Patent ID: 7291267
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: B01D,C02F,F04B

Abstract:
1. A molecular separator apparatus, comprising: at least one separator with at least one annulus disposed therein; a flux cartridge with a semi-permeable membrane seated inside said annulus, wherein a fluid ring exists between an interior surface of the annulus and an exterior surface of the flux cartridge; a first pump in fluid communication with the separator capable of delivering an influent fluid containing at least one contaminant into the separator, wherein the pressure delivered by the first pump provides kinetic energy to the influent fluid to promote turbulent flow within the fluid ring of the separator which results in the retention of contaminant particles on the exterior surface of the flux cartridge and the collection of the filtered fluid within an interior chamber of the flux cartridge; wherein the first pump delivers contaminated fluid influent into the fluid ring of the separator through two alternating fluid paths comprising a first fluid path and a second fluid path wherein the contaminated fluid influent is delivered through the first fluid path to the fluid ring by the movement of a piston inside the first pump from a first position to a second position and is delivered through the second fluid path to the fluid ring by the movement from said second position of said piston toward the first position and, a second pump in fluid communication with the separator capable of reversing the flow of fluid through the flux cartridge, wherein filtered fluid is pumped into the fluid ring from the interior chamber of the flux cartridge which provides for the removal of the contaminant particles from contact with the exterior surface of the flux cartridge and transports a substantial portion of the contaminant particles out of the separator.