Abstract: A filter media, in particular a separation module, characterized by a flow control strip (40) circumferentially surrounding the media at one end of the filter media, in particular a spiral wound membrane material, which strip extends only a relatively short distance (D) along the length of the filter media. The strip preferably is an open mesh material that cooperates with an overlapping portion of an open mesh net that surrounds the filter media over essentially the entire axial length of the media, to provide for controlled bypass flow through the overlapped strip and net while still enabling easy assembly of the filter media and surrounding net into a housing. The strip of material allows the filter media, such as a spiral wound membrane module, to be “sized” at one end of the membrane module for creating a compressible area that restricts bypass flow while allowing for easy installation and removal of the membrane module.

Abstract: A fusion-welded thermoplastic assembly and a method of fabricating the same includes first and second thermoplastic members fusion-welded together using a third thermoplastic fusion element. The first and second thermoplastic members and the thermoplastic fusion element are heated to a molten state using an infrared heater, and the molten fusion element is fused to each of the first and second thermoplastic elements. Prior to being connected by the fusion element, the first and second thermoplastic members are either brought into contact with one another or is held in such a way that they can be connected to each other using the third thermoplastic fusion element.