Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a fluid separation module having a bundle of hollow fiber membranes positioned in a cylindrical shell and extending through a tube sheet positioned in an enlarged end portion of the shell, the enlarged end portion of the shell having therein an inlet opening for a fluid mixture, wherein a first sleeve attached to the tube sheet and surrounding the bundle of fibers extends into a second sleeve spaced from the tube sheet and having a larger diameter than the first sleeve such that a fluid mixture entering the inlet opening flows radially between the tube sheet and the second sleeve and then axially between the first and second sleeve. A third sleeve is spaced from the first sleeve to provide a path therebetween for the axially flowing fluid mixture to enter the bundle of fibers at an oblique angle and in a direction away from the tube sheet.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a fluid separation module having a bundle of hollow fiber membranes positioned in a cylindrical shell and extending through a tube sheet positioned in an enlarged end portion of the shell, the enlarged end portion of the shell having therein an inlet opening for a fluid mixture, wherein a first sleeve attached to the tube sheet and surrounding the bundle of fibers extends into a second sleeve spaced from the tube sheet and having a larger diameter than the first sleeve such that a fluid mixture entering the inlet opening flows radially between the tube sheet and the second sleeve and then axially between the first and second sleeve. A third sleeve is spaced from the first sleeve to provide a path therebetween for the axially flowing fluid mixture to enter the bundle of fibers at an oblique angle and in a direction away from the tube sheet.

Abstract: A process for severing a polymeric tube sheet to expose bores of the hollow fibers embedded in the tube sheet wherein the tube sheet is provided with a circumferential stress raiser and compressive forces are applied to the tube sheet to fracture off a portion of the tube sheet at the stress raiser to expose the bores of the hollow fibers embedded therein.