Patent Description:
PTL <NUM> below describes a bundle of fluororesin tubes in which end portions of respective tubes are bundled together. The bundle of fluororesin tubes includes bundled fluororesin tubes, a fluororesin sleeve fitted around each end portion of the bundle of fluororesin tubes, and a connection portion that is made of a thermally fluidizing fluororesin and that integrally joins the fluororesin sleeve to the fluororesin tubes. Each end portion of the fluororesin tubes is shaped cylindrically.

In the bundling structure in which the end portions of respective tubes are bundled, the bundling strength increases as the end portions of the tubes are bundled more densely. In the bundle of the fluororesin tubes described in PTL <NUM>, the end portions of respective fluororesin tubes are each shaped cylindrically, which limits the degree of density of the end portions when the end portions are arranged to form a fine structure. This imposes a limit on the improvement of the bundling strength when the end portions of the fluororesin tubes are bundled.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a degassing module with which the bundling strength of the tubes can be improved.

A degassing module according to the invention is defined in claim <NUM>. The degassing module includes a tube unit and a housing in which the tube unit is accommodated. The tube unit has multiple tubes, a first bundling portion that bundles first end portions of the multiple tubes and a second bundling portion that bundles second end portions of the multiple tubes, wherein the second end portions are at an end opposite from the first end portions. Each of the tubes is a tubular membrane that allows gas to pass and prohibits liquid from passing. The housing has a first opening and a second opening both of which are in communication with interior spaces of respective tubes, and a suction port being in communication with a space outside the tubes. The first bundling portion is connected to the housing at the first opening, the second bundling portion is connected to the housing at the second opening, and each of the end portions of respective tubes has a tube wall portion that tubularly extends in an extension direction of the tubes, and a protrusion protruding radially outward from the tube wall portion.

In this degassing unit, at least one of the end portions of respective tubes has a protrusion protruding radially outward. Accordingly, protrusions can be disposed, for example, in the space among the tube wall portions and tubes adjacent to the tube wall portions. Accordingly, the end portions of respective tubes can be arranged more densely compared with the case in which the end portions do not have the protrusions. This can improve the bundling strength of the tubes.

Each of the end portions of respective tubes has the tube wall portion and the protrusion. In the tube unit, each of the end portions of respective tubes has the tube wall portion and the protrusion. This enables the protrusions to be positioned among the tube wall portions while, for example, the tube wall portions are disposed so as to form a fine structure. Accordingly, the end portions of the tubes can be disposed more densely, which can improve the bundling strength of the tubes.

The tube wall portion may cylindrically extend in the extension direction of the tubes. In the tube unit, the tube wall portion cylindrically extends in the extension direction of the tubes, which can reduce the pressure loss of a fluid flowing through the tubes.

Each one of the first bundling portion and the second bundling portion has an outer sheath fitted around the tubes and a sealing portion that fills a space among the end portions of respective tubes and the outer sheath. In the tube unit, the sealing portion fills the space among the end portions of the tubes and the outer sheath, which reduces the likelihood of the liquid leaking out among the tubes when a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, is supplied to the end face of the bundling portion.

The end portions of respective tubes are spaced from each other. In the tube unit, the end portions of respective tubes are spaced from each other, and the end portions are thereby covered with the sealing portion. This can reduce the likelihood of the fluid leaking out at the interfaces of the end portions of the tubes.

The housing has a housing body that is cylindrically shaped and has an opening at one end, a lid that closes the opening of the housing body, a first connector that is jointed to the lid and has the first opening formed thereon, and a second connector that is jointed to the lid and has the second opening formed thereon. The first bundling portion is connected to the first connector, and the second bundling portion is connected to the second connector.

In the degassing module, a liquid is supplied to the first opening and is discharged from the second opening while gas is suctioned from the suction port. The liquid supplied to the first opening is degassed while flowing through the tubes and is discharged from the second opening. The degassing module includes the above-described tube unit that improves the bundling strength of the tubes. This can improve the durability of the degassing module while reducing the likelihood that the liquid supplied to the first opening leaks out into the space outside the tubes.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the bundling strength of the tubes can be improved.

A degassing module according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference signs in the drawings and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a degassing module. As illustrated in <FIG>, a degassing module <NUM> includes a tube unit <NUM> in which multiple tubes <NUM> are bundled at both ends and also includes a housing <NUM> that accommodates the tube unit <NUM>. The degassing module <NUM> has a first region and a second region in the housing <NUM>. The tubes <NUM> have respective interior spaces 2A (see <FIG>) that are referred to as the first region. The second region is a space 4A outside the tubes <NUM>. A liquid is supplied to the first region, while gas in the second region is suctioned. The degassing module <NUM> degasses the liquid by supplying the liquid into the interior spaces 2A (the first region) of respective tubes <NUM> and by suctioning gas in the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> (the second region).

Each tube <NUM> is a tubular membrane that allows gas to pass but prohibits liquid from passing. The material of the tube <NUM> and the shape, type, or the like of the membrane are not specifically limited. For example, the material of the tube <NUM> is fluororesin, polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), silicone, polyimide, or polyamide. Examples of the fluororesin may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene- hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ethylene copolymer)(ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), amorphous fluoropolymer (AF), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). An example of the amorphous fluoropolymer may be Teflon® AF.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a tube unit, and <FIG> is a schematic end view illustrating the example of the tube unit. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in <FIG>. Note that these figures illustrate an example of a tube unit <NUM> that includes seven tubes <NUM>. The number of the tubes <NUM>, however, is not specifically limited. As illustrated in <FIG>, the tube unit <NUM> is formed by bundling the multiple tubes <NUM> at both ends thereof. In other words, the tube unit <NUM> includes the multiple tubes <NUM> and a pair of bundling portions <NUM> that bundle the tubes <NUM> at one ends and at opposite ends, respectively. A pair of the bundling portions <NUM> are portions to be attached to the housing <NUM>. Note that a pair of the bundling portions <NUM> are structured similarly to each other and accordingly the following description will focus on one of the bundling portions <NUM> as a representative example. A pair of the bundling portions <NUM>, however, may be structured differently.

Each bundling portion <NUM> includes an outer sheath <NUM> and a sealing portion <NUM>. The outer sheath <NUM> is fitted around end portions of the tubes <NUM>, and the sealing portion <NUM> is a filling that fills the space among the end portions of the tubes <NUM> and the outer sheath <NUM>.

The outer sheath <NUM> is formed substantially cylindrically and serves as the outermost layer of the bundling portion <NUM>. The outer sheath <NUM> is a portion to be attached to the housing <NUM>. For example, the material of the outer sheath <NUM> is a fluororesin, such as PFA or PTFE.

The sealing portion <NUM> fills the space among the end portions of the tubes <NUM> and the outer sheath <NUM>. The sealing portion <NUM> thereby bundles the end portions of the tubes <NUM> and seals the space among the end portions of the tubes <NUM> and the outer sheath <NUM>. In other words, the sealing portion <NUM> does not fill the interior spaces 2A of respective tubes <NUM>, whereas the sealing portion <NUM> fills the space among the tubes <NUM> and the space between the tubes <NUM> and the outer sheath <NUM> (see <FIG>). When the end face of the sealing portion <NUM> is viewed, only the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM> are open. For example, the material of the sealing portion <NUM> is a fluororesin, such as FEP or PFA.

An end portion of each one of the tubes <NUM> bundled by the sealing portion <NUM> has a tube wall portion 2B and a protrusion 2C that protrudes from the tube wall portion 2B. The tube wall portion 2B is shaped cylindrically and extends in the extension direction of the corresponding tube <NUM>. The protrusion 2C is a portion that protrudes radially outward from the tube wall portion 2B. For example, the protrusion 2C may be a thick wall portion (or a bulged portion) of the tube <NUM> or may be a curved portion formed as if part of the end portion of the tube <NUM> were pinched out. For example, the wall of the end portion of the tube <NUM> is made thicker at the protrusion 2C.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the end portion of the tube <NUM> may have one protrusion 2C. Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, the end portion of the tube <NUM> may have multiple protrusions 2C. In the case of the tube <NUM> having multiple protrusions 2C, the protrusions 2C may be shaped similarly as illustrated in <FIG>, or the protrusions 2C may be shaped differently as illustrated in <FIG>.

The protruding directions of the protrusions 2C at the end portions of respective tubes <NUM> may be arranged in an orderly manner or may be arranged in a non-orderly manner. The protrusion 2C may extend so as to have the same shape in the extension direction of the tube <NUM> or may have different shapes. The protrusion 2C may be formed over the entire length of the end portion in the extension direction of the tube <NUM> or may be formed partially or intermittently. The end portions of the tubes <NUM> may be arranged arbitrarily. For example, the end portions of the tubes <NUM> may be arranged such that the tube wall portions 2B form a fine structure and multiple protrusions 2C are present among the tube wall portions 2B.

For example, the protrusion 2C may be provided by using a tube <NUM> having a thick portion that is formed in advance so as to serve as the protrusion 2C. Alternatively, for example, the protrusion 2C for each tube <NUM> may be formed by pinching part of the tube <NUM> using a tool. In this state, the sealing portion <NUM> fills the space among the outer sheath <NUM> and the end portions of the tubes <NUM> having such protrusions 2C.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a housing body <NUM>, a lid <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, and a second connector <NUM>.

The housing body <NUM> is a portion that accommodates the tube unit <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> is a cylindrically shaped container having an opening at one end. The lid <NUM> is joined to the housing body <NUM> in a gas-tight manner and closes the opening of the housing body <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> may be joined to the housing body <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting. The housing <NUM> may be formed integrally and the housing body <NUM> and the lid <NUM> may be inseparable, insofar as this does not cause any assembling problem.

The first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are joined to the lid <NUM> in a gas-tight manner. A first opening <NUM> pierces the first connector <NUM> so as to communicate the inside and the outside of the lid <NUM> (the housing <NUM>), and a second opening <NUM> pierces the second connector <NUM> so as to communicate the inside and the outside of the lid <NUM> (the housing <NUM>). For example, the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> may be joined to the lid <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting.

The first connector <NUM> is joined gas-tightly to one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> thereby joins the one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> gas-tightly to the housing. For example, the first connector <NUM> is shaped like a cylinder having a step portion and is disposed between the one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. A first pipe <NUM> is connected to the first connector <NUM>. The first pipe <NUM> is in communication with the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM>. For example, the one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> may be joined to the first connector <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting. For example, the first pipe <NUM> may be joined to the first connector <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting.

The second connector <NUM> is joined gas-tightly to the other one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM>. The second connector <NUM> thereby joins the other one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> gas-tightly to the housing. For example, the second connector <NUM> is shaped like a cylinder having a step portion and is disposed between the other one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. A second pipe <NUM> is connected to the second connector <NUM>. The second pipe <NUM> is in communication with the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM>. For example, the other one of the bundling portions <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> may be joined to the second connector <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting. For example, the second pipe <NUM> may be joined to the second connector <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting.

The housing body <NUM> has a suction port <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> is an opening formed in the housing body <NUM>, through which gas in the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM> is suctioned. A third pipe <NUM> is connected to the suction port <NUM>. The third pipe <NUM> is in communication with the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM>. A suction pump (not illustrated) is connected to the third pipe <NUM> to suction gas through the suction port <NUM>, thereby depressurizing the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM>. The third pipe <NUM> may be joined to the suction port <NUM> by welding, screw-fitting, or interfitting.

The degassing module <NUM> structured as described above degasses a liquid in the following manner: the liquid is supplied to the first pipe <NUM> and discharged from the second pipe <NUM> while the suction pump connected to the third pipe <NUM> suctions gas in the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM>. The liquid supplied to the first pipe <NUM> subsequently enters the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM> through the first connector <NUM>. When the liquid flows through the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM>, the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM> is in a depressurized state. Accordingly, dissolved gas or gas bubbles in the liquid are suctioned and pass through the walls of the tubes <NUM> into the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM>. Thus, the liquid is degassed. Consequently, the degassed liquid is discharged to the second pipe <NUM> from the second connector <NUM>. Note that the liquid may be supplied to the second pipe <NUM> and discharged from the first pipe <NUM>.

An example of a liquid to be degassed is an organic solvent or water.

Here, a tube unit <NUM> that does not have protrusions is described with reference to <FIG> as a comparative example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tube unit <NUM> of the comparative example is structured such that the end portions of respective tubes <NUM> are formed only of cylindrical tube wall portions 102B that extend in the extension directions of the tubes <NUM>, and the end portions of the tubes <NUM> do not have portions corresponding to the protrusions 2C of the present embodiment. The end portions of respective tubes <NUM> can be disposed densely by arranging the tube wall portions 102B so as to form a fine structure. The end portions of respective tubes <NUM>, however, are not disposed in the space among the tube wall portions 102B.

On the other hand, in the tube unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the end portions of respective tubes <NUM> have the protrusions 2C protruding radially outward. Accordingly, the end portions of respective tubes <NUM> can be disposed such that the tube wall portions 2B form a fine structure and the protrusions 2C are positioned among the tube wall portions 2B. Accordingly, the end portions of the tubes <NUM> can be arranged more densely compared with the tube unit <NUM> of the comparative example. Thus, the bundling strength of the tubes <NUM> can be improved.

In addition, the cylindrically shaped tube wall portion 2B extends in the extension direction of the tube, which can reduce the pressure loss of a fluid flowing through the tube.

The sealing portion <NUM> fills the space among the end portions of the tubes <NUM> and the outer sheath <NUM>, which reduces the likelihood of the liquid leaking out among the tubes <NUM> when a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, is supplied to the end face of the bundling portion <NUM>. In other words, when a liquid is supplied to the first pipe <NUM>, the liquid is supplied only to the interior spaces 2A of the tubes <NUM>. The likelihood of the liquid leaking out into the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM> and inside the housing <NUM> can be reduced.

The end portions of respective tubes <NUM> are spaced from each other, and the end portions are thereby covered with the sealing portion <NUM>. This can reduce the likelihood of the fluid leaking out at the interfaces of the end portions of the tubes <NUM>.

In the degassing module <NUM> of the present embodiment, the liquid is supplied to the first opening <NUM> and is discharged from the second opening <NUM> while gas is suctioned from the suction port <NUM>. The liquid supplied to the first opening <NUM> is degassed while flowing through the tubes <NUM> and is discharged from the second opening <NUM>. The tube unit <NUM> configured as described above improves the bundling strength of the tubes <NUM>. This can improve the durability of the degassing module <NUM> while reducing the likelihood that the liquid supplied to the first opening <NUM> leaks out into the space 4A outside the tubes <NUM>.

One embodiment of the present invention has been described. The present invention, however, is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the tube unit has been described as the one having seven tubes, but the number of the tubes of the tube unit is not specifically limited. For example, the tube unit may have several tens or several hundreds of tubes.

In addition, it has been described in the above embodiment that the end portions of respective tubes have the protrusions. In this configuration, the end portions of the tubes can be arranged densely and the bundling strength of the tubes can be improved.

Claim 1:
A degassing module (<NUM>) comprising:
a tube unit (<NUM>); and
a housing (<NUM>) in which the tube unit (<NUM>) is accommodated, wherein
the tube unit (<NUM>) has multiple tubes (<NUM>), a first bundling portion (<NUM>) that bundles first end portions of the multiple tubes (<NUM>) and a second bundling portion (<NUM>) that bundles second end portions of the multiple tubes (<NUM>), wherein the second end portions are at an end opposite from the first end portions,
the end portions of respective tubes (<NUM>) are spaced from each other,
each of the tubes (<NUM>) is a tubular membrane that allows gas to pass and prohibits liquid from passing,
each of the end portions of respective tubes (<NUM>) has a tube wall portion (2B) that tubularly extends in an extension direction of the tubes (<NUM>), and a protrusion (2C) protruding radially outward from the tube wall portion (2B),
each one of the first bundling portion (<NUM>) and the second bundling portion (<NUM>) has an outer sheath (<NUM>) fitted around the tubes (<NUM>) and a sealing portion (<NUM>) that fills a space among the end portions of respective tubes (<NUM>) and the outer sheath (<NUM>), and
the housing (<NUM>) has
a housing body (<NUM>) that is cylindrically shaped and has an opening at one end,
a lid (<NUM>) that closes the opening of the housing body (<NUM>),
a first opening (<NUM>) and a second opening (<NUM>) both of which are in communication with interior spaces (2A) of respective tubes (<NUM>),
a first connector (<NUM>) that is jointed to the lid (<NUM>) and has the first opening (<NUM>) formed thereon,
a second connector (<NUM>) that is jointed to the lid (<NUM>) and has the second opening (<NUM>) formed thereon, and
a suction port (<NUM>) being in communication with a space outside the tubes (<NUM>),
wherein
the first bundling portion (<NUM>) is connected to the housing (<NUM>) at the first opening (<NUM>),
the second bundling portion (<NUM>) is connected to the housing (<NUM>) at the second opening (<NUM>), and
the first bundling portion (<NUM>) is connected to the first connector (<NUM>), and the second bundling portion (<NUM>) is connected to the second connector (<NUM>).