Abstract: A cross-flow membrane filtration channel defined by at least one membrane, wherein at least one surface of the channel is inclined at an angle away from a centreline of the channel in a direction of feed flow in the channel.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method for determining at least one pore-related parameter of a porous structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, an enhanced evapoporometry (EP) technique is provided to determine pore size distribution of continuous pores of a porous structure. In this enhanced EP technique, a volatile liquid, such as isopropoyl alcohol or water, is supplied to one side of a porous structure in order to enable the volatile liquid to penetrate and saturate the porous structure through capillary force. Thereafter, an immiscible non-volatile liquid, such as glycerol, mineral oils, silicon oils or hydrophilic ionic liquid, is supplied to the one side of the porous structure. As the volatile liquid evaporates progressively from the filled pores, the emptied pores may be immediately filled by the non-volatile liquid drawn upwards by capillary action. This prevents formation of a t-layer formed from the adsorption of vapour emanating from the volatile liquid that is used to saturate the pores.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for determining at least one pore-related parameter of a porous structure is provided. The method includes supplying a volatile liquid into a chamber. The method also includes coating a first surface of the porous structure with an evaporation preventing substance. The method further includes placing the coated porous structure within the chamber. The method additionally includes determining an effective mass of the chamber over a period of time. The method also includes determining the at least one pore-related parameter of an uncoated second surface of the coated porous structure based on the effective mass determined. The second surface of the porous structure is opposite the first surface of the porous structure.

Abstract: A cross-flow membrane filtration channel defined by at least one membrane, wherein at least one surface of the channel is inclined at an angle away from a centreline of the channel in a direction of feed flow in the channel.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method for determining at least one pore-related parameter of a porous structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, an enhanced evapoporometry (EP) technique is provided to determine pore size distribution of continuous pores of a porous structure. In this enhanced EP technique, a volatile liquid, such as isopropoyl alcohol or water, is supplied to one side of a porous structure in order to enable the volatile liquid to penetrate and saturate the porous structure through capillary force. Thereafter, an immiscible non-volatile liquid, such as glycerol, mineral oils, silicon oils or hydrophilic ionic liquid, is supplied to the one side of the porous structure. As the volatile liquid evaporates progressively from the filled pores, the emptied pores may be immediately filled by the non-volatile liquid drawn upwards by capillary action. This prevents formation of a t-layer formed from the adsorption of vapour emanating from the volatile liquid that is used to saturate the pores.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for determining at least one pore-related parameter of a porous structure is provided. The method includes supplying a volatile liquid into a chamber. The method also includes coating a first surface of the porous structure with an evaporation preventing substance. The method further includes placing the coated porous structure within the chamber. The method additionally includes determining an effective mass of the chamber over a period of time. The method also includes determining the at least one pore-related parameter of an uncoated second surface of the coated porous structure based on the effective mass determined. The second surface of the porous structure is opposite the first surface of the porous structure.