Patent ID: 6271023
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
Process for assembling a membrane module with a housing middle section, containing at least two groups of hollow-fiber membranes, the groups arranged in layers and capable of being fed independently by fluids, wherein the hollow-fiber membranes within one group and the hollow-fiber membranes of different groups, at least in the housing middle section, are arranged substantially parallel to each other and each layer contains only hollow-fiber membranes of a single group, the process comprising:a) selecting as the housing middle section a channel-shaped housing middle section that is open at the top and the ends of which terminate in end pieces, also open at the top, each end piece having a number of arms corresponding to a total number of the groups of hollow-fiber membranes, wherein the housing middle section and the end pieces together form a housing shell,b) inserting the at least two groups of hollow-fiber membranes into the housing middle section and the end pieces, in each case in the form of layers superimposed such that the hollow-fiber membranes lie substantially in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the housing middle section and substantially parallel to each other, and terminate in the arms of the end pieces, wherein the ends of each different group of hollow-fiber membranes are arranged in respectively different arms of the respective end pieces,c) closing the housing middle section (1) and the end pieces (2,3) with a covering device, andd) embedding the ends of the hollow-fiber membranes at least in the arms of the end pieces with a sealing compound in such a manner that the hollow-fiber membranes penetrate the sealing compound with at least one of their ends and are open at this end, and that a space enclosing the hollow-fiber membranes is formed between the hollow-fiber membranes, an inner wall of the housing middle section, an inside of the covering device facing the housing middle section, and the sealing compound.