Patent ID: 6423230
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A method for improving the permeate flux of a cross-flow membrane filter of a filtration system, said filtration system including (a) a feed pump, (b) said cross-flow membrane filter including at least two membrane ports through which a feed solution passes and at least two permeate outlets through which a permeate passes, (c) a valve manifold assembly for direction said feed solution through one or the other of said at least two membrane ports; and (d) a tertiary valve assembly for selecting one or the other of at least two permeate outlets; said method comprising the steps of:(a) establishing a first flow direction of a feed solution from said pump through said cross-flow membrane filter by using said valve manifold to direct said feed solution to one of said at least two membrane ports and said tertiary valve assembly to allow said permeate to exit from the other of said at least two permeate outlets and maintaining said first flow direction until the permeate flux through said cross flow membrane filter reaches an unacceptable level; (b) reversing said first flow direction to a second flow direction opposite that of said first flow direction by using said valve manifold to direct said feed solution to the other of said at least two membrane ports and said tertiary valve assembly to allow said permeate to exit from one of said at least two permeate outlets and maintaining said second flow direction until the permeate flux through said cross flow membrane filter reaches an unacceptable level; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b).