Patent ID: 8048306
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A method of removing accumulated solids from outer surfaces of porous hollow fiber membranes arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted between potting heads with a cured potting material, wherein the membranes are situated in a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: backwashing the membranes to dislodge accumulated solids from the outer surfaces of the membranes; restricting movement of the membranes; providing, through at least one porous tube disposed among and substantially parallel to the membranes, uniform gas bubbles which pass out among the membranes scouring solids on the outer surfaces of the membranes; providing gas bubbles through a porous sheet and a plurality of gas distribution openings in a first potting head, the plurality of gas distribution openings each having a diameter from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm, and the porous sheet having uniformly distributed pores and a smaller pore size relative to the gas distribution openings in the first potting head; and removing dislodged accumulated solids from the vessel.