a separation membrane module of Claim 1 or 2, Comprising: Inside of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate, the inside of a tubular separation membrane element is inserted from the inner wall of this insertion hole. A plurality of spacing protrusions extending toward the outer wall surface of the separation membrane are provided. According to the invention of claim 3, the inner peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate The mixed fluid flow gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element and the tubular separation membrane element is surely maintained by a plurality of protrusions, so that the above-described effects can be sufficiently exhibited, and the separation membrane module The intermediate part of the length of the tubular separation membrane element can be supported by protrusions in the tubular separation membrane element insertion holes of each baffle plate, increasing the overall strength of the separation membrane module, and external forces such as vibration Damage by And it is possible to prevent as much as possible, the separation membrane module is an effect that is excellent in durability.

It is a side view which shows an example of the separation membrane module by this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the tubular separation membrane element used for the separation membrane module of FIG. It is a principal part expansion perspective view of the separation membrane module of FIG. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which expanded the separation membrane module of FIG. 1 typically. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the AA line of FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing an enlarged example of a tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in a baffle plate, showing another example of the separation membrane module according to the present invention. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows the conventional separation membrane module used for the comparative example. In the Example and comparative example by this invention, it is a graph which shows the density | concentration of the ethanol vapor | steam which flows out from the concentration component discharge port of a separation membrane module. In the Example and comparative example by this invention, it is a graph which shows the pressure of the ethanol vapor | steam which flows out from the concentrated component discharge port of a separation membrane module.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  The separation membrane module according to the present invention dehydrates (concentrates) a fluid such as a mixed solution or mixed vapor of an organic solvent and water in an alcohol dehydration facility such as an ethanol production facility or an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) recycling facility. For example, it is used when a vapor mixture of ethanol and water is supplied to a separation membrane module to separate water vapor and concentrate ethanol.

 FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention is disposed in a casing (outer tube) (2). The parallel tubular separation membrane elements (5) supported by the right tube plate (3) and the left tube plate (4), and the required number of tubes arranged orthogonal to the tubular separation membrane elements (5). Baffle plate (6).

 FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a tubular separation membrane element (5) used in the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention. In the figure, a tubular separation membrane element (5) is a tubular zeolite in which a tubular ceramic porous substrate formed of a material such as alumina or zirconia is coated with a zeolite thin film having micropores of molecular size. A dense ceramic connecting pipe (11) is joined to one end of the separation membrane (10) and the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10), and the other end of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) is made of a dense ceramic. A sealing stopper (12) is joined, and an integral tubular inorganic separation membrane element (5) is used.

 FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the separation membrane module of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating the separation membrane module of the present invention for easy understanding, and FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the AA line of FIG.

 Then, as shown in detail in FIG. 4, the right end portion of each tubular separation membrane element (5) is inserted through the attachment hole of the right tube plate (3) of the separation membrane module (1) in a penetrating manner, and separated. The left end portion of each tubular separation membrane element (5) is inserted through the attachment hole of the left tube plate (4) of the membrane module (1) in a penetrating manner, and the tubular separation membrane is installed in the separation membrane module (1). Elements (5) are arranged in parallel.

 In the casing (2) of the separation membrane module (1), a required number of baffle plates (6) are provided between the right tube plate (3) and the left tube plate (4) in the tubular separation membrane element (5). The baffle plates (6) are airtightly engaged with the inner wall surface of the casing (2). In the separation membrane module (1) according to the illustrated embodiment, eight baffle plates (6) are arranged in the casing (2).

 A mixed steam supply port (processed fluid) for supplying, for example, a mixed steam of ethanol and water into the casing (2) on the wall of the separation membrane module (1) close to the right tube plate (3) at the lower end of the casing (2) An inlet) (15) is provided. Further, a separation component (for example, water vapor) storage chamber (13) is provided by the right end portion of the casing (2) of the separation membrane module (1) and the right tube plate (3), and is provided on the right end wall of the casing (2). A separation component discharge port (16) communicating with the storage chamber (13) is provided. On the other hand, a concentrated component (for example, ethanol) storage chamber (14) is provided by the left end of the casing (2) of the separation membrane module (1) and the left tube plate (4), and the left end wall of the casing (2) A concentrated component discharge port (non-separated component discharge port) (17) communicating with the storage chamber (14) is provided.

 Each baffle plate (6) arranged orthogonal to the tubular separation membrane element (5) in the casing (2) of the separation membrane module (1) has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the casing (2). The circular plate has a circular shape with an upper end or a lower end cut away. And the cutting end (6a) of an adjacent baffle plate (6) is alternately arranged up and down, so that the cutting end (6a) of the baffle plate (6) and the inner wall surface of the casing (2) opposite to the cutting end (6a) The mixed steam flow passages (18) opened between them are alternately provided in the upper and lower sides in the casing (2), and a mixed steam flow path which zigzags in a zigzag manner as viewed from the side surface is formed in the casing (2). Yes.

 In the illustrated embodiment, the left tube plate (4) also serves as the final baffle plate, and communicates with the concentrated component (for example, ethanol) storage chamber (14) at the lower end of the left tube plate (4). A mixed vapor passage hole (19) is provided.

 In the case where water vapor is separated from, for example, a mixed steam of 90 wt% ethanol and 10 wt% water using the above separation membrane module (1) to concentrate ethanol, first, the mixed steam supply port of the separation membrane module (1) (Processed fluid inlet) A mixed steam of ethanol and water is supplied from the (15) into the casing (2) at a required pressure.

 In the casing (2), the mixed steam has a space between the tubular separation membrane elements (5), a space between the baffle plates (6), and a cut end (6a) of the baffle plate (6). Then, it passes through the mixed steam flow passage (18) opened between the inner wall surface of the casing (2) and the casing (2), and zigzags in a zigzag manner as viewed from the side surface and passes through the casing (2). Water vapor that permeates through each tubular separation membrane element (5) is discharged from the separated component discharge port (16) at the right end of the casing (2), and ethanol, which is a non-permeating fluid, finally becomes the casing (2 ) Flows out from the concentrated component discharge port (non-separated component discharge port) (17) at the left end.

 As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention is characterized by tubular separation membrane element insertion holes (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) in the separation membrane module (1). The inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (5) is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (5), and mixing is performed between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole (7) and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5). A fluid flow gap (8) is provided, and the mixed fluid separation function by the separation membrane of the tubular separation membrane element (5) is also performed in the gap (8).

 According to the separation membrane module (1) of the present invention, even if the number of installed baffle plates (6) in the separation membrane module (1) is increased, the insertion holes (7) provided in each baffle plate (6). The loss of pressure can be suppressed by the flow of the mixed fluid in the mixed fluid circulation gap (8) between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5), which is a driving force for permeation. A sufficient partial pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the component to be separated can be secured, a decrease in the amount of permeated vapor can be prevented, and disturbance of the flow of the mixed fluid by the baffle plate (6) can be prevented. In addition, the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) portion corresponding to the thickness of the baffle plate (6) is also mixed inside the tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion hole (7) of each baffle plate (6) without impairing the effect. Since it can be in contact with the fluid flow, the membrane separation function of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) Can be exerted on the efficiency, it is capable to work effectively the membrane separation of functions over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) of the turn separation membrane module (1).

 The separation membrane module (1) as described above according to the present invention is, for example, connected in series to concentrate the supplied steam to a predetermined concentration.

  In the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) is 1.10 of the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (5). It is 1.50 times, preferably 1.15 to 1.40 times. In such a range, the mixed fluid circulation gap (8) is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5), so that the separation membrane module is provided. Even if the number of baffle plates (6) in (1) is increased, the pressure loss during operation of the separation membrane module can be suppressed, and the component to be separated which is the driving force for permeation of the tubular separation membrane element (5) Can sufficiently secure a partial pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side, prevent a decrease in the amount of permeated vapor, and impair the effect of disturbing the flow of the mixed fluid by the baffle plate (6). In addition, the function of membrane separation can be effectively exerted over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) in the separation membrane module (1).

 In the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, specifically, the casing (2) has, for example, an inner diameter of 106 to 750 mm, preferably 106 to 350 mm, and a total length of 1000 to 1500 mm, preferably 1000 to 1250 mm. It is. The number of tubular separation membrane elements (5) attached is usually 7 to 300, preferably 7 to 50, although it depends on the size of the casing (2). The size of each tubular separation membrane element (5) is, for example, an outer diameter of 16 to 20 mm, preferably 16 to 17 mm, and a total length of 900 to 1200 mm, preferably 900 to 1000 mm.

 The number of baffle plates (6) attached is usually 2 to 30, preferably 5 to 17, although it depends on the size of the casing (2). The thickness of the baffle plate (6) is usually 2 to 5 mm, preferably 2 to 3 mm.

 According to the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the above-described baffle plate is disposed inside the plurality of tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion holes (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) in the casing (2). Since the portion of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) corresponding to the thickness of (6) can also be brought into contact with the flow of the mixed fluid, the membrane separation function of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) can be made effective, and consequently the separation membrane. The function of membrane separation can be effectively exerted over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) in the module (1).

 Next, FIG. 6 shows a modification of the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention. The difference from the above embodiment is that each baffle plate (6) in the separation membrane module (1) is provided. A plurality of spacing retaining projections extending from the inner wall of the insertion hole (7) toward the outer wall surface of the separation membrane (10) of the tubular separation membrane element (5), in the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7). The origin (9) is provided.

 According to the modification of the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5) Since the mixed fluid circulation gap (8) between the two is surely maintained by the plurality of protrusions (9), the above-described effects can be sufficiently exerted, and the separation membrane module (1 ) Can be supported by protrusions (9) in the tubular separation membrane element insertion holes (7) of the respective baffle plates (6), The overall strength of the membrane module (1) is increased, damage due to external force such as vibration can be prevented as much as possible, and the separation membrane module (1) has excellent durability.

 Here, the number of the protrusions for holding the distance (9) provided inside the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) is, for example, 2 to 6, preferably 3 to 5. Moreover, it is preferable to arrange | position the space | interval protrusion (9) in the penetration hole (7) so that the space | interval between adjacent space | interval protrusions (9) (9) may become equal. .

  Examples of the present invention will be described below together with comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Examples 1-4
The following examples show the results of numerical fluid simulations performed according to the present invention.

Examples 1-4
For the separation membrane module (1) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a mixed steam of 90 wt% ethanol and 10 wt% water is supplied to the separation membrane module (1) at a pressure of 550 kPa, and ethanol is supplied. A numerical fluid simulation to concentrate was performed.

 Here, in the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the casing (2) has an inner diameter of 106 mm and a total length of 1125 mm. The number of tubular separation membrane elements (5) attached was 7, and the size of each tubular separation membrane element (5) was an outer diameter of 16 mm and a total length of 1020 mm. As the tubular separation membrane element (5), a tubular zeolite separation membrane in which a tubular ceramic porous substrate formed of a material such as alumina or zirconia is coated with a zeolite thin film having micropores about the size of water molecules (10) and a connecting tube (11) made of dense ceramics are joined to one end of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10), and the other end of the tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) is sealed to the dense ceramics A tubular separation membrane element to which the stopper (12) was joined was targeted and modeled.

Using a general-purpose thermal fluid analysis program (STAR-CD Ver. 4.08, manufactured by CD-adapco) for the mixed vapor region in the separation membrane module (1) and the secondary permeated vapor region in the separation membrane element (5) And simulated. This analysis program is equipped with a function to analyze heat and fluid movement as standard, but it does not have a function to analyze the membrane separation phenomenon in which a permeated component permeates through a solid. Therefore, a subroutine program in which the physical model of the membrane separation phenomenon was written in the programming language Fortran90 was incorporated into this analysis program. As a result, the permeation amount of the permeated component can be calculated with reference to the physical quantity of the mixed steam in the casing (2). While extracting the permeated component from the mixed vapor in contact with the surface of the tubular separation membrane (5), the flow field of the mixed vapor in the casing (2) was solved. The extracted permeated component was injected into the secondary side of the tubular separation membrane element (5), and the flow field of the secondary permeated vapor was also solved. The separation performance of the tubular separation membrane to be analyzed by the subroutine program has a permeation rate of 50 kg / (h · m ² · Pa) and a separation factor of 1000.

 The number of baffle plates (6) to be attached is eight in the middle between the right tube plate (3) and the left tube plate (4) in the casing (2). The thickness of (6) was 3 mm. The left tube plate (4) (thickness is 3 mm) in the casing (2) also serves as the final baffle plate, and the total number of baffle plates (6) attached is nine.

 In the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) in the separation membrane module (1) is 22.2 mm. Since the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (5) is 16 mm, a mixed fluid having a width of 3.1 mm is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole (7) and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5). A flow gap (8) is provided, and the mixed fluid separation function by the separation membrane of the tubular separation membrane element (5) is also performed in the gap (8). Here, the inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) was 1.39 times the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (5).

 The left tube plate (4) (thickness is 3 mm) in the casing (2) also serves as the final baffle plate, but the left tube plate (baffle plate) (4) has a tubular separation membrane element insertion hole ( In the inside of 7), as shown in FIG. 6, there are four projections for maintaining the distance extending from the inner wall of the insertion hole (7) toward the outer wall surface of the separation membrane (10) of the tubular separation membrane element (5). (9) is provided so that the left end of the tubular separation membrane element (5) is supported by these protrusions (9). As a result, in the casing (2), the seven tubular separation membrane elements (5) Both ends are supported by the right tube plate (3) and the left tube plate (baffle plate) (4).

 In Examples 1 to 4, the number of baffle plates (6) to be attached is a total of 5, 9, 13, and 17, and a simulation model of the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention is created respectively. Numerical simulation of ethanol concentration was performed on the mixed steam of ethanol and water.

 In the casing (2) of the separation membrane module (1) of Examples 1 to 4, a mixed steam (flow rate 510 kg / h) of ethanol 90 wt% and water 10 wt% was mixed with a mixed steam supply port (processed fluid inlet) (15 ) At a pressure of 550 kPa. At this time, the pressure on the secondary side is 3 kPa.

 In the casing (2), the mixed vapor of ethanol and water is used for the space between the tubular separation membrane elements (5), the space between the baffle plates (6), and the cut end of the baffle plate (6). (6a) passes through the mixed steam flow passage (18) formed between the opposite casing (2) and the inner wall surface of the casing (2), zigzags in a zigzag manner as viewed from the side, and passes through the casing (2). In the present invention, it also passes through the mixed fluid flow gap (8) of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) provided in each baffle plate (6), during which the tubular separation membrane element (5) has a tubular shape. Water vapor that permeates through the zeolite separation membrane (10) is discharged from the separated component discharge port (16) at the right end of the casing (2), while ethanol, which is a non-permeated fluid, finally becomes the casing (2 ) Concentrated ingredient at the left end of Flowing out from the outlet (non-separable component outlet) (17).

 In each example, the mass flow weighted average concentration and average pressure of ethanol vapor flowing out from the concentrated component discharge port (17) of the separation membrane module (1) are calculated from the simulation results, and the obtained results are The results are shown in the following Table 1 and the graph of FIG.

 In Table 1 below, the number of baffle plates (6) attached and the width of the mixed fluid circulation gap (8) of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (7) provided in each baffle plate (6) are adjusted. It was described.

Comparative Examples 1-4
For comparison, a numerical simulation for concentrating ethanol from a mixed vapor of ethanol and water using a separation membrane module is performed in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4 above. 7, the inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole (27) provided in each baffle plate (26) in the separation membrane module is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element (25). The conventional separation membrane module in which no gap is formed in the insertion hole (27) is used. The number of baffle plates (26) attached in Comparative Examples 1 to 4 was the same as in Examples 1 to 4 above.

  Then, in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4, the separation membrane module of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 performs a numerical simulation for concentrating ethanol from the mixed vapor of ethanol and water. Similarly, the concentration and pressure of ethanol vapor flowing out from the concentrated component outlet were calculated, and the obtained results are shown in the following Table 2 and the graph of FIG.

In Table 2 below, the number of baffle plates attached in the conventional separation membrane module and the width of the gap between the tubular separation membrane element insertion holes provided in each baffle plate are shown.

 As is apparent from the results described in the above Tables 1 and 2 and the graphs of FIGS. 8 and 9, in the numerical simulations of Examples 1 to 4 using the separation membrane module (1) according to the present invention, the conventional separation is performed. Compared with the numerical simulations of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 using a membrane module, the concentration of ethanol vapor flowing out from the concentrated component outlet of the separation membrane module is clearly higher, and the outlet pressure of ethanol vapor at the concentrated component outlet is also apparent It was expensive.

 In this way, according to the separation membrane module (1) of the present invention, even if the number of baffle plates (6) in the separation membrane module (1) is increased, the separation membrane module (1) is provided on each baffle plate (6). Pressure loss can be suppressed by flowing the mixed fluid through the mixed fluid circulation gap (8) between the inner peripheral surface of the inserted through hole (7) and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element (5). It is possible to ensure a sufficient partial pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the component to be separated, which is the driving force for permeation, to prevent a decrease in the amount of permeated vapor, and to the baffle plate (6) In addition, the effect of disturbance of the flow of the mixed fluid due to the above is not impaired, and inside the tubular zeolite separation membrane insertion hole (7) of each baffle plate (6), the tubular zeolite corresponding to the thickness of the baffle plate (6) Since the separation membrane (10) portion can also come into contact with the flow of the mixed fluid, the tubular zeolite separation membrane ( The membrane separation function of 0) can be effectively operated, and as a result, the membrane separation function can be effectively operated over the entire length of each tubular zeolite separation membrane (10) in the separation membrane module (1). I was able to confirm.

1: Separation membrane module 2: Casing 3: Right side tube plate 4: Left side tube plate 5: Tubular separation membrane element 6: Baffle plate 7: Tubular separation membrane element insertion hole 8: Mixed fluid flow gap 9: Protrusions 10 for maintaining a gap : Tubular zeolite separation membrane

Claims (3)

A separation membrane module comprising, in a casing, a parallel tubular separation membrane element supported by a tube plate, and a required number of baffle plates arranged orthogonal to these tubular separation membrane elements. ,
The baffle plate has a rounded shape in which the end of a disc having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the casing is cut off,
By alternately arranging the cut ends of the adjacent baffle plates, mixed fluid flow paths opened between the cut ends of the baffle plates and the inner wall surface of the casing facing this are alternately provided in the casing. ,
The inner diameter of the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element, and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular separation membrane element A separation membrane module characterized in that a mixed fluid circulation gap is provided between them, and the mixed fluid separation function by the separation membrane of the tubular separation membrane element is also performed in the gap.   2. The separation membrane module according to claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of a tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate is 1.10 to 1.30 times an outer diameter of the tubular separation membrane element. . Inside the tubular separation membrane element insertion hole provided in each baffle plate, a plurality of spacing projections extending from the inner wall of the insertion hole toward the outer wall surface of the separation membrane element are provided.
The baffle plate closest to the discharge port for discharging the concentrated component of the mixed fluid also serves as a tube plate for supporting the tubular separation membrane element, and the baffle plate has a through-hole inserted into the discharge port. The separation membrane module according to claim 1 or 2.

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