Water filtering module with hollow fibers

• US 20020189999A1
• Filed: 06/17/2002
• Published: 12/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PolyMem Ltd.
• Original Assignee: PolyMem Ltd.
• Inventors: Saux, Franc, Espenan, Jean-Michel
• Granted Patent: US 6,911,147 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/636
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2313/20 Specific housing
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2313/201 Closed housing, vessels or containers
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2321/04 Backflushing
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2321/185 Aeration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/18 Apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 63/024 with a single potted end
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 63/0241 being U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 63/043 with separate tube sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 65/08 Prevention of membrane fouling or of concentration polarisation

Abstract

The invention concerns a module for ultrafiltration or microfiltration of water comprising hollow fibers, of the type of filtration from outside inwards of the fibers, the water to be treated being introduced at the top of the module and the treated water being collected at the bottom of the module. The fibers are arranged inside a housing (3) in multiple U-shaped bundles (1), the module being vertically arranged in use with the U-shape in the top part of the module. At the bottom of the module, each bundle is arranged in a sheath (4) and individually potted. The sheaths are then urged to be housed in a distribution plate (2), and all the sheaths are interconnected by pouring (in reverse vertically position relative to that of the filtering mode) a so-called potting resin (5).

Claims

1. A module for ultrafiltration or microfiltration of water, using hollow fibers, of the type with filtration from the exterior toward the interior of the fibers, water to be treated being introduced at the top of the module and treated water being collected at the bottom of the module, characterized in that the fibers are disposed inside a casing (3) in multiple bundles (1) in which the top portion of each fiber is free, the casing (3) envelops the bundles to hold them in position, and, at the bottom of the module, each bundle is disposed in a sheath (4) and potted individually, with the bundles then accommodated in a distribution plate (2).

2. A module according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution plate (2) is used to inject air into the module (1).

3. A module according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the fibers are disposed inside a casing (3) in multiple U-shaped bundles (1), with the branches of the U-shape disposed vertically in use with the base of the U-shape at the top of the module.

4. A module according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the sheaths are interconnected by a two-component potting resin (5).

5. A module according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the distribution plate includes air supply passages discharging axially between the sheaths.

6. A module according to claim 5, characterized in that the air passages are fed radially from the periphery of the distribution plate.

7. A module according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the casing (3) is closed at the top and sealed by a connection plate (6) having a bore (12) for connecting a supply of water to be filtered.

8. A module according to claim 7, characterized in that the bore (12) for connecting a supply of water to be filtered is threaded.

9. A module according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the casing (3) has lifting holes (7) at the top.