Abstract: In an apparatus for filtering and separating a flow medium by way of membranes disposed in a pressurized housing, which has an inlet for supplying the flow medium to the housing and outlets for discharging the retentate and the permeate from the housing, the membrane structure comprises a central permeate collection and discharge structure to which a plurality of membrane pillows are connected so as to extend therefrom in a spiral pattern and each membrane pillow is in communication with a permeate inlet opening in the permeate collection and discharge structure through which permeate is conducted out of the membrane pillow into the central permeate collection and discharge structure and to the retentate outlet.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the purification and/or treatment of communal and/or industrial wastewaters, particularly for use in marine installations, a biologically operated reaction apparatus is provided in which the wastewater to be purified and/or treated is received. In the reaction apparatus, a bio-mass of high concentration is suspended. To this reaction apparatus, the wastewater to be purified and/or treated is supplied. Subsequently, the pre-purified or, respectively, pre-treated wastewater is supplied to a membrane separation apparatus in which it is separated into a permeate and a retentate. The retentate is at least partially returned to the reaction apparatus, whereas the permeate is either discharged as useable or pure water or is returned to the reaction apparatus.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the filtering and separation of flow media rich in foreign matter (raw media) by a membrane separation structure, wherein the flow medium is separated into a retentate enriched with foreign matter and a permeate depleted of foreign matter and wherein at least the permeate is discharged from the apparatus, a membrane separation structure forming a flow medium flow channel is formed by at least one membrane module mounted between two support elements, which are removably disposed in the flow medium spaced from one another in the flow direction of the flow medium through the apparatus.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the treatment of liquids including foreign substances, particularly municipal and commercial waste waters, comprising a membrane separating structure having membrane elements, an inlet for receiving the liquid to be separated and passing it past the membrane elements whereby a permeant portion of the liquid permeates through the membranes and a retent portion becomes enriched with the foreign substances, and outlets for discharging the permeant portion and the retent portion, the membrane elements are arranged so as to form together flow channels extending longitudinally through the apparatus and adapted to guide the liquid straight through the flow channels along the membrane elements.