Patent ID: 7318898
Filing Date: 2008-01-15
Classification: B01D,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method for separating desired components from a liquid feed stream comprising: (a) conducting the liquid feed stream into a retentate zone of a wafer assembly wherein the wafer assembly is comprised of a wafer and a thin film polymer membrane mechanically supported by the wafer, the thin film polymer membrane being selective for permeation of a desired component and having an upstream side and a downstream side; (b) heating the feedstream in the retentate zone; (c) establishing a concentration gradient in the desired component across the membrane in order to cause permeation of the desired component from the upstream side to the downstream side of the thin film polymer membrane and into a permeate zone in fluid contact with the downstream side of the thin film polymer membrane; and wherein the thin film polymer membrane is mechanically supported by at least one rib member attached to the wafer, wherein the rib member contains a bore therethrough and wherein a heat transfer fluid is flowed through the bore.