Patent ID: 9144773
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: B01D,C02F

Abstract:
1. A method for manipulating a membrane element within a pressure vessel, said pressure vessel having a central axis, a distal end, a proximal end and an inlet disposed at said proximal end, said membrane element having a membrane element front face with at least one fluid opening and a membrane element rear face, said membrane element being received within said pressure vessel such that said membrane element front face faces said proximal end, with a possibility to be moved along said central axis by an axial force applied to said membrane element front face, said method comprising steps of: disposing an end plate at the inlet at the proximal end and a fluid-tight element in said pressure vessel so as to form a fluid chamber at said proximal end between said inlet and said fluid-tight element, said fluid-tight element being configured for sealing at least said one fluid opening of the membrane element, thereby preventing the membrane element from receiving therein fluid through at least said one opening from said fluid chamber; and introducing fluid into said fluid chamber so as to build a fluid pressure within said fluid chamber forcing said fluid-tight element to move away from said inlet and to apply an axial force on said membrane element, thereby displacing the membrane element along said central axis in the direction towards said distal end of the pressure vessel.