Patent ID: 6620319
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B01D,C02F,Y02W,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for treating a multicomponent liquid substrate while leaving particulate matter therein, comprising,(a) a non-pressurized reservoir for containing the substrate; (b) a skein of hollow fiber filtering membranes immersed in the substrate wherein the membranes are disposed generally vertically between upper and lower headers such that (i) outsides of ends of the membranes are sealingly secured in closely spaced-apart relationship in the headers, (ii) lumens of the membranes are in fluid communication with at least one permeate collection means, and, (iii) the membranes have a length between opposed surfaces of the headers such that the membranes may move against each other but wherein the length is less than 5% greater than the distance between opposed surfaces of the headers; (c) a pump in fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes, the pump operable to apply suction to the lumens of the membranes to draw a component of the substrate as permeate through the membranes; and, (d) an aeration system having a gas distributor for discharging air directly into the substrate within the skein.