Patent Publication Number: US-2013228518-A1

Title: Separation membrane module and fluid separation method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation in part of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2010/071098, filed on Nov. 26, 2010, and claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2009-269621, filed on Nov. 27, 2009, and Japanese Application No. 2009-269455, filed on Nov. 27, 2009. PCT Application No. PCT/JP2010/071098 is entitled “SEPARATION MEMBRANE MODULE AND FLUID SEPARATION METHOD”, and both Japanese Application No. 2009-269621 and No. 2009-269455 are entitled “SEPARATION MEMBRANE MODULE”. The above applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to separation membrane modules, and more particularly relate to a separation membrane module separating mixed fluid into at least two fluids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As conventional separation membrane module, a separation membrane module has been known which has heating chambers arranged at U-shaped connecting pipes that connect separation-membrane-equipped tubes in series fashion at either side of a cylindrical housing that retains the separation-membrane-equipped tubes. 
     However, with the above separation membrane module, there have been problems in that, because ends of separation-membrane-equipped tube (tubular membrane) segments within the cylindrical housing must be joined using U-shaped connecting pipes which are pipes bent in the shape of a U, configuration may be made complicated, and there may be many manufacturing operations; and because procedures must be carried out by hand, manufacturing may be made troublesome. 
     SUMMARY 
     A separation membrane module and fluid separation method are disclosed. A plurality of tubes are arranged in a body. A first chamber on a first fixed plate at an opposite side where the tubes are attached, comprising a plurality of rooms divided by at least one divider. A second chamber on a second fixed plate at an opposite side where the tubes are attached, comprising a plurality of rooms divided by at least one divider. The tubes are connected in series in terms of fluid path. An operation in which mixed fluid containing two or more types of fluid that flows into one of the rooms within one of the chambers flows within one of the tubes, flows into one of the rooms within another chamber, and flows into another of the tubes by way of one of the rooms within the another chamber is repeatedly carried out. 
     In an embodiment, a separation membrane module comprises: a body, a first chamber, a second chamber. The body comprises a first fixed plate, a second fixed plate, and a plurality of tubes arranged with prescribed spacing, each tube comprising a separation membrane therein, wherein a first end of the tubes are attached to the first fixed plate, and a second end of the tubes are attached to the second fixed plate. The first chamber on the first fixed plate at an opposite side where the tubes are attached, comprising a plurality of rooms divided by at least one divider. The second chamber on the second fixed plate at an opposite side where the tubes are attached, comprising a plurality of rooms divided by at least one divider. Further, the tubes are connected in series in terms of fluid path. 
     In another embodiment, a separation membrane module comprises a sensor. The sensor measures concentration of a chemical in fluid flowing within the tubes. 
     In a further embodiment, a separation membrane module comprises a swirling-flow inducer. The swirling-flow inducer is provided at a location which is upstream of at least one of the tubes induces swirling flow in a fluid within the tubes. 
     In a further embodiment, a separation membrane module comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, on-off valves, and a circulation passage. The fluid inlet through which the fluid flows into the first chamber. The fluid outlet through which the fluid flowing within the separation-membrane-equipped tubes flows out of the first chamber. The on-off valves respectively provided at the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Further, the circulation passage that causes the fluid flowing out of the fluid outlet to be returned to the fluid inlet when the on-off valves are in their closed states. 
     In further embodiment, fluid separation method for a separation membrane module, repeatedly carry out a first operation in which mixed fluid containing two or more types of fluid that flows into one of rooms within one of chambers flows within one of tubes, a second operation in which the mixed fluid flowing within one of the tubes flows into one of the rooms within another chamber, and a third operation in which the mixed fluid flowing within one of the rooms in the another chamber flows into another of the tubes by way of one of the rooms within the another chamber. The method also flows the mixed fluid sequentially through interiors of the plurality of tubes. The method also passes at least one type of fluid comprised in the mixed fluid within the tubes through the separation membranes. The method also flows another fluid comprised in the mixed fluid through interiors of the tubes. The method further separates the mixed fluid into at least two fluids. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are hereinafter described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. The figures are provided for illustration and depict exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the breadth, scope, scale, or applicability of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a partial sectional view of the separation-membrane-equipped tube. 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded view of a separation membrane module having six separation-membrane-equipped tubes in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a separation membrane module having twelve separation-membrane-equipped tubes. 
         FIG. 6A  is an exploded view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view showing how the chamber at the left side would appear when viewed from the left side of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view showing how the chamber at the right side would appear when viewed from the right side of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a sectional view showing the situation that plate-like members have swirling-flow inducers at through-holes. 
         FIG. 7B  is a plane view of  FIG. 7A  as seen from the left side. 
         FIG. 7C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within a separation-membrane-equipped tube. 
         FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  being an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing a separation membrane module in which swirling-flow inducers are provided at fixed plates. 
         FIG. 10A  being an exploded view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10D  is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 10A  at which swirling-flow inducers are provided. 
         FIG. 10E  is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 10A  at which swirling-flow inducers are provided. 
         FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram of a separation membrane module which has rod heaters within separation-membrane-equipped tubes. 
         FIG. 12  is an explanatory diagram of a separation membrane module which has heating devices for heating fluid within chambers. 
         FIG. 13A  being an exploded perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  being an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the left side at  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is an explanatory diagram showing flow of mixed fluid within the chamber at the right side at  FIG. 13A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments of the disclosure. The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the embodiments of the disclosure. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure should be accorded scope consistent with the claims, and not limited to the examples described and shown herein. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in the context of one practical non-limiting application. Embodiments of the disclosure, however, are not limited to such separation membrane module, and the techniques described herein may be utilized in other applications. 
     As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description, these are merely examples and the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to operating in accordance with these examples. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     A separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1A  shows an exploded perspective view of a separation membrane module, the separation membrane module having four cylindrical tubes  1  that are open at either end and that are equipped with separation membranes. 
     These four separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are arranged in parallel fashion with prescribed spacing between side faces thereof, the two ends of each of the four separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  being respectively attached to fixed plates  7 . Moreover, the four separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are comprised within cylindrical housing  5 , the two ends of this housing  5  also being respectively attached to fixed plates  7 . Module body  3  comprises separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , housing  5 , and fixed plates  7 . 
     Note that whereas cylindrical separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  have been employed at  FIG. 1 , these need not be cylindrical, but may, for example, be of rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, whereas housing  5  is shown as cylindrical in  FIG. 1 , this need not be cylindrical, but may, for example, be cylinder-like but have rectangular cross-section. 
     The two ends of each of the separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are attached to the fixed plates in such fashion as to respectively be inserted within insertion holes  10  in the fixed plates  7 . With regard to the material employed for fixed plates  7 , while there is no particular limitation with respect thereto so long as this is such as to permit attachment of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  to fixed plates  7  without leakage of mixed fluid (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as “fluid”), employment, for example, of components made from rubber therefor will permit reduction in stresses produced during attachment of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
     Fixed plates  7  of module body  3  are respectively provided with chambers  2   a ,  2   b  (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as “chambers  2 ”), divider  6  being provided within chambers  2   a ,  2   b  so as to control flow of fluid such that it flows in series fashion within the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . In other words, the interiors of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  are divided into a plurality of compartments by divider  6 , and the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are connected in series fashion by way of the compartments into which the interiors of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  have been divided by divider  6 , and mixed fluid is controlled so as to pass through separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  in sequential (series) fashion. 
     Chambers  2   a ,  2   b  have chamber-forming portions  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  and have flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  which are provided at the chamber-forming portions  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 , chamber-forming portions  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  and fixed plates  7  being securely attached to each other by aligning insertion holes  8  in the outer peripheral portions of flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  with insertion holes  8  in the outer peripheral portions of fixed plates  7 , and while in this state, causing bolts inserted within insertion holes  8  to be tightened. Note that whereas tightening of bolts was employed as the method of attaching flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  and fixed plates  7  to each other in  FIG. 1A , attachment may also be carried out through use of metal fasteners or the like. Hereinafter, chamber-forming portion  2   a   1  is referred to as “chamber body  2   a   1 ”, and chamber-forming portion  2   b   1  is referred to as “chamber body  2   b   1 ”. 
     Divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   a   1  into three compartments, and divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   b   1  at the right side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   b   1  into two compartments. Separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  communicate with the respective compartments of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . 
     That is, divider  6  is attached to and housed within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  which are of concave cross-section, flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  are formed at these chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 , and disk-shaped plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  which cover the concavities of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  are formed in an integrated fashion with respect to these flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2 . As a result of which, the interiors of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  are partitioned by divider  6  and plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of through-holes  16 ,  17  which respectively communicate with the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are located in disk-shaped plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3 . 
     Note that instead of providing plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  at flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2 , it is also possible that the plurality of compartments in chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  are formed by divider  6  and fixed plate  7 . 
     Provided at chamber  2   a  at the left side of module body  3  is fluid inlet  11  which communicates with one of the three compartments, and fluid outlet  12  which communicates with another one of the compartments. Mixed fluid entering thereinto by way of fluid inlet  11  might, for example, be feed liquid which should be separated and which contain ethanol and water; and mixed fluid exiting therefrom by way of fluid outlet  12  might, for example, be liquid containing a high concentration of ethanol. Fluid(s) which may be separated by separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  include not only water, but may be any of various conventionally known fluids, such as, for example, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and so forth. 
     Fluid permeating therethrough from the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  to the exterior thereof, e.g., where this is water, the water would be discharged from discharge outlet  9  provided at housing  5 . Discharge outlet  9  is not limited to being singular, it being possible for any number thereof to be present. 
     Note that whereas description was given in terms of an example in which chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side in  FIG. 1  was provided with fluid inlet  11  and fluid outlet  12 , it is also possible, for example, to provide chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side with fluid inlet  11 , and to provide chamber body  2   b   1  at the right side with fluid outlet  12 . For simplicity of construction and ease of manufacturing, both fluid inlet  11  and fluid outlet  12  may be provided at the same one of the chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the constitution of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1  is such that porous intermediate layer  14  is provided at the inside face of porous support tube  13 , and separation membrane  15  is provided at the inside face of this intermediate layer  14 . Support tube  13  might, for example, comprise ceramic material; intermediate layer  14  might, for example, comprise carbon particles; and separation membrane  15  might, for example, consist of glassy carbon. The structure of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1  is not limited hereto, it being possible, for example, to employ separation membranes other than glassy carbon. 
     In a separation membrane module constituted as described above, mixed fluid, for example, containing ethanol and water which serves as the feed liquid might, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 1A , be guided from fluid inlet  11  to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of right-side chamber body  2   b   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   b   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   a   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of right-side chamber body  2   b   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   b   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , and exit therefrom by way of fluid outlet  12 .  FIGS. 1B and 1C  also show how fluid flows within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view showing how this would appear when viewed from the left side of  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 1C  is a perspective view showing how this would appear when viewed from the right side of  FIG. 1A . 
     In addition, while the fluid containing ethanol and water is passing through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  (separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c ,  1   d  may sometimes be referred to collectively as “separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 ”), water permeates separation membrane  15  and is discharged from discharge outlet  9 , and the fluid retentate which contains a high concentration of ethanol exits therefrom by way of fluid outlet  12 . 
     Because the separation membrane module of an embodiment is such that divider  6  within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  cause fluid to sequentially flow in series fashion through the interiors of the four separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 —which is to say that flow of fluid proceeds in the order: separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d —this means that structure may be simpler, automation during manufacturing may be facilitated, and manufacturing may be made easier as compared with conventional situations in which U-shaped pipes are used to connect a plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes. 
     Furthermore, because it is possible by removing the bolts that join flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  and fixed plates  7  to disengage the series connection(s) that exists between/among separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this may facilitate replacement operations when separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1  become damaged or degraded, and also may make it possible to easily carry out operations for removal of scale that is deposited within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
     Furthermore, in the separation membrane module of an embodiment of the disclosure, by removing the bolts that join flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2  and fixed plates  7 , rotating chambers  2   a ,  2   b , and tightening the bolts, it is possible to cause dividers  6  of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
     That is,  FIG. 3  shows the situation that exists when chambers  2   a ,  2   b  are attached in such fashion that they are respectively rotated by 90 degrees with respect to fixed plates  7  of module body  3  relative to the situation that exists at  FIG. 1 . At this separation membrane module, fluid, for example, containing ethanol and water which serves as feed liquid might, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 3A , be guided from fluid inlet  11  to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of right-side chamber body  2   b   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   b   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   a   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of right-side chamber body  2   b   1 , pass through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c  which communicates with the interior of same compartment of chamber body  2   b   1 , be guided to the interior of a compartment produced by partitioning by divider  6  of left-side chamber body  2   a   1 , and exit therefrom by way of fluid outlet  12 .  FIGS. 3B and 3C  also show how fluid flows within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . 
     Accordingly, whereas in the separation membrane module of  FIG. 1  fluid flowed in series fashion in the order separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d , in the separation membrane module of  FIG. 3 , rotation of respective chambers  2   a ,  2   b  by 90 degrees makes it possible to cause fluid to flow in series fashion in the order separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b , separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c , such that it is possible to change the order of flow through the interiors of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 ; and so consequently, by respectively rotating chambers  2   a ,  2   b  after a given amount of time has passed following commencement of fluid separation, it is possible to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , making it possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as a result of which life of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  may be able to be extended, and life of the separation membrane module may be able to be extended. 
     Note that whereas in the foregoing embodiment chambers  2   a ,  2   b  were rotated after a given amount of time had passed following commencement of fluid separation, it is also possible, for example, to rotate chambers  2   a ,  2   b  after a given amount of material has been separated by the separation membrane module. 
     Furthermore, sensor(s) (not shown) might be arranged at fluid outlet  12 , and concentration(s) of constituent(s) present within mixed fluid passing through the interior of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  might be measured. Chambers  2   a ,  2   b  may be rotated based on such measured concentration(s); e.g., when concentration of a separated constituent that has permeated the separation membrane(s) exceeds predetermined value. Note that constituent(s) measured by sensor(s) may be constituent(s) that permeate and are separated by separation membrane(s), and/or may be constituent(s) that do not permeate separation membrane(s) but become concentrated within mixed fluid. 
     Moreover, sensor(s) that measure concentration(s) of constituent(s) present within mixed fluid may be arranged at interior(s) of compartments(s) in chamber body  2   a   1  and  2   b   1 . By arranging sensor(s) within at least one of the compartments in chamber body  2   a   1  and  2   b   1 , and detecting variation in concentration(s) of constituent(s) present within mixed fluid, since, in the event that an abnormality occurs with respect to concentration(s) of constituent(s) present within mixed fluid, the damaged or degraded separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1  is(are) located upstream from the sensor(s) at which the abnormality was detected, it may be possible to easily narrow down the location(s) thereof. 
     While  FIG. 3  shows the situation that exists when chambers  2   a ,  2   b  are attached in such fashion that they are respectively rotated by 90 degrees from the situation that existed at  FIG. 1 , it is of course possible to rotate these by 180 degrees or 270 degrees. In such case also, it will be possible to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
     That is, much of the water that is contained within feed liquid (mixed fluid) supplied from fluid inlet  11  is separated at separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1  near fluid inlet  11 , the water content within the mixed fluid which flows through the interiors of the separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1  decreasing as it gets closer to fluid outlet  12 . That is, the closer the separation-membrane-equipped tube  1  is to fluid inlet  11 , the greater will be the tendency to become degraded due to the influence of water thereon, but because by respectively rotating chambers  2   a ,  2   b  it is possible to change the order of flow through the interiors of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , it is possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as a result of which life of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  can be extended, and life of the separation membrane module can be extended. 
       FIG. 4  shows a separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment, there being six separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  in an embodiment. Divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   a   1  into four compartments, and divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   b   1  at the right side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   b   1  into three compartments, separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  communicating with the respective compartments. 
     Because with such a separation membrane module it is also the case that dividers  6  within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  cause fluid to flow in series fashion within the six separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this means that structure may be simpler, automation during manufacturing may be facilitated, and manufacturing may be made easier as compared with conventional situations in which U-shaped pipes are used to connect a plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes; and furthermore, rotation of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  makes it possible to cause dividers  6  of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , making it possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as a result of which life of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  can be extended, and life of the separation membrane module can be extended. 
       FIG. 5  shows a separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment, there being twelve separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  in an embodiment. Divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   a   1  into seven compartments, and divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   b   1  at the right side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   b   1  into six compartments, separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  communicating with the respective compartments. 
     With such a separation membrane module it is also the case that manufacturing may be made easy; and furthermore, rotation of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  makes it possible to cause dividers  6  of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , making it possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment comprising swirling-flow inducers, swirling-flow inducers  35  which induce swirling flow in fluid within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  being provided in the vicinity of openings at upstream sides of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , which is to say in the vicinity of openings at fluid inlet sides of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , which is again to say in the vicinity of fluid entrances of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . These swirling-flow inducers  35  are provided at through-holes  16 ,  17  in plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  formed in an integrated fashion with respect to flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2 . 
     That is, swirling-flow inducers  35  are provided at through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3  arranged at the upstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , at through-hole  16   c  in plate-like member  2   a   3  arranged at the upstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c , at through-hole  17   b  in plate-like member  2   b   3  arranged at the upstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b , and at through-hole  17   d  in plate-like member  2   b   3  arranged at the upstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d . Conversely, swirling-flow inducers  35  are not provided at through-hole  17   a  in plate-like member  2   b   3  arranged at the downstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   a , nor at through-hole  17   c  in plate-like member  2   b   3  arranged at the downstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   c , nor at through-hole  16   b  in plate-like member  2   a   3  arranged at the downstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   b , nor at through-hole  16   d  in plate-like member  2   a   3  arranged at the downstream side of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1   d.    
     Taking the example of the swirling-flow inducer  35  provided at through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3 , the structure of swirling-flow inducers  35  will be described with reference to  FIG. 7A . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , swirling-flow inducer  35  is constituted so as to be equipped with propeller  35   a  which is constituted such that a plurality of vanes are provided at a rotatable shaft, and with two support members  35   b  which are for rotatably attaching propeller  35   a  to the wall of through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3 . The two support members  35   b  are combined in cruciform fashion within through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3 , and are moreover combined in such fashion as to straddle the rotatable shaft of propeller  35   a , the ends of the two support members  35   b  being attached to the wall of through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3 . The two support members  35   b  may be arranged to mutually perpendicular within through-hole  16   a  in plate-like member  2   a   3 . The two support members  35   b  may be arranged so that rotatably attaching propeller  35   a  may be inserted between them. 
     These swirling-flow inducers  35  are provided at through-holes  16 ,  17  at entrance sides where fluid flows into separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  (through-holes  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d  may sometimes be referred to collectively as “through-holes  16 ”; through-holes  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d  may sometimes be referred to collectively as “through-holes  17 ”), swirling flow being induced, as shown in  FIG. 7C , when fluid flows into separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . Accordingly, of the through-holes  16 ,  17  in plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3 , those through-holes  16 ,  17  at exit sides where fluid flows out of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are not provided with swirling-flow inducer  35 . 
     Moreover, with conventional separation membrane modules, because fluid tends to flow through the central region of the separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , there is less tendency for fresh fluid to flow in the vicinity of the separation membrane  15  formed at the inside of the separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 ; and furthermore, because, in the vicinity of separation membrane  15  at the inside face of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as water permeates therethrough and escapes therefrom, this causes ethanol concentration to increase so that it is greater there than in the central region of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , meaning that there is less tendency for fresh fluid to flow there, this tends to cause reduced separation performance. 
     In contradistinction hereto, in an embodiment, because swirling-flow inducers  35  which induce swirling flow in fluid within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are provided at through-holes  16 ,  17  in plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  at upstream sides of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this may make it possible, without the need to provide swirling-flow inducer(s)  35  directly at or in the vicinity of separation membrane(s)  15  at inside face(s) of separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1 , to force fluid, which would otherwise tend to pass through central region(s) within separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1 , to be supplied to the vicinity of separation membrane(s)  15  at inside face(s) of separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1 , making it possible to adequately supply fresh fluid serving as feed liquid to the vicinity of separation membrane(s)  15 , and to improve separation performance, without causing damage to separation membrane(s)  15 . 
     Note that, with regard to swirling-flow inducer  35 , propeller  35   a  may rotate through application of motive force; however, even where propeller  35   a  is secured to support member(s)  35   b  such that it is prevented from rotating, it will still be possible to induce swirling flow to some extent. Moreover, besides propeller  35   a , it may be possible to use conventionally known swirling-flow inducer(s). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , because the embodiment is such that dividers  6  within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  cause fluid to flow in series fashion within the four separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this means that structure may be simpler, automation during manufacturing may be facilitated, and manufacturing may be made easier as compared with conventional situations in which U-shaped pipes are used to connect a plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes; and furthermore, rotation of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  makes it possible to cause dividers  6  of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , making it possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as a result of which life of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  can be extended, and life of the separation membrane module can be extended. 
     Moreover, because swirling-flow inducers  35  are provided at through-holes  16 ,  17  in plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3 , the relationship between the locations at which fluid inlet  11  and fluid outlet  12  are attached to chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  and the locations at which swirling-flow inducers  35  are provided does not change, and so it is possible to cause swirling-flow inducers  35  to always be located at upstream sides of respective separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  regardless of whether chambers  2   a ,  2   b  have been rotated. 
     Note that instead of providing plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  in integral with respect to flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2 , it is also possible form the plurality of compartments by using dividers  6  and fixed plates  7  to partition the interiors of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . In such case, as shown in  FIG. 9 , by using screws or the like to attach fixed member(s)  41 , to which swirling-flow inducer  35  has been attached, to fixed plate  7 , which is located at the opening of separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , it will be possible to cause swirling-flow inducer  35  to be provided in the vicinity of the entrance at the upstream side of fixed plate  7 . In  FIG. 9 , reference numeral  43  is annular seal material that prevents leakage of fluid from separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment, there being six separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  in an embodiment. Divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   a   1  at the left side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   a   1  into four compartments as shown in  FIG. 10B , and divider  6  provided within chamber body  2   b   1  at the right side of module body  3  divides the interior of chamber body  2   b   1  into three compartments as shown in  FIG. 10C , separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  communicating with the respective compartments. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 10D and 10E , swirling-flow inducers  35  which induce swirling flow in fluid within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  are, as was the case at  FIG. 6 , provided at through-holes  16 ,  17  at upstream sides of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
     Because with such a separation membrane module it is also the case that dividers  6  within chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  cause fluid to flow in series fashion within the six separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this means that structure may be simpler, automation during manufacturing may facilitated, and manufacturing may be made easier as compared with conventional situations in which U-shaped pipes are used to connect a plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes; and furthermore, rotation of chambers  2   a ,  2   b  makes it possible to cause dividers  6  of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1  to change the order in which fluid flows through the interiors of the plurality of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , making it possible to equalize the degree of degradation of each separation-membrane-equipped tube  1 , as a result of which life of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  can be extended, and life of the separation membrane module can be extended. 
     Moreover, swirling-flow inducers  35  at upstream sides of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  make it possible to adequately supply fresh fluid serving as feed liquid to the vicinity of separation membrane(s)  15 , and to improve separation performance, without causing damage to separation membrane(s)  15 . Note that it is of course possible to provide swirling-flow inducers  35  in the context of separation membrane modules having twelve separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  as shown in  FIG. 5 , or in the context of separation membrane modules having more than twelve separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a separation membrane module in accordance with an embodiment having rod heaters  47  within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , this separation membrane module being such that disk-shaped plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  are formed in an integrated fashion with respect to flanges  2   a   2 ,  2   b   2 , through-holes  16 ,  17  being formed in these plate-like members  2   a   3 ,  2   b   3  at locations corresponding to the openings of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 . In addition, rod heaters  47  are inserted within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , the two ends thereof being attached to inside faces of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 , with heating occurred as a result of application of electric current to rod heaters  47  from the exterior of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . 
     In conventional separation membrane modules, the fact that fluid passes through long flow passage(s) produced by connection in series fashion of separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  causes loss of heat during permeation of separation membranes due to latent heat accompanying vaporization of that permeate, and causes reduction in fluid temperature at downstream locations, which tends to decrease separation performance; however, in an embodiment, because rod heaters  47  are arranged within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , it is possible to increase fluid temperature where it might otherwise tend to decrease, and to improve separation performance. 
     Note that where rod heaters  47  cannot be inserted within separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1  because of small inside diameter or the like at separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , it is also possible as shown in  FIG. 12  to provide heating devices  49  at inside faces of chamber bodies  2   a   1 ,  2   b   1 . In such case, it will also be possible to rotate chambers  2   a ,  2   b.    
     In  FIG. 13 , fluid inlet  11  and fluid outlet  12  of chamber body  2   a   1  are respectively provided with fluid inlet shutoff valve  11   a  and fluid outlet shutoff valve  12   a ; furthermore, circulation passage  51 , which is opened and closed by circulation passage shutoff valve  51   a , is arranged so as to be connected, between fluid inlet shutoff valve  11   a  and fluid outlet shutoff valve  12   a , to chamber body  2   a   1 . This makes it possible to close fluid inlet shutoff valve  11   a  and fluid outlet shutoff valve  12   a , and while in this state, open circulation passage shutoff valve  51   a , causing fluid from fluid outlet  12  to flow to fluid inlet  11  and to pass again through separation-membrane-equipped tubes  1 , as a result of which batch processing can be occurred. 
     Note that a pump or the like may be arranged at circulation passage  51  and used as necessary to cause fluid from fluid outlet  12  to flow to fluid inlet  11  through circulation passage  51 . Furthermore, sensor(s)  57  might, for example, be arranged at compartments(s) connected to fluid outlet  12 , and concentration(s) of constituent(s) present within mixed fluid passing through interior(s) of separation-membrane-equipped tube(s)  1  might be measured, so that whether circulation passage  51  should be used and batch processing carried out may be determined based on such measured concentration(s). 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations hereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. 
     Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. 
     Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the present disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The term “about” when referring to a numerical value or range is intended to encompass values resulting from experimental error that can occur when taking measurements.