Abstract: A membrane module (5) including a plurality of porous membranes (6) extending in an array and mounted, at least at one end, in a header (8). The header (8) has a number of distribution apertures (11) for distributing a fluid into the module (5) and along a surface or surfaces of the membranes (6). An elongate chamber (10) having one open end (13) and another end is in fluid communication with the distribution apertures (11) for distributing the fluid to the distribution apertures (11).

Abstract: In a membrane separation apparatus, a cleaning effect for membrane elements by scrubbing is improved. In the membrane separation apparatus 14 including a separation membrane 5 (membrane element) dipped in treated liquid in a treatment bath 15, and air diffusing means 2 for diffusing air bubbles 6 for cleaning the separation membrane 5, an air bubbles staying plate 3 is provided between the air diffusing means 2 and the separation membrane 5. The air bubbles staying plate 3 is configured to allow air bubbles 6 diffused from the air diffusing device 2 to stay, by which air bubbles 6 gather each other to form air bubbles 6 having large diameters. By causing air bubbles having large diameters to act on the separation membrane 5, air bubbles 6 can be allowed to act whole the separation membrane 5.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a process and apparatus for cleaning and/or regeneration of permeable or semipermeable membranes comprising modulating pressure of a feed stream feeding the permeable or semipermeable membrane and providing intermittent pressure pulses for cleaning and/or regeneration of the permeable or semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.

Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The system is hydrophilic, can run at low pressures and can be designed from low to extremely high volumes. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.

Abstract: A method of starting up a filtration plant for the filtration of a process liquid, after cleaning of the filtration plant, and a filtration plant which is arranged to be able to started up in accordance with this method. A secondary liquid supply unit connected to the post-treatment equipment during the starting up of the plant provides a flow of e.g. sterilized water to the post-treatment equipment, so that this can be held in a condition in which it is ready for operation. Thereafter, the process liquid is led to the filtration equipment, and the flow of liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit to the post-treatment equipment is shut off when a flow of filtered process liquid is obtained, and which thereafter replaces the liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter apparatus comprising a fluid inlet for a fluid to be filtered in the apparatus; a first fluid outlet for fluid that has been filtered; and one or more barrier filters arranged between the fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet for filtering material from the fluid. In use, the fluid to be filtered is directed from the fluid inlet so as to promote a continuous erosion of material built up on the barrier filter(s). Also disclosed is a method of filtering particles from a particle laden fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water treatment system that uses rhamnolipids to prevent fouling and bio-film formation on the membrane and equipment and the method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module characterized by having a tubular module case; a bundle of a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes housed in the module case; adhesively fixing parts for fixing both side edge portions of the bundle in the module case in such a fashion that raw fluid can pass through the interior of the hollow fiber membranes; a permeated fluid communication part adapted for passable connection between both end faces outside the adhesively fixing parts by a pipe of diameter significantly larger than that of the hollow fiber membranes; and a raw fluid distribution supply part capable of feeding the raw fluid into the module case at one of the adhesively fixing parts, wherein the raw fluid distribution supply part has multiple raw fluid introduction holes made in hollow fiber membrane interspaces so as to be able to supply the raw fluid along the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane separation method and a relevant equipment, in particular to a method and an equipment for membrane separation utilizing concentration polarization during membrane filtration process, especially, to a concentration process and equipment and a drawer special for drawing a concentration polarization layer. The direct removal of the concentration polarization layer from membrane surface not only decreases the adverse influence of concentration polarization on membrane separation but also obtains concentrated retention components, thereby significantly improving the ability to maintain membrane flux, solving the twinborn problems concerning concentration polarization and membrane fouling during the membrane separation process, and achieving a high-efficiency concentration for retention components.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filtration are disclosed. A feed mixture including at least one liquid component and at least one solid component and a flow of gas may be directed to a filter element and filtrate and gas may be passed through a filter medium from a feed fluid side to a filtrate side. The gas loosens and removes foulants accumulating within and on the upstream surface of the filter medium. The gas and filtrate may be separated from one another after passing through the filter medium.

Abstract: During inline cleaning when filtering operation is suspended, a venting step is carried out in which the piping interior of a header piping system is vented above the water surface, and the venting step is followed by a pressurized cleaning step wherein chemical solution is supplied to the header piping system while removing gas from the piping interior, with continued supply of chemical solution to the header piping system even after the piping interior has been sealed and the gas removal has been suspended, for pressurized cleaning of the membrane units. As a result, the supplied chemical solution spreads smoothly throughout the piping interior of the header piping system so that it is equally supplied to each membrane unit or hollow fiber membrane module.

Abstract: A dialysis supply system that includes a central dialysis liquid manufacturing unit, a dialysis treatment unit, a valve arrangement, and a hydraulic module.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning system and process for an immersion-type separating membrane device that allows convenient and reliable cleaning of contaminants that have adhered onto membrane surfaces of separating membrane devices. Cleaning is carried out by injecting the chemical solution from the filtered water side of the separating membrane device which is set in a tank, allowing matter that is to be removed, on the membrane surface of the separating membrane device, to be cleaned by a simple procedure without requiring large amounts chemicals. The chemical solution is injected with the values of X (kPa), as the pressure difference between membranes before the start of cleaning during filtration, and Y (kPa), as the initial pressure difference between membranes at the initial injection of the chemical solution during back pressure cleaning, satisfying the relationship ?0.375X+30?Y?0.5X+80.

Abstract: A condensate filtering device of the present invention comprises a simulation unit which is able to simulate operating conditions being the same as operating conditions of a main body of an actual condensate filtering device and sample a hollow fiber membrane easily. The condensate filtering device comprises a unit evaluating properties of a hollow fiber membrane provided with a main body of the condensate filtering device containing a first hollow fiber membrane module in which filtration of condensate and air scrubbing washing are repeated, and equipped with a column containing a second hollow fiber membrane module having a hollow fiber membrane which is the same kind as the hollow fiber membrane of the first hollow fiber membrane module; and a line introducing the condensate for unit which is a branched line from a line introducing the condensate directing to the main body of the condensate filtering device and introduces the condensate into the unit evaluating the properties of the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A high efficiency reverse osmosis system which utilizes a tuned injector in fluidic communication with a reverse osmosis membrane. The tuned injector includes an injector housing, an injector nozzle, a mixing chamber and an injector throat. The tuned injector utilizes line hydrostatic pressure to inject raw water with an injector nozzle into the mixing chamber to mix with recirculated concentrate water drawn into the mixing chamber by venturi effect and hydrostatic pressure to form feed water. The feed water is then discharged through the injector throat across a reverse osmosis membrane to produce permeate water using the line hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention purposes to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that minimizes the error rate in a manufacturing process thereof, disperses weight by separating an enlarged hollow fiber membrane module into a plurality of small modules, and provides a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention includes a central water tube having a plurality of inlets formed in the circumferential direction thereof, a central air tube provided in the central water tube, a plurality of housings longitudinally provided in the circumferential direction of the central water tube, a hollow fiber membrane provided in the respective housing and in which water is treated by difference of pressure, a fixing part fixing the lower part of the hollow fiber membrane to the housing, and a collector provided in the lower part of the housing, a plurality of small modules being provided in the housing.

Abstract: A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtering system which facilitates to maximize cleaning efficiency as contrasted with energy consumed for aeration cleaning of a filtering membrane module, and minimize horizontal dependence of an aeration tube, the filtering system comprising first and second aeration tube positioned under a plurality of filtering membrane modules, wherein a distance between the first and second aeration tubes and a diameter of the aeration hole are limited to a predetermined range.

Abstract: A filtration unit (A) is immersed in raw water (W) that is held inside a reservoir tank, and includes a membrane module (5) that filters the introduced raw water (W). This filtration unit (A) includes a casing (3) which is in the shape of a box having a bottom and includes the membrane module (5) housed therein, and an activated carbon cartridge (4) inside which activated carbon is provided in cartridge form. Inside the casing (3) are provided an intake port that is used to introduce the raw water into the interior of the casing, and an opening/closing device that is installed on this intake port and controls a flow of the raw water into the interior of the casing, and the activated carbon cartridge (4) side and the membrane module (5) side are separated so as to allow the raw water (W) introduced into the interior of the casing 3 to circulate from the activated carbon cartridge (4) side to the membrane module (5) side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system including a raw water tank, a module which includes a filtration membrane, a feed pump, a filtered water tank, a backwash pump which flows filtered water backward from the filtered water tank to the module, a valve and a channel which switch the direction of the water flow between the forward and reverse directions, a controller which suspends the supply of raw water from the raw water tank to the module, switches the valve and channel to the reverse direction, makes the backwash pump to supply filtered water from the filtered water tank to the module thereby backwashing the filtration membrane, and washing drainage treatment line including which treats backwashing drainage generated by backwashing of the filtration membrane, and returns the water to the raw water tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.

Abstract: The device for producing ultrapure water according to the reverse osmosis principle, comprising a reverse osmosis filter which is subdivided by the RO membrane into a primary circuit and into a secondary circuit, and a pump for the primary circuit, and a flow resistance means required downstream of the RO membrane for pressure build-up in the primary circuit, is characterized in that at least one cleaning chamber with decalcification means and a discharge valve are located in the primary circuit and that the flow in the primary circuit is adjustable via a valve.

Abstract: A plurality of membrane elements 14 communicate with a water collecting pipe 16 for collecting permeate from the membrane elements 14, and the pipe channel of the water collecting pipe 16 constitutes an upward-inclined channel at least in the upper region of the pipe channel or a channel increased in height in stages at least in the upper region.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus, and a method of using same, comprising a porous inorganic molecular sieve membrane including a retentate side and a permeate side and a salty water inlet to direct salty water to the retentate side of the porous inorganic membrane wherein water passing through the membrane, from the retentate side to the permeate side, is removed as a vapour from the permeate side of the membrane to maintain the permeate side of the membrane at a low water vapour pressure. The present membranes allow the desalination of water at relatively high flux rates without the need for large applied pressures.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a module having a selectively permeable membrane wherein the surface of the selectively permeable membrane thereof can be washed with good efficiency and further contaminants having been exfoliated from the surface of the membrane by a washing operation can be discharged from the inside of a housing with good efficiency; and the above module having a selectively permeable membrane. A module wherein a selectively permeable membrane is held in a housing and both ends of the above selectively permeable membrane are fixed, the both ends of the above selectively permeable membrane are fixed to an upper holder and an under holder connected by at least one washing tube, and then, the membrane is held in the housing; and a module having a selectively permeable membrane manufactured by the above manufacturing method.

Abstract: Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering algae from fluid including a piston and pressurized air system to scrape and clean algae from the filter.

Abstract: Intermittent gas flow and membrane separation apparatus and methods of use including an internal gas chamber including an upper wall; at least one inlet for supplying gas to the internal gas chamber; a column pipe that extends above the upper wall of the internal gas chamber, the column pipe including a lower end portion including a lower end portion opening in the internal gas chamber, the column pipe linking the internal gas chamber to an area external to the internal gas chamber for fluid flow between the internal gas chamber and the external area; an auxiliary pipe including one end portion connected to the column pipe for fluid flow between the auxiliary pipe and the column pipe, and another end portion branched off from the column pipe, the another end portion including an opening located in the internal gas chamber at a position higher than the lower end portion opening of the column pipe by a predetermined height; and an auxiliary pipe external tubular member including a closed end, the auxiliary pipe

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for performing solid-liquid separation by immersing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a to-be-treated liquid containing a suspended component so that the treated liquid permeates the hollow fiber membranes. The filtration apparatus includes the hollow fiber membranes folded double; a treated liquid collection means communicated with an open-side end of each of the hollow fiber membranes; a holding member for holding a bent portion at an other-end side of each of the hollow fiber membranes with a gap formed between the bent portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes and the holding member; and a gas-jetting means for jetting a cleaning gas from the other-end side of each of the hollow fiber membranes to the open-side end of each of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: A cartridge apparatus for water treatment includes a header having a permeate cavity, a plurality of support elements spaced apart from the header, and a plurality of subgroups of hollow fiber membranes, the membranes in each subgroup having first ends potted in the header, and second ends potted in a respective one of the plurality of support elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the, feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the, filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or separator for further treatment.

Abstract: An in situ reverse flow shipboard membrane integrity test apparatus and method, for determining if a membrane arrangement is defective. A membrane arrangement within a separation unit is tested when the membrane arrangement is arranged to perform wastewater separating functions. The separation unit includes a first inlet conduit, a first outlet conduit, and a second outlet conduit. An end cap is attached to the second outlet conduit to seal the second outlet conduit. A test air supply connected to the first outlet conduit for supplying an airflow to the membrane and a microparticle source containing microparticles for injecting microparticles into the airflow forming a test airflow. The test airflow is directed towards the membrane, and a filter is positioned over the first inlet conduit. The presence or absence of microparticles on the filter indicates whether or not the membrane arrangement is defective.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for performing solid-liquid separation by immersing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a to-be-treated liquid containing a suspended component includes the hollow fiber membranes folded double, a treated liquid collection means communicated with an open end of each of the hollow fiber membranes, a holding member for holding a bent portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes with a gap formed between the bent portion and the holding member, and a gas-jetting means for jetting a cleaning gas from the bent side of each of the hollow fiber membranes to a side of the open end. A gap for flowing the gas jetted by the gas-jetting means is formed between the hollow fiber membranes and the holding member or/and in at least one part of gaps between the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A filtration equipment of hollow fiber membrane of external pressure type in which pressure is applied to raw liquid from outside of hollow fiber membranes housed in a casing to cause filtrate to pass inside the hollow fiber membranes is provided. The filtration equipment may include a pair of hollow fiber filtration membrane modules in which raw liquid supply channels are connected to a shared raw liquid supply header pipe via on-off valves, filtrate discharge channels which are connected to a shared filtrate discharge header pipe having an on-off valve, and return raw liquid channels which are connected to a shared return raw liquid header pipe via on-off valves, wherein on-off operations of the on-off valves allow mutual backwash between the pair of hollow fiber filtration membrane modules.

Abstract: A tubular pressure vessel for cross-flow filtration having two centrally located side ports that penetrate the sidewall and communicate with a central chamber that divides the pressure vessel bore into two axially separated sections that each contain a plurality of cylindrical, cross-flow filtration cartridges. The pair of diametrically opposed, central side ports are provided through the use of a short length of tubing that provides structural stability to the overall pressure vessel arrangement. A feedstream may enter the pressure vessel centrally and flow in both axial directions, creating two permeate streams and two concentrate streams, the latter of which might exit through horizontal side ports located near each end of the pressure vessel. Interconnecting such tubular side port structures in adjacent pressure vessels in a vertical stack provides a load-bearing vertical column and allows a single feed line to supply multiple pressure vessels.

Abstract: A filtration arrangement including one or more membrane modules (5) positioned vertically within a feed tank (6), each membrane module (5) having one or more membranes positioned therein. An aeration hood (10) having an upper wall (11) and one or more downwardly extending side walls (12, 13) is configured to at least partially shroud the membrane modules (5) within the tank (6). The aeration hood (10) includes a number of open-ended tubes (14), each extending downwardly from the upper wall (11) and forming a respective opening (15) therein. Each tube (14) is adapted to have at least one of the modules (5) mounted therein and extending through the respective openings (15) in the upper wall (11) so as to at least partially surround an outer periphery of an associated module or modules (5). One or more aeration openings (17) are provided in each tube (14) at a location spaced from a proximal end of the tube (16).

Abstract: The present invention describes a process and a device for saving diafiltrate by partial regeneration using adsorbers. An object of the invention is to decrease the requirement of dialysate and/or substituate in the depletion of a substance of class X by means of special microstructured adsorption/filtration devices. An object of the invention is also to enable control of the concentration of a substance group X by hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration, such that by partial recirculation of the diafiltrate in the regeneration circuit, the net throughput of diafiltrate can be kept lower.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic dead-end filter for filtration of liquid. The ceramic dead-end filter comprises at least one ceramic filter membrane having a first side with a front surface and a second side. The ceramic membrane comprises a selective front layer providing said front surface and the selective front layer comprises a maximum pore size diameter of about ?m or smaller, for example between about 0.5 nm and about 25 ?m. The ceramic dead-end filter of the invention provides an effective filtration with a high flux and a long durability. The filter can furthermore be regenerated in a simple way. The invention also relates to filtration system comprising such ceramic dead-end filter, a method of performing the filtration process as well as a method of producing the filter.

Abstract: Water (23) that contains micro-nano bubbles generated in a micro-nano bubble generation tank (6) is introduced and treated in a charcoal water tank (ii) which is filled with a charcoal (15) and in which an air diffusing pipe (12) is placed and thereafter introduced and treated in a membrane device (21). Thus, activities of microorganisms propagating in the charcoal (15) are increased by the micro-nano bubbles, markedly increasing ability of decomposing organic matters in the water. Therefore, a clogging phenomenon due to the organic matters can be prevented by reducing organic loads on the membrane device (21). Moreover, a very small amount of alcohols or salts are added as a micro-nano bubble generation aid to the micro-nano bubble generation tank (6), improving an incidence rate of the micro-nano bubbles. The alcohols and salts are easily decomposed by the charcoal water tank (ii) and easily removed by the membrane device (21).

Abstract: A water-filtering method has effectiveness and reduced contamination, and is in particular an ultrafiltration method, and a filtration system contains a plurality of individual filtration modules, each of which is supplied with untreated water via at least one untreated water inlet, and whose filtrate is removed via a filtrate outlet. The filtration modules are backwashed with filtrate, and are divided into groups, wherein during backwashing, each group is individually separated from the untreated water inflow and rinsed with the filtrate that is produced by the remaining groups and fed back during the backwashing.

Abstract: A gas sparger produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. Optionally, a cover over an outlet from the conduit may break up or distribute the released gas. A large sparger for use with a commercial membrane module can comprise a plurality of smaller units.

Abstract: A filtration system (10) comprises an array of filtration vessels (12) mounted on support assemblies (14). each vessel (12) houses a number of primary stage filtration elements (16) in the form of microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membranes and a plurality of secondary stage filtration elements (18) in the form of nanofiltration and/or reverse osmosis filtration membranes. The vessel (12) has an inlet port (20) for directing a fluid feed through the filtration membranes (16,18) and a central conduit (22) receives permeate produced by the filtration membranes (16, 18). A chamber (24) collects and directs concentrate from the vessel (12) via a concentrate outlet port (26). A permeate chamber (28) receives permeate from the membranes (18) and from the membranes of at least one other vessel (12) and an outlet port (30) directs permeate from the chamber (28). The permeate outlet ports (30) and the permeate chambers (28) of the vessels (12) are interconnected.

Abstract: A gas-scrubbed vertical cylindrical skein of “fibers” has their opposed terminal portions held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, and aerated with a cleansing gas supplied by a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brush for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The skein is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. The effectiveness is critically dependent upon the length of each fiber in the skein. That length is in the range from at least 0.1% more than the fixed distance between opposed faces of the skein's headers, but less than 5% greater than the fixed distance.