Abstract: The filter device has a housing with elongated top and bottom walls and side walls which taper inwardly from top to bottom. The top wall has extending downwardly therefrom into the housing a generally flat filter membrane support with a quadrangular periphery, a pair of filter membranes being disposed on opposite sides of the support and sealingly bonded to its periphery, the support having a center portion with spaced coplanar surfaces on each side to provide support for the center portion of the filter membranes. The housing is provided with an opening communicating with the space between the two filter membranes and with an opening communicating with the space between the housing and the two membranes.

Abstract: The blood-air separator is for use in the extracorporeal blood bypass during cardio-pulmonary surgery. Air bubbles are separated from the recirculating blood stream by centrifugal force and buoyancy after the stream has left the oxygenator and before it returns to the patient. Separation is accomplished by imparting circular motion to the bloodstream within the separator at a point where air bubbles can move upward and inward, and blood liquid outward and downward. Curved vanes in the blood flow stream cause the circular blood motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of particulate mixtures such as a mixture of solid particles, which is to be depleted in, enriched by or treated with a fluid, or wherein the mixture acts as a treatment medium for a fluid passing through same. The apparatus is of the type operating with an advancing bed of the particulate material. It utilizes walls permeable by at least a portion of the fluid. The apparatus is of the type of tubular, rectangular or the like vessel having only stationary parts and subdivided by a selected combination of permeable and non-permeable walls into separate chambers into or from which the fluid can be delivered or removed. The movement of the particulate mixture is effected solely by forcing same through a passage having preferably but not exclusively an annular chamber, by pumping, by gravity or by a combination of both. Additional throttling or valve means are employed to selectively control the advancement of the bed through the device.

Abstract: The performance of axially-fed permeators comprising an essentially fluid impermeable tubular shell containing a plurality of selectively permeable hollow fibers suitable for the selective permeation of at least one fluid in a fluid mixture containing at least one other component, wherein the hollow fibers are positioned in a tubular shell and are assembled in the form of an elongated bundle, is enhanced by providing at least one flow diverter in the bundle. The flow diverter comprises a region of a plurality of hollow fibers embedded in a solid wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow diverter which is transverse to the orientation of the hollow fibers is a minor portion of the transverse cross-section sectional area of the bundle sufficient to divert fluid flow within the bundle. Advantageously, the portion of the plurality of hollow fibers encompassed in the flow diverter is insufficient to significantly adversely affect the total available membrane surface area for the selective permeation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for settling solid particulate matter apart from a fluid flow, a combination of fluid flow quieteners (30, 40) is provided. One of the fluid flow quieteners (30) includes an inlet baffle (32) having staggered, spaced-apart, generally trapezoidal-shaped openings therein (33), an end plate (35), and channel (36) defined by the inlet baffle (32), the end plate (35), and a side (37) of the tank. Another quietener (40) positioned near the bottom (18) of the tank (10) includes a pair of spaced-apart wall members (43, 44). Arranged between the wall members (43, 44) are a first generally upwardly sloping baffle (45) and a second baffle (46) positioned substantially normal to the first baffle (45). The second baffle (46) has spaced-apart openings (48) therein. A flow rate adjusting means (49) is positioned apart from and generally above the second baffle (46).

Abstract: A combined filter and filter-drier, for the suction side of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, comprises a dual filter system straddling a cylindrical plug of dessicant. Upstream of the dessicant, a rigidly built primary filter assembly comprises an inlet deflector and a stepped filter. Downstream of the dessicant, a secondary filter assembly comprises an outlet filter pad which is compressed by a coaxially disposed spring near the inlet of the filter/filter-drier. The inlet deflector is preferably triangular in shape and is disposed transversely to the inlet.

Abstract: An improved radial flow cell, comprising two or more sets of inlet port-groove-dam devices for improving the efficiency of radial flows and an efficient filtration device consisting of a micropore membrane and a steel screen support of low retention volume, is useful for aseptic and continuous in-line filtration of heterogeneous mixtures containing high concentrations of solids especially those resulting from fermentation processes.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having an inlet duct (30) with a plurality of vanes (10) therein. Each vane (10) is positioned in the fluid duct (30) and adapted for deflecting fluid as it moves through the duct (30) and further for preventing the accumulation on the vane (10) of particulate matter entrained in the fluid. Vane (10) comprises a vane body (11) defining a forward edge portion (12) which faces upstream into the moving fluid. Forward edge portion (12) has a pre-determined angle of incidence to the direction of travel of the moving fluid sufficient to overcome frictional adherence of the particulate matter. Vane body (11) also has a free end (16) spaced apart from the inner walls of duct (30). The vane body (11) also defines a rearward edge portion (13) downstream of forward edge portion (12) and defines an angle within duct (30) corresponding to the extent of deflection to be applied to the moving fluid. One of the embodiments includes alternating vane bodies (11) positioned on opposite walls of the duct (30).

Abstract: A seperator, for example, for use in paper production, of the kind having a rotationally symmetrical strainer through which the suspension flows, enclosed in a housing which has an inlet for the suspension to be cleaned and outlets both for cleaned suspension and for impurities held back by the strainer, and having blades revolving in front of the strainer which are divided into part-blades along the axis of rotation, that is, by planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and are offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction is disclosed. Several rows of part-blades are arranged over the strainer basket, these part-blades being of such a length and staggered over the circumference in such a way that substantially at every height level, relative to the height of the strainer basket, part-blades from several rows pass by the strainer basket. A separator free of troublesome pressure pulsations is thereby provided.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in medical transfusion or bypass circuits wherein biological fluids, such as blood, are introduced onto the interior surface of an essentially cylindrical cavity in a vortical flow such that unwanted gas bubbles are separated from the biological fluids. The degassed biological fluids are collected and returned to the patient.

Abstract: The arterial blood filter of this invention is for extra-corporeal bypass during cardio-pulmonary surgery. It has an internal divergent blood flow path from the inlet to smoothly reduce blood flow velocity to permit separation of air bubbles with minimum trauma to blood cells. The upper portion of the blood filter housing permits collection of air bubbles and permits their withdrawal. The inlet and outlet connections to the filter are both on the bottom to ease draping of the connecting tubes.

Abstract: The pressurized chemical dispenser of the present invention is coupled to a conduit through which a supply of pressurized fluid is circulating. The system to which the invention is coupled must also include a device coupled in series with the conduit which creates a pressure differential across the input and output sides of the device such that the pressure on the input side exceeds the pressure on the output side. The chemical dispenser includes an offset cavity which is coupled to the conduit on the higher pressure side of the pressure differential device. A fluid tight reservoir stores a supply of fluid soluble chemical and includes an input and an output conduit. The input conduit has a first end which is coupled to the reservoir and a second end which is coupled to the offset cavity. The first end of the output conduit is coupled to the reservoir while a second end is coupled to the fluid conduit on the lower pressure side of the pressure differential device.

Abstract: A modular block for osmotic methods of separation under pressure can be folded open and the filtration unit can easily be removed and introduced in the process. The filtration unit consists of a base plate with a membrane filter candle, and the filter candle consists of a stack of membrane filter plates. Spacers are placed between the filter plates and deflecting plates are provided to ensure zigzag penetration. The permeate transportation is displaced to the edge of the plates. The permeate issues laterally at the flange.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for filtering frying oil in a cooker apparatus includes the steps of adding diatomaceous earth to oil in the cooking vessel; draining the oil into a drain pan; drawing the oil through a filter positioned in said drain pan, such that said earth is deposited on the surface of said filter; and returning said oil to the cooking vessel. Thereafter, the oil is filtered by the steps of draining the oil into said drain pan such that the earth is not disturbed to any substantial extent off of the surface of said filter; drawing the oil through said filter; and automatically returning said oil to the cooking vessel.The improved apparatus includes attaching said drain pan and filter to said cooker apparatus and positioning a metallic plate between the drain opening of said vessel and said filter such that the oil drained into said drain pan is initially deflected to prevent disturbing the diatomaceous earth deposited on the surface of said filter.

Abstract: A dialyser has a membrane assembly (12) comprising two superposed conduits partially defined, and separated, by a transfer membrane wall. The walls of the conduit are provided with furrowing (38 or 39) extending with a component along the conduits. Blood is pumped through one conduit by a roller pump (21) and dialysate is pumped in counter current through the other conduit by a roller pump (24). The conduits communicate with separate chambers in flexible bladders (16) along each side edge of the conduits and the bladders are alternately compressed by rollers (27) to provide a superimposed reciprocatory flow component on the blood and dialysate in a direction transverse to the length of the conduits. This reciprocatory flow component, in conjunction with the furrows, produces vortexes in, and good mixing of, the blood and dialysate in their respective conduits and hence enhanced contact of each of these liquids with the transfer membrane wall.

Abstract: This relates to a transfer device of the type including dialyzers wherein plates are arranged in stacked relation separated by separator sheets or plates with there being different liquids or fluids flowing on opposite sides of the separated sheets for transfer therethrough. Such devices are relatively thick due to the required thickness of plates which define the channels for the fluids. The transfer plates of this device are shaped from a relatively rigid and thin sheet material with the fluid passages being defined by the transfer plate on opposite sides thereof, thereby resulting in a relatively thin plate making it possible to have a maximum capacity within a relatively thin stack.

Abstract: The apparatus according to this invention is provided with a stack assembly composed of two kinds of cells disposed in such order of arrangement that the adjacent cells are different in kind from each other. A first cell includes a first fluid distribution means and a membrane lying on either side of said means. A second cell includes a second fluid distribution member that forms independent tunnel-like fluid paths between the membrane support sheet and respective ones of the paired members having a plurality of grooves on one surface thereof, said membrane support sheet being provided with a large number of projections on the central portion thereof and said pair of grooved members being arranged so that the grooved surfaces are face-to-face with each other, interposing said membrane support sheet therebetween.

Abstract: The relative concentrations of solvent and solute in a solution are altered by a system which includes a cell having chambers separated by a membrane and a means for creating a pressure differential across the membrane. A solution moves through an inlet means around the system and countercurrent and reflux flow and outlet means. The cell may be formed of modular units in such a way as to effect a tapered configuration so that the flow rate is homogeneous around the system.

Abstract: A filter for separating solid bodies such as fish from a liquid stream such as flowing water to be used as a coolant for a power-generating plant comprises a cylindrical housing, an inlet conduit attached to a cylindrical wall of the housing substantially radially thereto, a first outlet conduit connected to a bottom end of the housing for drawing off filtrate, a second outlet conduit connected to the cylindrical housing wall opposite the inlet conduit for channeling away fish-laden effluent, a wedge disposed at the junction of the inlet conduit and the housing for dividing an incoming fluid stream into two equal portions, a filter sieve eccentrically disposed in the housing for forming therewith an annular filter chamber including tapered chamber halves of decreasing width in the direction of fluid flow, and a pair of independently actuatable gate flaps swingably mounted on the wedge for pivoting between respective closed positions engaging the housing and respective fully open positions engaging the sieve.

Abstract: A filter for separating solid bodies such as fish from a stream of water utilizable as a coolant for a power-generating plant comprises a cylindrical housing, an inlet conduit attached to a cylindrical wall of the housing substantially radially thereto, a first outlet conduit connected to a bottom end of the housing for drawing off filtrate, a second outlet conduit attached to the cylindrical housing wall opposite the inlet conduit for channeling away fish-laden effluent, a filter sieve eccentrically disposed in the housing to form therewith an annular filter chamber including tapered chamber halves extending from the inlet to the second outlet conduit, and an elongate wedge-shaped fluid-guide body extending parallel to the housing symmetry axis and shiftably disposed at the junction of the housing and the inlet conduit for selectively moving into a primary position for dividing an incoming fluid stream into substantially equal portions flowing into respective chamber halves and at least into one secondary po

Abstract: A blood filter device has a housing including a frame, which is provided at opposite ends with an inlet and an outlet and extends in a plane containing a line connecting the inlet and outlet, and a pair of side plates extending on opposite sides of the frame and defining a filtering space together with the frame. The housing accommodates a filter support and a pair of flat filter elements disposed on opposite sides of the filter support such that each filter element defines together with the filter support a blood-exit space communicating with the outlet and also defines together with the associated side plate a blood-entering space communicating with the inlet. Between the filter support and inlet is provided a distributing and air trapping chamber communicating with the individual blood-entering spaces and defining a space to receive blood from the inlet to trap air contained in the blood and present in the filter device to prevent the air from reaching the filter elements.

Abstract: A continuous separation system intended for the recovery of solids and/or liquid contained in slurries comprises an enclosed low speed rotary screen assembly mounted between a stationary casing under vacuum and a cover provided with a fixed scraper and into which circulates dry hot air. The arrangement is such that during operation a slurry is admitted on top of the rotating screen on one side of the scraper while liquid is recovered by suction into the casing leaving the solids which are washed and then dried before being scraped off and eventually removed on the other side of the scraper. The recovered liquid is automatically degasified into the casing before being pumped out therefrom. Throughput can be varied either by adjustment of the amount of material being fed into the system, or by varying the speed of rotation of the screen assembly, or both. Provision is made for cleaning the screen during operation.

Abstract: A backpressure grid plate is provided for a pressure filtration system of the type comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet for conducting fluid to be treated, a filter disposed in the housing between said inlet and outlet, and a backpressure grid means arranged between the filter and the inlet. The backpressure grid means comprises a plate containing minute openings which are equal in size and distributed unevenly over the surface area of the plate in such manner that the surface distribution density of the openings is lowest within an inner impact area of the plate which receives inflowing fluid to be filtered and is highest within a proximity area of the plate located immediately adjacent to and surrounding the impact area. The surface distribution density of the openings within an outer area surrounding the proximity area is lower than that of the proximity area and higher than that of the impact area.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating curd fines from whey including a closed housing having an inlet to receive whey that contains a substantial portion of curd fines. The whey is introduced onto an inclined delivery trough and is discharged from the lower end of the trough onto a stationary inclined screen which is inclined in the opposite direction from the delivery trough. In passing from the delivery trough to the screen the whey passes through a slot which distributes the whey in a thin layer over the screen. In flowing down the screen a portion of the whey drains through the screen and is collected in a whey bin, while the remaining portion of the whey and fines, in the form of a slurry, is collected in a separate bin and can be returned to the cheese making vat.

Abstract: An improved self-contained apparatus for the separation of low density fluids, such as fuel, from higher density fluids such as water and also particles is disclosed which may be easily retrofitted into a variety of existing new and used engines as it can selectively accommodate the various fuel line arrangements and also various obstructions of these engines. Further, the apparatus includes improved flow director means which provides for the separation of the higher density fluid and the particles from the low density fluid at an earlier stage contributing to a more complete separation prior to the filtration of the fluid. Consequently, the filter element has an extended life due to the fact that it is exposed to less higher density fluids and particles in filtering the low density fluids.

Abstract: A spin-on filter coalescer unit having a flow reversing assembly. The filter-coalescer unit includes a cylindrical body which contains an annular filter element surrounded by a coalescing element, and a final separation stage is spaced radially outward of the coalescing element. A cover encloses the open end of the body and is provided with a central outlet port and a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet ports. The flow reversing assembly comprises a pair of baffle members, one of which can be the cover, which are spaced apart to define a chamber that communicates with the outlet. A plurality of tubular connecting members form sealed conduits extending through the baffle member and establish communication between the inlet ports and the central axial passage within the filter element.

Abstract: Improved dialyzer construction has elongated tubular casing with enlarged casing ends and longitudinally-extending partitioning that divides its interior into a plurality of generally parallel passageways containing hollow dialysis fibers, the casing ends containing dialyzate flow manifolding and directing means for receiving dialyzate from a supply thereof, directing it from one casing end to the other through one of the passageways around the fibers, and so to and fro through the successive passageways, finally directing the dialyzate out through a discharge opening. The dialyzate flow can in each fiber-containing passageway be counter-current to the flow within the fibers of the liquid being dialyzed. A gas by-pass can be provided in the partitioning at one end to bleed out gas that tends to accumulate at the high point of the to-and-fro dialyzate travel.

Abstract: A water tap filter having separable components for selective use in forming either a steady stream of water or alternately a spray. The unit includes in its steady stream component a filter element.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing agglomerates from a rotary filter such as a rotating filter drum, which includes a perforated filter member on the filter, a slotted member disposed on the filter member and a sludge or slurry storage means disposed above the slotted member, the storage means discharging solid particles of the sludge into the slotted member essentially in the direction of solid sedimentation.

Abstract: A leukocyte filter for blood which includes a housing defining a blood inlet and outlet at respective ends thereof, with the housing enclosing and carrying a tubular, non-woven fiber filter element, with one of the inlet and outlet communicating with the interior of the tubular filter element, and the other of the inlet and outlet communicating with the exterior of the tubular filter element. In the tubular filter element, essentially all of the fibers define diameters of 10 to 100 microns, and have other diameter restrictions described herein, with the fibers being bonded together to define a generally fixed, average interstitial spacing which is less at the inner surface of the tubular filter element than at the outer surface thereof. The air permeability of the filter per square foot is preferably from essentially 15 to 45 SCFM at one half inch of water.

Abstract: A hemodialysis unit has an integral partition disposed across the length and width of the interior of the dialysate chamber separating the dialysate chamber into two subchambers. The first of the two dialysate subchambers has a blood perfusion unit floor and the second dialysate subchamber has a blood perfusion unit ceiling respectively, both subchambers having the opposed exterior length and width margins of the blood perfusion unit sealed to the opposed bonding edges of the dialysate chamber. The cross sectional areas of the two dialysate subchambers so formed are adaptively sized to provide a high velocity flow of dialysate solution over the length of the two subchambers, providing a more rapid sweep of the diffusional boundary layer from the exterior of the two opposed faces of the blood perfusion unit, providing a high rate of removal of waste excreta products from a patient's blood.

Abstract: Means to feed material to be sieved into the receiving end of an open-ended, substantially horizontal, rotary sieving sleeve, comprise a trunk disposed coaxially with the sleeve and having a material-receiving end outside the sleeve and the other end portion projecting into the sleeve by an amount equal to from one half to one quarter the length of the sleeve. The portion of the trunk within the sleeve has a material departure aperture formed in the top of that portion. This aperture is in the form of a horizontal weir which extends axially of said portion for a distance at least equal to half the axial length of said portion measured from the innermost end thereof.

Abstract: A filter for filtering water, e.g. seawater, for industrial use, in condensers for steam turbines, for example, comprising a spiral housing having a strainer or filter member and having an inlet inclined with respect to the housing and an outlet generally in alignment with the strainer or filter member which is preferably cylindrical. The inlet and spiral shaped housing combine to provide a sweeping water flow pattern along the periphery of the strainer or filter member. A partition is disposed parallel to the axis of the strainer or filter member between the strainer or filter member and the spiral housing, remote from the inlet relative to the flow of water around the strainer or filter member. Solids are collected in an area defined by the partition and parts of the strainer or filter member and spiral housing immediately upstream thereof. Solids may be continuously or intermittently discharged from the solids collecting area.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of substances between two fluids with the simultaneous tempering of at least one of the fluids. The apparatus includes at least one heat permeable membrane having first and second opposing surfaces for the transfer of heat therethrough. First and second fluid conducting means are provided for conducting a first and second fluid, respectively. Transfer means are provided for transferring substances between the first and second fluids. The second fluid conducting means conducts the second fluid along the first surface of the heat permeable membrane and third fluid conducting means are providing for conducting a third fluid along the second surface of the heat permeable membrane for tempering the second fluid. According to the preferred embodiment, the transfer means may comprise either means for directly mixing the first fluid into the second fluid or may comprise a semipermeable membrane for diffusing substances therethrough between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: An in-line fluid filter of the multi-piece type having a pair of body sections coaxially secured to each other. A filter element is fixedly disposed transversely across a filter chamber defined by the body sections intermediate a fluid filter inlet and outlet. This filter element includes an annular mounting flange interposed between mating annular body section end faces. A generally cup-shaped filter element support is fixedly located on at least the outlet side of the filter element and is dimensioned so that the filter element is at least partially received in the cup-shaped area thereof. This support includes an annular mounting rim which is also interposed between the body section end faces. The support allows the filter to experience greatly increased fluid pressure differentials across the filter element. The filter element mounting flange and the support mounting rim are dimensioned to at least extend to the outside diameter of the mating body section annular end faces.

Abstract: Apparatus for selective separation of matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises a plurality of separate frame assemblies each of which defines a separate contact chamber for the second fluid. A plurality of tubular semi-permeable membranes for the first fluid are supported in each of the contact chambers of the separate frame assemblies so that the second fluid will substantially surround the tubular membranes as it passes through such contact chambers. The plurality of frame assemblies are clamped together in stacked relationship so that the contact chambers are arranged in side by side relationship. Sealing means are provided for sealing the tubular membranes from the contact chambers so that there is no contact between the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A device for separating water from diesel fuel is adapted to be used with conventional fuel filter fittings and consists of a conical screen-like member which serves to separate the water from the fuel and in which the inlet providing the fuel which may have water therein is interior of the downwardly diverging conical member. A quiet zone is provided at the base of the cone to reduce turbulence and allow the water to be drained off by an automatically operated valve which operates in conjunction with the air compressor already on the truck.

Abstract: A continuous separation system which continuously purges, washes, dries, and removes solids with a minimum amount of mechanical handling and consequential crystal breakage. A separator within the continuous separation system of the present invention comprises a stationary casing, a horizontal rotary screen within the casing, a fixed scraper mounted in the casing above the screen, an inlet conduit on one side of the scraper for depositing slurry on the screen to form a layer as the screen rotates, an outlet conduit on the other side of the scraper for carrying away dried solids, and gas nozzles for directing a gas stream at the solids as they encounter the scraper, entraining them, and directing them through the outlet conduit. The screen divides the casing interior into respective upper and lower chambers that are sealed from one another except through the screen. In operation, the gas stream carries the entrained solids to a separate receiver.

Abstract: A pressurized screen particularly adapted for screening paper making pulp includes a cylindrical screen plate mounted in a cylindrical casing and defining with it an annular chamber which receives unscreened pulp from which rejects are removed as the good pulp passes from the annular chamber through the screen plate. The axes of the screen plate and the casing are offset with respect to each other, forming an enlargement of the chamber which extends approximately from an inlet into the annular chamber to a rejects outlet which is diametrically opposite the inlet. A partition in the chamber extends parallel to the axes of the casing and screen plate from a position opposite the inlet to a position above the rejects outlet.

Abstract: A membrane pressure filter comprises a pressure chamber divided into non-intercommunicating first and second compartments by a substantially upright impermeable elastic membrane, said first compartment containing a filtering surface, and said impermeable elastic membrane either being constructed in a manner such that or co-operating with means such that, in use, when the material in said first compartment has a specific gravity which is greater than the specific gravity of the material in said second compartment, said membrane is constrained to adopt a shape such that the surface of the membrane opposite the filtering surface is substantially parallel to the filtering surface.

Abstract: A fluid purification system for performing filtration of particles from a feed liquid by a tangential flow of the feed liquid over a membrane surface. In one embodiment, the purification system includes a filter cartridge contained within a filter housing having ports permitting ingress and egress of feed liquid and filtrate. The cartridge includes a filter element having a layered construction with a thin flow channel between the layers. One layer of the filter element is formed of a sheet of impervious material defining one wall of the thin flow channel. Another layer of the filter element is spaced from the one layer and formed of a sheet of permeable membrane material and defines another wall of the thin flow channel. The spacing between the walls of the thin flow channel is maintained by a sheet of reticular material that provides turbulence in the thin flow channel to promote cross flow filtration. The filter element is formed into a pleated, cylindrical shape with a flow axis parallel to the pleats.

Abstract: A reservoir for blood or the like in which a rigid casing, having a perforated tubular member positioned within the casing and extending between the ends thereof, carries filtering and blood defoaming means. An improved configuration of inlet aperture means is provided. Also, the reservoir may define an upstanding central hump at its lower end, surrounded by an annular trough positioned at an acute angle to the axis of the perforated tubular member, for improved recovery of blood from the reservoir and improved calibration of the amount of blood in the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cross-flow filtration of liquids or gases, such apparatus having disc-shaped filter elements which are located concentrically around a filtrate collecting pipe and within a tubular jacket, and an inlet and outlet pipe extending parallel to the filtrate collecting pipe, each inlet and outlet pipe having an aperture between each filter element to ensure that the liquid to be filtered is supplied tangentially thereby assuming a helical flow across the filter elements. The filter elements are provided on both sides with a microporous membrane and are provided with a supporting layer having sealed passages in order to supply the filtrate to the central collecting pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved hollow fibre apparatus for the fractionation of fluid, comprising;a mandrel, sealing elements located at the ends of the mandrel and by which the hollow fibres are held, the fibres extending from one sealing element to the other, at least one of these sealing elements being traversed by the hollow fibres so that open ends of the fibres are exposed at an outer side of such sealing element,a casing, which is arranged at least around the hollow fibres and the sealing elements and defining a chamber between the inner wall of the casing, the opposing inner sides of the sealing elements and the mandrel,first inlet and/or outlet means for introducing and/or discharging of fluid through the inside of the hollow fibres, andsecond inlet and outlet means for introducing and discharging of fluid into the chamber outside the fibres, said second inlet and outlet means opening into and from the chamber at the periphery of the mandrel and adjacent the inner sides of each sealing element.

Abstract: A filter for purifying a fluid containing ferromagnetic particles, e.g. water in the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor using pressurized water, comprises a cylindrical envelope containing steel beads and provided with a coil for magnetizing the beads. The beads are supported in a cylindrical basket located in the cylindrical envelope and the side wall of which is perforated in certain zones. Deflectors are arranged within the basket radially opposite the perforated zones of the basket side wall. Fluid to be purified enters through a central drip tube which is provided with radial perforations in zones radially opposite the deflectors which serve to prevent fluid passing through the beads in a solely radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for membrane filtration comprises an inlet and an outlet, as well as a central permeate discharge tube. The supporting tubes supporting filtration membranes are disposed in two concentric rows. The outer row contacts the outer wall of the apparatus and the inner row contacts the permeate discharge tube. The centers of the supporting tubes of the first row are on a circle having a diameter of twice the diameter of the supporting tubes. The centers of the supporting tubes of the second row are on a circle having a diameter of 4.times.diameter of a supporting tube.times. cos 15.degree..

Abstract: A hollow-fiber permeability apparatus includes a housing having a permeating region, a bundle of permeable-wall hollow fibers in the permeating region, means for supplying a first fluid flowing between the exteriors of the fibers, another means for passing a second fluid through the interiors of fibers such that materials selectively permeate through the walls of the fibers, and an enlarged cross-section portion to define at least one compartment between the bundle and a wall of the housing and having an inlet opening for introducing the first fluid into the housing, the permeating region having a flattened cross-section in the direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the fibers, and the enlarged cross-section portion being formed at least along substantially the whole lengths of the longer side of the cross section of the permeating region.

Abstract: Liquid/solids feed to be filtered is uniformly distributed over a filter surface by (i) initially, continuously introducing said liquid/solids feed into the feeder compartment of a compartmentalized, partitioned feed-distribution box, said feeder compartment having a volume such that no decantation results, (ii) continuing such feed as to effect an overflow of feed from said feeder compartment into a second, distribution compartment, over a partition or common wall member therebetween, via a plurality of outlet openings shaped into the top of said partition along the length thereof and being sufficiently few in number such that the rate of flow of the liquid/solids stream flowing through each opening is high, and (iii) thence uniformly cascading the entire flow of liquid/solids stream to be filtered onto suitable filter surface, advantageously after a change in the downward direction thereof.

Abstract: Transversely-fed permeators containing a plurality of selectively permeable hollow fibers suitable for the selective permeation of at least one fluid in a fluid mixture containing at least one other fluid, said fibers being generally parallelly oriented within an elongated shell, are provided with at least one essentially fluid impermeable partition which is substantially transverse to the orientation of the hollow fibers and intermediate a fluid ingress means and a fluid egress means, each of said fluid ingress means and fluid egress means communicating through the elongated shell to the exterior of the hollow fibers, said at least one partition defining zones in said permeator, wherein the zone into which the fluid ingress means communicates is significantly smaller in available membrane surface area to effect the fluid separation than the available membrane surface area in at least one subsequent zone, and means for fluid communication between said zones such that the fluid flow in each zone is substantial

Abstract: A dialyzer with a housing includes a pair of inflow and outflow pipes for blood and dialysis solution, and a tubular ring body formed from a plurality of hollow filaments joined to one another at their ends and positioned in the housing such that one pair of the pipes is in communicating relationship with open ends of the hollow filaments and the other pair of the pipes communicates with the interstices between adjacent filament forming said tubular ring body. The invention also provides a dialyzer cartridge and a method of manufacturing such cartridge.