Abstract: A metallic face plate comprising a plurality of metallic tubular membranes adapted for a tubular membrane module, wherein the metallic tubular membranes and the metallic face plate are not joined by a weld and wherein the internal diameter of each tubular membrane is selected from the group consisting of; between 2 mm and 21 mm; between 2 mm and 20 mm; between 2 mm and 19 mm; between 2 mm and 18 mm; between 2 mm and 17 mm; between 2 mm and 16 mm; between 2 mm and 15 mm; between 5 mm and 20 mm; and between 5 mm and 15 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of filter membranes (10) and in particular to multilayered filters. The invention related to a method of producing a filter membrane (10) wherein at least two layers (12, 14) are sequentially built upon a forming member (18) such that, when the forming member (18) is removed, the resultant membrane (10) includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and at least some of said apertures increase in cross-sectional area from a first surface of the membrane to a second surface of the membrane. The method of production reduces the risk of permanent plugging from particulates being trapped within the membrane itself and has strong bonds between the layers which reduce the risk of separation of the layers. The present method produces an even coverage of the forming member (18) which in turn results in a layer of uniform thickness. The layer can be controlled by changing the viscosity of the mixture into which the former (18) is dipped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of producing lengths of multi-layered asymmetric membrane (10) by way of extruding different feedstock through a die head (46,78) having a plurality of outlet ports. The membrane (10) includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and at least some of said apertures increase in cross-sectional area from a first surface of the membrane to a second surface of the membrane. The present invention provides a method of constructing membrane in desired lengths and reduces the need to weld portions of membrane together to produce extended lengths of membrane tube.