Abstract: Foraminous plates formed from coiled or parallel tape lengths may be inserted between the tubesheet and a ported casing-end in a hollow-fiber type permeator, to convey effluent from the fiber lumens to the port and to support the tubesheet against the pressure differential between its inner and outer faces. The face of the support plate which the tubesheet will bear against is defined by edges of the tapes, which are held radially or laterally apart by spacing means adapted to permit effluent flow through the plate between the tapes. Either the casing-end or the plate surface bearing against it is grooved.

Abstract: Foraminous plates formed from coiled or parallel tape lengths may be inserted between the tubesheet and a ported casing-end in a hollow-fiber type permeator, to convey effluent from the fiber lumens to the port and to support the tubesheet against the pressure differential between its inner and outer faces. The face of the support plate which the tubesheet will bear against is defined by edges of the tapes, which are held radially or laterally apart by spacing means adapted to permit effluent flow through the plate between the tapes. Either the casing-end or the plate surface bearing against it is grooved.

Abstract: The walls of bores made in tubesheet/hollow fiber composite structures are trimmed, and the bores may be enlarged, by use of a rotating, generally tubular tool comprising a cutting head with outwardly extending portions of lands terminating in teeth having cutting edges generally parallel to the central axis of the tool. The lands are separated by ports in the tool wall which communicate with the hollow interior of the tool. The trimmings formed are deflected by the teeth into a flow of sweep gas passing through the interior of the tool. The operation is facilitated by flash-freezing of any portions of the generally softer fibers exposed and protruding into the bore or across the mouths of the fiber lumens.

Abstract: Foraminous plates formed from coiled or parallel tape lengths may be inserted between the tubesheet and a ported casing-end in a hollow-fiber type permeator, to convey effluent from the fiber lumens to the port and to support the tubesheet against the pressure differential between its inner and outer faces. The face of the support plate which the tubesheet will bear against is defined by edges of the tapes, which are held radially or laterally apart by spacing means adapted to permit effluent flow through the plate between the tapes. Either the casing-end or the plate surface bearing against it is grooved.

Abstract: An improved combination of an open-ended casing section and a removable closure inset therein is disclosed. The casing section is of composite structure and comprises an annular bulge of bowed fiber sections which, together with underlying annular resin bodies, defines a groove in the inner surface of the casing section. The latter section is improved by incorporation of circumferentially wound fibers in the latter resin bodies and by a hoop of resin-coated fibers wound around the casing section between the apex of the bulge and the casing end. The closure assembly is improved by use of a head having an annular concavity in which is seated a retaining ring adapted to fit into the groove in the inner surface of the casing section when the head is urged toward the casing end.

Abstract: Hollow fiber permeator units which are individually capable of producing 250,000 gallons per day of processed water and which can be economically made are disclosed. An elongate, ordered bundle of selectively permeable hollow fiber lengths passing through a central tubesheet is formed around a perforated feed tube containing a coaxial permeate conduit which is connected to permeate collecting bores in the tubesheet. The resulting assembly is enclosed in a filament-wound casing interrupted only by the tube portions extending from its ends.

Abstract: A rock splitting tool having elongate laterally expanding metal pressure bars or feathers and an axial sliding wedge or spreader for radially separating the feathers, the wedge being driven by the combined and superimposed forces of a hydraulic thrust servomotor and an impact hammer. The driving paths for transmitting forces to the wedge are coaxial and partially in series and partially in parallel.

Abstract: A two-ended bundle of permeable hollow fibers has a first end potted in a resinous tubesheet which is opened for permeate egress by means of a plurality of bores which are generally parallel to the tubesheet face and connect with an axial conduit or with a peripheral, annular conduit. The face of the tubesheet which, optionally, may be opened, is supported by the end of the casing in which the assembly is enclosed when in use as a component of a permeability separatory apparatus. If the second end of the bundle is potted, it is not potted in the same tubesheet as the first end.

Abstract: An improved header block for tubular membrane permeator modules, which has particular advantage for ultrafiltration operations, is disclosed. The header block is very compact and is formable by casting or molding and machining. In cooperation with a collector plate and end-plate, it provides both feed (or concentrate) and permeate manifolds. The high pressure differentials and/or cumbersome "turn arounds" or manifolds heretofore used are obviated by said block. A plurality of modules comprising such blocks may be joined side-by-side, in cooperation with appropriate side-plate and gasket means, to provide a variety of flow distributions and/or modes. The header block is uniquely appropriate for handling high volume flow rates required to ensure turbulent, high velocity flow of feed liquid within each permeator tube. The end plates preferably are transparent, to permit facile inspection of the permeate stream from each tube in each module.

Abstract: The described invention is directed to a process for curing a tubesheet intended for use in a separatory device. In its broadest sense, the invention is the process for curing a thermoset resin tubesheet intended for a separatory device. This process comprises mixing with the uncured thermoset resin an electromagnetic susceptor which is capable of generating heat when exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. The thermoset resin containing the electromagnetic susceptor is applied to a segment of a bundle of hollow fibers so as to form a tubesheet when cured. The mixture formed is subjected to electromagnetic radiation for a time sufficient to cure the resin. The invention is further directed to a tubesheet in a separatory device containing a plurality of hollow fibers, said tubesheet comprising a cured thermoset resin containing an electromagnetic susceptor.