Patent ID: 6555005
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A method of removing founding materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes arranged in a membrane module, the porous membranes forming an array, the module having a header in which one end of each of the membranes is mounted, the header connected to a source of pressurized gas, the method comprising providing, through a plurality of gas distribution holes distributed throughout the header but not through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that said bubbles move past the surfaces of and vibrate said membranes to dislodge fouling materials therefrom, said membranes being arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween, wherein the porous membranes comprise hollow fibre membranes, and wherein the fibre membranes are arranged in bundles surrounded by a perforated cage which serves to prevent said excessive movement therebetween.