JP6910836B2 - Manufacturing method of flat hollow fiber membrane module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the production how the flat-type hollow fiber membrane module.

Hollow fiber membrane modules are used in many applications such as the production of sterile water, drinking water, and highly pure water, and air purification. In recent years, in addition to these applications, hollow fiber membrane modules have been used for secondary treatment and tertiary treatment in sewage treatment plants, solid-liquid separation in septic tanks, and solid-liquid separation of SS (suspended solids) in industrial wastewater. It has also come to be used for highly polluted water filtration for.
The hollow fiber membrane module generally has a structure in which an end portion of a bundle of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into a housing, and the hollow fiber membrane and the housing are fixed with a resin in a state where the end portion is opened.

When filtering highly polluted water using such a hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane unit in which a plurality of hollow fiber membrane modules are arranged side by side is immersed in a filtration tank and air scrubbing is performed. By performing suction filtration while cleaning, stable filtration processing can be performed for a long period of time. Further, the hollow fiber membrane module is usually filtered in a relaxed state in which the hollow fiber membrane is loosened by about 0.1 to 5% in the length direction for the purpose of improving the cleaning effect by air scrubbing cleaning. Will be done.

As described above, as a method of forming and imparting slack to the hollow fiber membrane module, for example, a method of adjusting the distance between the housings to which the ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundles are fixed to impart slack, or a method of imparting slack. A method of fixing the distance between these housings to a predetermined distance in advance by providing a support column between the housings can be mentioned.

Such a hollow fiber membrane module can be manufactured, for example, by the following method (see Patent Document 1).
First, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are aligned and the ends thereof are placed in a container. Next, a liquid resin for fixing is injected into the container and cured to fix the ends of the hollow fiber membranes with the fixing resin to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle (first curing step). Next, the container is removed from the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane fixed with the fixing resin is cut together with the resin to open the end of each hollow fiber membrane (hollow fiber membrane bundle). (Thread membrane bundle) is obtained (cutting step). After that, the open end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is inserted into the housing, the adhesive resin is poured onto the cured fixing resin, and this is cured to fix the hollow fiber membrane to the housing (second). To obtain a hollow fiber membrane module.

Further, for example, in the case where the hollow fiber membrane module having the structure described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a support, a frame body formed by adhering the housing and the support is prepared in advance, and each hollow fiber is formed. A hollow fiber membrane bundle with an open end of the membrane is fixed in the housing. At this time, by making the length dimension of the hollow fiber membrane bundle larger than the predetermined fixed length depending on the length of the column, the entire hollow fiber membrane bundle can be put into a loosened and relaxed state.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-061816

However, in the conventional method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module described in Patent Document 1, a total of two steps, a first curing step and a second curing step, are required as a step of injecting and curing the resin. Therefore, there is a problem that the process becomes complicated. Further, even in the case where the hollow fiber membrane module is provided with the support columns as described above, there is a problem that the curing process is required twice in total as in Patent Document 1, and the process becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module provided with columns, a resin is injected while forming and imparting slack to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by a simple method. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module having excellent production efficiency, a gripping tool for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, and a flat hollow fiber membrane module, which can reduce the curing process to only once. And.

The present inventors have made extensive studies to achieve the above object. As a result, first, the vicinity of both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the length direction is gripped by a pair of relaxation forming jigs, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is relaxed by narrowing the separation distance of these relaxation forming jigs. By adopting a method in which the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is inserted from the insertion port of the housing and then the fixing resin is injected into the housing and cured, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is provided with slack by a simple method. However, they have found that the step of curing the fixing resin can be reduced to only once, and have completed the present invention.
That is, the present invention includes the following aspects.

[1] A housing having a water collecting flow path is provided, and each end of a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into and fixed in the housing from each insertion port of the housing. In addition, the ends of each of the pair of columns arranged along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane are fixed to the housing. This is a method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, wherein a pair of relaxation forming jigs are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is arranged. The gripping step of gripping with the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by narrowing the separation distance of the pair of relaxation forming jigs, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the insertion port of the housing. The insertion step of inserting the portion and the fixing of injecting the fixing resin into the housing and curing the hollow fiber membrane bundle to fix the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and fixing the end portions of the pair of columns to the housing. A method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, which comprises a step and a removal step of removing the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
[2] A housing having a water collecting flow path is provided, and each end of a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into and fixed in the housing from each insertion port of the housing. In addition, the ends of each of the pair of columns arranged along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane are fixed to the housing. This is a method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, wherein a pair of relaxation forming jigs are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is arranged. The gripping step of gripping with the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by narrowing the separation distance of the pair of relaxation forming jigs, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the insertion port of the housing. An insertion step of inserting a portion, a holding step of assembling the housing, the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the pair of struts into a frame of a holding frame having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and the pair of holding frames. The connection step of connecting and fixing the relaxation forming jig of the above, and the fixing resin is injected into the housing and cured to fix the ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the ends of the pair of struts are fixed. A method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, which comprises a fixing step of fixing to a housing and a removing step of removing the holding frame and the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
[3] The relaxation forming jig has an elasticity of 3 to 20 degrees with a sponge hardness of 3 to 20 degrees using an Asker C-type hardness tester conforming to SRIS 0101 (Japan Rubber Association standard) for the grip portion that grips the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the member is provided.
[4] The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the relaxation forming jig has a thickness of the elastic member of 2 mm or more.
[5] The ratio (L / W) of the total width W of the flat hollow fiber membrane module to the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 10 to 60 times. , The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of the above [1] to [4].
[6] The ratio (L / W) of the total width W of the flat hollow fiber membrane module to the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 20 to 50 times. , The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of the above [1] to [4].
[7] The flat hollow fiber according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 300 to 1500 mm. Manufacturing method of membrane module.
[8] The flat hollow fiber according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 500 to 1250 mm. Manufacturing method of membrane module.
[9] Any of the above [1] to [8], wherein the weight of the hollow fiber membrane bundle per gripping area of the flat hollow fiber membrane module by the gripping portion of the relaxation forming jig is 50 g / cm ^{2 or less.} The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to item 1.
[10] Used in the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of the above [1] to [9], the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed to the housing with a fixing resin. A gripping tool for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module that grips and supports a hollow fiber membrane bundle, and includes a first member and a second member that grip the hollow fiber membrane bundle so as to sandwich the hollow fiber membrane bundle by being close to each other. Narrowing means capable of bringing the first member and the second member close to each other so that the separation distance between the first member and the second member is smaller than the thickness of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. A gripper for manufacturing flat hollow fiber membrane modules, including.
[11] A housing having a water collecting flow path is provided on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction, and both ends of a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle composed of a plurality of the hollow fiber membranes are provided with the respective housings. It is inserted from the insertion port of the hollow fiber membrane and fixed in the housing via a fixing resin, and is arranged along the hollow fiber membrane bundle on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane. Both ends of the pair of struts are flat hollow fiber membrane modules fixed to each of the housings, and both ends of the pair of struts are inserted from the insertion ports of the respective housings. The hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the housing via a fixing resin, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in a relaxed state between each of the housings arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane. In a cross section when the housing is cut at a position of 30 mm from the insertion port toward the water collecting flow path side in the housing, a kind of fixing resin is interfaced between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the housing. A flat hollow fiber membrane module that is liquid-tightly filled.

According to the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention, after the step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the end portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is inserted into the housing and then fixed in the housing. By adopting the method of injecting and curing the resin for fixing, the step of injecting and curing the fixing resin can be reduced to only once while giving slack to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by a simple method. Therefore, it becomes possible to manufacture a flat hollow fiber membrane module having excellent handleability with excellent production efficiency.

It is a figure which schematically explains an example of the flat hollow fiber membrane module obtained by the manufacturing method which concerns on this invention, (a) is the whole perspective view, (b), (c) are the enlarged sectional views of the main part. .. It is a figure which shows typically the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and is the bottom raising jig used for bottoming up and positioning a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle. In the figure shown, (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side view. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and the 1st member which constitutes a pair of relaxation forming jigs is arranged in the gap of the bottom raising jig. It is a figure which shows the state, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and is the sheet-like hollow on the 1st member of the bottom raising jig and a pair of relaxation forming jigs. It is a figure which shows the state which the thread membrane bundle and a pair of columns are arranged, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and it is the figure which makes the pair loosening formation cure near both ends in the length direction of a sheet-like hollow fiber membrane bundle. It is a figure which shows the gripping process which arranges the 2nd member which constitutes a tool, and grips a hollow fiber membrane bundle by 1st member and 2nd member, (a) is a plan view, (b) is seen from the side surface side. It is a partial breakage schematic diagram. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and loosening is formed in the hollow fiber membrane bundle by narrowing the separation distance of a pair of relaxation forming jigs. -A diagram showing a relaxation step to be applied, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a schematic view of partial breakage seen from the side surface side. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and the both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to which relaxation was given, and both ends of a pair of columns are housing. It is a figure which shows the insertion process which inserts into the insertion opening | FIG. It is a figure schematically explaining the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat type hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and holds a housing, a hollow fiber membrane bundle and a pair of columns maintained in a substantially horizontal state, and holds a frame. It is a figure which shows the state which made it an upright state after the holding process which assembles in the frame of a body, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view. It is a figure which schematically explains the 1st Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the flat hollow fiber membrane module which concerns on this invention, and is the figure which shows the pair of relaxation forming jigs in detail, (a), (b) are The first member, (c) and (d), in which an elastic member is used for the grip portion, are schematic views showing the second member.

Hereinafter, the first and second embodiments of the flat hollow fiber membrane module, the gripper for manufacturing the flat hollow fiber membrane module, and the flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention are shown, and FIGS. 1 to 9 are shown. Details will be given with reference as appropriate. In addition, in each drawing used in the following description, in order to make the feature easy to understand, the feature part may be enlarged and shown, and the dimensional ratio of each component may be different from the actual one. There is. Further, the materials, dimensions, etc. exemplified in the following description are examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the gist thereof.

<Flat hollow fiber membrane module>
1A and 1B are views schematically explaining an example of a flat hollow fiber membrane module obtained by the manufacturing method according to the present invention, FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 1B is a hollow fiber membrane bundle fixed. An enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a vertical cross section of the housing and its vicinity, and (c) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a vertical cross section of the housing to which a support is fixed and its vicinity.

The flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 1 (c) has a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled in a sheet shape, and the hollow fiber membrane module 1. Two housings 12 for fixing both ends of the filament membrane bundle 11 (ends in the length direction) and both ends (ends in the length direction) of the pair of columns 17 and 17 via a fixing resin 2. It is roughly configured with. Further, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 is configured such that the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 has a slight slack (relaxation) as shown in the illustrated example.

More specifically, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 has housings 12 and 12 having a water collecting flow path 15 provided on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction, and has a sheet shape composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Both ends 11A and 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 are inserted from the respective insertion ports 12a of the housings 12 and 12, respectively, and are fixed in the housings 12 and 12 via the fixing resin 2. Further, in the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1, both ends 17a and 17a of a pair of columns 17 and 17 arranged along the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane are provided. , Each of which is fixed to each of the housings 12.

Then, in the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 of the present embodiment, both end portions 17a and 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are inserted from the respective insertion ports 12a of the housings 12 and 12, respectively, and the fixing resin 2 is inserted. It is fixed so as to be buried in the housings 12 and 12 via the above. Further, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is fixed in a relaxed state between the housings 12 and 12 arranged on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction. Further, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 has a hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and a housing in a cross section when the housing 12 is cut at a position of 30 mm from the insertion port 12a toward the water collecting flow path 15 side in the housing 12. A kind of fixing resin 2 is liquid-tightly filled between 12 and 12 without an interface.

The state of "without interface" in the present specification means a state when a kind of fixing resin is molded by one resin injection. On the other hand, the state of "having an interface" means a state when at least one kind of fixing resin is molded by two or more resin injections.
Here, "one-time resin injection" means resin injection until the injected resin reaches 200,000 mPa · s.

[Hollow fiber membrane bundle]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is a bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and at least one end thereof is open. The fractionation level of the hollow fiber membrane used in the present invention may be any level such as a microfiltration membrane (MF), an ultrafiltration membrane (UF), or a nanofiltration membrane (NF). The hollow fiber membrane bundle is not particularly limited in pore diameter, porosity, film thickness, outer diameter, etc. as long as it can be used as a filtration membrane, and is appropriately selected according to the object to be filtered. Further, as the hollow fiber membrane bundle, an ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands may be used for the purpose of removing organic substances and viruses.

The hollow thread film used in the present invention is, for example, a separation film of a cellulose-based resin, a polyolefin-based resin, a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, a polysulfone-based resin, a polyacrylonitrile-based resin, a chlorine-based resin, a fluorine-based resin, or the like. Any material can be used as long as it can be molded into a shape. Specific examples of such a material include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene tetrafluoride, polysulfone, and the like.

As the surface characteristics of the hollow fiber membrane, it is preferable to use a resin having strong chemical resistance, and specifically, it is preferable to use a fluorine-based resin. Among the fluororesins, it is more preferable to use vinyliderin fluoride resin from the viewpoint of shapeability to the hollow fiber membrane, chemical resistance and the like. Here, examples of the vinyliderin fluoride resin include a homopolymer of vinyliderin fluoride, a copolymer of vinyliderin fluoride and a monomer copolymerizable therewith, and the like. Examples of such copolymerizable monomers include vinyl fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoride, ethylene trifluoride, hexafluoropropylene and the like.

The hollow fiber membrane has a plurality of pores. The pores are preferably continuous holes penetrating the front surface and the back surface of the hollow fiber membrane. The pore size of the pores can be arbitrarily selected depending on the intended purpose, but for example, 0.01 to 5 μm is preferable, and 0.1 to 1 μm is a more preferable range.

Further, the hollow fiber membrane preferably has a two-layer structure. Further, it is more preferable that the hollow fiber membrane has an asymmetric structure in which the pore diameter of one layer surface is small and the pore diameter of the other layer surface is large. When the hollow fiber membrane has an asymmetric structure, the pore diameter of one layer surface is preferably more than 1 times and 100 times or less the pore diameter of the other layer surface, and more preferably 2 times or more and 10 times or less.

The outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is, for example, preferably 0.1 to 5 mm, and more preferably 0.5 to 3 mm.
Further, the hollow fiber membrane preferably has a pure water permeability coefficient of 1 to 250 ^{m 3} / m ² / hr / MPa, which indicates liquid permeability with respect to pure water, and is preferably 10 to 150 m ³ / m ² / hr / MPa. More preferably. The pure water permeability coefficient can be obtained by the following equation (1).
Pure water permeability coefficient = [Pure water permeability (m ³ )] / [Surface area of porous film (m ² )] / [Permeation time (hours)] / [Pure water pressure (MPa)] (1)

Examples of the form of the hollow fiber membrane bundle include those in which at least one end of the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membranes arranged in a row is fixed with an adhesive or the like, and several sheets are laminated. Further, as the hollow fiber membrane bundle, for example, a bundle of several knitted fabrics using a hollow fiber membrane as a weft can be mentioned. Such a method for producing a knitted fabric is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-57965 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-2266258. Further, as the empty fiber membrane bundle, a bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes may be adopted.

The arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membranes in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the hollow fiber membranes are arranged substantially parallel to the flow direction of the liquid to be treated. In such a case, for example, in the case where the liquid to be treated is a highly polluted liquid containing a large amount of impurities, when the contaminants pass between a large number of hollow fiber membranes, they are orthogonal to the flow direction. Since there are no obstacles such as the hollow fiber membrane, the effect of reducing the accumulation and entanglement of impurities on the hollow fiber membrane can be obtained.

Further, the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membranes is preferably such that the length direction of the hollow fiber membranes is the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction. In such a case, for example, the upward flow direction of the liquid to be treated generated during air bubbling cleaning, which is often used for cleaning contaminants, and the extending direction of the hollow fiber membrane can be made substantially parallel. A synergistic effect with the above-mentioned effect of preventing the accumulation of contaminants can be obtained.

[housing]
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the housing 12 supports the entire flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 and collects the treated water filtered by the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. It is for watering, and in the illustrated example, it is provided in pairs at both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the length direction. The housing 12 in the illustrated example is tubular, and as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, there is a slit-shaped insertion port 12a into which the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the pair of columns 17 and 17 are inserted. It is formed along the longitudinal direction, and the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (hereinafter, referred to as a vertical cross section) is U-shaped.

The hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted from the insertion port 12a toward the bottom 13 side of the housing 12, and the open end surface 11a thereof is fixed by the fixing resin 2 in a state of being opened in the housing 12. Specifically, the treated water is formed in the hollow portion formed in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12 so as to be surrounded by the bottom portion 13 of the housing 12, the open end surface 11a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the fixing resin 2. The water collecting flow path 15 is used to collect water, and the open end surface 11a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is open in the water collecting flow path 15. Further, in the housing 12 of the example shown in FIG. 1A, a water collecting port 16 for collecting the treated water collected in the water collecting flow path 15 is formed on a part of the side surface 14 of the housing.

The open end surface 11a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the illustrated example is arranged so as to be flush with the surface of the fixing resin 2 on the water collecting flow path 15 side, but is fixed toward the inside of the water collecting flow path 15. It is preferable that the resin 2 is arranged so as to protrude from the resin 2 from the viewpoint of water collection efficiency and the like.

The material of the housing 12 is not particularly limited as long as it has mechanical strength and durability, and is, for example, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyolefin, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic resin, ABS resin, or modified material. PPE (polyphenylene ether) or the like can be used. When it is necessary to incinerate the hollow fiber membrane module after use, a hydrocarbon resin such as polyolefin, which can be completely burned without generating toxic gas at the time of combustion, is preferable.

[Strut (a pair of struts)]
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the pair of columns 17 and 17 are rod-shaped (tubular) members that connect both ends of the housings 12 and 12 provided in pairs, and the columns 17 , 17 keeps a constant distance between the pair of housings 12 and 12 and keeps the shape of the entire flat hollow fiber membrane module 1. As a result, the surface shape of the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is maintained, and a flat hollow fiber membrane module is formed as a whole. By providing the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 with a pair of columns 17 and 17, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 can be manufactured, transported and stored, and assembled / removed from the hollow fiber membrane unit. The handleability at the time is improved. Further, with such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the structure of the hollow fiber membrane unit.

The material and shape of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are not particularly limited, and a metal material or a resin material can be used while considering the mechanical strength, mechanical durability, and chemical durability of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1. Regardless, it can be selected as appropriate.
In view of the above, when a metal material is used as the material of the pair of columns 17, 17, for example, a stainless steel material is preferably used from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. When a resin material is used for the pair of columns 17, 17, for example, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyolefin, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic resin, ABS resin, modified PPE (polyphenylene ether), or the like is used. Can be done.

Further, the shape of the pair of columns 17 and 17 may be circular or rectangular in cross-sectional shape, and may be rod-shaped or tubular (pipe-shaped).
Here, when a tubular member is used for the pair of columns 17, 17, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the pair is configured to communicate with the water collecting flow path 15 in the housing 12. It is also possible to have a function as a water pipe between the provided housings 12, 12.

[Fixing resin]
As the fixing resin 2 for fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the pair of columns 17, 17 to the housings 12, 12, for example, a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, or a polyurethane resin is preferable. Used for.

The viscosity of the fixing resin 2 when it is filled with the fixing resin 2, that is, the initial viscosity, is preferably as small as possible, particularly from the viewpoint of filling the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes. On the other hand, if the initial viscosity is too small, the hollow portion of each hollow fiber membrane is likely to be blocked by the fixing resin. From these viewpoints, the initial viscosity of the fixing resin 2 is preferably 100 mPa · s or more, more preferably 200 mPa · s or more, further preferably 250 mPa · s or more, and preferably 5000 mPa · s or less, more preferably. Is 3000 mPa · s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa · s or less.

Further, in the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the present invention, the hardness of the fixing resin 2 after curing is the shore A hardness after 10 seconds measured using a type A durometer conforming to JIS K6253. It is preferably in the range of 80 to 99 degrees.
By setting the hardness of the fixing resin 2 after curing to be relatively high in this way, the rigidity of the fixing resin 2 and the housing 12 into which the fixing resin 2 is fitted is ensured, and the pressure resistance is increased. Can be enhanced. In particular, if the Shore A hardness after 10 seconds is 80 degrees or more, sufficient pressure resistance can be ensured with a smaller amount of resin, so the amount of fixing resin 2 used can be reduced to reduce the amount of the fixing resin 2 used, and the flat hollow fiber membrane It is possible to reduce the cost of the module 1. On the other hand, if the shore A hardness after 10 seconds is 99 degrees or less, the fixing resin 2 can be prevented from cracking.

As described above, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 of the present embodiment has a cross section when the housing 12 is cut at a position of 30 mm from the insertion port 12a toward the water collecting flow path 15 side in the housing 12. A kind of fixing resin 2 is liquid-tightly filled between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the housing 12 without an interface. In such a configuration in which a kind of fixing resin 2 is liquid-tightly filled without an interface, for example, when the fixing resin 2 is filled in the housing 12, the fixing resin 2 is injected in only one step. It is obtained by filling a kind of fixing resin 2 between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the housing 12. As a result, in the flat hollow fiber membrane module of the present embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is firmly fixed in the housing 12.

Further, the fixing resin for fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the fixing resin for fixing the pair of columns 17 and 17 may be made of different resins.

[Dimensions of flat hollow fiber membrane module]
The flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 obtained by the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention has a ratio (L / W) of the total width W to the total length L shown in FIG. 1 (a) of 10 to 10. The range is preferably 60 times, more preferably 20 to 50 times. By setting the ratio (L / W) of the total width W of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 to the total length L of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane within the above range, the hollow fiber membrane The predetermined dimensions and shape of the module are maintained, excellent filtration performance is obtained, and the handling property is also excellent.

Further, in the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 obtained by the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the total length L in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membranes shown in FIG. 1A is preferably in the range of 300 to 1500 mm. More preferably, it is in the range of 500 to 1250 mm. By setting the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membranes within the above range, the predetermined dimensions and shape are maintained as described above, and the filtration performance and handleability are excellent.

[Loose rate of hollow fiber membrane bundle]
In the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the present invention, the relaxation rate of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the pair of columns 17 and 17 are fixed to the housings 12 and 12 is as follows (1). ) Is defined by the formula.
Relaxation rate (%) = {(length of hollow fiber membrane bundle)-(distance between each housing)} / {distance between each housing} ... (1)

The relaxation rate of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 represented by the above formula (1) is preferably 0.1 to 5%, more preferably 0.3 to 3%, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1.5%. If the relaxation rate of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is smaller than the above lower limit, the yarn is less likely to shake, and the physical cleanability due to aeration may decrease. On the other hand, when the relaxation rate of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 exceeds the above upper limit, the yarns are entangled and less likely to shake, and the physical cleanability by aeration is lowered as described above.

<Manufacturing method of flat hollow fiber membrane module (grasping tool for manufacturing flat hollow fiber membrane module)>
[First Embodiment]
The method for manufacturing the flat hollow fiber membrane module of the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (c). That is, in the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the housing 12 having the water collecting flow path 15 is provided, and each end portion 11A of the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into the housing 12. A pair of columns 17, which are inserted and fixed from the mouth 12a into the housing 12 and arranged along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membranes 11. This is a method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 in which each end portion 17a of 17 is fixed to a housing 12.

The manufacturing method of the present embodiment is a method including at least each of the steps shown in (1) to (5) below.
(1) A pair of relaxation forming jigs (grasping tools for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module) 20 and 20 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is arranged as a pair of relaxation. A gripping step of gripping with the forming jigs 20 and 20.
(2) A relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 by narrowing the separation distance between the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20.
(3) An insertion step of inserting the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 into the insertion port 12a of the housing 12.
(4) Fixing by injecting the fixing resin 2 into the housing 12 and curing it to fix the end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and fixing the ends 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 to the housing 12. Process.
(5) A removal step of removing the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20.

Hereinafter, each of the above steps will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(1) Gripping Step In the gripping step, as described above, the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is loosened. It is gripped by the forming jigs 20 and 20.

In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first, the bottom raising jig 40 as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) is placed on the work table prior to the gripping step.
In the bottom raising jig 40, a gap 41 for arranging a pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20 which will be described in detail later is formed in a long groove shape, and in the illustrated example, this portion penetrates into two places. It is formed (see also FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b)). In the bottom raising jig 40 used in the present embodiment, the relative positional relationship of each component of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 is roughly the relative positional relationship when the finished product of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 is placed flat. It is configured to be similar.
Further, the bottom raising jig 40 of the illustrated example is a portion arranged outside the gap 41 in the width direction in FIGS. 2A and 2B in consideration of the installation of the housing 12 in the insertion step described later. However, the height is lower than that of the centrally located part.

Further, in the bottom raising jig 40 of the illustrated example, the groove-shaped gap 41 of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 is provided so that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 can be relaxed in the relaxation step described later. Among them, the shape and dimensions are such that the relaxation forming jig 20 arranged on the right side in the width direction in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) can be slid and moved in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. (See also FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b)).
The material of the bottom raising jig 40 is not particularly limited, but can be made of, for example, a foamed resin such as polystyrene.

As shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (d), the pair of relaxation forming jigs (grasping tools for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module) 20 and 20 used in the present embodiment are used in combination with each other. It is composed of a member 21 and a second member 22. The relaxation forming jig 20 holds the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 while imparting a desired relaxed state until the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is fixed to the housing 12 with the fixing resin 2 in the fixing step described later. Is. The relaxation forming jig 20 of the illustrated example grips the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 so as to sandwich the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 by bringing the first member 21 and the second member 22 close to each other, and the first member 21 and the second member 22. It is configured to include a bolt (narrowing means) 26 capable of bringing the first member 21 and the second member 22 close to each other so that the separation distance from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is smaller than the thickness of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. NS.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first member 21 includes a base material 23, a spacer 24, and an elastic member (grip portion) 25. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the first member 21 has previously gripped the vicinity of both ends 11A and 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. , It is used by being arranged in advance in the gap 41 in the bottom raising portion 40.

The base material 23 is a long member having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and is a member that serves as a base for the first member 21. Further, the base material 23 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 23b for fixing the spacer 24 with the bolt 26.
The material of the base material 23 is not particularly limited, but when the first member 21 and the second member 22 are connected and fixed, that is, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped by the relaxation forming jig 20, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped. It is necessary to appropriately select a material having sufficient mechanical strength to suppress the warp of the relaxation forming jig 20 due to the reaction force of the membrane bundle 11 and to support the weight of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. Examples of the material used for the base material 23 having such mechanical strength include a stainless steel material and the like.

The spacer 24 is a member provided on the upper surface 23a side of the base material 23 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and secures a certain distance or more when fixing the first member 21 and the second member 22 in combination. It functions as a stopper for this. This makes it possible to prevent the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 from being damaged when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped by the relaxation forming jig 20. Further, the spacer 24 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 24a for fixing the spacer 24 to the base material 23 and further tightening the second member 22 and the bolt 26 together.
The material of the spacer 24 is also not particularly limited, but for example, a resin material having excellent workability and mechanical strength, such as polyacetal resin, can be used.

The elastic member 25 has a function of uniformly applying a surface pressure so as to be adapted to the unevenness when gripping the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 having unevenness on the surface. If the hollow fiber membrane bundle is gripped without providing an elastic member on the relaxation forming jig, the hollow fiber membrane bundle may be damaged, or the membrane bundle may be displaced when the gripping force is weakened. be.

The material, thickness, and hardness of the elastic member 25 are not particularly limited, but can be appropriately selected depending on the width, thickness, weight, and the like of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 to be gripped.
The elastic member 25 is preferably made of an elastic body because the degree of change in the amount of bending is large. Examples of this elastic body include various rubbers (urethane rubber, silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, natural rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, etc.), sponges made of various rubbers, flexible polyurethane, soft polyvinyl chloride, or foam. Examples include bodies (polyethylene, polystyrene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, etc.), which are selected from various rubber materials and sponge materials.

The hardness of the elastic member 25 is a sponge hardness using an Asker C-type hardness tester conforming to SRIS 0101 (Japan Rubber Association standard), preferably 1 to 30 degrees, more preferably 3 to 20 degrees, and 5 to 10 degrees. Most preferred. When the hardness of the elastic member 25 is within this range, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 can be gripped reliably without being damaged.
The thickness of the elastic member 25 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 2 to 30 mm, further preferably 3 to 20 mm, and most preferably 5 to 10 mm in consideration of gripping the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. When the thickness of the elastic member 25 is within the above range, the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be reliably gripped without being damaged.

In the manufacturing method according to the present invention, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 gripped by the relaxation forming jig 20 is extremely lightweight, the elastic member 25 can be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the second member 22 is a long member having a substantially U-shaped cross section like the base material 23 of the first member 21, and the lower surface 22a is the first member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is sandwiched and gripped between the member 21 and the elastic member 25. Further, the second member 22 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 22b for fixing with a bolt 25 in combination with the first member 21.
Similar to the base material 23 of the first member 21, the material of the second member 22 is required to have sufficient mechanical strength to suppress warpage and support the weight of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. Therefore, it is preferable to use a stainless steel material or the like.

Here, both ends of the base material 23 of the first member 21 in the length direction and both ends of the second member 22 in the length direction are the connecting portion 23A and the connecting portion 22A, respectively, and are shown in FIG. 6A and the like. As described above, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped by the relaxation forming jig 20 and attached to the support column 17, this position is fixed by, for example, a vise.

Further, on at least one of the first member 21 and the second member 22, the relaxation forming jig 20 is attached to the holding frame 30 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) described in the second embodiment described later. A connecting portion including a bolt insertion hole (not shown) or the like for connecting and fixing is provided. Here, when the connecting portion is provided on the first member 21, the position is set near both ends in the length direction of the base material 23, and when the connecting portion is provided on the second member 22, the position is the length of the second member 22. It may be near both ends in the longitudinal direction.

Then, in the gripping step of the present embodiment, after preparing the bottom raising jig 40 as described above, first, as shown in FIGS. The first members 21 and 21 constituting the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are set apart from each other.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a predetermined number of hollow fiber membrane bundles 11 and a pair of columns 17 and 17 are set at predetermined positions on the bottom raising jig 40 and the first member 21. .. At this time, by preliminarily inserting a ruled line 42 based on a desired dimensional value on the surface of the bottom raising jig 40, the setting position can be adjusted according to the total length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.
In this way, when the setting position of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is indicated by a ruled line in advance, for example, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is placed substantially horizontally on the bottom raising jig 40, and the bottom raising jig 40 is placed. Various positioning lines 42 are marked on the upper surface 40a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 according to the total length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 without relaxation and the length considering the formation of relaxation.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second members 22 and 22 are set so as to sandwich the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 between the first members 21 and 21 and the bolt of the base material 23. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped by tightening the insertion hole 23b, the bolt insertion hole 24a of the spacer 24, and the bolt insertion hole 22b of the second member 22 together with the bolt 26. In the illustrated example, spacers 24 are provided at a total of four locations on the first member 21, and are co-tightened with bolts 26 at each of these four locations.

At this time, the gripping position of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 may be a position slightly closer to the center in the vicinity of both end portions 11A in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 as shown in the illustrated example. Further, in the gripping step, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped without forming and imparting relaxation and without applying too much tension. Further, in the gripping step, it is preferable to take care so that the spacer 24 does not come into contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.

After that, in the gripping step, one of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 is provided on the relaxation forming jig 22 on the right side in the width direction in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. At least one of the connecting portion 23A and the connecting portion 22A is fixed to the pair of columns 17 and 17 by using a vise or the like.

In the gripping step of the present embodiment, the thickness of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 at the position where it is gripped by the relaxation forming jig 20 is not particularly limited, but the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is not damaged and is not damaged. From the viewpoint of reliable gripping, it may be adjusted so as to be about 15 mm.

Further, the gripping portion of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20, that is, the hollow fiber membrane bundle weight per gripping area of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 by the elastic member 25 ^{is preferably 50 g / cm 2} or less. , 50 g / cm ² is more preferable. When the weight of the hollow fiber membrane bundle per gripping area of the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 is equal to or less than the above, the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be gripped reliably without being damaged.

(2) Relaxation Step Next, in the relaxation step, one of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 gripping the vicinity of both ends 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the above gripping step is moved to move the separation distance. By narrowing, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is formed and imparted with relaxation.

Specifically, one of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20, in the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the relaxation forming jig 20 arranged on the right side in the width direction in the drawing is used. In the gap 41 of the bottom raising jig 40, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is slightly moved in the direction along the length direction (see the arrow R shown in FIG. 6B) to narrow the separation distance. As a result, a slight slack (relaxation) is formed and imparted to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.
After that, in the relaxation step, the other of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20, that is, the connecting portion 23A provided on the relaxation forming jig 20 on the left side in the width direction in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Alternatively, at least one of the connecting portions 22A is fixed to the pair of columns 17, 17 by using a vise or the like.

In the present embodiment, also in the relaxation step, the separation distance between the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 can be appropriately determined based on the positioning line 42 previously marked on the upper surface 40a of the bottom raising jig 40.

(3) Insertion Step Next, in the insertion step, the ends 11A, 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 that has been relaxed in the relaxation step are inserted from the insertion ports 12a, 12a of the housings 12, 12 provided in pairs. , Insert each.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted to a predetermined position from the insertion port 12a of each housing 12. Further, in the example described in the present embodiment, the ends 17a and 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are also provided at predetermined positions from the insertion ports 12a and 12a of the housings 12 and 12 provided in the pair. insert. At this time, the end portions 17a of each of the columns 17 can be joined to a predetermined position in the housing 12 by using an adhesive or a screw, or by fitting.

Here, if necessary, a tubular one is adopted for the support column 17, and when communicating with the water collection flow path 15 in the housing 12, the support column 17 is connected and fixed to the attachment portion 15a of the water collection flow path 15 (FIG. 1). (C). The connection and fixing of the support column 17 and the mounting portion 15a are performed by the above-mentioned method of adhesion, screwing, fitting (liquid-tight sealing to the extent that the fixing resin 2 does not leak), or the like. Further, it is preferable that the connecting portion between the support column 17 and the mounting portion 15a is embedded in the fixing resin 2 in the fixing step described later from the viewpoint of further improving the mechanical strength. In this case, it is more important that the surface of at least a part of the portion of the support column 17 to be embedded in the fixing resin 2 has a concavo-convex shape such as a screw shape or a grain shape from the viewpoint of improving the adhesive strength. preferable. Further, it is most preferable that the portion of the support column 17 to be embedded in the fixing resin 2 is subjected to surface treatment such as blasting, frame treatment, or plasma treatment from the viewpoint of further improving the adhesive strength.

In order to improve workability when inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled into the insertion port 12a of the housing 12, for example, a vinyl sheet or the like is attached to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the housing 12. The insertion step may be performed with the intervening between the two. Then, after the insertion step is completed, the vinyl sheet may be removed.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the insertion step is performed after the relaxation step is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the insertion step can be performed before the relaxation step. However, it is preferable that the insertion step is performed after the relaxation step from the viewpoint that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is less likely to be displaced and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 does not need to be moved in the housing 12 during the relaxation formation.

(4) Fixing Step Next, in the fixing step, the fixing resin 2 is injected into the housing 12 into which the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted in the insertion step and cured to form the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. The end portion 11A is fixed, and the end portions 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are fixed to the housing 12 (see FIGS. 1A to 1C). In the example described in this embodiment, the end portions 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 inserted into the housing 12 in the insertion step are also fixed with the fixing resin 2 in the same manner as the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.

Specifically, first, a holding spacer (not shown) made of a water-soluble resin or the like is installed on the bottom portion 13 in the housing 12. This holding spacer is arranged to communicate the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 11, the water collecting flow path 15 and the water collecting port 16 after the fixing resin 2 is cured, and is water-soluble, that is, an aqueous solvent (for example, for example). It consists of a substance that has the property of dissolving or suspending in water, ethanol, isopropanol, a mixed solvent thereof, etc.). Further, as the holding spacer, one molded according to the size of the water collecting flow path 15 may be used. For example, a tubular thin-walled blow-molded product may be used after the fixing resin 2 is cured. It is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of removal.

Examples of the water-soluble resin as described above include water-soluble polymers, and specifically, plant-based polysaccharides such as guar gum, locust bean gum, quinceed gum, carrageenan, pectin, mannan, starch, and agar. Micromicrobial polysaccharides such as zansangum, succinoglycan, curdran, hyaluronic acid, dextran; plant proteins such as gelatin, casein, albumin, collagen; methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cationization Cellulose-based such as cellulose and hydrophobicized cellulose; starch-based such as solubilized starch and carboxymethyl starch, alginic acid-based such as propylene glycol alginate; other polysaccharide derivatives; inorganic substances such as viscous minerals and silica; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Vinyl-based materials such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer (polyacrylic acid), polyacrylamide and derivatives thereof; ether-based materials such as polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymer; and combinations thereof can be mentioned.

Next, an intermediate product including the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the support column 17 is leaned against a pedestal (not shown) in an upright posture in which the housing 12 is arranged vertically. Here, in the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, since the housing 12 and the support column 17 are fixed by a predetermined joining force by performing the insertion step before the fixing step, the housing 12 assembled in the inserting step When the intermediate product composed of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the support column 17 is placed in an upright posture, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of misalignment or the like.

Next, the uncured fixing resin 2 is filled from the insertion port 12a onto the holding spacer (not shown) and spread between the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the inner surface of the housing 12. As a method of filling the fixing resin 2 at this time, for example, in addition to a method using centrifugal force, the fixing resin 2 is sufficiently distributed between a plurality of hollow fiber membranes constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. It is preferable to use a method of opening the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 by blowing air or the like onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.

Next, the fixing resin 2 is heated and cured to fix the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the end portion 17a of the support column 17 in the housing 12 (cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1B and 1C). reference).
Then, for example, an aqueous solvent is poured into the tubular holding spacer to dissolve the holding spacer, and then the aqueous solvent is removed to communicate the inside of the hollow fiber membrane with the water collecting flow path 15.

Then, in the fixing step, after the intermediate product including the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the support column 17 is turned upside down and the other housing 12 is placed downward, the housing 12 is also filled with the fixing resin 2. After curing, the same treatment as described above for removing the holding spacer is performed.

In the fixing step of the present embodiment, an example in which the above-mentioned holding spacer is used as a method of communicating the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 11, the water collecting flow path 15 and the water collecting port 16 after the fixing resin 2 is cured. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a means using an inner wall member as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-247023 can be adopted.

(5) Removal Step Next, in the removal step, the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are removed from the completed flat hollow fiber membrane module 1.
Specifically, although detailed illustration is omitted, by removing the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the pair of columns 17 and 17, the flatness as shown in FIG. 1A is obtained. Obtain a mold hollow fiber membrane module 1.

(Action effect)
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention, a pair of struts 17 and 17 are arranged on both sides in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane. A relaxation forming step of imparting relaxation to the membrane bundle 11, an insertion step of inserting at least the end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 into the housing 12, and a fixing resin 2 being injected into the housing 12 to be cured. By adopting a method provided with a fixing step of fixing the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and fixing the end portions 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 to the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 The housing 12 and the support column 17 can be subjected to the fixing process in a state of being held in the same relative positional relationship as the finished product. As a result, the step of injecting the fixing resin 2 and curing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 while imparting slack to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 can be reduced to only once. Therefore, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 having excellent handleability can be manufactured with excellent production efficiency.

In the present embodiment, as the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1, the housing 12 is connected to both ends of the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, respectively, but the sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane is illustrated. The housing 12 may be connected only to one end of the membrane bundle 11 and the other end may be closed.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the configuration common to the first embodiment described above will be described with the same reference numerals and the same drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The method for manufacturing the flat hollow fiber membrane module of the present embodiment is the same as the method for manufacturing the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (c), as in the first embodiment. ..
The manufacturing method of the present embodiment is a method including at least each of the steps shown in (1) to (7) below.
(1) A gripping step in which a pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped by the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20.
(2) A relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 by narrowing the separation distance between the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20.
(3) An insertion step of inserting the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 into the insertion port 12a of the housing 12.
(4) A holding step of assembling the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the pair of columns 17, 17 into the frame of the holding frame 30 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.
(5) A connecting step of connecting and fixing a pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20 to the holding frame body 30.
(6) Fixing by injecting the fixing resin 2 into the housing 12 and curing it to fix the end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and fixing the ends 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 to the housing 12. Process.
(7) A removal step of removing the holding frame body 30 and the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20.

That is, in the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, a holding step and a connecting step using the holding frame body 30 are added, and further, a procedure of removing the relaxation forming jig 20 and the housing 12 from the holding frame body 30 in the removing step is performed. It differs from the manufacturing method of the first embodiment in that it is added.

(1) Gripping Step In the gripping step, the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the hollow fiber membranes are arranged. The bundle 11 is gripped by a pair of relaxation forming jigs 20, 20.
In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the bottom raising jig 40 as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) is first placed on the work table prior to the gripping step.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first members 21 and 21 constituting the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are set apart from each other in the gaps 41 at the two locations.
Next, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a hollow fiber is formed at a predetermined position on the bottom raising jig 40 and the first member 21 based on the positioning line 42 previously marked on the upper surface 40a of the bottom raising jig 40. The thread membrane bundle 11 is set, and the pair of columns 17, 17 are set.
Next, as in the gripping step in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second member 22 sandwiches the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 between the first members 21 and 21. , 22 are set, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is gripped.
After that, as in the first embodiment, at least one of the connecting portion 23A or the connecting portion 22A provided on the relaxation forming jig 22 on the right side in the width direction in FIGS. Fix to 17 and 17 using a vise or the like.

(2) Relaxation Step Next, in the relaxation step as well, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is relaxed by narrowing the separation distance between the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. do.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), one or both of the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are hollow fiber membranes based on the positioning line 42 on the bottom raising jig 40. Relaxation is formed and imparted to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 by moving the bundle 11 in a direction along the length direction to narrow the separation distance.
After that, as in the first embodiment, at least one of the connecting portion 23A or the connecting portion 22A provided on the relaxation forming jig 20 on the left side in the width direction in FIGS. Fix to 17 and 17 using a vise or the like.

(3) Insertion Step Next, also in the insertion step, a pair of ends 11A and 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 to which relaxation was applied in the relaxation step was provided by the same method as in the first embodiment. Insert from the insertion ports 12a and 12a of the housings 12 and 12, respectively.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted to a predetermined position from the insertion port 12a of each housing 12. Further, also in the present embodiment, the end portions 17a, 17a of the pair of columns 17, 17 are inserted from the insertion ports 12a, 12a of the housings 12, 12 provided in the pair to a predetermined position, and the adhesive is used. Join using screws or by fitting. Further, as in the first embodiment, if necessary, a column 17 formed in a tubular shape may be adopted, and the column 17 may be connected and fixed to the attachment portion 15a of the water collecting flow path 15 (FIG. 1 (c). ).

In this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the insertion step can be performed before the relaxation step, but from the viewpoint of preventing the displacement of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, the insertion step is performed. Is preferably performed after the relaxation step.

(4) Holding Step Next, in the holding step, the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the pair of columns 17, 17 are assembled in the frame of the holding frame 30 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.
Here, the holding frame body 30 used in the present embodiment is composed of an upper angle 31, a lower angle 32, and a pair of holding columns 33, 33, as shown in the examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In addition, it is a roughly rectangular frame in a plan view. Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, after the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the pair of columns 17, 17 maintained in a substantially horizontal state are assembled in the frame of the holding frame body 30. , Indicates a state in which this is in an upright posture.

In the holding step, first, the holding frame body 30 is set horizontally at a predetermined position, and then the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the pair of columns 17, 17 maintained in a substantially horizontal state are held by the holding frame body 30. It is housed in the frame of. At this time, for example, the pair of housings 12 and 12 can be fixed to the upper angle 31 and the lower angle 32 of the holding frame body 30 so as to be press-fitted, respectively.
As described above, by adopting the method using the holding frame body 30, the housing 12 and the support column 17 before being fixed by the fixing resin 2 in the fixing step described later are shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). Even when the posture is changed to the upright state as shown, the holding frame body 30 is surely held.

(5) Connecting Step Next, in the connecting step, the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are connected and fixed to the holding frame body 30.
Specifically, although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, bolt insertion holes are provided in the holding columns 33 and 33 of the holding frame body 30 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and the relaxation forming jig 20 is provided. At least one of the first member 21 and the second member 22 constituting the above is connected and fixed by using bolts. At this time, in a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is provided with a predetermined relaxation, a connecting portion formed of bolt insertion holes or the like (not shown) provided near both ends of the relaxation forming jig 20 is connected to the holding frame body 30. The holding columns 33 and 33 are fixed with bolts at predetermined positions.

When the bolt insertion hole provided in the holding frame body 30 is a long hole, the position of the relaxation forming jig 20 can be moved along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the hollow fiber can be moved. This is preferable because the amount of relaxation of the membrane bundle 11 can be further adjusted.

(6) Fixing Step Next, also in the fixing step, the fixing resin 2 is injected into the housing 12 into which the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted and cured by the same method as in the first embodiment. The end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is fixed, and the ends 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are fixed to the housing 12 (see FIGS. 1A to 1C). Also in the example described in this embodiment, the end portions 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 inserted into the housing 12 are fixed with the fixing resin 2 in the same manner as the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11.

Specifically, as in the first embodiment, first, a spacer (not shown) made of a water-soluble resin or the like is installed on the bottom portion 13 in the housing 12.
Next, the holding frame body 30 is rotated so that the housing 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, and the pair of columns 17, 17 are in an upright posture.
Next, the uncured fixing resin 2 is filled from the insertion port 12a onto a spacer (not shown) and spread between the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the inner surface of the housing 12.
Next, the fixing resin 2 is heated and cured to fix the end portion 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the end portion 17a of the support column 17 in the housing 12.
Then, as in the first embodiment, an aqueous solvent is poured into the tubular spacer to dissolve the spacer, and then the aqueous solvent is removed to communicate the inside of the hollow fiber membrane with the water collecting flow path 15. ..

Further, in the fixing step, after the holding frame 30 is turned upside down and the other housing 12 is arranged downward, the housing 12 is also filled with the fixing resin 2 and cured to remove the holding spacer. Is processed.

(7) Removal Step Next, in the removal step, the holding frame 30 and the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are removed from the completed flat hollow fiber membrane module 1.
Specifically, although detailed illustration is omitted, the housing 12 and the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are removed from the holding frame body 30, and the pair of relaxation forming jigs 20 and 20 are removed from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11. By removing from the pair of columns 17, 17, a flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 as shown in FIG. 1A is obtained.

(Action effect)
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention, in the relaxation forming step, a pair of columns 17, 17 are provided on both sides in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane. After imparting relaxation to the arranged hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, in the insertion step, at least the end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 is inserted into the housing 12, and after the holding step of assembling these to the holding frame 30, after the holding step. A fixing step is provided in which the fixing resin 2 is injected into the housing 12 and cured to fix the end 11A of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 and the ends 17a of the pair of columns 17 and 17 are fixed to the housing 12. By adopting the above method, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11, the housing 12, and the support column 17 in a state of not being sufficiently fixed are held in the same relative positional relationship as the finished product as in the first embodiment. It can be used for the fixing process. As a result, the step of injecting the fixing resin 2 and curing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 while imparting slack to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 11 can be reduced to only once. Therefore, the flat hollow fiber membrane module 1 having excellent handleability can be manufactured with excellent production efficiency.

The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention can reduce the step of injecting a fixing resin and curing it only once while imparting slack to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by a simple method, resulting in ease of handling. Since it becomes possible to manufacture an excellent flat hollow fiber membrane module with excellent production efficiency, it is very useful in manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module used for sewage treatment and the like.

1 ... Flat hollow fiber membrane module, 2 ... Fixing resin, 11 ... Hollow fiber membrane bundle, 12 ... Housing, 12a ... Insertion port, 13 ... Bottom, 14 ... Side surface, 15 ... Water collecting channel, 16 ... Water collecting part , 17 ... struts (a pair of struts), 20 ... relaxation forming jigs (a pair of relaxation forming jigs: gripping tools for manufacturing flat hollow fiber membrane modules), 21 ... first member, 22 ... second member, 26 ... Bolt (holding means), 30 ... Holding frame.

Claims (9)

A housing having a water collecting flow path is provided, and each end of a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into the housing from each insertion port of the housing to be fixed and fixed. A flat type in which the ends of each of a pair of columns arranged along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are fixed to the housing on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane. A method for manufacturing hollow fiber membrane modules.
A gripping step in which a pair of relaxation forming jigs are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is gripped by the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
A relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by narrowing the separation distance of the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
An insertion step of inserting the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle into the insertion port of the housing, and
A fixing step of injecting a fixing resin into the housing and curing the hollow fiber membrane bundle to fix the ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and fixing the ends of the pair of columns to the housing.
The removal step of removing the pair of relaxation forming jigs and
A method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, including. A housing having a water collecting flow path is provided, and each end of a sheet-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is inserted into the housing from each insertion port of the housing to be fixed and fixed. A flat type in which the ends of each of a pair of columns arranged along the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle are fixed to the housing on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane. A method for manufacturing hollow fiber membrane modules.
A gripping step in which a pair of relaxation forming jigs are arranged apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is gripped by the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
A relaxation step of imparting relaxation to the hollow fiber membrane bundle by narrowing the separation distance of the pair of relaxation forming jigs.
An insertion step of inserting the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle into the insertion port of the housing, and
A holding step of assembling the housing, the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the pair of struts into a frame of a holding frame having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.
A connecting step of connecting and fixing the pair of relaxation forming jigs to the holding frame body,
A fixing step of injecting a fixing resin into the housing and curing the hollow fiber membrane bundle to fix the ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and fixing the ends of the pair of columns to the housing.
A removal step of removing the holding frame and the pair of relaxation forming jigs, and
A method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module, including. The relaxation forming jig is provided with an elastic member having a sponge hardness of 3 to 20 degrees using an Asker C-type hardness tester conforming to SRIS 0101 (Japan Rubber Association standard) in the grip portion for gripping the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat hollow fiber membrane module is manufactured. The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relaxation forming jig has a thickness of the elastic member of 2 mm or more. The claim that the ratio (L / W) of the total width W of the flat hollow fiber membrane module to the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 10 to 60 times. The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of 1 to 4. The claim that the ratio (L / W) of the total width W of the flat hollow fiber membrane module to the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 20 to 50 times. The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of 1 to 4. The production of the flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 300 to 1500 mm. Method. The production of the flat hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total length L of the flat hollow fiber membrane module in the arrangement direction of the hollow fiber membrane is in the range of 500 to 1250 mm. Method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight of the hollow fiber membrane bundle per gripping area of the flat hollow fiber membrane module by the gripping portion of the relaxation forming jig is 50 g / cm ^{2 or less.} The method for manufacturing a flat hollow fiber membrane module according to the description .

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