Abstract: Fluid separating apparatus in which a stack of membrane support plates are clamped between two end plates, each membrane support plate including two elementary plates of generally rectangular configuration and substantially constant wall thickness, said elementary plates being assembled in back-to-back relationship. The elementary plates are joined in fluidtight manner to one another, at least one orifice extending through each elementary plate in the vicinity of at least one end thereof for the passage of fluid to be treated, a first recess being provided on the front face of at least one of the two elementary plates, said recess forming a cell. A chamber is located between the back faces of the elementary plates and perforations through at least one elementary plate provide communication between each cell and the associated chamber and duct forming means provide communication between the chamber and the edge of the support plate.

Abstract: Fluid fractionating apparatus and a unit for use therein, the unit being positionable in a jacket having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the unit including at least one leakproof band wound up in the form of a spiral cylinder, the turns of which are radially spaced from one another. A multiplicity of hollow fibres are wound around the turns of the spiral cylinder and extend therebetween. Two end walls extend perpendicular to the axis of the spiral cylinder, and may be formed of a solidified glue, the walls being located one at each end of the cylinder and firmly fixed to the leakproof band of the hollow fibres, at least some of the fibres crossing right through at least one of the end walls and opening on the side thereof outside the spiral cylinder. An opening, which may be provided with a hollow mandrel extending into the interior of the innermost turn of the spiral, is used for feeding the fluid thereto or removing it therefrom.

Abstract: Membrane support plate for fluid separating apparatus, in which the support plate is made up of at least five flat elements secured together in face-to-face relationship. A central element has cut-out slots to remove the permeate which has passed through the membranes, intermediate elements have holes aligned with the slots and outer elements have a central orifice which forms a cell on each face of the plate, porous packing elements being placed in the cells, with the membranes on top of the packing elements.

Abstract: Separation apparatus useful particularly for ultrafiltration in which a series of membranes are mounted in superposed relationship with membrane supports, and, where appropriate, distribution plates therebetween, the membranes being mounted in subassemblies so that the flow of fluid through the individual chambers between the membranes of a particular sub-assembly is substantially in parallel. .Iadd.