METHOD OF FORMING A PERFLUORINATED, THERMOPLASTIC HOLLOW FIBER MODULE

摘要

A method of potting porous hollow fiber membranes made from a thermoplastic perfluorinated resin with a polymer of a similar chemical construction is disclosed. This allows for the formation of an all perfluorinated thermoplastic hollow fiber membrane device. Thermoplastic perfluorinated resins include poly(TFE-co-PFAVE), commonly referred to as PFA, MFA or FEP resins and blends thereof. The method involves the application of a potting resin selected from one or more thermoplastic perfluorinated resins which have a peak melting point below that of the fiber. After one or both ends of the bundle of fibers has been potted, they are subjected to a heating treatment which causes the potting compound to melt such that the resin flows between the fibers to remove any gaps or voids which may be present.