Abstract: Fluid separation modules are disclosed having tube sheets positioned in the end portions of the cylindrical shell forming the exterior of the separation module wherein the end portions of the cylindrical shell have been modified in order to provide improved adhesion and fluid seal between the tube sheets and the shell walls.

Abstract: A fluid separation module to be mounted in a cylindrical shell and the method of mounting the same, the module including a bundle of hollow fiber membranes and a polymeric tube sheet, the tube sheet being positioned at one end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes with the hollow fiber membranes extending through the tube sheet. A resilient sheet having the form of the slit tube surrounds the bundle of hollow fibers and is held in this configuration by a plurality of rings encircling the slit tube at spaced intervals thereon, the slit tube being secured to the tube sheet. The rings are moveably mounted on the slit tube in such a manner that, as the module is inserted in the shell, the rings can be manually slid to one end of the slit tube to allow the slit tube to expand into contact with the inner surface of the tubular shell and thereby allow the fiber bundle to open for improved flow of the fluid mixture through the bundle.

Abstract: A fluid separation module to be mounted in a cylindrical shell and the method of mounting the same, the module including a bundle of hollow fiber membranes and a polymeric tube sheet, the tube sheet being positioned at one end of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes with the hollow fiber membranes extending through the tube sheet. A resilient sheet having the form of the slit tube surrounds the bundle of hollow fibers and is held in this configuration by a plurality of rings encircling the slit tube at spaced intervals thereon, the slit tube being secured to the tube sheet. The rings are slideably mounted on the slit tube in such a manner that, as the module is inserted in the shell, the rings can be manually slid to one end of the slit tube to allow the slit tube to expand into contact with the inner surface of the tubular shell and thereby allow the fiber bundle to open for improved flow of the fluid mixture through the bundle.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating one gas from a mixture of gases wherein a cylindrical shell having openings for admitting and discharging a mixture of gases surrounds a bundle of hollow fiber membranes which extend through a tube sheet mounted in one end of the cylindrical shell. A resilient sheet in the form of a slit tube surrounds the bundle of fibers and is attached at one end thereof to the tube sheet. The remainder of the slit tube is free of restraint such that it is expanded into contact with the inner surface of the shell. In a preferred embodiment, the slit tube is secured to a tubular distribution element having one end thereof positioned inside the slit tube and the other end thereof secured to the tube sheet, the distribution element being provided with ports for allowing the gas mixture to enter the bundle of fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating one gas from a mixture of gases wherein a cylindrical shell having an enlarged end portion houses a bundle of hollow fiber membranes, the hollow fiber membranes extending through a polymeric tube sheet positioned in and secured to the enlarged end portion of the shell. A tubular distribution element secured to the tube sheet and extending into the cylindrical shell cooperates with the tube sheet and the enlarged end portion of the shell to form an annular chamber surrounding the distribution element. The distribution element is provided with a port positioned between the tube sheet and a gas inlet in the enlarged end portion of the shell, the port being positioned such that0.4.ltoreq./D.ltoreq.1.30.2.ltoreq.d/D.ltoreq.0.6where d is the distance from the tube sheet to the port; l is the distance from the tube sheet to the inlet opening and D is the diameter of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: Essentially inorganic monolithic hollow fibers have at least one segment self-supportingly disposed as a coil. Coil shapes may be spiral, helical or conical helical. Processes are provided for making coiled hollow fibers. Apparatus are provided using coiled hollow fibers.