Patent ID: 6355173
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B01D,C11B

Abstract:
Method for cleaning porous membranes used in an oil refining process comprising regularly treating said membranes in situ by applying the steps of:a) backblowing with a gas when the flux through the membranes has reduced to less than 95% of the top flux, as represented by the flux through the membranes when they are used for the first time in the refining process, the flux through the membranes achieved immediately after the cleaning treatment step representing a maximum flux; b) backflushing with edible oil, when a maximum flux measured after backblowing with a gas, has diminished to less than 90% of the top flux; and c) treating the membranes with alkaline material when a maximum flux measured after backflushing with oil has diminished to less than 90% of the top flux; with the provision that said method does not involve the use of organic solvents to clean the membranes.