Scouring method
First Claim
1. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
- backwashing the membranes so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes;
providing, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
removing dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
150 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
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backwashing the membranes so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes;
providing, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
removing dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising:
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backwashing the membranes with a liquid so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes;
providing, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
removing dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.
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27. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising:
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backwashing the membranes with a gas so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes;
providing, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
removing dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.
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28. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising:
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backwashing the membranes so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes;
thereafterproviding, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
thereafterremoving dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.
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29. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising:
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backwashing the membranes so as to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes, while simultaneously providing, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles to the membranes, wherein the gas bubbles scour the outer surfaces of the membranes; and
thereafterremoving dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.
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Specification