Abstract: A reverse osmosis cell is provided which includes a pressure vessel having pressurized fluid inlet means, concentrate fluid outlet means, and permeate fluid outlet means. A hollow, open-ended, rigid, porous, tubular member is disposed within the pressure vessel in spaced relationship to the inner surface thereof, with the spaced relationship defining an outer conduit which is in communication with the concentrate outlet. The tubular member comprises a wall delimited by inner and outer surfaces and oppositely disposed first and second wall ends, with each of the inner and outer surfaces being coated with a semi-permeable membrane, and with the inner surface defining an inner conduit. The tubular wall is provided with axially disposed wall conduit means terminating in first and second port means in the first and second wall ends, respectively.

Abstract: An automatic flushing and cleaning system for membrane separation machines such as reverse osmosis machines having plural modules or membranes. Cleaning may be by way of reducing the pressure to allow the membrane to relax, by the injection of air or inert gas to provide turbulence, and/or by injection of flushing liquid which may include chemical cleaning additives. Pumps, automatic valving, and pressure controls are provided, along with a complete timer operated electrical sequencing system whereby desired purging, flushing and cleaning cycles are automatically undertaken at periodic intervals or in response to one or more preferred conditions.

Abstract: Porous, tubular core sections coated with a semipermeable membrane are joined at their ends by a simplified coupling member. Each coupling member or connector comprises a cylindrical flange member having circularly barbed or serrated nipples which fit tightly into the ends of bores of adjacent core sections. The ends of the cores abut against the circular part of the coupling member. Surrounding the joint thus formed is a flexible, elastomeric sealing sleeve. The nipples on the coupling member are axially slotted and have neck parts of a smaller diameter adjacent the body part of the coupling member providing annular openings between these neck parts and the bores of core members permitting continuous flow of permeate and cleaning solution without there being appendages, cavities, or pockets in which permeate or cleaning solution could be trapped.