Patent ID: 7300571
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: B01D,B01F,C02F,Y02W

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for supporting a biofilm in a liquid comprising: a) a plurality of gas permeable hollow fibers, each hollow fiber having a lumen, an outer surface and an open end; and, b) a header, the header having a cavity and a port open to the cavity, wherein the hollow fibers extend from the header, with the outer surfaces of the open ends of the hollow fibers sealed to the header and the lumens of the hollow fibers communicating with the port through the cavity and wherein the fibers are made of a melt spun thermoplastic polymer subjected to thermal or mechanical treatment after spinning to have at least an annular region of increased permeability to oxygen without permitting a flow of liquid water through the walls of the fibers from the outer surfaces of the fibers to the lumens, and wherein the increased permeability to oxygen is at least 3 times the permeability of un-modified fiber material.