Apparatus and method for cleaning membrane filtration modules
First Claim
1. A membrane bioreactor comprising:
- a membrane module comprising a plurality of porous hollow membrane fibers mounted at a first end to a first potting head and at a second end to a second potting head, the membrane module extending longitudinally between the first potting head and the second potting head, the porous hollow membrane fibers comprising a plurality of pores, wherein the porous hollow membrane fibers comprise a plurality of bundles separated by at least one partition at or adjacent to at least one of the potting heads, wherein the first potting head comprises an array of aeration openings formed in the potting head for providing a plurality of gas bubbles within the module such that, in use, the gas bubbles move past outer surfaces of the porous hollow membrane fibers to dislodge fouling materials therefrom; and
a tank into which a feed is introduced, and a source of oxygen for forming an activated sludge within the tank, wherein the module according is positioned within the tank so as to be immersed in the activated sludge, and wherein a filtrate is withdrawn from at least one end of the porous hollow membrane fibers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for cleaning a membrane module, the membrane module having a plurality of porous membranes, the membranes being arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween and means for providing, from within the module, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles entrained in a liquid flow such that, in use, the liquid and bubbles entrained therein move past the surfaces of the membranes to dislodge fouling materials therefrom, the gas bubbles being entrained in the liquid by flowing the liquid past a source of gas to draw the gas into the liquid flow. The gas bubbles are preferably entrained into the liquid using a venturi type device. The membranes are preferably partitioned into discrete groups to assist cleaning while maintaining high packing density.
138 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A membrane bioreactor comprising:
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a membrane module comprising a plurality of porous hollow membrane fibers mounted at a first end to a first potting head and at a second end to a second potting head, the membrane module extending longitudinally between the first potting head and the second potting head, the porous hollow membrane fibers comprising a plurality of pores, wherein the porous hollow membrane fibers comprise a plurality of bundles separated by at least one partition at or adjacent to at least one of the potting heads, wherein the first potting head comprises an array of aeration openings formed in the potting head for providing a plurality of gas bubbles within the module such that, in use, the gas bubbles move past outer surfaces of the porous hollow membrane fibers to dislodge fouling materials therefrom; and
a tank into which a feed is introduced, and a source of oxygen for forming an activated sludge within the tank, wherein the module according is positioned within the tank so as to be immersed in the activated sludge, and wherein a filtrate is withdrawn from at least one end of the porous hollow membrane fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification