Patent ID: 6558544
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A system for providing an aqueous permeate from an aqueous feed supplied thereto under superatmospheric pressure, which system comprisesa generally tubular pressure vessel having an interior bore of circular cross-section, means closing a downstream end of said bore, at least one cylindrical cartridge, including semipermeable membrane material wrapped spirally about a central permeate tube, disposed within said pressure vessel bore, removable end closure means closing an upstream end of said pressure vessel, means for providing an aqueous feed under superatmospheric pressure to the interior of said pressure vessel at said upstream end, means for removing a liquid concentrate stream from said pressure vessel at a location near the downstream end thereof, means for removing aqueous permeate from said pressure vessel, and biasing means for applying an axial force at said upstream end to said cartridge independent of said superatmospheric feed pressure so as to prevent axial movement of said cartridge within said pressure vessel following pressurization that could create wear on seals associated with said cartridge and so as to absorb any force in an upstream direction that may be created by sudden depressurization while allowing only minimal axial movement.