Series ultrafiltration with pressurized permeate
First Claim
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1. A method for separating solutes, colloidal particles or suspended matter from a solution or suspension of such matter by ultrafiltration which comprises:
- (a) connecting multiple ultrafiltration membrane containing separatory units in series flow configuration, thereby providing, at least, a first unit, a last unit and optionally intermediate units;
(b) introducing a solution or suspension to be separated into the first unit at a pressure exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for said membrane;
(c) concurrently applying a back pressure on the permeate side of said membrane to produce a transmembrane pressure difference in said first unit not exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for said membrane;
(d) repeating steps (b) and (c) in at least each intermediate unit;
(e) withdrawing permeate from each unit; and
(f) recovering concentrate containing solutes, colloidal particles or suspended matter from the last serially connected unit.
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Abstract
Process and apparatus for providing separation of solutes, colloidal particles or suspended matter by ultrafiltration wherein increased cost efficiency and reduced energy requirements are realized by series flow configuration, utilizing increased operating pressures, and back pressurization of permeate.
98 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for separating solutes, colloidal particles or suspended matter from a solution or suspension of such matter by ultrafiltration which comprises:
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(a) connecting multiple ultrafiltration membrane containing separatory units in series flow configuration, thereby providing, at least, a first unit, a last unit and optionally intermediate units; (b) introducing a solution or suspension to be separated into the first unit at a pressure exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for said membrane; (c) concurrently applying a back pressure on the permeate side of said membrane to produce a transmembrane pressure difference in said first unit not exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for said membrane; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) in at least each intermediate unit; (e) withdrawing permeate from each unit; and (f) recovering concentrate containing solutes, colloidal particles or suspended matter from the last serially connected unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for conducting ultrafiltration which comprises:
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(a) multiple pressure-resistant filter cartridges containing ultrafiltration membranes, said cartridges connected in series flow configuration; (b) inlet means situate in each of said cartridges; (c) concentrate takeoff means in each cartridge; (d) permeate takeoff means in each cartridge; (e) means for introducing a solution or suspension to be separated into each but the last unit at a pressure exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for each membrane; (f) means for concurrently providing back pressure on the permeate side of each but said last unit to produce a transmembrane pressure difference in each unit not exceeding the maximum allowable transmembrane pressure difference for said membrane; and (g) means for coupling said cartridges in said series. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification