WO2014081130A1

WO2014081130A1 - Apparatus for manufacturing hollow fiber membrane module and method for manufacuring hollow fiber membrane module using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2014081130A1
Application number: PCT/KR2013/009709
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangyoon KIM; Jongdeok KIM; Dohee KIM; Minjoung Kim
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2012-11-20
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: KR101368397B1

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module and a method for manufacturing the same. The apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module includes: a lower support part having both end portions on which the first header and the second header are supported, respectively; an upper support part disposed above the lower support part; a plurality of support units separately disposed at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches between the lower support part and the upper support part and accommodating a predetermined amount of hollow fiber membrane, respectively, such that they are separately supported therein, and potting caps coupled to outer end portions of the first header and the second header, respectively, to form a space for charging (or filling) the binder together with the first header and the second header therein.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING HOLLOW FIBER MEMBRANE MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACURING HOLLOW FIBER MEMBRANE MODULE USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module using the same and, more particularly, to an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module capable of restraining hollow fiber membranes from being biased (or concentrated) and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module using the same.

As known, a method of separating a particular material from a fluid may include a method of using heating or a phase change and a method of using a separator membrane.

A surface of a separator membrane has fine pores formed therein, and a particular material is filtered through the fine pores.

The method of using a separator membrane is advantageous in that desired water quality can be stably obtained according to a size of pores of the separator membrane, accomplishing a high degree of process reliability.

Also, since the method of using a separator membrane does not require manipulation such as heating, or the like, it may be advantageously used to separate a material susceptible to heating.

Meanwhile, a separator membrane may be classified into a flat membrane having a flat cross section and a hollow fiber membrane having a hollow therein according to a shape thereof.

The hollow fiber membrane is a tube-type fiber structure having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and since a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are used in the form of a bundle, a surface area thereof may be remarkably increased in comparison to a flat membrane. Thus, recently, hollow fiber membranes are commonly used together with flat membranes for the purpose of filtering using membranes.

Meanwhile, a filtering device using hollow fiber membranes may be classified into a pressurized-type filtering device and a submerged-type filtering device according to an operation scheme.

The submerged-type filtering device is configured such that a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (a bunch of hollow fiber membranes) are directly submerged in a reactor tank without a housing structure for hermetically sealing the hollow fiber membranes. Negative pressure may be applied to the interior of the submerged-type hollow fiber membranes.

The pressurized-type filtering device is configured to have a housing structure for hermetically sealing hollow fiber membranes and high pressure may be applied to a fluid to be treated to perform filtering.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of a related art hollow fiber membrane module and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating biased hollow fiber membranes (a biased distribution or an uneven distribution of hollow fiber membranes) within a header of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hollow fiber membrane module includes hollow fiber membranes 10 each having a predetermined length and a plurality of headers 20 disposed in both end portions of each of the hollow fiber membranes 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, each hollow fiber membrane 10 has a tube-type wall 11 having a hollow 12 formed therein.

Although not shown in detail, the wall 11 of each hollow fiber membrane 10 has fine pores.

Supports 30 are provided between the two headers 20 provided in both end portions of each hollow fiber membrane 10 in order to connect the two headers 20.

For example, the supports 30 are provided in both sides of the headers 20.

Binding materials 40 are provided within the headers 20 to integrally fixedly bond end portions of the hollow fiber membranes 10 and the headers 20.

Each binding material 40 may be made of, for example, a synthetic resin member (resin).

The binding material 40 in a liquid state (a potting liquid) is injected into the interior of each header 20.

For example, the binding material 40 may be charged according to a so-called centrifugal potting method in which a potting liquid is injected while the hollow fiber membranes 10 and the headers 20 are being rotated on the basis of a central region of the hollow fiber membranes 10 in a length direction, as an axis.

Also, the binding material 40 may be charged according to a so-called static potting method in which a potting liquid (a liquid bonding material 40) is injected into the interior of the any one header 20, and after the injected potting liquid is hardened to a degree, a potting liquid is applied to the interior of the other header 20.

In this case, however, in the related art hollow fiber membrane module, the hollow fiber membranes 10 sag due to various factors such as self-weight thereof, and the like, during the potting process, resulting in that the hollow fiber membranes 10 are disposed in one side within the header 20.

In detail, for example, since the hollow fiber membranes 10 are laid down such that the headers 20 are disposed in both sides of the hollow fiber membranes 10 during the potting process, the hollow fiber membranes 10 are concentrated on a lower portion within the headers 20 due to self-weight thereof, and thus, the hollow fiber membranes 10 are rarely disposed in an upper portion within the headers 20.

Thus, in the case in which the end portions of the hollow fiber membranes 10 are concentrated on a portion, rather than being evenly disposed within the headers 20, the hollow fiber membranes 10 may be twisted and/or entangled and thus easily damaged (i.e., cut or disconnected). When the hollow fiber membranes 10 are disconnected, raw water may flow to filtered water side through the cut portion so as to be mixed with filtered water.

In addition, when the end portions of the hollow fiber membranes 10 become eccentric within an outflow side header 20 through which filtered water flows out, loss of fluid pressure may be considerably made.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module capable of restraining hollow fiber membranes from being biased (or concentrated) and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module using the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module capable of restraining hollow fiber membranes from being entangled and disconnected and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module using the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module capable of restraining hollow fiber membranes from being biased to thus restrain loss of pressure resulting from otherwise biased hollow fiber membranes and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module using the same.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a first header and a second header coupled to both end portions of the hollow fiber membranes, including: a lower support part having both end portions on which the first header and the second header are supported, respectively; an upper support part disposed above the lower support part; a plurality of support units separately disposed at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches between the lower support part and the upper support part and accommodating a predetermined amount of hollow fiber membrane, respectively, such that they are separately supported therein; and potting caps coupled to outer end portions of the first header and the second header, respectively, to form a space for charging (or filling) a binder binding the first header and the second header to the respective end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches together with the first header and the second header therein.

The apparatus may further include binder supply units provided in each of the first header and the second header in the length direction of the hollow fiber membranes and configured to supply the binder to the interior of the first header and the second header.

Each binder supply unit may be detachably coupled to the lower support part.

Each support unit may have a plurality of support members which are coupled to be in surface-contact with each other with the hollow fiber membrane bunches interposed therebetween in both sides.

A header fixing portion may be formed in mutual contact regions of the lower support part and the first header and mutual contact regions of the lower support part and the second header in order to fix the first header and the second header.

The header fixing portion may include a fixing protrusion protruded from any one of mutual contact surfaces of each header and the lower support part and a fixing protrusion accommodation portion formed in the other in order to accommodate the fixing protrusion.

Each support member may include a first bunch accommodation portion accommodating one hollow fiber membrane bunch or a second bunch accommodation portion accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches.

The lower support part and the upper support part may have support portions supporting the support units, respectively.

The apparatus may further include a plurality of leg portions supporting the lower support part from a lower side of the lower support part.

Each leg portion may have a fixing portion fixing the lower support part.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a first header and a second header disposed in both end portions of the hollow fiber membranes, including: preparing the hollow fiber membranes, the first header, the second header, and a plurality of support units disposed to be spaced apart from each other at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membranes and accommodating a pre-set amount of hollow fiber membranes, respectively, such that the hollow fiber membranes are separately supported; disposing the first header and the second header in both end portions of the lower support part having a length corresponding to that of the hollow fiber membranes; disposing the plurality of support units in an upper portion of the lower support part such that they are spaced apart from each other at pre-set intervals; accommodating a pre-set amount of hollow fiber membrane bunches such that the hollow fiber membrane bunches are separately supported in the first header, the support units, and the second header; disposing the upper support part above the support units and fixing the lower support part and the upper support part; and injecting a binder into the interiors of the first header and the second header.

The method may further include: coupling binder supply units to an inner side of the first header and the second header, respectively; and coupling a potting cap to an outer side of the first header and the second header, respectively, before injecting the binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.

The method may further include: rotating a coupled body of the lower support part and the upper support part, before injecting a binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.

The method may further include: when a pre-set period of time has lapsed, separating the hollow fiber membrane module from the lower support part and the upper support part, after the injecting of the binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.

The method may further include: cutting the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches and the binder in any one of the first header and the second header to form an outflow end portion to allow filtered water to flow out therethrough, after the separating of the hollow fiber membrane module from the lower support part and the upper support part.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming the lower support part having both end portions on which the first header and the second header are supported, respectively, the upper support part disposed above the lower support part, the support units separately disposed at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches between the lower support part and the upper support part and accommodating a predetermined amount of hollow fiber membrane, respectively, such that they are separately supported therein, and the potting caps provided in outer end portions of the first header and the second header, respectively, to form a space for charging (or filling) the binder together with the first header and the second header together, when the hollow fiber membrane module is manufactured through centrifugal potting, concentration of the hollow fiber membranes with respect to the headers can be restrained.

Also, since the hollow fiber membranes are separately accommodated and supported as bunches, entanglement of the hollow fiber membranes can be restrained and disconnection of the hollow fiber membranes resulting from entanglement thereof can be restrained. Thus, mixing of raw water and filtered water due to disconnection of the hollow fiber membranes can be restrained.

Also, since the binder (potting liquid) is injected into the first header and the second header while rotating the hollow fiber membrane bunches, the first header, and the second header in a state in which the hollow fiber membrane bunches are separately supported, air-tightness and reliability of the binder can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of the related art submerged-type hollow fiber membrane module;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 illustrating concentration (concentration distribution) of hollow fiber membranes within a header of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane module manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first header region of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a second header region of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bonding material (or a binder) supply region of the apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a coupled state of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 6 and a process of injecting a bonding material of the hollow fiber membrane module;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX line of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support unit region of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state before a support unit of FIG. 10 is coupled; and

FIG. 12 through 19 are views illustrating states before and after the support unit is coupled according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a hollow fiber membrane module 100 manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 each having a predetermined unit of hollow fiber membranes 110; a first header 120 provided in one end portion of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 and accommodating the respective hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 such that they are separately supported therein; a second header provided in the other end portion of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 and supportedly accommodating the other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 therein; and a bonding material (or a binder) 140 charged within the first header 120 and the second header 130 to bond the one end portion of each of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 to the first header 120 and the other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 to the second header 130. Here, the hollow fiber membrane module 100 may be a so-called submerged-type hollow fiber membrane module 100 submerged in a reactor tank without having a housing structure for sealing the hollow fiber membranes.

Each hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 may be configured to have a predetermined unit (e.g., a unit of tens or hundreds) of hollow fiber membranes 110 having a predetermined length.

Each hollow fiber membrane 110 may have a tube-type wall (membrane) 111 having a hollow 112 formed therein. The wall 111 of each hollow fiber membrane 110 may have fine pores (not shown).

The hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 may be plural. In the present embodiment, a case in which ten hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are provided is illustrated, but the amount of the hollow fiber membranes may be appropriately adjusted.

The first header 120 may be provided in one end portion of the hollow fiber membrane bunch 105.

The first header 120 may have an accommodation space formed therein.

Bunch accommodation portions 127 may be provided within the first header 120 in order to separately support end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105.

For example, the first header 120 may include a body 121 forming the exterior and the hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portions 127.

The body 121 may have a cylindrical shape, for example.

The hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portions 127 of the first header 120 may be provided to correspond to the amount (e.g., ten) of the hollow fiber bunches 105.

The bonding material 140 may be provided within the first header 120 in order to fixedly bond one end portion of each of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 and the first header 120 integrally.

The bonding material 140 may be a synthetic resin member (resin).

In detail, the bonding material 140 may be injected in a state of a liquid (a potting liquid) into the first header 120 and hardened.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, an outflow end portion may be formed to be opened to allow water filtered when it was introduced into the hollow fiber membrane 110 to flow out. Here, the outflow end portion of the hollow fiber membrane 110 may be formed by simultaneously cutting the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 and the binding material 140 after the binding material 140 is charged and hardened.

The second header 130 may be provided in the other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105.

Here, the hollow fiber membrane bunches may have a length greater than a distance between the first header 120 and the second header 130 such that the hollow fiber membrane bunches may be loosely hung, rather than being strained, between the first header 120 and the second header 130.

The hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portion 137 separately accommodating and supports the other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 may be provided within the second header 130. The hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portion 137 of the second header 130 may be provided to correspond to the number of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105.

The second header 130 may include a body 131 forming the exterior and the hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portion 137 formed within the body 131.

The body 131 may have a cylindrical shape, for example.

The binder 140 may be provided within the second header 130 to integrally fixedly bond the other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 to the second header 130.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the binder 140 may be configured to cover the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105. Namely, the end portions of hollow fiber membranes 110 positioned in the second header 130 may be configured to be blocked by the binder 140.

A plurality of through holes (air dispersing holes) 142 may be provided in the binder 140 of the second header 130 such that the plurality of through holes 142 are formed in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane 110, for example.

A support 150 may be provided between the first header 120 and the second header 130.

The support 150 may have a bar-like shape, for example.

One end of the support 150 may be connected to the first header 120, and the other end thereof may be connected to the second header 130. Thus, the first header 120 and the second header 130 may be supported at a predetermined interval therebetween.

The support 150 may be made of a rigid member (e.g., a metal member).

The support 150 may be configured as a pair, for example. Here, a single support may be formed and an amount of supports may be appropriately adjusted.

The supports 150 may be disposed in positions facing each other, for example.

Meanwhile, the hollow fiber membrane 100 according to the present embodiment having the structural characteristics as described above may be manufactured by using an apparatus 200 for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of supporting the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 such that the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are spaced apart from one another in a previously designed pattern. Accordingly, a generation of loss of fluid pressure as the filtered water leans to the hollow fiber membranes 110 positioned in the outflow end portion (the first header 120 side) can be restrained. Also, since the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are separately supported, the hollow fiber membranes 110 can be restrained from being entangled and disconnection of the hollow fiber membranes 110 resulting from entanglement can be reduced. Thus, mixing of raw water and filtered water resulting from disconnection of the hollow fiber membranes 110 can be restrained.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may serve to manufacture the hollow fiber membrane 100, may include a lower support part 210 having both end portions on which the first header 120 and the second header 130 are mounted to be supported, respectively; an upper support part 220 rotatably coupled to the lower support unit 210; support units 320 separately disposed at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 between the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 and accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 by predetermined units such that they are separately supported therein; and potting caps 270 provided in outer end portions of the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively, to form a space for charging (or filling) the binder 140 together with the first header 120 and the second header 130 together.

The lower support part 210 may be formed to have a length sufficient for supporting the first header 120, the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105, and the second header 130 from a lower side, for example.

The lower support part 210 may have an upwardly opened semicircular sectional shape, for example.

Flange portions 215 may be provided in both sides of the lower support part 210 such that they are outwardly protruded in a radial direction and extend in a length direction.

The upper support part 220 may be rotatably provided in the lower support part 210.

The upper support part n220 may have a downwardly opened semicircular sectional shape.

A hinge 217 may be coupled to the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220, respectively.

One side of the hinge 217 may be fixed to the lower support part 210, and the other side thereof may be connected to the upper support part 220. Accordingly, the upper support part 220 may be relatively rotated with respect to the lower support part 210 in a vertical direction.

The upper support part 220 may have a size smaller than that of the lower support part 210 and may be provided as plural, for example.

In detail, the upper support part 220 may be rotatably coupled to both sides of the lower support part 210.

In the present embodiment, two pairs of upper support part 220 are illustrated, but the size and the amount of the upper support parts 220 may be appropriately adjusted.

Here, the upper support part 220 may be disposed to cover the support units 320 disposed vertically within the lower support part 210 to support the support unit 320.

The upper support part 220 may be configured to be rotatable between a coupling position (please see FIG. 8) in which the upper support part 220 is upwardly rotated to be coupled to the lower support part 210, and an opening position in which the upper support part 220 is downwardly rotated to become away from the upper support part 220 so as to open the interior.

Flange portions 225 may be provided in both sides of each of the upper support parts 220 such that the flange portions 225 are in surface-contact with the flange portions 215 of the lower support parts 220.

A fixing maintaining portion 241 may be provided in the upper support part 220, such that the upper support part 220 is fixedly maintained in the coupling position, when the upper support part 220 is in the coupling position.

The fixing maintaining portion 241 may be provided as plural.

Each of the fixing maintaining portions 241 may include a stopping portion 241 formed in any one of the upper support parts 220 and a stop ring portion 243 formed in the other of the upper support parts 220 and caught by the stop portion 242 to pressurize the two upper support parts 220 to tightly attach them.

The apparatus 200 for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of leg portions 280 supporting the lower support part 210 from a lower side of the lower support part 210. Thus, since the lower support part 210 is spaced apart from the bottom and stably supported, an operation can be easily performed.

The leg portions 280 may detachably support the lower support part 210.

A semi-circular mounting portion 282 corresponding to a shape of the section of the lower support part 210 may be provided on an upper surface of each leg portion 280 to allow the lower support part 210 to be mounted thereon.

Each of the leg portions 280 may be fixedly coupled to an upper surface of a cradle 290.

Fixing portions 231 may be provided in an upper side of the legs 280 to fix the lower support part 210.

Each of the fixing portions 231 may have a semicircular shape, for example.

The fixing portions 231 may be provided in both end portions of the lower support part 210.

Two fixing portions 231 may be formed in both end portions of the lower support part 210, for example, and thus, a total of four fixing portions 231 may be provided. In the present embodiment, four fixing portions 231 are illustrated, but a shape and an amount thereof may be appropriately adjusted.

The fixing portions 231 may be configured to be connected to the leg portions 280 to restrain a relative movement of the lower support part 210.

One side of each of the fixing portions 231 may be rotatably coupled to each leg portion 280, for example,

The fixing maintaining portion 241 may be provided in each of the fixing portion 231 and the leg portion 280 such that the fixing portion 231 is fixedly maintained in the coupling position disposed to have a semicircular shape above the lower support part 210.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the stop portion 242 may be formed in the fixing portion 231 and the stop ring portion 243 may be formed in the leg portion 280.

Meanwhile, both end portions of the lower support part 210 may be mounted in the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

A header fixing portion 250 may be provided in a contact region between the lower support part 210 and the first header and in a contact region between the lower support part 210 and the second header 130 in order to restrain a relative movement of each of the

headers

120 and 130 with respect to the lower support part 210.

Each header fixing portion 250 may include fixing

protrusions

122 and 132 protruded from mutual contact surfaces between the lower support part 210 and the

respective headers

120 and 130 and a fixing protrusion accommodation portion 255 formed in the other to accommodate the fixing

protrusions

122 and 132, respectively.

For example, the fixing

protrusions

122 and 132 may be protruded from an outer surface of each of the

headers

120 and 130, and the fixing protrusion accommodation portion 255 may be formed to be depressed in both end portions of the lower support part 210.

The fixing

protrusions

122 and 132 may be formed to be protruded downwardly in the center of a lower surface of each of the

headers

120 and 130, for example. Thus, each of the

headers

120 and 130 can be restrained from being moved (or rotated) in a circumferential direction.

Each of the heard fixing portions 250 may include fixing

ribs

124 and 134 protruded to restrain the

headers

120 and 130 from being moved in the length direction of the hollow fiber membranes 110 with respect to the lower support part 210 and fixing rib accommodation portions 257 depressed to accommodate the fixing

ribs

124 and 134, respectively.

For example, a plurality of fixing ribs 124 of the first header 120 may be formed in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane 110. In the present embodiment, two fixing ribs 124 are illustrated, but a size and an amount thereof may be appropriately adjusted.

The fixing rib 124 of the first header 120 may be protruded from an outer surface of the first header 120 and extend in the circumferential direction to have an annular shape.

The fixing rib accommodation portion 257 may be formed in the lower support part 210.

Meanwhile, a binder supply unit 310 may be provided in an inner side of each of the first header 120 and the second header 130 in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane 110 in order to supply the binder 140 (a potting liquid) to the interior of each of the first header 120 and the second header 130.

Each binder supply unit 310 may have a semicircular sectional shape. Here, an outer surface of each binder supply unit 310 may be in contact with an inner surface of each fixing portion 231.

Each binder supply unit 310 may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the lower support part 210.

Contact portions 312 may be provided in both sides of each of the binder supply unit 310 such that the contact portions 312 are in surface-contact with the flange portion 215 of the lower support part 210.

Each binder supply unit 310 may be fixedly coupled to an upper surface of the lower support part 210 by means of a plurality of fastening members (bolt and nut) 314.

An injection portion 315 may be formed in an upper surface of each binder supply unit 310 to allow a liquid binder 140 to be injected therethrough.

Each injection portion 315 may be formed to be upwardly protruded from an upper surface of each binder supply unit 310

A supply hose 317 may be connected to each injection portion 315 to supply the binder 140.

One side of each binder supply unit 310 may be configured to cover upper surfaces of the first header 120 and the second header 130.

The header fixing portion 250 may be formed in the contact area between each binder supply unit 310 and each

header

120 or 130 to restrain a relative movement of each

header

120 or 130.

Each header fixing portion 250 may include the fixing

protrusions

122 and 132 protruded from any one of mutual contact surfaces between the binder supply unit 310 and the

respective headers

120 and 130 and the fixing protrusion accommodation portion 255 formed in the other to accommodate the fixing

protrusions

122 and 132, respectively.

Also, the header fixing portion 250 may include the fixing

ribs

124 and 134 protruded from any one of the mutual contact surfaces between the bonder supply portion 310 and the

respective headers

120 and 130 and extending in the circumferential direction and the fixing rib accommodation portion 257 formed to be depressed in the other.

Here, since the fixing

protrusions

122 and 132 and the fixing

ribs

124 and 134 are formed in the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively, the fixing protrusion accommodation portion 255 and the fixing rib accommodation portion 257 may be formed in the contact surface of the bonder supply portion 310.

Meanwhile, the first header 120 and the second header 130 may have the potting cap 270, respectively. Thus, leakage of the liquid bonder 140 (a potting liquid) injected into the first header 120 and the second header 130 may be restrained.

Each potting cap 270 may be screw-coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

The first header 120 and the second header 130 may have a male screw portion 135 (please see FIG. 3) formed on an outer surface thereof, respectively.

A female screw portion 272 may be provided in each potting cap 270 and screw-coupled to the male screw portion 135 of each of the first header 120 and the second header 130.

The support units 320 may be provided within the lower support part 210 to separately support the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105.

A plurality of support units 320 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105. Accordingly, the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105, which having a great length, can be restrained from sagging and can be stably supported in a mutually separated state.

The support units 320 may be separately disposed at appropriately pre-set intervals according to a length and a unit amount of the hollow fiber membranes 110.

Each support unit 320 may include a plurality of bunch accommodation portions 321 separately accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 by a predetermined unit such that the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 can be separately supported. Here, an amount of the bunch accommodation portions 321 and a distance between the bunch accommodation portions 321 may be appropriately adjusted. For example, the bunch accommodation portions 321 of the support unit 320 may be formed to have a shape and a size the same as those of the hollow fiber membrane

bunch accommodation portions

127 and 137 within the first header 120 and the second header 130. Thus, before injecting the binder 140, dropping, entanglement, and the like, of the respective hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 can be reduced, and thus, the binder 140 can be injected in a state in which the respective hollow fiber membranes 110 are aligned neatly, and after the binder 140 is injected and hardened, the respective hollow fiber membranes 110 can be maintained in the evenly aligned state, significantly restraining a generation of entanglement and disconnection of the hollow fiber membranes 110.

Each support unit 320 may include a plurality of support members 322a to 322f partitioned to accommodate the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 within each bunch accommodation portion 321.

The bunch accommodation portion 321 may include a plurality of first bunch accommodation portions 324 accommodating a single hollow fiber membrane bunch 105, for example.

The lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 may include a plurality of support portions 245 supporting the respective support units 320 such that the support units 320 are maintained in a vertically disposed state.

Each support portion 245 may include support protrusions 246 provided in both sides of each support unit 320 such that each support unit 320 is inserted at a predetermined depth and supported.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, each support unit 320 may include a first support member 322a disposed in the lowermost portion within the lower support part 210 and a second support member 322b, a third support member 322c, a fourth support member 322d, a fifth support member 322e, sequentially disposed on the first support member 322a, and a sixth support member 322f formed to be in contact with an inner surface of the upper support part 220.

Here, the first support member 322a and the sixth support member 322f may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220.

The first support member 322a to the sixth support member 322f may be partitioned to have a horizontal contact surface 323, respectively.

The first support member 322a and the second support member 322b may have a support accommodation portion 326 to accommodate a support 150 of the hollow fiber membrane module 100, respectively.

The first support member 322a to the sixth support member 322f may be configured to be in contact with each other with the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 interposed therebetween so as to be coupled.

Te plurality of first bunch accommodation portions 324 may be provided between the second support member 322b and the fifth support member 322e to accommodate a single hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 such that each hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 is separately supported therein, respectively.

Each of the first bunch accommodation portions 324 may have a circular shape, for example.

A coupling protrusion 327 may be provided to be protruded from any one of mutual contact surfaces of the first support member 322a to the sixth support member 322f, and a coupling protrusion accommodation portion 328 may be provided from the other of the mutual contact surfaces to allow the coupling protrusion 327 to be insertedly coupled therein.

The coupling protrusion 327 and the coupling protrusion accommodation portion 328 may be press-fit by predetermined applied pressure so as to be coupled. Accordingly, the mutually coupled support members 322a to 322f may be restrained from being separated unexpectedly.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a support unit 330 may be configured as including the second support member 322b to the fifth support member 322e having oval second bunch accommodation portions 325 in which the plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are accommodated together. Thus, since the plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are simultaneously accommodated and supported, a process (operation) time can be shortened.

An air pipe accommodation portion 335 accommodating an air pipe (or an air dispersing pipe) 336 (please see FIG. 13) disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 may be provided between the second bunch accommodation portions 325. Here, a plurality of air dispersing holes (not shown) may be formed in the air pipe 336 to discharge air. Through this configuration, as the hollow fiber membranes near the air pipe 336 are shaken due to rise in the air (air bubbles) discharged through the air dispersing holes of the air pipe 336, a contaminant material attached to the surface of the hollow fiber membranes can be removed.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a support unit 340 may include the second support member 322b to the fifth support member 322e having first bunch accommodation portions 324 each accommodating a single hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 and/or a second bunch accommodation portion 325 simultaneously accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches 105.

In detail, the second support member 322b and the third support member 322c may cooperatively form the first bunch accommodation portion 324, and the third support member 322c and the fourth support member 322d may cooperatively form the second bunch accommodation portion 325.

The air pipe accommodation portion 335 accommodating the air pipe 336 disposed between the hollow fiber member bunches 105 may be provided between the second bunch accommodation portions 325.

Also, the fourth support member 322d and the fifth support member 322e may cooperatively form the first bunch accommodation portion 324.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a support unit 350 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first bunch accommodation portion 324 formed in an upper portion of the second support member 322b and a second bunch accommodation portion 325 formed in a lower portion of the third support member 322c.

Also, the first bunch accommodation portion 324 may be formed in an upper portion of the third support member 322c, and the second bunch accommodation portion 325 may be formed in a lower portion of the fourth support member 322d.

Also, the first bunch accommodate portion 324 may be formed in an upper portion of the fourth support member 322d, and the second bunch accommodation portion 325 may be formed in a lower portion of the fifth support member 322e.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, a support unit 360 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first support member 322a to a sixth support member 322f configured to have a sloped contact surface 362. Through this configuration, the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 may be distributed in a wider range by virtue of the first bunch accommodation portions 324, and a process (operation) time can be shortened by virtue of the second bunch accommodation portions 325.

Portions of the bunch accommodation portions according to the present embodiment are disposed to have different heights, whereby a larger amount of hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 accommodated in the respective bunch accommodation portions 321 may be distributed in a relatively large range. Thus, water treatment capability can be improved.

Portions of the bunch accommodation portions 321 may be disposed at the same height.

In detail, for example, a support accommodation portion 326 accommodating the support 150 is formed in a central region of an upper portion of the first support member 322a, and the first bunch accommodation portions 324 may be formed in an upper side of the support accommodation portion 326. Thus, a portion of a contact surface of an upper portion of the first support member 322a may be formed as a sloped contact surface 362 which is disposed slopingly.

Also, due to the second support member 322b and the third support member 322c, the central first bunch accommodation portion 325 may be disposed to be relatively high, while the first bunch accommodation portions 324 in both sides thereof may be disposed to be relatively low.

Also, the first bunch accommodation portions 324 formed by the third support member 322c and the fourth support member 322d may be formed to have the same height.

A horizontal contact surface 323, which is horizontally disposed, may be provided in the third support member 322c and the fourth support member 322d.

Also, the first bunch accommodation portions 324 formed by the fourth support members 322d and the fifth support members 322e may be configured such that the first bunch accommodation portion 324 positioned at the center is lower than the first bunch accommodation portions 324 positioned in both sides thereof.

Also, a pair of first bunch accommodation portions 324 are formed in mutual contact regions of the fifth support member 322e and the sixth support member 322f, and the support accommodation portion 326 may be formed in an upper portion at the center.

Through such a configuration, when the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is manufactured by using the apparatus 200 for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the present embodiment, the upper support part 220 is separated from the lower support part 210 to open an upper portion of the lower support part 210.

The first support member 322a of each support unit 320 is disposed in the lowermost side within the lower support part 210.

The first header 120 and the second header 130 are installed in both end portions of the lower support part 210. In this case, each fixing protrusion 122 and each fixing rib 124 of the first header 120 and the second header 130 are insertedly coupled to the fixing protrusion accommodation portion 255 and the fixing rib accommodation portion 257 of the lower support part 210. Accordingly, a relative movement of the first header 120 and the second header 130 in a circumferential direction and a length direction with respect to the lower support part 210 can be restrained. Also, the bonder 140 may be stably injected and hardened.

The lower support 150 may be accommodated in the support accommodation portion 326 of each of the first support members 322a.

The second support member 322b may be coupled to an upper portion of each of the first support members 322a.

When the coupling of each of the second support members 322b is completed, one end portion of each of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 may be inserted into the first header 120 and the other ends thereof may be sequentially inserted into the first bunch accommodation portion 324 of each of the second support members 322b and subsequently inserted into the second header 130. Accordingly, the respective hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 may be separately supported and can be restrained from sagging due to self-weight. Here, if the respective hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 sag in the length direction thereof between the first header 120 and the second header 130, a length of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 disposed between the two

headers

120 and 130 is unnecessarily increased, which results in entanglement and/or twisting of the hollow fiber membranes 110 to cause the hollow fiber membranes 110 to be cut. Namely, the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 of the hollow fiber membrane module formed by the apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the present embodiment are prevented from sagging by the support unit 320, entanglement and/or twisting of the hollow fiber membranes 110 can be restrained, and thus, a generation of cutoff of the hollow fiber membranes 110 can be significantly reduced.

Thereafter, the third support member 322c is coupled to an upper portion of the second support member 322b.

When the coupling of the third support member 322c is completed, one end of a different hollow fiber membrane bunch 105 may be inserted into the hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portion 127 of the first header 120.

The hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 each with one end portion accommodated in the first header 120 may extend to the second header 130 and sequentially accommodated in the first bunch accommodation portions 324 of each of the third support members 322c so as to be supported. The other end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 passing through each of the third support members 322v may be finally accommodated in the hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portions 137 of the second header 130.

The fourth support member 322d is coupled to an upper portion of the third support member 322c.

The hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are disposed in an upper side of the fourth support member 322d, and as described above, the corresponding hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are supportedly accommodated within the respective hollow fiber membrane bunch accommodation portions of the first header 120, each of the fourth support members 322d and the second header 130.

The fifth support member 322e is coupled to an upper portion of the fourth support member 322d, and the upper support 150 is accommodated in the support accommodation portion 326 of the fifth support member 322e.

After the upper support part 220 is rotated to a coupling position and fixed to a coupling position, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the binder supply unit 310 is disposed in each of the first header 120 and the second header 130 so as to be coupled to the lower support part 210.

When the coupling of the binder supply unit 310 is completed, each fixing portion 231 is rotated downwardly.

A coupled body 205 of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 is fixed by each fixing maintaining portion 241 provided in each of the fixing portion 231 and the leg portion 280.

When fixing of the coupled body 205 of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 is completed, each potting cap 270 is coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130.

When the coupling of each potting cap 270 is completed, each fixing portion 231 is upwardly rotated, and the coupled body 205 of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 may be separated from the leg portion 280.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the coupled body 205 of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220 may be rotated on the basis of a rotational axial line Lv perpendicular to the center of the coupled body 205 of the lower support part 210 and the upper support part 220. In this case, the liquid binder (potting liquid) 140 may be injected into the first header 120 and the second header 130 through the binder supply unit 310 provided in each of the first header 120 and the second header 130.

The injected liquid binder 140 may be introduced by centrifugal force to the interior of the first header 120 and the second header 130, whereby a generation of air bubbles can be restrained and density can be increased to improve air-tightness and reliability of the binder 140.

The liquid binder 140 injected into the first header 120 and the second header 130 may be hardened with the lapse of time.

When the binder 140 reaches a pre-set degree of hardness with the lapse of a predetermined time, the hollow fiber membrane module 100 may be separated from the hollow fiber membrane module coupled body.

When the hollow fiber membrane module 100 is separated, the support members of the support unit 320 coupled to the hollow fiber membrane module 100 are separated. In this case, since the respective hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 are in a loose state, the support members can be easily separated.

Meanwhile, an outflow end portion through which filtered water flows out, after water is introduced into the hollow fiber membranes 110, may be formed in any one side (the end portion of the first header 120 in the present embodiment) of the end portions of the first header 120 and the second header 130 of the separated hollow fiber membrane module 100.

The outflow end portion may be formed by cutting the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches 105 and the end portion of the binder 140.

Claims

An apparatus for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a first header and a second header coupled to both end portions of the hollow fiber membranes, the apparatus comprising:

a lower support part having both end portions on which the first header and the second header are supported, respectively;

an upper support part disposed above the lower support part;

a plurality of support units separately disposed at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane bunches between the lower support part and the upper support part and accommodating a predetermined amount of hollow fiber membrane, respectively, such that they are separately supported therein; and

potting caps coupled to outer end portions of the first header and the second header, respectively, to form a space for charging a binder binding the first header and the second header to the respective end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches together with the first header and the second header therein.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

binder supply units provided in each of the first header and the second header in the length direction of the hollow fiber membranes and configured to supply the binder to the interior of the first header and the second header.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each binder supply unit is detachably coupled to the lower support part.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each support unit has a plurality of support members which are coupled to be in surface-contact with each other with the hollow fiber membrane bunches interposed therebetween in both sides.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a header fixing portion is formed in mutual contact regions of the lower support part and the first header and a mutual contact regions of the lower support part and the second header in order to fix the first header and the second header.
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the header fixing portion comprises a fixing protrusion protruded from any one of mutual contact surfaces of each header and the lower support part and a fixing protrusion accommodation portion formed in the other in order to accommodate the fixing protrusion.
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each support member comprises a first bunch accommodation portion accommodating one hollow fiber membrane bunch or a second bunch accommodation portion accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bunches.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower support part and the upper support part have support portions supporting the support units, respectively.
The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

a plurality of leg portions supporting the lower support part from a lower side of the lower support part.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each leg portion has a fixing portion fixing the lower support part.
A method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module having a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a first header and a second header disposed in both end portions of the hollow fiber membranes, the method comprising:

preparing the hollow fiber membranes, the first header, the second header, and a plurality of support units disposed to be spaced apart from each other at pre-set intervals in a length direction of the hollow fiber membranes and accommodating a pre-set amount of hollow fiber membranes, respectively, such that the hollow fiber membranes are separately supported;

disposing the first header and the second header in both end portions of the lower support part having a length corresponding to that of the hollow fiber membranes;

disposing the plurality of support units in an upper portion of the lower support part such that they are spaced apart from each other at pre-set intervals;

accommodating a pre-set amount of hollow fiber membrane bunches such that the hollow fiber membrane bunches are separately supported in the first header, the support units, and the second header;

disposing the upper support part above the support units and fixing the lower support part and the upper support part; and

injecting a binder into the interiors of the first header and the second header.
The method of claim 11, further comprising:

coupling binder supply units to an inner side of the first header and the second header, respectively; and

coupling a potting cap to an outer side of the first header and the second header, respectively,

before injecting the binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.
The method of claim 12, further comprising:

rotating a coupled body of the lower support part and the upper support part, before injecting a binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.
The method of claim 13, further comprising:

when a pre-set period of time has lapsed, separating the hollow fiber membrane module from the lower support part and the upper support part, after the injecting of the binder to the interiors of the first header and the second header.
The method of claim 14, further comprising:

cutting the end portions of the hollow fiber membrane bunches and the binder in any one of the first header and the second header to form an outflow end portion to allow filtered water to flow out therethrough, after the separating of the hollow fiber membrane module from the lower support part and the upper support part.