FILTER CARTRIDGE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLY

专利摘要:
filter cartridge, method for assembling it, system and method for assembling hollow fiber bundling, method of bundling construction with prefabricated covers, hollow fiber bundling, cluster bundling creation method, method for testing bundling integrity , grout pre-treatment method, grouping aggregate, rectangular module and assembly of rectangular modules. the present invention relates to hollow fiber cartridges, clusters, cluster aggregate, modules, methods for: assembling a hollow fiber filter cartridge, assembling a plurality of hollow fiber filters in a cluster, creating an aggregate groupings, test the integrity of a group or group of groups, pre-treatment of a group, assembly of two or more rectangular modules and system for the assembly of a plurality of hollow fibers in a fixed group.
公开号:BR112014015189B1
申请号:R112014015189-0
申请日:2012-12-20
公开日:2021-04-13
发明作者:Jerry Shevitz
申请人:Refine Technology, Llc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the North American provisional application number 61/579 623, filed on December 22, 2011, whose application is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this document. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of production and assembly of hollow fiber modules. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The hollow fiber filters, whose walls can be porous and semipermeable, have an excellent filtration performance and properties that are applicable in different areas and applications. Hollow fibers (HF) are widely used in water purification, in the separation of biological fluid components, in dialysis, reverse osmosis, in gas separation, in cell culture devices, as well as in many other fields. Despite the variety of uses, hollow fiber filtration devices have a common structure and mode of operation. The filtration unit is the hollow fiber module (HFM), and although the structure of the HFM module may vary slightly from one application to the other, however, it has a generally common structure and assembly method .
[0004] Typically, individual hollow fibers are combined into a "bundle" (also referred to as "bundling") in which the fibers can optionally be retained by a glove of some kind, typically a mesh glove. The bundle is then placed in a protective housing or shell, which is typically tubular in nature. The hollow fibers within the casing generally extend over the length of the casing in such a way as to arrange the fibers for filling with a polymeric or other material at each end of the casing. In this case, hollow fibers can be embedded in the polymeric material after polymerization and solidification. In the same process, the solidified filling material, which can be of any thickness, but typically from 5 to 10% of the length of the casing, forms a solid end cap, the potted cap or "wall" at each end of the casing. The construction results in the formation of a chamber between the inner walls of the casing and the outer walls of the hollow fibers, and between the potted end caps.
[0005] Since the hollow fiber ends can become clogged during the filling process, known methods are applied either to protect the hollow fiber ends from clogging during filling or to open these ends after filling. A continuous flow path is therefore maintained over the entire length of the hollow fibers, including through the polymeric potting material. The objective is not only to maintain a continuous flow path along the entire length of the hollow fibers, but also to form a chamber, a permeate chamber, inside the enclosure for the storage or collection of the fluids that emanate the fiber walls; such a bundle being known as a hollow fiber cartridge (HFC).
[0006] Normally, adapters are added to the ends of the wrapper or the HFC cartridge, which direct the fluid to be filtered or retentate into the hollow fibers at one end and direct the fluid coming out of the hollow fibers at the other end of the cartridge HFC. Additional adapters can be added to the housing to provide a conduit from the permeate chamber for collecting such permeate.
[0007] It becomes evident, from the generalized structure, that there is an entrance and an exit for the flow of the retentate as well as a means for the collection of a filtered material and that the HFM module provides an efficient filtration unit. In the HFM module, the retentate is directed into the semi-permeable HF fiber, generating a linear flow through the fibers. A higher pressure inside the fibers in relation to the filtrate chamber generates a second flow, through the porous walls of HF fiber, perpendicular to the first direction of fluid flow or retentate. The fluid fraction that passes through the membrane can be fractionated or filtered based on the membrane properties, such as, membrane pore size; the particles larger than the pores are retained by the membrane and the particles smaller than the pores pass through the membrane into the permeate chamber. Such a filtration process is known as cross flow filtration, or tangential flow filtration, which is widely used and generally well understood. The liquid filtered through the HF fiber membrane can therefore be collected in the permeate chamber in which it can be collected.
[0008] The HFC cartridge does not have the adapters to direct the inflow and flow of retentate to the hollow fibers. However, the cartridge wrapping wall can be made permeable to permeate free flow. In addition, the cartridge can be converted into an HFM module by inserting it into a separate module housing that contains such adapters for directing an inflow and retentate flow. It is obvious, however, that when creating such an HFM module, a partition between the retentate chamber (the collective internal lumens of the fibers) and the permeate (or filtrate) chamber is required, the separation of which is easily achieved with gaskets, "O" rings, or other well-known means, surrounding the ends of the cartridge and sealing the opening between those ends and the module housing. In addition, the module housing also contains a collection orifice for collecting the filtrate that emerges from the hollow fibers; the pores in the HFC cartridge shell provide the means for such filtrate to flow through the cartridge shell wall into the collection holes for collection. Because of their similarities, the term HFCM is used when referring to the aspects contained in both the HFC cartridge and the HFM module.
[0009] The diversity of the HFM module can be greatly increased through the selection of the hollow fiber material, the physical configuration of the HFM module, the adjustment of the chemical and physical properties of the fibers, the regulation of the filtration process when controlling the flow through and between fibers or through other manipulations.
[00010] The HFM module can also provide an excellent platform for scaling up. By increasing the number of fibers in the HFC cartridge, an increase in the volumetric scale can be obtained. Large filters with densely packed fibers can provide significant benefits, including an evident increase in the membrane surface area, where the increase is for the third power of the HFC cartridge radius. In comparison, only a linear increase in surface area is achieved by simply adding more HFM modules to a collector of such modules. In addition, a large filter can greatly reduce the footprint of the filtration system, eliminating some of the complexity of a collecting filter. The complexity of the collector with its interconnection piping, tubes, valves and monitoring instruments, greatly complicates the cleaning, sterilization and validation of a process that uses such a complex system. These are critical issues in certain industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, water, sewage treatment, etc. In addition, when scaling up a process, the transition from a smaller scale process that contains a single HFM module to a larger scale system that contains multiple modules can complicate a critical process.
[00011] Large-scale filters are desirable in many fields, mainly for processing large volumes of fluids, for filtering complex mixtures and for increasing filtration rates. However, despite the need and benefits for large HFM modules, such modules are not readily available. Technical limits on the construction of such large filters may be involved. Although typical construction methods result in a reliable "small to moderate" HFM module, <10 m2 (for a 60 cm long fiber, and an internal diameter (ID) of 1 mm), they become little Reliable and expensive when applied to the production of large filters, where a large scale can be> 10 m2 (for a 60 cm long fiber and 1 mm ID diameter). In more specific terms, complications increase for an HFM module (with the same parameters) with a membrane surface area> 20 m2, and increase even more with even larger filters. It would be desirable, therefore, to develop a process for the construction of a large HFM module that eliminates or minimizes the problems observed by the current HFM module construction methods. Although it is possible to increase the surface area with narrower and / or longer fibers, these options may not be desirable in many applications. Some factors associated with the limits for the formation of large filters include:
[00012] Filling material - The filling material used to embed the HF fibers at each end of the HFC cartridge is a common source of potential problems that can become more serious as the diameter of the HFC cartridge increases. For example, filling materials, including epoxies and polyurethane, shrink slightly after curing. The degree of shrinkage will depend a lot on the material, including its exposure and reaction to heat, humidity, chemicals, radiation, etc .; when such shrinkage or shape change is very small or insignificant when building a small diameter HFM module, but it becomes very significant with the increase in the diameter of the filling area; note that the total shrinkage is a function of the material's shrinkage coefficient times the filling length or diameter. It can be appreciated that such shrinkage can affect the total diameter of the filling. It can cause structural failures, such as cracks in the filling and / or cause the filling to shrink inwards, towards the center of a rounded filled area or along the stress limits. This is particularly observed when a filling agent and the HFC cartridge end cap are of different materials, each having different shrinkage and expansion properties (ie thermal expansion coefficients) (preferably the end cap of the HFC cartridge). enclosure and enclosure have identical thermal expansion coefficients). For example, in the case where the casing end cap is polysulfone and the filling material is epoxy, the alloy between polysulfone and epoxy may be affected differently by heat treatment, as is the case when sterilizing by heat the HFCM module in an autoclave. What is often observed is that the epoxy, with greater shrinkage than the polysulfone, will move away from the polysulfone to form a passage between the filtrate chamber and the retentate chamber, compromising the integrity of the HFCM module and rendering the HFCM module useless. This is seen at the time in an HFCM module about 10.16 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter and is most often seen in an HFCM module 15.24 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter.
[00013] Likewise, when it comes to two different materials with different expansion coefficients, it becomes problematic to form a secure connection between the two materials, in particular, after exposure to heat. Both materials will expand and contract differently, affecting the connection between them. The selection of materials with similar expansion coefficients and the use of techniques to improve the bond between the two materials can be done in order to support the bond stability; however, control with a larger HFC cartridge diameter becomes more difficult. Thus, it would be desirable to form an HFC cartridge or an HFM module in which such incompatibility between different building materials is minimized or eliminated.
[00014] Packing density - The methods of packing individual fibers or bundles of fibers within the HFC cartridge can have a great effect on the number of fibers that can be packed in a given volume. The conditioning method can also have a profound effect on the filtration efficiency and on the uniformity of filtrate formation. A tight, randomly packed bundle can result in a higher rate of filtration by fiber on the periphery of the bundle than by part of the fibers at the inner boundaries of the bundle, particularly in a tight bundle, in which there may be significant resistance to the filtrate flow. by the intervening fibers. In a large HFM module or HFC cartridge, such restrictions can result in a reduction in the effective filtration rate and filtration capacity, thereby reducing the effective scaling capacity. Therefore, it would be desirable to pack individual fibers or bundles of fibers in arrangements that maximize fiber packing density and minimize potential obstructions to the filtrate flow. Other benefits for controlled fiber packaging arrangements will be described.
[00015] Structural issue - As the size of the HFM module becomes larger, a proportional increase in the tension forces acting on the module is expected. The increase in tensions based on the following aspects can be expected: Weight - the weight of the module can complicate its handling. Increasing the weight of the module can cause its own distortion, particularly when heated during sterilization in an autoclave. Assembly - assembling parts, fitting and connecting large surfaces can increase the potential for failure; again, this can be amplified depending on the heating.
[00016] Process - Flow rates through a large HFM module can be very high and occur at high pressures. Considering the large surface area of the bottled ends, the process can be subjected to great pressures, potentially causing the bottled ends to deform. The reinforcement of the potted ends, as will be described, to minimize the pressure distortion effect when building large filters, would be very beneficial.
[00017] Integrity - The larger the HFM module and the more hollow fibers are packed inside it, the greater the likelihood that a fiber will be damaged or that it will be damaged during handling. Loss of integrity, even on a single fiber, can render the entire HFM module useless. A break in a hollow fiber will cause contamination of the retentate stream upon entering the filtrate stream. The potential loss of integrity due to a minor defect is also an important reason that disadvantages the construction of such large filters. When using current construction methods, an HFM module can be fully assembled before determining whether the HFM module has no integrity, in which case the HFM module must be discarded. This, in addition to other potential risks during the construction of large HFM modules by current methods, discourages the construction of such filters and results in a large increase in the cost of production. The proposed method of the present invention would minimize or eliminate many of the potential risks in the construction of large HFCM modules. As part of the present invention, hollow fiber filter assembly methods are described; whose assembly is not limited to the particular exemplified HFCM module.
[00018] Sanitary Construction - Since many large HFCM modules can be used in the food or medical industries, an HFCM module must meet the requirements of these industries. The health project can be one of those requirements. There should be no cracks, dead zones, or other factors in the design of the project that trap contaminants, affect the cleaning capacity of the module or affect the sterilization of the module. For example, the use of threads would not be desirable. Threads have been shown to be very unhygienic in critical applications that require a sanitary design. Another aspect of an unhealthy project is the presence of dead zones that are inaccessible by normal means; such stagnant zones within the HFCM module, or which are associated with the HFCM module, retain contaminants and inhibit their removal. The results are less cleaning capacity, less ability to maintain sterility, and greater process contamination. The present invention minimizes unhealthy factors and maximizes total and homogeneous penetration in all parts of the HFCM module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] Fig. 1A is a partial perspective view of a hexagonal grouping of seven hollow fibers.
[00020] Fig. 1B is an end view of the hexagonal array of Fig. 1A and an end view of the array with fixed ends.
[00021] Fig. 1C is a side perspective view of a hexagonal cluster.
[00022] Fig. 2A is a side view of round bundles of fibers with and without a mesh glove.
[00023] Fig. 2B illustrates several views of the HFC cartridge housing assembly using housing end caps with round receptacles (openings).
[00024] Fig. 2C is a top view of the housing end cap with round receptacles (openings).
[00025] Fig. 2D is a perspective view of the end cap of the enclosure with round receptacles (openings).
[00026] Fig. 2E is a side view of the HFC cartridge with an outer portion removed for illustration purposes.
[00027] Fig. 2F is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the drawing in Fig. 2E.
[00028] Fig. 2G is a side view of the HFC cartridge using housing end caps with round receptacles (openings) and round bundles.
[00029] Fig. 3A is a schematic view of a mechanized system for forming cluster units.
[00030] Fig. 3B is a schematic side view of the rollers used by the mechanized system for forming cluster units.
[00031] Fig. 4A is a side view of the fixation center.
[00032] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the fixation center.
[00033] Fig. 4C is a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 4B.
[00034] Fig. 4D is a top view of the mold.
[00035] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a hexagonal array.
[00036] Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view of an HFC cartridge housing using housing end caps with hexagonal receptacles (openings).
[00037] Fig. 5C is a perspective view of a partially assembled HFC cartridge using housing end caps with hexagonal receptacles (openings) and hexagonal groupings, with a portion of the outer wall cut for illustration purposes.
[00038] Fig. 5D is a perspective view of an HFC cartridge using hexagonal receptacles (openings) and hexagonal groupings.
[00039] Fig. 5E is a top view of the housing end cap with hexagonal receptacles (openings).
[00040] Fig. 5F illustrates perspective views of a hexagonal array and a hexagonal array enclosed in a support column, and a perspective view of a cartridge with a portion removed for illustrative purposes, so that the interior structure can be seen.
[00041] Fig. 6 illustrates end views of successively scaled hexagonal group assemblies.
[00042] Fig. 7 is an end view of a prefabricated collation end cap in various stages of assembly.
[00043] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a rectangular module, its component parts, and an assembly, partially cut for illustrative purposes, of a group of three stacked modules. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00044] The present invention relates to hollow fiber cartridges, whose structure allows the heat-induced stresses that occur during the use of the cartridges to be minimized. The reduction of heat-induced stresses is achieved by the use of materials of similar identical expansion coefficients especially with respect to the outer shell of the cartridge and the end caps of the shell. The cartridges are further optimized, since their fibers are organized in groups, so that the detection and correction of defects in a single hollow fiber can be more easily observed and performed. Clusters can be easily combined to form large entities. The cartridges are further optimized due to their very high fiber packing density. This high density is obtained by means of the cross-sectional shape of the clusters, whose shape (for example, hexagonal) allows the tight packing of the clusters, one against the other.
[00045] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the reference to "hollow fibers" in the present patent application is intended to refer to hollow fiber filters; that is, hollow fibers with pores on its external wall. The pore size will depend on the intended use of the hollow fiber filters.
[00046] In a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a hollow fiber filter cartridge comprising: 1) a plurality of hollow fiber groups, each group comprising a plurality of hollow fibers parallel to each other, each group comprising a first grouping end and a second grouping end, 2) a housing shell, said housing comprising a first end and a second end, each end comprising an opening, 3) a first housing end cap, said cap covering the opening of the first end of the housing shell, said lid comprising a plurality of openings, and 4) a second end cap of the housing, said lid covering the opening of the second end of the housing shell, said lid comprising a plurality of openings, in which the clusters are aligned in parallel within the housing envelope,
[00047] in which a segment of each group is inserted into an opening of the first end cap and is sealed against said opening by means of a filling agent (or fixative), with a second segment of each group it is fitted within an opening of the second housing end cap and is sealed against said opening by means of a filling agent (or fixative); and
[00048] in which each end of the enclosure is composed of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is sufficiently close to the coefficient of expansion of the filling agent in such a way that, when the cartridge is exposed to steam sterilization or autoclave, no fracture or opening will occur (a) in the wrapping end cap or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by a potting agent.
[00049] In particular modalities of the first general aspect, the present invention turns out to be:
[00050] a cartridge in which the casing and end caps are made of the same material;
[00051] a cartridge in which the housing shell is preferably cylindrical;
[00052] a cartridge in which the housing is square or otherwise;
[00053] - a cartridge in which the housing is permeable or semi-permeable;
[00054] a cartridge in which the shape of each end cap opening is selected from the group consisting of hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular and oval;
[00055] a cartridge in which the shape of the housing end cap opening is hexagonal;
[00056] a cartridge in which the first and second end caps are mechanically attached to the housing shell;
[00057] a cartridge in which the first and second end caps are attached to the housing shell by means of a solvent or an adhesive;
[00058] a cartridge in which said cartridge comprises a support element, said support element being selected from the group consisting of a pedestal and a support column, said support column being formed so as to end a group inside said cartridge, said support column being permeable to the fluid emanating from said cartridge;
[00059] a cartridge in which the cross-sectional (eg hexagonal) shape of a hollow fiber bundle is the same as the cross-sectional (eg hexagonal) shape of the end cap opening into which it is inserted ;
[00060] a cartridge in which the distance between the perimeter of a group and the perimeter of a neighboring group is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters, the said distance being the shortest distance between the perimeters of the two groups; and / or
[00061] a cartridge in which the autoclave is carried out under the following conditions: a temperature of 123 degrees centigrade, a pressure of 1.12 kgf / cm2 (16 psi), for 45 minutes, or steam sterilization is carried out at 123 ° C, 1.40 kgf / cm2 (20 psi), for 20 minutes.
[00062] In a second general aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a hollow fiber filter cartridge is presented, said method comprising the steps of: 1) pre-machining (or molding) a first end cap housing and a second cartridge end cap, 2) attaching a cartridge housing to the first end cap; 3) fixing the cartridge housing to the second housing end cover; 4) inserting each of a plurality of hollow fiber clusters, through a plurality of openings of the first casing end cap, through the casing housing and out of the corresponding opening of the second casing end cap, the length of each grouping equal to or greater than the length of the housing, and 5) potting or connecting a segment of each grouping to the opening wall that was inserted in the first housing end cover and to the opening wall that was inserted in the second housing cover. far end;
[00063] in which each end of the casing is composed of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is sufficiently close to the coefficient of expansion of the filling agent in such a way that, when the cartridge is exposed to steam sterilization or autoclave, no fracture or opening will occur (a) in the wrapping end cap or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by a potting agent.
[00064] In particular embodiments of the second general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00065] a method in which, when the bundles are filled inside the openings, the excess length of the hollow fibers that extends beyond the end caps of the casing, if any, is cut;
[00066] a method in which end posts or support columns are inserted between the end caps within the hollow fiber module;
[00067] a method in which the support columns are arranged between the groupings;
[00068] - a method in which the groupings are placed inside the support columns, and the support columns are permeable to the filtrate flow that emanates from within the groupings; and / or
[00069] a method in which the autoclave is performed under the following conditions: a temperature of 123 degrees centigrade, at a pressure of 1.12 kgf / cm2 (16 psi), for 45 minutes, or steam sterilization is performed at 123 ° C, 1.40 kgf / cm2 (20 psi), for 20 minutes.
[00070] In a third general aspect, the present invention relates to a system for assembling a plurality of hollow fibers in a fixed group, said system comprising: 1) a fiber source, said source being a source of a plurality of hollow fibers; 2) a perforated mold for directing and organizing the plurality of hollow fibers; 3) a fixation chamber comprising a nozzle or multiple nozzles for spraying or adding a potting agent or fixative on a group of fibers that pass through a mold; 4) a forming mold or method of forming the potting agent around the hollow fibers in a desired shape, such as a hexagon; 5) a cutting device for cutting the bundle of fibers in a position on the central point along the potted or fixed region; 6) a device or mechanism for capturing or removing the main assembly from the fixation chamber; 7) a clamp device for fixing to the rear cutout assembly and advancing it out of the fixation chamber at a specific distance; an advance / retract device that moves along an automated belt and pulley system for advancing or retracting said clamp; 8) the repetition of steps 2 to 7;
[00071] in which the elements of the system are arranged in such a way that the fibers can be pulled from the fiber source, through the perforations of the mold, then through the fixation chamber in which they are sprayed (coated or wrapped) with a potting agent, and cut to a desired length.
[00072] In particular embodiments of the third general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00073] a system in which the fiber source comprises coils around which the hollow fiber (tubes) can be wound; and / or - a system in which the fiber source comprises an extrusion device which extrudes a plurality of hollow fibers.
[00074] In a fourth general aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a plurality of hollow fiber filters in a grouping, said method using the system of the third general aspect, said method comprising the steps of :
[00075] pulling the HF fibers from a fiber source, through the mold perforations (openings), then through the fixation chamber in which they are sprayed (coated or wrapped) with a potting agent, and cut to a desired length.
[00076] In particular embodiments of the fourth general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00077] a method in which said mold perforations are arranged in a hexagonal pattern;
[00078] a method in which the plurality of hollow fiber yarns are directed to the mold using sets of rollers;
[00079] a method in which there are semicircular grooves on the outer faces of the rollers, and in which said rollers are paired together in an adjacent and parallel manner, such that the hollow fibers are directed between the pairs of rollers and are slidably received along the slots;
[00080] a method in which groupings are fixed in an arrangement using prefabricated segments;
[00081] a method in which the fiber bundle is rotated after having been sprayed with a fastener in a first spraying step, said rotation being less than a full 360 degree rotation, and, subsequent to said rotation, said grouping is sprayed again in a second spraying step; and / or
[00082] a method in which one or more spray nozzles rotate after being used for the spraying of a group with a fixer in a first spraying stage, said rotation being made around the main geometric axis of the group, said rotation being less than a complete 360 degree rotation, and, after said rotation, said grouping is sprayed again in a second spraying step.
[00083] In a fifth general aspect, the present invention relates to a method of constructing a bundle with prefabricated end caps, the method comprising bending a linear bundling segment to form a hexagonal bundling segment .
[00084] In a sixth general aspect, the present invention relates to a group of hollow fibers, said group comprising a plurality of hollow fibers, with a segment of each hollow fiber being attached to the adjacent parallel fibers within the same region in the or near the ends of each cluster.
[00085] In particular embodiments of the sixth general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00086] a bundle in which each hollow fiber in the bundle is attached to the adjacent parallel fibers using a liquid fastener;
[00087] a bundle in which each hollow fiber in the bundle is attached to the adjacent parallel fibers using an end cap or prefabricated segment;
[00088] a bundle in which there are seven fibers in a bundle; and / or
[00089] a group in which said group is partially or totally closed in a sleeve that is permeable to the flow of fluids (such as a filtrate).
[00090] In a seventh general aspect, the present invention relates to an aggregate of clusters, said aggregate of clusters being an aggregate of a plurality of clusters, such that each cluster in the aggregate is parallel to all other clusters in the aggregate.
[00091] In an eighth general aspect, the present invention relates to a method of creating an aggregate of clusters, in which a plurality (more than one) of clusters is combined to form an aggregate of clusters, in such a way that each grouping in the aggregate is parallel to all other grouping in the aggregate.
[00092] In the particular embodiments of the eighth general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00093] a method comprising the step of combining a plurality of individual groupings (U groupings) into an aggregate of groupings, and / or
[00094] a method comprising the step of combining a plurality of aggregates of clusters into a single aggregate of clusters.
[00095] In a ninth general aspect, the present invention relates to a method for testing the integrity of a group or group of groups, said method comprising the step of subjecting said group or group of groups to an integrity test.
[00096] In particular embodiments of the ninth general aspect, the present invention relates to:
[00097] a method in which the test is performed before the cluster or cluster of aggregates is inserted into the end cap of a cartridge;
[00098] a method in which an aggregate of groupings is subjected to the integrity test; and / or
[00099] a method in which the integrity test is selected from the group consisting of a bubble point test, a pressure drop test, and vapor exposure, comprising particulates and a diffusion test.
[000100] In a tenth general aspect, the present invention relates to a method of pretreating a pool, said method comprising the step of subjecting the pool to conditions that will shrink the pool and / or relieve tensions in the potted area of the grouping, the grouping being subjected to said conditions before the grouping is inserted into a cover end cap.
[000101] In an eleventh general aspect, the present invention relates to a rectangular module, said module comprising:
[000102] a grouping, said grouping comprising a first grouping end and a second grouping end (placed at the wrap ends), said grouping comprising hollow fibers, said hollow fibers being hollow fiber filters with pores on their walls , in such a way that a fluid (retentate) can pass through the interior of the fibers while a portion of that retentate seeps through the pores in order to become a filtrate,
[000103] a cartridge wrapper, said wrapper enclosing the bundle, but not sealing the ends of the hollow fibers, said wrapper comprising openings that allow the filtrate to leak through the cartridge wrapper, said wrapper contacting (directly or through an intermediate gasket or sealant) the grouping in a watertight manner in order to prevent the filtrate from mixing with the retentate,
[000104] a housing that encloses said cartridge, but does not seal the ends of the hollow fibers,
[000105] a first channel inside said housing, said channel comprising an opening for receiving a fluid (retentate) from outside the housing, said channel interfacing with a first end of the array so that said retentate fluid received can move from the channel to and then through the hollow fibers of the pool, as long as some of the retentate fluid seeps through the filter pores as a filtrate,
[000106] a second channel within said housing, said second channel interfacing with the second end of the array so that the received retentate fluid that passes through the hollow fibers enters the second channel, said channel comprising a mode opening allowing the retentate fluid to leak from the second channel and the housing,
[000107] with the first and second channels being opened on opposite sides of the housing,
[000108] said housing further comprising one or more orifices, in order to allow the filtrate to leak from the enclosure or receive the filtrate from the orifice or holes of an adjacent housing, if an adjacent housing exists.
[000109] In this document, groupings, housing, and cartridge wrappings will be rectangular, if they are rectangular in shape, as seen from a top view, or have a rectangular shape, as seen from a end view. It should be understood that a square is also a rectangular one.
[000110] It is preferred that the assembly and the cartridge are equally rectangular.
[000111] It should be understood that, in addition to a grouping of the eleventh general aspect mentioned above, the same also applies to an aggregate of clusters.
[000112] It should be understood that the distinction between retentate and filtrate fluid and the function of the filter pores applies equally well to all aspects of the invention presented in this patent application.
[000113] A related invention relates to the assembly of two or more rectangular modules, the modules being aligned so that the channels of the adjacent modules are in open contact with each other and the holes of the adjacent modules are in open contact with each other.
[000114] A hexagonal grouping is one in which, as seen in cross section, the center of the fibers on the outer perimeter of the grouping can be connected by means of straight lines that form a hexagon.
[000115] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling casing end caps and a housing (for example, a tongue and a groove) in order to form a structure for receiving clusters.
[000116] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for introducing a twist in hollow fiber clusters in order to interrupt a linear flow through the fibers.
[000117] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of construction of a hollow fiber cartridge in which groups of fibers with a convenient cross-sectional shape (for example, hexagonal) are fitted through openings of identical shape to the cartridge and the portions of the groupings extending out of the cartridge are cut.
[000118] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of building a group of hollow fibers, in which each fiber originates on a coil and the fibers pass through a mold whose openings are arranged in a desired shape for the organization in cross section of the grouping. Alternatively, the fibers can come from an extrusion head equipped with extrusion nozzles arranged in the desired configuration for cross-sectional organization.
[000119] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of constructing a hollow fiber bundle, in which a foldable linear segment is folded into a desired shape (for example, in a hexagonal configuration). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Method for minimizing the use of filling material:
[000120] One method by which the described undesirable effects of filling can be eliminated is to minimize or eliminate the use of the filling material. By eliminating or minimizing the use of a filling material, which is different from the material from which the reservoir is made, it will be possible to considerably reduce the undesirable effects of using incompatible materials. In the present invention, the filling process is largely eliminated by pre-machining or molding the "casing end caps" 11 and 12, in Figures 2B, 2C, 2D, and in Figures 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E of HFC cartridge, such that the material and / or properties of the machined or molded casing end cap 11 and 12 are identical or very similar to the material from which the casing housing 10 is made. Such housing end caps provide a mechanism for attaching or connecting the respective ends of the HFC cartridge housing. Such a clamping mechanism involves the formation of a circular groove 16 on the face of the housing end cap 11 or 12, such that the dimensions and size of the groove can accept insertion of the end of the housing, in an "like" arrangement. tongue and groove ". (See Figures 2E and 2F). After inserting the casing end 14 into the casing end cap groove 16, the two can be bonded with an adhesive, heat, or mechanically locked. The casing end caps 11 and 12 can similarly be attached to the respective casing ends 15 and 14. Furthermore, each casing end cap is provided with openings or receptacles 17, such that the corresponding openings, over each housing end cap, align linearly and are juxtaposed along a geometric axis between them, and the geometric axis between any two sets of openings 17 is parallel to any other geometric axis between a set of openings 17.
[000121] A "fixed" bundle or "fixed" bundle of HF 8 fibers (see, for example, Figures 1C, 2A and 5A), the length of which is normally greater than the length of the housing (the housing consists of the cover with lids end caps, (the HFC-H cartridge), can be inserted through the opening 17 at the end 15 and oriented through the end caps of the housing 11, through the housing 10 and out of the corresponding opening 17 in the housing cover. housing end 12 at the other end 14 of the HFC-H cartridge assembly. The insertion is mainly manual, but can be assisted by a pulling device, a rod-type arm that extends through the housing and both housing end caps 11 and 12. At the end of the arm insertion, there may be a "gripping" mechanism that can grasp the insertion end of the array. The arm can then retract by pulling the first end of the housing 27 through the first housing end cover opening 17 along the entire length of the housing housing and through the second housing end cover opening 17. The housing is pulled through the housing and end caps to the point where these bundle ends 19 protrude from each end. The group insertion process can be repeated until all the groupings are inserted into the enclosure and the enclosure end caps 11 and 12. The bundles being longer than the enclosure with the enclosure end caps, the portions 19 of the bundles will extend slightly beyond the casing end caps 11 and 12 (Fig. 2G). The packaged HF fiber bundle or the unpacked ends positioned within the wrap end cap opening 17 can then be fully packaged in such a way that the packaged material flows in the space between the fibers so that they are potted together and at the same time connect to the walls 18 of the opening 17; with the HF fibers slightly extended from the face of the wrap end cap, the filling agent can be added to opening 17 (Fig. 2B, Fig. 5C). The hollow fiber ends can be closed or not closed, ensuring that no potting agent enters the fibers during their addition to the opening 17.
[000122] Current techniques can be used to obtain the indicated filling process. The following are some examples: One, the bundle of HF fibers can be enclosed in a sleeve 22, such as a mesh sleeve, which is permeable to the filtrate flow, although capable of providing structural support to the bundle so that the its shape is maintained (Fig. 2A). The glove can also facilitate the insertion of the bundle through the HFC-H cartridge, from the opening 17 at one end of the HFM-C module to the other opening of the housing end cap 17; a device can be inserted through the opening 17 of a housing end cap 11 or partially into the housing 10 or all the way to the other end of the HFC-H cartridge, through the corresponding openings (linearly aligned) 17 in the housing end cap 12; the device can then grasp the proximal end of the sleeve 22, with the HF fibers closed; the sleeve and the bundle within it can then be pulled by the device through the corresponding openings 17. The HF fibers within the bundle 8 may have closed ends or open ends. Two, the bundle can be pre-filled (or "fixed") or not, "fixed" means that the fibers are attached to each other in a desired arrangement with a small amount of fixative or potting agent, with only a small amount "segment" 13 defined by the fiber-to-fiber-linked region (also referred to as "fixed-end bundles", "potted ends", "potted area", or "potted region") at each end of the bundle is potted.
[000123] The fixed segment 13 and the openings in the housing end cap 11 can be of any shape or configuration and can be spaced with respect to each other, as needed (1) in order to generate the shapes and arrangement of bundles or (2) in order to secure the bundles at each end inside the corresponding openings or (3) in order to mechanically secure the bundles inside the holes and ensure that the assembly is leak-proof. The addition of a small amount of potting agent within the opening 17 of the wrap end caps can be done in order to direct the flow of potting agent between the fibers and between the outer wall of the bundle and the inner wall 18 of the opening 17; the fixer serves as a filler and adhesive in order to fill the fibers inside the openings and ensure an opening against leakage. An accessory can be added to the end of the casing end cap to facilitate the addition of the fastener, confine it, and direct it and prevent leakage. The fixer or filler can be added to the openings containing the HF fiber bundles inside, either from the outer face 20 of the end cap of the enclosure or through the inner face 21 inside the HFM module housing. Once the HF fibers or bundles are filled into the openings, the excess length 19 of the HF fibers can be cut by exposing the open ends of the HF fibers at each end of the HFC cartridge, thereby forming a continuous and uninterrupted conduit. (see Figure 5D, for example).
[000124] The construction method described eliminates the need to use large volumes of potting agent as a means of forming end caps and for wrapping HF fibers. A significantly smaller amount of filling material is needed; and the filling material is located in the openings within the end caps of the casing, excluded from the HF fibers. Each opening and bundle of bundles can be viewed as an independent HF fiber cartridge; its smaller diameter eliminates the problems of a single filling of a large HFC cartridge. It is possible to foresee the extension of the use of the described method to the formation of HFCM modules of any size or diameter. See Figure 5F; the insertion of brackets or support columns 51 between the housing end caps 11 and 12 within the HFM-H module can be used in order to add structural strength to the assembly. In the example shown in Figure 5F, these support columns 51 can consist of a hexagonal tube that can enclose a beam 8. The support column can extend for almost the entire length of the beam; preferably, the length of the tube is the length between the housing end caps 11 and 12 within the housing; optionally, the length of the tube is slightly longer, extending to the fixed area 13, on each side of the bundle. Such additional length at each end of the bundle can be, for example, from 0.16 to 0.64 cm (1/16 to 1/4 inch) in length. A corresponding length would be removed from the walls 29 of the end cap opening 17 which receives the hexagonal column 51; therefore, the fixed region 13 of the bundle 8 could be inserted into the opening 17 at least up to the outer face of the end cap. The end of the hexagonal column would be inserted in the end cap, up to the removed depth 52 of the wall 29 of the receiving opening 17, thereby anchoring the hexagonal column 51 in the corresponding end cap 52. The hexagonal column 51 is similarly anchored in the end cap on the other side of the HFM-H module. The number and spacing of such hexagonal columns within the HFM-H module between the end caps can be easily determined by someone skilled in the art, in order to obtain the necessary structural support. Hexagonal columns 51 must contain any number of openings 53 in the column body for the filtrate flow from the beam inside the column to the outside of the column and into the filtrate tank inside the HFM-H module. II. Method for automating the construction of hollow fiber subassembly units:
[000125] A construction process of the present invention is described, whereby the assembly of a large HFCM module with the aforementioned benefits is greatly facilitated. In addition, the process may provide other apparent benefits and eliminate many of the problems associated with current or previous methods of building an HFCM module. In addition, a main benefit and objective of the proposed construction process is to automate the process. Automation offers a means of increasing construction reliability, production speed, reducing production costs, as well as the ability to form unique filters, aspects that are not easily possible by current methods. These and other benefits are described in this document.
[000126] Grouping Unit Construction - The construction base of the HFCM module is a modular assembly process. A grouping of seven fibers arranged in a hexagon is used to illustrate the basis of this new construction process. The bundle of seven hexagonal fibers will be referred to as a hex bundle, a bundle unit or simply bundle. Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show the arrangement of an HF fiber unit cluster ("U cluster") (Figure 1A is highly schematic and shows no "fixed" region). Such an arrangement is applicable to hollow round fibers of any diameter. One of the HF 7 fibers is located in the center, and the remaining six HF 1 - 6 fibers form a concentric hexagon 8 around the central HF fiber 7. The hexagonal grouping of the fibers can be filled with a fastener 24 at either end or close at the ends in order to maintain the hexagonal shape of the cluster, as well as the hexagonal shape (in cross section) of the potted segment 13; this hexagonal grouping offers many advantages, as will be described; therefore, the construction of the cluster becomes a critical step.
[000127] Figure 3A shows a basic form of an automated system for the production of the U bundle. The hollow fiber raw material for the production of the HF fiber bundle is supplied in coils 31, as is common in the industry. Seven coils provide the starting HF fiber raw material. One HF fiber yarn 32 from each spool can be guided by the roller sets 33 that advance, direct and arrange the hollow fibers so that they are positioned in close proximity to each other and are directed to a second set of rollers 34 that the fiber still has its points 41 to 47 in relation to each other in order to form a "hexagon" (Figure 3B). The fibers emerging from the roller set 34 can be directed to a third roller set 54, similar in arrangement to the roller set 34, but smaller and designed to concentrate the fibers even more in a tighter hexagon. Emerging from the set of rollers 54, the set of fibers in the form of a hexagon is directed to a mold 35 (Figures 4A, 4D). Other means are possible for the advancement and positioning of the HFS fibers in relation to the mold 35.
[000128] The mold 35 contains seven openings, which are also arranged in a hexagonal shape, with an opening in the center and six openings concentrically placed around the central opening. The diameter of each opening is preferably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the HF fiber, allowing the fiber to pass freely through the opening without suffering damage, while over-controlling the "fluctuation" of the fiber inside the opening. The distance between adjacent openings 23 (Figure 1B) controls the spacing 23 between adjacent fibers. The HF fiber emerging from the hexagonal mold 35 (Figure 4A) is therefore also hexagonal and spaced from one another, as defined by the mold. HF fibers for bundling can also be supplied directly from an HF fiber spinning assembly (not shown). The HF fiber spinning assembly may contain an HF fiber extrusion head that contains one or more extrusion nozzles, arranged in a desired shape (such an arrangement is also referred to as an "extrusion device"). It is therefore possible to provide seven HF fiber yarns for forming the hexagonal arrangement directly from the extrusion head. The fibers that emerge from the extrusion head will still be processed and conditioned using methods similar to those normally used to generate fibers of desired consistencies, including the desired physical condition, properties, such as porosity, pore size and structural requirements, etc. .
[000129] Since HF fibers are fragile, measures must be taken to minimize or eliminate any possibility of damage to the fiber. Possible points of tension to the fibers include: 1) The unwinding of the fibers, which may require the coil 31 itself to rotate at a specific speed in order to unwind the fiber, and eliminate the need to pull the fiber out of the coil; alternatively, low-friction bearings on the coil shaft can be used in order to minimize the pulling force. 2) Likewise, the rollers 33 that direct the HF fiber yarns from the coils can be another tension point. Synchronized motor driven rollers for unwinding the fiber can offer a solution; or, the use of low friction bearings on the roller shafts may also be acceptable. In order to maintain the position of the fibers between the rollers 34 and 54, semicircular grooves 55 are formed on the outer face of the adjacent pairs of rollers 120, 121 (Figure 3B), which, when combined, form a "pass through" circular rotation. 56 for fibers. The diameter of the semicircular grooves 55 on each of the rollers 120, 121 is equal to or slightly larger than the hollow fibers, however, not so large in the sense of allowing excessive fluctuation or vibration of the fiber moving between the rollers. The rollers provide not only a low-friction passage, but also the positioning of the HF fiber in the space. Similar or equivalent considerations must be given to all components that target HF fibers in order to eliminate their damage. Therefore, all aspects of the process must be considered, including the positioning of the HF fiber spools and rollers, the size of the rollers, the number of sets of rollers, the sizes of the holes, the composition of the rollers, the finish and the shapes of fiber passages, etc. Similarly, hexagonal molds can vary in order to provide the ideal flow of the HF fiber, minimizing its damage. The sensors can be incorporated at various points in order to monitor the movement speed of the HF fiber, the tension on the HF fibers, vibrations or any other parameter that may affect the integrity of the HF fibers or the process as a whole.
[000130] Positioning for HF Fiber Fixation or Fixation - Once a hexagonal arrangement of the HF fiber is formed by the first hexagonal mold 35, it is preferable to maintain that shape as the fibers are directed to the "fixation center" 39, as shown in Fig. 4A. The fixation center containing one or more chambers, in which the HF fibers are connected or fixed to each other with a fixture 24 in the form of a desired arrangement, preferably in a hexagonal shape, and in which the complete grouping of a desired length It is formed. The following is a general description of a mechanism for automating the process of fixing the HF fibers to each other, also for the arrangement of the HF fibers in a hexagonal shape, for controlling the spacing between the fibers 23, for the production of clusters of fiber HF 8 of a defined length, for fixing both ends 13, 24 of the fiber bundle HF 8, and making this fixation at specific intervals, as the fibers pass through or move through the fixation center 39.
[000131] The hollow fibers entering the fixation compartment (also referred to as a "fixation chamber") 49 through the hexagonal mold 35 and 36 maintain their hexagonal arrangement, including the spacing between the fibers by the two molds 35 and 36. Within the fixation compartment 49, in the vicinity of the mold 36, a dispensing mechanism 37 for adding a fixative to the fibers is provided. It is positioned in a way that allows it to add a fastener to the outer surface of the HF fiber bundle without distorting its hexagonal arrangement, while curing symmetrically around the hollow fibers and the bundle in order to form the desired uniform arrangement. , hexagonal. The fastener addition heads can be rotated to facilitate uniform fastener addition; and or the hexagonal hollow fiber bundle can be rotated with respect to the fastener addition head in order to facilitate uniform fastener distribution around the hollow fibers by overcoming a directional drag of gravity over the fastener. The fixative can be a fast-curing cyanoacrylate that solidifies after exposure to UV radiation, the source of which is directed to the fixation chamber in order to affect a more effective cure. The addition of liquid cyanoacrylate can be in a cake or in consecutive minor injections. Each addition can be solidified by exposure to a pulse of UV radiation. Liquid cyanoacrylate can flow between the fibers into which it binds the fibers as it solidifies. A critical issue in this process is the fixation of the fibers in the arrangement when they emanate from the mold. The fixation of HF fibers to each other is not limited to cyanoacrylates or other chemical fixers or potting agents; for example, a substance that undergoes a phase change with temperature can be used. The addition of the fixative at one temperature, in a liquid form, followed by a rapid decrease in temperature, causes solidification. Although there are many potential candidates that can be used for this function, the temperatures used in a thermal fix should not damage the fibers. The principles used in 3D printing or modeling may apply to the fixing process. A modification of the printhead (s) may be necessary in order to allow the fastener to be deposited in the desired form.
[000132] Other methods are available that achieve this desired fixation, obvious to those skilled in the art. Example 1 - Fixing the HF Fibers to each other in a Hexagonal Grouping
[000133] A nozzle or multiple nozzles 37, from one injector or multiple injectors, can be positioned in a way that can release a fastener 24 to the HF fiber bundle in the most efficient manner. There may be several methods for releasing such a fastener; in one example, a multi-nozzle device 37 (Figures 4A, 4B: wires and tubes for the fastener shown 63) is positioned adjacent to the fibers and arranged radially over the fibers at specific intervals. The nozzles are preferably mechanized in such a way that they can move towards the HF fiber bundle before or during the addition of the fastener and be retracted after the addition. During the fastener addition phase, the HF fiber bundle can be advanced through the nozzles to affect the addition of the fastener 24 over a predetermined length of HF fiber segment 13; or, alternatively, the fiber bundle HF may remain stationary while the nozzle assembly 37 advances along the fibers in order to spread the fastener 24 over a predetermined segment length 13. The fixing compartment 49 (see Figure 4A, note that the dashed line that schematically represents the fixing compartment has been omitted in Figure 4B) will obviously have to accommodate such movement. In addition, a mechanism can be provided for the rotation of the HF fiber bundle 61 (see Figure 4A) with respect to the nozzles (or for the rotation of the nozzles with respect to the defined HF fiber bundle (not shown)). The fixative can be sprayed on or added to the fibers preferably as, but not limited to, a liquid. A predetermined amount of the fixative is injected as a single injection, as multiple injections or continuously along the selected fiber segment. Addition of fixative can be achieved through a single pass or multiple passages of the fibers with respect to the nozzles, through a single deposition of fixative or through the deposition of multiple layers, respectively. The amount of fixing agent injected should be sufficient to uniformly coat and bind a segment 13, 24 (Figure 1B, 1C) of adjacent HF fibers, preferably in a hexagonal shape. In addition, it is preferable that the addition of the fixative occurs without dripping and without spreading to the adjacent components and remains localized to the desired segment of the HF fiber bundle. Preferably, only a small segment 13 of the fibers in a bundle is attached to each other; this segment can be of any length, but typically in the range between 0.64 centimeters (0.25 inches) and 5.08 centimeters (2 inches). After adding the fastener, the nozzles are retracted and the fastener discharge holes over the protected nozzles. A mechanism is also considered to temporarily reposition an individual fiber during the addition of fixative in order to optimize the addition and allow a total excess of fixative in the spaces between the fibers; this must be done in order to minimize the gaps or channels between the fibers.
[000134] The preferred fixing agent should have a fast curing rate in order to maximize the rate of fiber bonding, while minimizing dripping or migration of the fixer from its intended placement. The fixative can be induced to cure quickly by means of a curing agent, such as electromagnetic radiation, heat, chemicals or others. It can be predicted that, before the curing is finished or the fixative hardens, a matrix (or a mold) is used to further shape the fixed area, in particular, just before the fixative hardens. This can be done while the fastener is still malleable and its adhesive capacity is reduced, minimizing adherence to the mold. A quick cure is also desirable due to a number of other factors, including: The faster the cure, the faster the production process. A fast curing agent can also allow control of the potting process, control of the fixator's hardness; that is, injecting the filling at a temperature and controlling the temperature of the mold walls for optimum control of the fastener and the hardening process. It is also possible to provide for more than one fixation cycle, in which additional layers of fixative are added to the previous deposits; in combination with the die, it is possible to form the fixed end of the HF 13 fiber bundle in a defined shape, including the hexagonal shape with specific side lengths. In addition, the molds 35 and 36 that position the HF fibers for the fixing step can be adapted with an automatic mechanism 61 that will reposition or rotate the mold 36 and the HF fibers; for example, when a liquid fastener flows in one direction as a function of the force of gravity, the liquid may redistribute more evenly around the fibers by rotating the fibers at or less than 180 degrees once or the rotations can be in one direction instead of returning to the original position or you can rotate forward and backward multiple times.
[000135] Considering the requirements indicated for the fixation step, the selection of the appropriate fixer or the filling material constitutes a critical step. These materials must be able to quickly wrap the fibers in a uniform manner. They must be of sufficient viscosity and properties to allow a fast and repeated fixation of the HF fibers to each other and still allow the formation of the fixed section 13 in a defined format. Cyanoacrylates, epoxies, elastomers, thermoplastic materials, or other chemical binding or potting agents can meet these requirements.
[000136] Formation of U clusters of defined length - When a fixed segment 13 is formed at the entrance of the fixation chamber 49 (Figure 4A), this segment is cut around its central point by a cutting mechanism 38 (the wire 62 connected to the mechanism is shown), which can be a laser, a blade, a water jet, etc. The resulting cluster U 8 can then be removed. The remaining half of the segment 13 remains connected to the mold 36 and inside the fixation chamber 49. A retraction mechanism 70 advances from its resting position by means of an automatic belt and pulley system (or other mechanized system) 76 , at a distance over the length of a cluster 8, in the direction of the exposed segment 13. A clamp-type device 71, 77 (Figures 4A, 4B and 4C), with a hexagonal opening, advances further, so that the segment 13 enter the hexagonal opening in the clamp 71, 77. The clamp is retracted, with a pneumatic cylinder 69, 73 or some other means. It is retracted into a gripper closure mechanism (also referred to as a "gripper closure") 78. The gripper walls, cut into six equal segments, are forced inward in the direction of the gripper's central geometric axis, causing the collet walls and the head to close on the six sides of the cluster segment 13. The amount of collet retraction into the collet closure 78 determines the extent of the collet closure and the clamping force on the segment grouping; this is a common mechanism used in machining factories. Alternatively, the gripper closure can be advanced forward with respect to the gripper, causing the same gripper closure. When the bundle segment is attached to the collet head 71, the entire retraction mechanism 70 retracts to its original resting position via the belt and pulley system 76. A new segment of the HF fiber bundle is positioned in the chamber of fixation so that a new grouping segment 13 can be formed, as previously described. After the grouping segment is formed, it is cut, as before. The retraction mechanism 70 is repositioned in order to separate the resulting cut bundle segments 13. Simultaneously, the clamp is opened by retracting the clamp 77 from the clamp closure 78. A second cylinder 75 pushes a piston 74, located centrally inside the clamp, in the direction of the hexagonal opening of the clamp in order to force the cluster segment U 13 out of the clamp head. The U 8 cluster as a whole, with its fixed ends 13, is, in this case, free to be collected or directed by a mechanized system to a storage compartment (for example, by means of a conveyor belt that moves in a right angle for the entire cluster). Devices 57 for displacing the cut bundle and devices 58 for moving the platform under the cut bundle are shown. A person skilled in the art will be able to make obvious improvements to the mechanisms described. Example 2 - End Caps of Prefabricated Clusters
[000137] To form a unitary grouping ("U-grouping"), it is conceivable that the "fixing" step to form a hexagonal end cap is carried out without the application of a liquid fixative, as previously described. The same general results can be obtained using a preformed cap, and this cap can be mechanically added or fitted over the ends of the HF fibers. The prefabricated cover is positioned along the HF fiber bundle, so that it can be mechanically remodeled in order to encapsulate the fibers and, at the same time, assume a desired shape, preferably a hexagonal shape. An example of such a cover is shown in Figure 7; its two possible configurations, a cover or linear segment 79 (cover L) or folded 80 (cover F) are shown. The two configurations are convertible to each other, as will be shown. The L 79 cover contains six subsegments, numbered sequentially from 81 to 86.
[000138] Adjacent segments 81 to 86 (Figure 7) form grooves, channels or "U" shaped wells 87. The channels are designed to be positioned parallel to the HF fiber yarns and in a way to facilitate the receipt and passage of the HF 95 fiber yarns. The HF fibers, in turn, are oriented into a fixed chamber 49 in the fixation center 39 (Figure 4A), with a mold that aligns the fibers parallel to the channels 87 (Figure 7). In addition to channels 87, cover L also contains 5 (or 6) horizontal markings 88, which are preferably located on the central point of the base of channels 87, and parallel to them. Such markings facilitate the folding of the lid segments L along the marking line in a way to result in a hexagon shape 80. Pedestals 89 form the walls of the channels in a "U" shape 87; such that, when adjacent segments 81 to 86 are folded or curved along the marking lines 88, the end pieces converge so as to trap the HF fibers within the channel 87. The seventh HF fiber positioned above the fiber between the segments 83 and 84, at an exact height above it, are stuck in the center, as shown in Figure 7. Although only the hexagonal arrangement is described, the same process is obviously applicable to the molding of other forms of grouping. The process may include adding or spraying an adhesive, fixative or some other suitable agent on the lid L 79 so that when the lid folds into a hexagonal shape 80 (through the intermediate shape 90), the fixative inside , after a cure, can seal the internal fibers, and at the same time, facilitate the retention of the resulting hexagonal shape. If the HFs fibers are to be retained together in a bundle due to the addition of a liquid fastener 13, 24, or due to a prefabricated bundle end cap 80, or otherwise, the segment will have to be cut, preferably , at the central point.
[000139] When a cap is added to a segment of fibers, creating a hexagonal shape, a cutting mechanism (blade, saw, laser or any other means) can be applied in order to cut the formed cap and the grouping of fibers along along the cross section of its central point. The resulting bundle of wires with both ends capped can then be released and removed. The rear cluster advances a certain distance, and the process of adding another cover L is repeated. The entire process can be highly mechanized in order to generate clustered cluster segments at a very high speed, see Figures 4A and 4B.
[000140] Various improvements and optimizations are possible to the process described above. In one example, an assembly line is used in which the last steps, involving the attachment of both ends of the cluster unit, are carried out vertically. In the vertical position, the fixer flow will be more evenly distributed around the central geometric axis of the grouping molds; unlike horizontal processes in which the force of gravity can distribute the fastener a little more towards the bottom wall of the cluster chamber.
[000141] During or after the production of the U bundles, the ends of the bundling units may require a plug to protect the interior of the HF fibers during subsequent processing; a preferred method for buffering the fibers is by forming a thin protective coating on the ends of the fibers; this must be done without distorting the hexagonal shape or dimensions of the grouping unit. The protection of the ends of the fibers can be easily and quickly achieved by various methods or combination of methods, including heat, ultrasound, chemically, phase change, etc. The formation of a plug must be reversible or removable at any point in the assembly process. Simply cutting the end segment of the bundle or HFC cartridge containing the liner or plug is a common option. When using a buffer with a melting temperature lower than that of the other components of the assembly or the HFC cartridge, the buffer can be easily removed with heat and possibly in combination with an adsorption agent for the absorption of the molten material of the construction of HF fiber. Vacuum can also be used to remove the molten material. Such methods, as well as others, are readily available for the reversible plugging and unblocking of the HF fiber ends. The buffering of the HF fibers can be done at any point of the U cluster formation for the assembly of the HFC cartridge. Preferably, however, but not exclusively, the buffering is done during or after the assembly of the U-assembly or after it has been tested for integrity and quality. The buffering of HF fibers in this initial production phase can facilitate the construction of larger clusters.
[000142] Bundles - Automation and controlled formation of bundling units (U bundles) offer benefits not possible due to the current techniques of HFM module production that normally involve the random bundling of fibers. Figure 6 shows a method of combining assemblies of U 101 clusters for the formation of larger "clusters" of clusters. For example, six U clusters can be combined to form block clusters (B 102 clusters) that can also be arranged in clusters (G clusters) 103, which, in turn, can still be clustered in super clusters. larger (S groupings) 104, 105, and so on. The symmetry offered by the hexagonal shape U cluster allows for an orderly arrangement of the HF fibers in any scale and in any desired aggregate form. The following are some of the advantages offered by the proposed U group building blocks:
[000143] Integrity testing - Automated integrity testing - When U clusters are formed, they can be tested using an automated system, using any number of available filter integrity testing techniques. For example, the ability of U clusters (or any capacity of cluster aggregates) to survive the autoclave conditions described elsewhere in this document can be used as the test conditions. Integrity tests are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, a bubble point test, a pressure drop test, an exposure to vapor particles, and diffusion tests. In one example, the HF fibers within the U cluster are moistened, followed by a bubble dot or pressure drop test at each of them as soon as they leave the assembly line. This provides an immediate and inexpensive way to test each U cluster. The same integrity tests can also be performed on larger clusters, that is, on B clusters, on G clusters, etc., before the complete assembly of the HFCM module.
[000144] Pre-shrinkage of clusters - The pre-form of clusters whose arrangement fits into enclosure end cap receptacles 17 allows the preconditioning of the fixed area on clusters or bundles in order to produce more stable clusters or bundles . For example, preheating the fixed region 13 over the clusters or bundles in the direction of annealing that region 13 and removing any stresses in the fixed region 13 will increase the stability of the clusters or bundles. Heating the fixed region 13 in order to cause the fastener to shrink before insertion into the corresponding receptacle will also eliminate any potential problem due to shrinkage.
[000145] Positioning of fibers - As indicated, the position of the fiber in relation to each other, with the spacing 23, Figure 1B, in the hexagonal U cluster offers the means to arrange the U cluster in shapes that allow to achieve better results of filtration during scaling. For example, this may include an optimized filtrate flow from the center of the large HFM module or HFC cartridge to the periphery depending on the spacing between the S clusters in order to create an optimal channel between the outside and inside of the clusters and the HFCM module, for optimal flow. The optimal spacing of the fibers and bundles with respect to each other can be used in order to optimize the flow between the fibers and the bundles across the entire cross section of the module.
[000146] Ideal packaging - Hexagons offer an ideal high density packaging arrangement for hollow fibers.
[000147] Others - Other options are available for obtaining unique and improved filtration processes. The cluster units can be packed with a degree of twist within each U cluster. This is simply achieved during the formation of the clusters. For example, in the formation of a B cluster, the U clusters can be fixed at one end of the cluster; at the other end, however, the U cluster can be rotated along its longitudinal geometric axis, in increments. The selected twist can be in 60 degree increments for the hexagonal shape. The twist can introduce a vortex to the flow as the liquid passes through the length of the hollow fibers. Natural imperfections in the HF fiber walls or the introduction of grooves on the inner wall during fiber spinning can also be used in order to optimize the vortex effect for an improved filtration process. A similar twist can be introduced to the fibers in the bundles or bundles of any size or shape. The twist can be introduced in either hexagonal or round bundles when they are inserted into the housing end caps of the HFCM module.
[000148] The grouping method simplifies the assembly process, and provides a highly reproducible manufacturing process. Scaling Up:
[000149] The assembly of large HFM modules is greatly facilitated by the hexagonal U cluster unit 101, as shown in the following example: A B 102 cluster as shown in Figure 6 can be easily assembled from the U 101 clusters, as well as with other forms of grouping 110. The process can be easily automated or constructed manually. As shown in Figure 6, a triangular cluster B 102 can be assembled from six cluster units U 101; this translates to a 62 cm long fiber, with an OD diameter of 0.16 cm (0.062 inches), with about 0.125 m2 of fiber surface area. The use of 7 B 102 clusters of a similar length, with the same fibers, allows the grouping of B 102 clusters in a G 103 cluster consisting of 385 fibers, providing about 0.78 m2 of surface area, which can be encapsulated in a housing with a diameter less than 3.81 centimeters (1.5 inches).
[000150] The filter capacity can then be further increased by combining 7 G 103 clusters in a core array 104 shown in Figure 6. The filter core pattern shown, the core C1 104, contains 2695 fibers to produce 5.4 m2 of surface area in a cartridge about 8.89 centimeters (3.5 inches) in diameter. A greater increase in the size of the filter can be obtained by adding another layer of clusters G 103 on the core C1 104 to form a pattern of core C2 105, whose surface area is increased to 14.7 m2 with a diameter about 15.24 centimeters (6 inches). With another layer of clusters G 103 added to core C2 104 to form core C3, the surface area is increased to about 29 m2 with a cartridge diameter of about 20.32 centimeters (8 inches). It is possible to continue to build even larger cartridges in a similar organized manner, observing the retention of the hexagonal shape of the base with successively larger cores, this, however, does not exclude the possibility of adding or subtracting clusters to and from the larger clusters or nucleus. in order to achieve different HF fiber layout patterns than hexagonal ones; for example, circular, rectangular, or other polygons or shapes, instead of hexagonal. Table 1 provides a more detailed description of some of the various HF fiber bundle configurations schematically illustrated in Figure 6: Table 1

[000151] HFCM module end caps 11 and 12, Figures 2B to 2G and 5B to 5E, facilitate the above assembly by organizing the clusters or bundles during the construction of the HFCM module, by providing structural support for the assembly, and maintaining the proper spacing between the beams.
[000152] As the size of the filter becomes larger, the flow pattern and resistance to flow from the center of the cluster or the core to its periphery may change. The methods proposed for the construction of large filters offer the means to solve this problem. As indicated, the spacing 23, Figure 1B, of the adjacent HF fibers in a U cluster is achieved during its production. The spacing between U clusters in a B cluster can also be defined with an appropriate template; this spacing is determined by the requirements of the filtration process, small spaces between U clusters for slow collection rates, larger openings for faster filtrate collection rates. Likewise, during scaling up from cluster B to cluster G and to larger cores, the spacing between the bundles is selected in order to obtain an optimal flow of all fibers to the periphery of the cluster or core; the spacing 29 between the openings 17 and the corresponding beams illustrates these flow channels. The bundling of HF fibers in tight bundles, as is currently common, limits such flow control from the center of the bundle to its periphery. In tight bundles, the more peripheral HF fibers can offer resistance to the filtrate flow from the innermost fibers. The filtrate production rate for all HF fibers becomes inhomogeneous. A fraction of the HF fibers will carry the filtration load to a greater degree than other fibers, which may result in premature failure of the fibers. In other words, the full filter capacity is not realized. In the organization of the fibers, as described, such non-uniformity in the filtration of the HF fiber is minimized and the total capacity of the HFM module is more strictly realized. Although hexagonal grouping units are a preferred embodiment of the grouping unit, other forms are also possible. A rectangular grouping unit may be preferable in some cases. A triangular grouping can be useful in other cases. It is evident that groupings in the forms of various polygons are possible when using the described process. Mounting the bundles on the HFC cartridge:
[000153] The assembly of bundles in a more functional HFC cartridge or HFM module requires the bundling of the bundle in a cover end of the HFCM module 11 and 12. In contrast to the previous procedures, in which the option for the organization of the fibers and the beam is more limited, the proposed geometric patterns offer the possibility of a precise arrangement of the fibers within the HFCM module. For example, when using a wrap end cap 11, which also serves as a template, as shown in Figures 5B to 5E, the HF fiber bundles can be arranged in the desired patterns; the casing end caps 11 and 12 which contain hexagonal openings or openings 17 arranged in the desired pattern and appropriately spaced 29 from each other; and the hexagonal bundles 8 (such as the G 103 bundles, see Figure 6, for example) whose ends 13 are inserted in said hexagonal receptacles 17 define the bundle pattern in the housing end cap 11 and 12. The potting of the ends of beam within the receptacles fixes this pattern. The housing 10 between the two double-ended caps encapsulates the hollow fiber to form an HFC cartridge. The process described above offers a number of improvements, which could significantly increase the quality and reliability of the final HFC cartridge or HFM module. The methods facilitate the production of large HFM modules and lower their cost. Some of these benefits are as follows: 1. Minimizing the use of incompatible materials:
[000154] Many of the current commercially supplied HFM modules or HFC cartridges use polysulfone for the housing or other parts of the housing; simply, the material has excellent structural support, great chemical inertness, high operating temperature, as well as other advantages. Some of the same physical and chemical properties that make polysulfone a good structural material also make it a very weak potting agent; therefore, other materials have been used for this purpose. Epoxy and polyurethane are perhaps the most common; they can be poured as a low viscosity liquid that easily flow between the hollow fibers, in order to immerse the fibers in a uniform way; the material is induced to solidify by pre-adding a curing agent, by heat, light or other means. The curing or solidification speed can therefore be controlled to form a highly inert, heat-stable material that can be machined, or manipulated as needed. These potting materials are highly customizable according to the user's needs; however, despite these advantages, they are not ideal for building large HFM modules.
[000155] Epoxy, for example, as a filling material, requires that it not only incorporate HF fibers, but also requires that it bond to the wall of the polysulfone shell. Although an epoxy can be selected with an expansion coefficient very similar to that of polysulfone, the epoxy is usually not accurate, nor is its differential expansion maintained over the entire temperature range to which both materials can be generally exposed. In addition, the transition or curing of the epoxy from a liquid to a solid can result in significant dimensional changes to the material; that is, alteration or shrinkage after polymerization, the measurements of which may increase as a result of heating. Although such shrinkage can be small and insignificant when epoxy is used in the construction of small HFM modules with small internal potting diameters, it can be greatly extended and become quite significant as the potting diameters increase. The result of this could be cracking of the epoxy or a separation of the epoxy from the polysulfone to which it is attached.
[000156] The bonding integrity between the filling agent and the end cap of the structural polysulfone shell (and shell) must be maintained in order to maintain the separation between the filtrate and retentate chambers. However, it is observed that, when using two different materials, the bond strength between them can be greatly affected with the increase of the size of the filter and the greater the dimensional variation in one material in relation to another, the greater the possibility connection failure. In order to maximize this connection, the cartridge receiving ends of the polysulfone shell end cap are creased or shaped to allow maximum adhesion with the filling; however, on a large scale, the combined effects of an increase in shrinkage increase and the effect of temperature on smoothing the bond between epoxy and polysulfone can cause the bond to fail. It is also possible that, after the heating and cooling cycle, the polysulfone does not shrink, but the epoxy does. This can occur without the separation between epoxy and polysulfone; however, in this case, the stress may be stored in the solidified epoxy, leading to potential stress fractures within the epoxy alone, resulting in a potential failure of the HFM module.
[000157] It can be concluded that epoxy and polysulfone are not ideally compatible for the construction of large filters. The problems associated with the use of two incompatible materials can be greatly reduced or eliminated through the use of compatible materials, preferably identical, in the construction of the HFM module; that is, use polysulfone for the HFM module housing and for the construction of the HFCM module housing end caps. 2. Method of building a large HFM module:
[000158] The use of "compatible" materials for the construction of large HFM modules becomes an essential part of the construction; for example, using a polysulfone wrapper and replacing the polysulfone with epoxy to form the HFC cartridge end caps and wrap the HF fibers in the same end cap. The use of polysulfone to form the casing 10 as well as the casing end cap 11 and 12 results in a structure in which both critical parts expand and contract at the same speed; and as long as the end cap and casing are made mostly of the "same" material, they will behave the same way at all usable temperatures, (not at those that melt a component), the pressures, and the times; including those achieved during both on-line and off-line production processes of steam sterilization, (generally in the range of 121 ° C to 125 ° C at 1.05 kgf / cm2 (15 psi) and 1.75 kgf / cm2 (25 psi), for 3 minutes to 45 minutes; settings are interdependent), autoclave with dry heat (usually in the range of 121 ° C to 190 ° C, in times of 6 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the temperature setting) , or chemical steam autoclave (typically in the range of 132 ° C to 1.4 to 2.8 kgf / cm2 (20 to 40 psi) for 20 minutes). This would considerably minimize fractures or gaps between bonded surfaces.
[000159] For the purposes of this application and its claims, the test of whether a cartridge resists fracture is whether it is resistant when exposed to a temperature of 121 to 125 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 1.05 to 1, 19 kgf / cm2 (15 to 17 psi), for 30 to 60 minutes.
[000160] Unlike epoxy, however, polysulfone cannot be easily poured to fill polysulfone into HF fibers; therefore, a slightly modified method is used to carry out the construction of the HFC cartridge. It involves the use of a polysulfone disc, around the diameter of the HFM module housing 10, to form the housing end caps 11 and 12, the housing end cover containing receptacles 17 or openings that flow through the housing. the length of the housing end cap. See Figures 2B to 2F and 5B to 5E. The shapes and spacing of the receptacles can be controlled with great precision by molding or machining the end caps. Such openings 17 can therefore serve as receptacles for receiving bundles or bundles of HF fibers 8. Generally, but not exclusively, bundles of HF fiber bundles or bundles with fixed ends 13 consist of shapes and dimensions similar to those of indicated receptacles. In addition to the indicated receptacles, it is possible to form or machine a groove 16 in the housing end cap into which the ends of the housing 10 can be inserted. The wrapper can therefore be firmly anchored to the wrapper end cap by mechanical means or with an adhesive and sealed with a gasket, an O-ring, or an adhesive. The other end of the housing can be anchored in a similar manner to the second end cover of the housing. The resulting structure, in addition to simplifying construction, forms a very stable structure, which is not easily susceptible to distortion. The receptacles on the two housing end caps can be aligned in the HFC cartridge assembly. The bundles can be inserted at one end through opening 17 of the housing end cover 11, through the housing housing 10, then to the juxtaposed receptacles 17 within the housing end cover 12 at the other end of the housing. The length of the bundle or bundle may be the same length as the distance between the end caps of the enclosure or be slightly longer; therefore, depending on the lengths of the grouping units, they can be flush with the outer surface of the casing end caps or extend slightly beyond the outer surfaces of the casing end caps. Likewise, other groupings can be added, filling all the cavities in the housing end cap. The opening between the receptacle walls 18 and the potted sides of the assembly or bundle 13 can be filled with an adhesive capable of flowing into the opening, then solidifying, sealing the opening, and anchoring the assembly. Small amounts of the sealant, such as epoxy, can be used in this case; its undesirable effects, such as shrinkage, are greatly reduced due to the small volume of filling required and the small gap between the bottled ends of the clusters 13 and the walls of receptacles 18. The flaws described above when using epoxy are greatly reduced. In addition, because of the small volume of filling material required and the nature of the construction, each cluster and pair of receptacles can be viewed as a small HFC cartridge. Each cluster with the ends confined in their respective receptacles is similar to a small filter, which exhibits minimal distortions, normally observed in a large HFM module. The insertion of bundles into the HFC cartridge end cap cover receptacles 17 at one end (i.e. indicated by reference 11) allows the anchoring of the rear fixed beam end 13 to the insertion receptacle. The front fixed beam end 13 can therefore be rotated slightly before insertion into receptacle 17 in the housing end cap 12 at the other end of the HFC cartridge.
[000161] The uniform addition of a sealing adhesive in the opening between the beam wall 13 and the cavity walls 18 can be done in several ways. In one method, the ends of the HF fibers are covered with a thin layer of sealant, buffer, or "coating", which is impenetrable to the selected potting agent. Such buffering of the HF fiber can occur during the production of the clusters or at some other time. The openings between the cluster sides 13 and the end cap cavity walls 18 can simply be filled by immersing the assembly in a specific volume of potting agent. The filling, being a liquid, flows into the openings, by means of a capillary action, but not to the buffered HF fibers. The excess sealant can be drained before it solidifies, leaving only the sealant inside said openings. After solidification, the bundles or bundles extending beyond the end cap can be cut flush with the outer surface of the end cap. The length of the cut segment must be sufficient to expose the end openings of the HF fibers. When the bundles are the same length as the HFCM module, in this case, it is possible to cut a sufficient section of the fixed bundle end to remove the buffer section of the HF fiber and expose the open ends of the HF fibers.
[000162] There are other potential methods for inserting and plugging the beam ends into their respective receptacles 17. These include the use of "O" rings. This may include the addition of the filling agent from within the housing 10 or the housing end cap surface 21 over the beam end 13 or into the receptacle 17, before or after the bundles are inserted into their respective receptacles . Potting can be done from the surface 20, 21, or both, Figures 2B and 2E. 3. Scale-up:
[000163] The method of building a large HFCM module is not limited to a particular size. It simply provides a method for building a large HFCM module that is more efficient and more reliable than that of the prior art. It also offers a means to increase the size of the large HFM module beyond what will be possible with current techniques. For example, a stainless steel (SS) can be used for the casing, the casing end cap or for other structural components. SS steel can provide the structural support for a filter much larger than would be possible using current techniques. The receptacles in the housing end cap remain as described above. The bundling units or bundles will be inserted into their respective cavities in the end caps of the enclosure; as before, in view of the very small volume of adhesive used between the bundle and the cavity wall, the expansion and contraction of the adhesive or sealant will be minimal. It is obvious that the filling agent must have properties compatible with the construction requirements; that is, it must be compatible with the connection to SS steel if SS steel components are used; it must be compatible with the temperature requirements of the HFM module; there must be compatibility in the expansion and contraction properties of the materials; materials must have physical properties, for example, that enable the ability to withstand the process traction requirements. It is also clear that other measures are possible: using an elastomeric filling material or adhesive, dimensioning the assembly unit and the spaces between the cavities, inserting support columns into the HFC cartridge, between the assembly units, in order to to prevent deformation of the structure under extreme operating conditions. 4. Different configurations:
[000164] Although the focus of the invention was on a hexagonal arrangement of groupings, it is obvious that the described process is not limited to hexagons only. Similar procedures can be applied to the formation of triangles, squares, pentagons, or any other shape. The number of fibers in each group can also vary from one to any number desired or limited by the process used to form such groups. The described process does not apply only to HFM modules or round HFC cartridges, the process can also be applied to the formation of square or other filter modules; furthermore, including the type of plate and module structure, in which the flat filter sheet can be replaced by hollow fiber clusters arranged linearly for the molding of a format equivalent to that of a plate, an example of which is shown in Figure 8. In turn, these HF fiber boards (also referred to as "cartridge wrapper") 100 can be stacked as in the "board and frame" arrangement 106. (Numerical references 100 to 112 referred to in paragraph a below are specific to Figure 8).
[000165] HF fiber bundles or bundle ends should be plugged at both ends of the rectangular cartridge wrapper ("wrapper ends") 101, whose wrapper ends 101 contain end caps with openings or receptacles for receiving and filling of beam or bundle ends as described above. The rectangular HF fiber sheets have side holes 102 to allow the filtrate to flow from the inside of the rectangular HF fiber sheets (the shell) 100. Such HF fiber sheets (the shell) can then be inserted in housing 105, the housing of which consists of two housing components (the housing plates 110). In order to keep the filtrate separate from the retentate fluid, the housing components that receive the rectangular plate 100 of HF fiber make contact with these plates in a leak-proof manner at locations, such as at the perimeter of the fixed area of a segment grouping; gaskets or other sealing means may be used. The two components of the housing (the plates) 110 are constructed to form a leakproof seal for the HF fiber plate (for example, a gasket may be used). The housing (also referred to as the "rectangular module") 105 contains channels or holes 112 that direct the fluid to or from the lumens of the hollow fibers. Such channels 112 can be connected in a way to allow the fluid emanating from the hollow fibers in a rectangular module 105 to enter an adjacent rectangular module 105; such stacking may be repeated forming a plate and structure arrangement 106 of multiple rectangular modules 105. The orifice or channel 112 forms a fluid connection between these rectangular modules, connecting the hollow fibers within the rectangular HF fiber plates in series. The plate and frame stack 106 will obviously contain an outlet module (the last module in the series), which will also direct fluid from the plate and frame stack 106. The sides of the rectangular modules 105 contain holes 111 that they register with similar holes on the adjacent rectangular modules 105, forming a passage for the collection of the filtrate generated within the plate and structure stack. HF fiber boards and rectangular modules can be stacked in series, in parallel, or in a combination of the two. The described plate arrangement can be reconfigured by those who are skilled in the operation of such filters in order to optimize the results of the described system.

权利要求:
Claims (36)
[0001]
1. Hollow fiber filter cartridge, characterized by the fact that it comprises: 1) a plurality of hollow fibers pre-arranged in a grouping unit, in a geometric arrangement selected from the group consisting of hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular and oval, in which grouping units are combined and expanded symmetrically by connecting grouping units adjacent to each other in the form of grouping units pattern, thus forming bundles that are made up of specifically arranged grouping units, and in which the cartridge comprises end cap openings in which the bundles are adjusted, so that the bundles of the grouping units, the bundles and the end cap openings are in the same geometric arrangement, the geometric arrangement being selected from among group consisting of hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular and oval, in which the hollow fibers are parallel each other, where there is a spacing between the adjacent fibers in a bundle or bundle unit, each bundle comprising a first bundle end and a second bundle end, said fibers in each bundle unit within the optionally pre bundle - twisted by rotation along the long axis of the fibers; 2) a housing shell, said shell comprising a first end and a second end, each end comprising an opening, 3) a first shell end cap (11), said cap covering the opening of the first shell end of housing, said cover comprising a plurality of openings; and 4) a second housing end cover (12), said cover covering the opening of the second end of the housing housing, said cover comprising a plurality of openings, - the groupings being aligned in parallel within the housing housing. housing, - a segment of each group being fitted into an opening of the first end cap of the housing (11) and being sealed against said opening by means of a filling agent, in which a second segment of each group is fitted within an opening of the second housing end cap (12) and is sealed against said opening by means of a potting agent or fastener; and - each end cap is composed of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is sufficiently close to the coefficient of expansion of the filling agent or fixative (24) in such a way that, when the cartridge is exposed to sterilization at steam or autoclave, no fracture or opening will occur (a) in the first or second cover end cap (12) or in the area occupied by the filling agent or (fastener (24) b) between a cap and the area occupied by a potting agent or fixative.
[0002]
2. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the casing and end caps of the casing are made of the same material.
[0003]
Cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that each housing end cover comprises a groove in which an end of the housing is inserted as part of a tongue and groove arrangement.
[0004]
4. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the housing housing is cylindrical.
[0005]
5. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the housing housing is square or otherwise.
[0006]
6. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing housing is permeable or semi-permeable, said housing comprising openings or comprising no openings.
[0007]
7. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the shape of each opening of the end cap is selected from the group consisting of hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular and oval.
[0008]
8. Cartridge according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the shape of the housing end cap opening is hexagonal and the bundle, formed by the interconnected hexagonal grouping units, also has a corresponding geometric pattern that is hexagonal.
[0009]
9. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second end caps are mechanically fixed to the housing housing.
[0010]
10. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second end caps are attached to the housing shell by means of a solvent or an adhesive.
[0011]
11. Cartridge, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a support element, said support element being selected from the group consisting of a post and a support column, said support column or post ends a bundle within said cartridge, said support column or pivot being permeable to the fluid emanating from said cartridge.
[0012]
12. Cartridge, according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the shape of said pontalete or support column corresponds to the shape of the beam.
[0013]
13. Cartridge according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the shape of the said end or support column corresponds to the shape of the cover opening of the end of the housing.
[0014]
14. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cross-sectional shape of a hollow fiber group is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the end cap opening into which it is inserted.
[0015]
15. Cartridge, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the distance between the perimeter of a group and the perimeter of a neighboring group is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters, in which the said distance is the shortest distance between the perimeters of the two clusters.
[0016]
16. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each end cap is composed of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal or sufficiently close to the expansion coefficient of the potting agent, so that, when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the filling agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the bundle hollow fiber agent.
[0017]
17. Cartridge according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that each end cap is made of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal to the expansion coefficient of the filling agent, so that when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the filling agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the hollow fiber bundle .
[0018]
18. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each end cap of the enclosure is composed of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to or sufficiently close to the coefficient of expansion of the enclosure, so that when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the potting agent hollow fiber bundle or (c) between a lid and the wrapper.
[0019]
19. Cartridge according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that each housing end cover is composed of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal to the expansion coefficient of the housing, so that when the cartridge is exposed heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the filling agent or (b) between a cover and the area occupied by the hollow fiber bundle or ( c) between a cover and the enclosure.
[0020]
20. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each bundle is enclosed in a mesh sleeve.
[0021]
21. Method for assembling the hollow fiber filter cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20, said method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: 1) pre-machining or molding a first end cap of housing (11) and a second housing end cap (12) of the cartridge, each cap comprising a plurality of openings; 2) fixing a cartridge housing to the first housing end cap (11), said cover comprising a first end and a second end, each end of the housing comprising an opening, so that the first end cap closes the opening at the first end of the housing; 3) securing the cartridge housing to the second housing end cap (12), so that the second end cap covers the opening at the second end of the housing; 4) inserting each one among a plurality of hollow fiber groupings, through a plurality of openings of the first wrapper end cap (11), through the wrapper housing and out of the corresponding opening of the second wrapper end cap (11). 12), each grouping comprising a first grouping end and a second grouping end, the length of each grouping being equal to or greater than the length of the housing, so that a segment of each grouping is fitted into an opening in the first lid the end of the enclosure and a segment of each cluster is fitted into an opening in the second cover at the end of the enclosure; and 5) sealing each of said groupings segments by means of a filling agent (or fixative) against the opening of the end cap of the enclosure in which the segment has been inserted; 6) that the fibers in each segment are parallel to each other, said fibers optionally pre-twisted by rotation along the long axis of the fibers; in which the hollow fibers in each group are arranged with a spacing between them and in a specific geometric pattern selected from the group consisting of hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular and oval; and wherein the geometric shape of each end of the array is the same as the geometric shape of the lid opening of the end of the enclosure in which it is inserted.
[0022]
22. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that, when the bundles are filled inside the openings, the excess length of the hollow fibers that extends beyond the end caps of the casing, if any, is cut .
[0023]
23. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that brackets or support columns (51) are inserted between the end caps within the hollow fiber filter cartridge.
[0024]
24. Method according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the support columns are arranged between groupings.
[0025]
25. Method, according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the clusters are placed within the support columns, with the support columns or brackets being permeable to the filtrate flow that emanates from within the clusters.
[0026]
26. Method, according to claim 25, characterized by the fact that the shape of the said pontalete or support column corresponds to the shape of the grouping.
[0027]
27. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the shape of the said end or support column corresponds to the shape of the cover opening of the end of the housing.
[0028]
28. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that each housing end cap is composed of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal or sufficiently close to the expansion coefficient of the potting agent, so that, when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the housing or in the area occupied by the filling agent or (b) between a cover and the occupied area of the filling agent potting.
[0029]
29. Method according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that each housing end cap is composed of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal to the expansion coefficient of the potting agent, so that when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the potting agent.
[0030]
30. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that each end cap of the enclosure is composed of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is equal or sufficiently close to the expansion coefficient of the enclosure, so that when the cartridge is exposed to heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the potting agent or (c) between a cap and the wrapper.
[0031]
31. Method according to claim 30, characterized by the fact that each housing end cap is composed of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is equal to the expansion coefficient of the housing, so that when the cartridge is exposed heat, steam sterilization or autoclave, no cracks or openings will occur (a) in the end cap of the enclosure or in the area occupied by the potting agent or (b) between a cap and the area occupied by the potting agent or (c ) between a cover and the enclosure.
[0032]
32. The method of claim 21, characterized in that each housing end cover comprises a groove in which an end of the housing is inserted as part of a tongue and groove arrangement.
[0033]
33. Method, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that the clusters that were smaller than the cluster inserted in step (4) were cluster units, with each cluster unit being selected from the group consisting of a triangular cluster of 3 fibers, a rectangular grouping of 4 fibers, a square grouping of 4 fibers and a hexagonal grouping of 7 fibers.
[0034]
34. Method according to claim 33, characterized by the fact that the bundling unit is a hexagonal bundle of 7 fibers.
[0035]
35. Method, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that the grouping inserted in step (4) was filled in the appropriate form before insertion.
[0036]
36. Method, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that each group is enclosed in a net glove end.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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IL232887A|2019-02-28|

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BR112014015189A8|2017-06-13|

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RU2641127C2|2018-01-16|

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US10926225B2|2021-02-23|

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MX371176B|2020-01-21|

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AU2012355957B2|2017-12-07|

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RU2014127880A|2016-02-10|

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KR20140121410A|2014-10-15|

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US20190160434A1|2019-05-30|

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EP2794075A1|2014-10-29|

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AU2012355957A1|2014-07-10|

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BR112014015189A2|2017-06-13|

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EP2794075A4|2015-11-25|

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IL264302A|2021-08-31|

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JP2015506269A|2015-03-02|

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CA2857635A1|2013-06-27|

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IL264302D0|2019-02-28|

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WO2013095682A1|2013-06-27|

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MX2014006965A|2014-10-17|

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IL232887D0|2014-07-31|

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CN104159654A|2014-11-19|

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CN104159654B|2017-03-22|

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CN107081070A|2017-08-22|

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US10213745B2|2019-02-26|

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KR102067748B1|2020-01-20|

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US20140319045A1|2014-10-30|

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法律状态:
2018-03-27| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-08-20| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-09-01| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-02-09| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-04-13| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 20/12/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201161579623P| true| 2011-12-22|2011-12-22|

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US61/579,623|2011-12-22|

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PCT/US2012/000582|WO2013095682A1|2011-12-22|2012-12-20|Hollow fiber cartridges and components and methods of their construction|

---