JP2004202402A - Method for manufacturing hollow fiber membrane module and apparatus for opening hollow fiber membrane bundle - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module in which a bias of a hollow fiber membrane is small and a leak does not occur in a resin fixing portion, and a hollow fiber in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle is opened to eliminate the bias of the hollow fiber membrane. Provided is a fiber bundle opening device.
A hollow fiber membrane module includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle (32) in which hollow fiber membranes are bundled, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (32) is fixed in the case by a fixing resin. A method of manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module in which gas is blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 before storing the hollow fiber membrane in the case; and a conveying means (the winding device 51) for conveying the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 in which the hollow fiber membranes are converged ), Gas treatment means for treating gas by corona discharge, and gas ejection means (nozzle 54) for blowing gas treated by corona discharge onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 being conveyed. Fiber device 50.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module and a method for opening a hollow fiber membrane bundle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, hollow fiber membrane modules have been used in many applications such as production of aseptic water, drinking water, highly pure water, and purification of air.
As the hollow fiber membrane module, as shown in FIG. 10, a cylindrical case 11, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 13 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 12 are bundled in a cylindrical shape and housed in the case 11, and a hollow fiber There is a hollow fiber membrane module 10 which is roughly composed of a resin fixing portion 14 for fixing an end of the membrane bundle 13 in the case 11.
[0003]
In such a hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 13 obtained by bundling hollow fiber membranes 12 is housed in a case 11, a liquid fixing resin is poured into an end of the case 11, and the fixing resin is solidified. After the resin fixing portion 14 is formed, the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 13 is cut along with the case 11 and the resin fixing portion 14 to open the end of the hollow fiber membrane 12.
In this hollow fiber membrane module, for example, in the case of a filtration treatment of water, the raw water side and the purified water side are separated so that raw water before passing through the hollow fiber membrane 12 and purified water that has passed through the hollow fiber membrane 12 are not mixed. It is necessary to partition liquid-tightly by the resin fixing portion 14. Therefore, when manufacturing the hollow fiber membrane module, it is important how to uniformly flow the liquid fixing resin between the hollow fiber membranes 12 at the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 13.
[0004]
JP-B-56-53405 and JP-B-2-37791 disclose that a hollow resin membrane is dispersed by spraying a gas onto an end of a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed in a case and then filled with a fixing resin. A method for doing so is disclosed.
However, the hollow fiber membrane bundle accommodated in the case is regulated by the case, and the gas blown to the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle does not blow out from the outside to the inside of the case, and the hollow fiber membrane It only hits the end face of the membrane bundle.
[0005]
Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane at the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is hard to disperse, and partial bias tends to occur. Then, it becomes difficult for the fixing resin to flow into the portion where the hollow fiber membrane is dense, and a so-called leak state occurs in which the unfixed portion of the fixing resin causes insufficient partitioning by the resin fixing portion. It was frequent.
Further, the hollow fiber membrane inside the case to which the blown gas does not hit is not dispersed and has a large bias. Therefore, when the hollow fiber membrane module is used for filtering liquid or gas, the fluid does not flow uniformly throughout the hollow fiber membrane, and the filtration performance cannot be sufficiently exerted.
[0006]
In recent years, in addition to the above applications, hollow fiber membrane modules have been used in secondary and tertiary treatments in sewage treatment plants, solid-liquid separation in septic tanks, solid-liquid separation of SS (suspended substances) in industrial wastewater, etc. It is used for the treatment of highly polluted water.
As such a hollow fiber membrane module, as shown in FIG. 11, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 24 in which a housing 21 and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 are bound together in a sheet by binding at their ends by restraining threads 23. There is a hollow fiber membrane module 20 which is roughly constituted by a resin fixing portion 25 for fixing the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 24 inserted into the housing 21 from the opening to the housing 21.
[0007]
In such a hollow fiber membrane module 20, the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 24 is inserted into the housing 21 from the opening of the housing 21, and a liquid fixing resin is poured into the vicinity of the opening and solidified. It is manufactured by fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 24 to the housing 21 with the resin fixing portion 25 as the fixing portion 25.
Also in this hollow fiber membrane module, since it is necessary to partition the inside and the outside of the housing 21 in a liquid-tight manner by the resin fixing portion 25, at the time of manufacture, each hollow fiber at the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 24 is required. It is important how to uniformly flow the liquid fixing resin between the membranes 22.
[0008]
JP-A-2001-54724 discloses that before a hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed to a housing by a fixing resin, a gas is blown onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle near an opening of the housing to disperse the hollow fiber membrane. A method of filling a fixing resin is disclosed.
However, simply blowing gas to the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle may cause entanglement between the hollow fiber membranes, resulting in unevenness at the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the fixing resin to flow into the portion where the hollow fiber membrane is dense, and a leak state rarely occurs due to the unimpregnated portion of the fixing resin.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-B-56-53405 (page 3-5, FIG. 7)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-37791 (Pages 2-4, Fig. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-226496 A (page 3-7, FIG. 3)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module in which the hollow fiber membrane is less biased and no leak occurs in the resin fixing portion, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle is opened to form a hollow fiber membrane. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for opening a hollow fiber membrane bundle that eliminates bias.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is directed to a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which hollow fiber membranes are bundled is housed in a case, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the case by a fixing resin. In the manufacturing method, a gas is blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is stored in the case.
[0012]
In the method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is a belt-shaped knitted fabric, and the knitted fabric is a folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane folded to the width of the knitted fabric. Are bound by a restraining thread extending in the longitudinal direction of the knitted fabric.
In the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention, it is preferable that a gas is blown onto the knitted fabric and then wound to form a roll, and the roll is housed in a bottomed cylindrical case.
The gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle is preferably a gas treated by corona discharge.
[0013]
Further, the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes the steps of: inserting an end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in which the hollow fiber membranes are converged into the housing from the opening of the housing; and fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the opening. In the method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module to be fixed to a housing by a resin, before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed to the housing by the fixing resin, the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the opening of the housing is treated with a gas treated by corona discharge. Is sprayed.
In addition, the hollow fiber membrane bundle opening apparatus of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys the hollow fiber membrane bundle converging the hollow fiber membrane, a gas processing unit that processes gas by corona discharge, and a hollow fiber membrane that is being conveyed. The bundle is provided with gas jetting means for blowing gas treated by corona discharge.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
(Form example 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a hollow fiber membrane module manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention. The hollow fiber membrane module 30 includes a cylindrical case 31, a roll 33 of hollow fiber membrane bundles 32 housed in the case 31, and a resin fixing portion 34 for fixing the end of the roll 33 to the case 31. This is roughly composed of Here, the roll 33 folds the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 35 into a U-shape, and the band-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 in which the bent portions are bound by the restraining thread 36 is wound around a straw 37. There is something.
[0015]
The material of the case 31 may be any material having mechanical strength and durability, such as polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyolefin, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic resin, ABS resin, and modified PPE (polyphenylene ether). Can be used.
[0016]
As the hollow fiber membrane 35, various materials can be used, and for example, hollow fiber membranes made of various materials such as cellulose, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and polysulfone can be used. . Among them, it is preferable to use a hollow fiber membrane made of a material having high elongation such as polyethylene.
In addition, as long as it is a hollow fiber membrane that can be used as a filtration membrane, its pore size, porosity, film thickness, outer diameter, and the like are not particularly limited. For example, the outer diameter is 20 to 2000 μm, Is 0.01 to 1 μm, the porosity is 20 to 90%, and the film thickness is 5 to 300 μm.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the restraining thread 36 binds the hollow fiber membranes 35 at predetermined positions by chain stitching (chain knitting). As the type of the fiber constituting the constraining yarn 36, a multifilament yarn or a spun yarn made of a synthetic fiber having water resistance such as a polyester fiber can be used, and it is desirable to appropriately select it according to the use conditions and the like. The optimum number of yarns is not particularly limited, but is, for example, in the range of 2 to 5 yarns.
[0018]
This hollow fiber membrane module 30 is manufactured as follows.
First, a band-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 (knitted fabric) as shown in FIG. 2 is prepared. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is manufactured by so-called Russell knitting, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 35 are folded back plural times to the width of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, and the folded portion is formed into a hollow fiber membrane. The bundles 32 are bound together by chain stitch restraining threads 36 extending in the longitudinal direction.
[0019]
Next, a gas is blown onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 to break the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, thereby dispersing the respective hollow fiber membranes 35 uniformly (hereinafter, this operation is also referred to as opening). After the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is opened, it is wound around a straw 37 to form a roll 33 composed of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the roll 33 is housed in a bottomed cylindrical case 31 having a plurality of grooves extending radially at the bottom. Next, the resin injection tube 41 extends downward from the bottom, and the bottomed cylindrical resin pot 40 filled with the liquid fixing resin 42 is inserted into the straw 37 so that the resin injection tube 41 is inserted into the straw 37. , On the roll 33.
[0020]
Next, the case where the roll 33 is accommodated in the case 31 and the resin pot 40 is disposed on the roll 33 is set in a centrifuge (not shown), and the fixing resin 42 in the resin pot 40 is centrifuged by the centrifugal force. The mixture is poured into the bottom of the case 31 through the straw 37, and is poured between the case 31 and the roll 33 and between the hollow fiber membranes 35 and spread.
After the fixing resin 42 is solidified to form the resin fixing portion 34, the bottom side of the roll 33 is cut together with the case 31 and the resin fixing portion 34 to open the end of the hollow fiber membrane 35, as shown in FIG. Is manufactured.
[0021]
The opening of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 described above is specifically performed using an opening device 50 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fiber opening device 50 winds the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 around the straw 37 by rotating the pin guide while holding the leading end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 with a pair of pin guides (not shown). A device 51 (conveying means), a guide roller 52 for guiding the supplied hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 to the winding device 51, a pressing roller 53 for sandwiching the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 between the guide roller 52, Gas supply means (not shown) for supplying gas, gas treatment means (not shown) for treating gas by corona discharge, and gas treated by corona discharge to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 conveyed to the winding device 51 And a nozzle 54 (gas jetting means) for blowing air.
[0022]
As the gas treatment means, for example, a static eliminator that applies a high alternating voltage to the electrode needle to cause corona discharge to the electrode needle, and alternately generates positive ions and negative ions from the electrode needle can be used. As the gas supply means, for example, an air compressor can be used.
[0023]
The nozzle 54 is a flat nozzle in which a plurality of outlets are provided at a tip thereof in a straight line in the width direction of the nozzle, and is installed so that the width direction is parallel to the width direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32. Have been.
The inner diameter of the outlet of the nozzle 54 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. If the inner diameter is less than 0.1 mm, the gas may pass through the gap between the hollow fiber membranes 35, so that the opening effect may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, when the inner diameter exceeds 5 mm, regardless of the gas pressure, the gas is blown onto the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 35 at the same time, so that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 may not be able to be opened. In the above-mentioned size range, gas enters between the hollow fiber membranes 35, so that an extremely good opening effect can be exhibited.
[0024]
The position of the nozzle 54 is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 as long as the tip does not contact the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, and the distance between the nozzle 54 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is, for example, , 100 mm or less, and preferably in the range of 5 to 50 mm. If the position of the nozzle 54 is too far from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, even if the inside diameter of the outlet of the nozzle 54 is within the above-described range, gas is blown to the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 35 at the same time. May not be able to be opened.
[0025]
The relative moving speed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 and the nozzle 54 is preferably 1 to 30 m / min. When the moving speed is less than 1 m / min, the productivity of the hollow fiber membrane module is significantly reduced, while when it exceeds 30 m / min, the opening effect of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 tends to be reduced.
The gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is preferably ejected from the nozzle 54 at an angle of 10 to 80 ° with respect to the plane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 and in the same direction as the transport direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32. If the angle of the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is less than 10 ° with respect to the plane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, the gas will only pass through the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, so that the opening effect is significantly reduced. On the other hand, if it exceeds 80 °, the gas may pass through the gap between the hollow fiber membranes 35, and the opening effect may be significantly reduced. In addition, if gas is ejected from the nozzle 54 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is transported, the transport of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 may be hindered.
[0026]
The pressure of the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 MPa on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.2 MPa. . If the pressure of the gas is less than 0.01 MPa, the pressure may be too low and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 may not be opened. On the other hand, if the pressure of the gas exceeds 0.5 MPa, the possibility of the entanglement of the hollow fiber membrane 35 increases, which is not preferable. By the gas supply in the above-described pressure range, a good fiber opening effect of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is exhibited.
[0027]
The flow rate of the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 200 L / min. If the flow rate of the gas is less than 0.1 L / min, the flow rate is too small, and there is a possibility that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 cannot be opened. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the gas exceeds 200 L / min, the possibility of the entanglement of the hollow fiber membrane 35 increases, which is not preferable.
[0028]
As the fixing resin 42, an epoxy resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a silicone-based filler, various hot melt resins, and the like can be used, and can be appropriately selected. The viscosity of the fixing resin 42 before solidification is not particularly limited, but is preferably 500 to 3000 mPa · s. If the viscosity of the fixing resin 42 is less than 500 mPa · s, there is a possibility that the fixing resin 42 absorbs a large amount of water on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 35 due to capillary action. If the viscosity of the fixing resin 42 exceeds 3000 mPa · s, it is difficult to spread the fixing resin 42 between the hollow fiber membranes 35, which is not preferable.
[0029]
In the method of manufacturing the hollow fiber membrane module 30 described above, the gas is blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 before the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is rolled into the case 31 and housed in the case 31. The membrane bundle 32 is opened, and the hollow fiber membranes 35 are uniformly dispersed. Thereby, the fixing resin 42 spreads between the hollow fiber membranes 35, and no leak occurs in the resin fixing portion 34 in which the fixing resin 42 is solidified. In addition, when the manufactured hollow fiber membrane module 30 is used for filtering liquid or gas, the fluid flows uniformly throughout the hollow fiber membrane 35, and the filtering performance can be sufficiently exhibited.
[0030]
Further, since the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is treated by corona discharge, static electricity on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane 35 is neutralized by positive ions or negative ions contained in the gas, and the hollow fiber membranes 35 are separated from each other. No confounding. This makes it easier for the fixing resin 42 to spread between the hollow fiber membranes 35. In addition, when the manufactured hollow fiber membrane module 30 is used for filtering a liquid or a gas, the fluid flows more uniformly throughout the hollow fiber membrane 35, and the filtration performance can be stabilized.
[0031]
Further, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is formed by binding the folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane 35 folded to the length of the width by the restraining thread 36 extending in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, The hollow fiber membranes 35 can be uniformly aligned and the state can be maintained. This makes it easier for the fixing resin 42 to spread between the hollow fiber membranes 35. In addition, when the manufactured hollow fiber membrane module 30 is used for filtering a liquid or a gas, the fluid flows more uniformly through the entire hollow fiber membrane 35, and the filtration performance can be further stabilized.
Further, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 is wound into a roll 33 and the roll 33 is housed in the case 31, the hollow fiber membrane module 30 in which the hollow fiber membranes 35 are uniformly and densely arranged can be easily manufactured. Can be manufactured.
[0032]
In addition, the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to the manufacturing of the hollow fiber membrane module 30 shown in FIG. 1. For example, as shown in FIG. The present invention is also applicable to the manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane module 10 fixed to the case 11 at the resin fixing portion 14.
[0033]
In addition, the shape of the nozzle in the above-described fiber opening device is not limited to one having a plurality of outlets as in the illustrated example, and a single tube nozzle may be used. However, since the pressure and amount of gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 are preferably uniform over the entire surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32, a nozzle in which a plurality of outlets are linearly aligned, or a plurality of nozzles A nozzle in which the outlets are arranged circumferentially is preferable.
In addition, the number of nozzles is not particularly limited, and a plurality of flat nozzles as shown in the figure may be arranged in the transport direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32.
[0034]
The type of gas ejected from the nozzle 54 is not particularly limited, and any gas may be used as long as it does not adversely affect the hollow fiber membrane 35, but water, dust, and oil are removed. Preferred gases are preferred.
Further, in the illustrated example, air is blown from the fixed nozzle 54 to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 being conveyed. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and one of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 32 and the nozzle 54 is used. Can be moved.
Further, the conveying means in the fiber opening device is not limited to the winding device 51 in the illustrated example, and a simple winding roller or the like may be used.
[0035]
(Form example 2)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the hollow fiber membrane module manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention. The hollow fiber membrane module 60 includes a housing 61, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 62 are bound in a sheet shape by restraining threads 63, and an end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64, And a resin fixing portion 65 that is fixed to the housing 61 while maintaining the open state of the 62 end.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 61 is a cylindrical body having a U-shaped cross section in which an internal passage 66 is formed. At least one end of the housing 61 is provided with a pipe 67 communicating with the internal passage 66 and opening to the outside.
In addition, a slit-shaped opening 68 serving as an insertion port for accommodating the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 in the internal passage 66 is formed on the side surface of the housing 61, and surrounds the periphery of the opening 68. A weir 69 for preventing dripping of the liquid fixing resin is formed integrally with the housing 61. The portion surrounded by the weir 69 is a resin injection portion 70 for injecting the fixing resin.
[0037]
The material of the housing 61 may be any material having mechanical strength and durability, such as polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyolefin, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic resin, ABS resin, and modified PPE (polyphenylene ether). Can be used.
As the hollow fiber membrane 62, the same one as the hollow fiber membrane 35 described above can be used.
The restraining thread 63 binds the hollow fiber membranes 62 at predetermined positions by chain stitching. The same fibers as the above-described restraining thread 36 can be used as the fibers constituting the restraining thread 63.
[0038]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 may be one in which the hollow fiber membranes 62 are simply aligned, but may be a knitted fabric using the hollow fiber membranes 64 as weft yarns, that is, a hollow fiber membrane of Russell knitting as shown in FIG. A bundle or a laminate formed by laminating several knitted fabrics is preferable from the viewpoint of the workability of the hollow fiber membrane module 60.
The hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by laminating a plurality of knitted fabrics as described herein includes a fabric obtained by folding and knitting a knitted fabric to an appropriate length without cutting the knitted fabric. The number of knitted fabrics to be laminated (folded) varies depending on the thickness of the knitted fabric, that is, the thickness of the hollow fiber membranes 62 and the number of hollow fiber membranes 62 when knitting the knitted fabric, but usually about five. Up to.
[0039]
Next, a method for manufacturing the hollow fiber membrane module 60 will be described.
First, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 62 are bundled in a sheet shape by a restraining thread 63 to produce a hollow fiber membrane bundle 64. At this time, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is inserted into the opening 68 of the housing 61, the restraining thread 63 is positioned so as to be located 2 to 20 mm outside the opening 68 from the opening end of the opening 68. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the portion 68. Further, the end of each hollow fiber membrane 62 constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is cut and opened in advance.
[0040]
Next, the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is inserted from the opening 68 of the housing 61 such that the open end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 is located in the internal path 66 of the housing 61.
After the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is housed in the housing 61, as shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle connected to the hollow fiber membrane 62 of the resin injection part 70 near the opening 68 of the housing 61 is connected to a compressor or the like. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is opened by blowing gas from 71 to uniformly disperse the hollow fiber membranes 62 (hereinafter, this operation is also referred to as opening). The gas is blown while moving the nozzle 71 in the longitudinal direction of the slit of the opening 68 of the housing 61 to blow gas to all the hollow fiber membranes 62 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64.
[0041]
Next, while the open state of the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 is maintained, a liquid fixing resin is filled into the resin injection portion 70 and the opening 68 from the outside of the housing 61 and solidified to form a resin fixing portion 65. By fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 to the housing 61, the hollow fiber membrane module 60 shown in FIG. 7 is manufactured.
[0042]
The nozzle 71 used for opening the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and preferably has a tip structure in which the tip is narrowed so that the jetting gas is not scattered over a wide range. . The material is not limited.
The size of the nozzle 71 can be appropriately determined based on the gas pressure described later.
[0043]
The inner diameter of the outlet of the nozzle 71 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. If the inner diameter is less than 0.1 mm, the gas may pass through the gap between the hollow fiber membranes 62, so that the opening effect may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, if the inner diameter exceeds 5 mm, regardless of the pressure of the gas, the gas is blown onto the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 62 at the same time, so that it may not be possible to open each hollow fiber membrane bundle 64. is there. In the above-mentioned size range, gas enters between the hollow fiber membranes 62, so that an extremely good opening effect can be exhibited.
[0044]
The position of the nozzle 71 is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 as long as the tip does not contact the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64, and the distance between the nozzle 71 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is, for example, 5 mm or less, and preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 mm. If the position of the nozzle 71 is too far from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64, even if the inner diameter of the nozzle 71 is within the above range, gas is blown to a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 62 at the same time, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is opened. May not be possible.
[0045]
The moving speed of the nozzle 71 is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 m / min, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 m / min. If the moving speed of the nozzle 71 is less than 0.1 m / min, the productivity of the hollow fiber membrane module is significantly reduced, while if it exceeds 5.0 m / min, the opening effect of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 tends to be reduced. Become.
[0046]
The gas supplied from the nozzle 71 is gas that has been processed by corona discharge in gas processing means (not shown). As the gas treatment means, for example, a static eliminator that applies an alternating high voltage to the electrode needle to cause corona discharge to the electrode needle, and alternately generates positive ions and negative ions from the electrode needle can be used.
The type of gas is not particularly limited, and any gas can be used as long as it does not adversely affect the hollow fiber membrane 62, but a gas from which moisture, dust, and oil have been removed is preferable.
It is preferable that the pressure of the gas sent from the compressor or the like to the nozzle 71 be appropriately determined depending on the arrangement position and the diameter of the nozzle.
[0047]
The pressure of the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 MPa on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 MPa. . If the pressure of the gas is less than 0.01 MPa, the pressure may be too low and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 may not be opened. On the other hand, when the gas pressure exceeds 0.5 MPa, the risk of bending due to the hollow fiber membrane 62 being pushed down by the gas pressure increases, which is not preferable. By the gas supply in the above-mentioned pressure range, a good fiber opening effect of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is exhibited.
[0048]
The flow rate of the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 350 L / min, more preferably in the range of 10 to 125 L / min, and still more preferably in the range of 10 to 125 L / min. The range is 40 L / min. If the flow rate of the gas is less than 0.1 L / min, the flow rate is too small, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 may not be opened. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the gas exceeds 350 L / min, the risk of bending due to the hollow fiber membrane 62 being pushed down by the gas increases, which is not preferable.
[0049]
The restraining thread 63 is for making the hollow fiber membrane 62 easy to unravel and to exhibit an extremely good opening effect. In addition, the restraining thread 63 has an effect of blocking the rise of the liquid fixing resin injected into the resin injecting section 70, and has an interface between the hardened portion and the hollow fiber membrane 62 caused by the rising of the fixing resin. Has an effect of dispersing and absorbing stress and suppressing damage to the hollow fiber membrane 62.
[0050]
As the fixing resin, an epoxy resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a silicone-based filler, various hot melt resins, and the like can be used, and can be appropriately selected. The viscosity of the fixing resin before solidification is not particularly limited, but is preferably 500 to 5000 mPa · s, and more preferably 2000 to 3000 mPa · s. If the viscosity of the fixing resin is less than 500 mPa · s, the fixing resin may flow to the open end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 and may cause the open end to be closed. If the viscosity of the fixing resin exceeds 5000 mPa · s, it becomes difficult to impregnate between the hollow fiber membranes 62, which is not preferable.
[0051]
In the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane module 60 described above, the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 is treated by corona discharge, and the positive ions or negative ions contained in the gas cause the hollow fiber membrane 62 to emit. The static electricity on the surface is neutralized, and the hollow fiber membranes 62 are uniformly dispersed without entanglement between the hollow fiber membranes 62. Accordingly, the fixing resin does not spread between the hollow fiber membranes 62, and no leak occurs in the resin fixing portion 65 in which the fixing resin is solidified.
[0052]
In the manufacturing method of the illustrated hollow fiber membrane module 60, the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 is cut and opened in advance, and the fixing resin is injected while the open state of the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 is maintained. However, the method for producing the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 in which the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 is not cut in advance is inserted into the housing 61, and gas is blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 64 near the resin injection part 70 of the housing 61. Thereafter, a fixing resin is injected into the internal passage 66 of the housing 61 so as to cover all the ends of the hollow fiber membrane 62, and after this is solidified, the resin fixing portion in the internal passage 66 is combined with the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62. A method of cutting together and opening the end of the hollow fiber membrane 62 can be given.
[0053]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
(Example 1)
A hollow fiber membrane module as shown in FIG. 1 was manufactured as follows.
First, while folding a bundle of 5,000 polyethylene hollow fiber membranes (fractionation performance: 0.1 μm, outer diameter: 380 μm) manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. at a length of 65 mm, the folded portions on both sides were folded. The bundle was tied by a chain stitch using polyester filament yarn to form a band-like hollow fiber membrane bundle.
[0054]
While the hollow fiber membrane bundle is being conveyed at a speed of 5 m / min in a fiber opening device as shown in FIG. 5, the tip is at a distance of 10 mm from the surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, Air treated by corona discharge with gas treatment means from a nozzle installed at an angle of 30 ° to the hollow fiber membrane bundle so that the pressure on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle becomes 0.1 MPa. Sprayed on the surface. Here, as the nozzle, an aluminum flat nozzle (manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan Co., Ltd.) in which 16 air outlets having an inner diameter of 0.8 mm were linearly arranged at intervals of 3 mm was used. In addition, as a gas processing means, a method of applying a high alternating voltage (± 0.7 kV) to one electrode needle to cause a corona discharge to the electrode needle and alternately generating positive ions and negative ions from the electrode needle is used. An electric device (a spot type static eliminator manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION) was used.
[0055]
The hollow fiber membrane bundle after opening was almost uniformly dispersed in such a state that the hollow fiber membranes were not entangled and the hollow fiber membranes were separated. When the average charge amount of the hollow fiber membrane bundle was measured using an electrostatic sensor (manufactured by Keyence Corporation), it was -0.2 to 0 kV, and the surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle was almost neutralized electrically. Static electricity was almost eliminated.
Next, the hollow fiber membrane bundle was wound up with a winding device in a state where a straw was arranged at the center, to produce a roll of a hollow fiber membrane bundle having a diameter of about 38 mm. The roll was housed in a bottomed cylindrical case so that the side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle was located at the bottom of the case. Here, as the bottomed cylindrical case, an ABS resin molded product having an inner diameter of 40 mm, a height of 70 mm, and a wall thickness of 2 mm was used.
[0056]
Next, the liquid fixing resin was injected into the bottom of the case with a centrifugal force through a straw, and was poured between the hollow fiber membranes and between the roll and the case to be spread. Here, a polyurethane resin having a viscosity of 1500 mPa · s was used as the fixing resin.
After the fixing resin is solidified, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is cut together with the case and the resin fixing portion perpendicularly to the axis of the case at a position 10 mm from the bottom end of the case, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane is opened. Was.
In the hollow fiber membrane module thus obtained, no leakage occurred in the resin fixing portion due to the improper filling of the fixing resin. Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane was fixed to the case in a state where an appropriate gap was formed between them, and the hollow fiber membrane module showed good filtration performance.
[0057]
(Comparative Example 1)
A hollow fiber membrane module was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no gas was blown onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle.
Three out of 200 obtained hollow fiber membrane modules leaked in the resin fixing portion. Observation of the cut surface of the resin fixing portion of these leaked products revealed that the distribution of the hollow fiber membranes was coarse and dense, and a leak occurred in the dense part where the hollow fiber membranes were in strong contact with each other. It was identified.
In addition, when a filtration test was performed on a hollow fiber membrane module in which no leak occurred, one out of 100 modules had a relatively early failure in filtration performance.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which hollow fiber membranes are bundled and housed in a case, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the case by a fixing resin. In the method for manufacturing a fiber membrane module, a gas is blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is housed in the case. Therefore, the bias of the hollow fiber membrane is small, and a leak occurs in the resin fixing portion. It is possible to obtain a hollow fiber membrane module without any problem.
[0059]
Further, in the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is a belt-shaped knitted fabric, and the knitted fabric has a folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane folded back to the width of the knitted fabric. If the knitted and woven fabrics are bound by restraining yarns extending in the longitudinal direction, the hollow fiber membranes can be uniformly aligned and maintained in that state.
Further, in the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention, a gas is blown onto the knitted fabric and then wound into a roll, and if the roll is housed in a bottomed cylindrical case, hollow A hollow fiber membrane module in which fiber membranes are uniformly and densely arranged can be easily manufactured.
Further, if the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle is a gas treated by corona discharge, the bias of the hollow fiber membrane can be further reduced.
[0060]
Further, the method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes the steps of: inserting an end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in which the hollow fiber membranes are converged into the housing from the opening of the housing; and fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the opening. In the method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module to be fixed to a housing by a resin, before the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed to the housing by the fixing resin, the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the opening of the housing is treated with a gas treated by corona discharge. Is sprayed, it is possible to obtain a hollow fiber membrane module in which no leak occurs in the resin fixing portion.
[0061]
In addition, the hollow fiber membrane bundle opening apparatus of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys the hollow fiber membrane bundle converging the hollow fiber membrane, a gas processing unit that processes gas by corona discharge, and a hollow fiber membrane that is being conveyed. Since the bundle is provided with gas ejection means for blowing gas treated by corona discharge, the bundle of hollow fiber membranes can be easily opened to eliminate the bias of the hollow fiber membrane.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of a hollow fiber membrane module obtained by a production method of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a hollow fiber membrane bundle.
FIG. 3 is a roll obtained by winding the hollow fiber membrane bundle of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one process of manufacturing the hollow fiber membrane module.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of the hollow fiber membrane bundle opening apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which gas is blown from a nozzle to a hollow fiber membrane bundle.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the hollow fiber membrane module obtained by the production method of the present invention.
8 is a sectional view of a housing part of the hollow fiber membrane module of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing how a gas is blown from a nozzle to a hollow fiber membrane bundle.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a hollow fiber membrane module.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing another example of the hollow fiber membrane module.
[Explanation of symbols]
30 Hollow fiber membrane module
31 cases
32 Hollow fiber membrane bundle
33 rolls
34 resin fixing part (resin for fixing)
35 hollow fiber membrane
36 Restraining yarn
42 Fixing resin
51 Winding device (transportation means)
54 nozzles (gas blowing means)
60 Hollow fiber membrane module
61 Housing
62 hollow fiber membrane
64 hollow fiber membrane bundle
65 Resin fixing part (resin for fixing)
68 opening

Claims (6)

In a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a hollow fiber membrane is bundled is housed in a case and the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the case by a fixing resin,
A method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module, comprising blowing a gas onto the hollow fiber membrane bundle before storing the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle is a belt-shaped knitted fabric,
2. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion of the hollow fiber membrane folded to the width of the knitted fabric is bound by a restraining thread extending in the longitudinal direction of the knitted fabric. The method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention. The method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 2, wherein a gas is blown onto the knitted fabric and then wound to form a roll, and the roll is stored in a cylindrical case having a bottom. The method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gas blown to the hollow fiber membrane bundle is a gas treated by corona discharge. In a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module, an end of a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a hollow fiber membrane is converged is inserted into the housing from an opening of the housing, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the opening is fixed to the housing by a fixing resin. ,
A method of manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module, comprising blowing a gas treated by corona discharge onto a hollow fiber membrane bundle near an opening of a housing before fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle to a housing with a fixing resin. Conveying means for conveying the hollow fiber membrane bundle converging the hollow fiber membrane,
Gas processing means for processing the gas by corona discharge,
A fiber opening device for a hollow fiber membrane bundle, comprising: gas blowing means for blowing a gas treated by corona discharge onto a hollow fiber membrane bundle being conveyed.

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