APPARATUSES ADN METHODS FOR FILTRATION

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for filtration. The apparatus for filtration may include at least one filtration layer and at least one flow-through layer disposed along a filtration direction of the filtration layer. One of the at least one flow-through layer may include at least one first support member and at least one first flow channel. The at least one first flow channel may be configured for a liquid to flow, and the at least one first support member may define the at least one first flow channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310834071.0, filed on Jul. 7, 2023, claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420034608.5, filed on Jan. 8, 2024, and claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410026415.X, filed on Jan. 8, 2024, and the entirety of each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of biological devices, and in particular, to an apparatus and a method for filtration.

BACKGROUND

Membrane separation technology refers to a process of using filtration membranes to separate and purify liquids or gases. Membrane filtration technology is widely applied in water treatment, food processing, and biotechnology fields. Commonly used membranes in tangential flow filtration mainly include a rolled membrane, a hollow fiber membrane, and a plate membrane. However, both the rolled membrane and the hollow fiber membrane have disadvantages. The rolled membrane requires very high flow rates, leading to high energy consumption and being prone to leakage at the ends, resulting in their gradual phase-out in the biomedical field. The hollow fiber membrane offers advantages such as low shear forces and minimal cell damage, but they are prone to filament breakage, limiting their industrial scalability due to restricted membrane materials and filtration pores types. The plate membrane, on the other hand, boasts a wider variety of membrane materials and filtration aperture types, making it relatively easier to scale up industrially. However, the structural characteristics of the filtration membranes used in plate membrane technology and the filtration screens contribute to higher shear forces, potentially damaging sensitive substances in the liquid, thus impacting filtration efficiency and effectiveness. For example, sensitive substances like cells in the liquid may easily lose their structural integrity during filtration, thereby affecting cell viability.

In order to solve the above problem, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration with the improved filtration efficiency and filtration effect, which significantly reduces damage to substances that are sensitive to shear forces in the liquid. At the same time, the apparatus for filtration in the present disclosure also possesses the advantages of both the hollow fiber membrane and the flat plate membrane.

SUMMARY

One of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration. The apparatus may include at least one filtration layer and at least one flow-through layer disposed along a filtration direction of the filtration layer. One of the at least one flow-through layer may include at least one first support member and at least one first flow channel, the at least one first flow channel may be configured for a liquid to flow, and the at least one first support member may define the at least one first flow channel.

In some embodiments, a retention end of the apparatus for filtration may be in communication with the at least one flow-through layer, a retention liquid in the at least one flow-through layer may be discharged through the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, and an inlet end of the apparatus for filtration may be in flow communication with the at least one flow-through layer.

In some embodiments, the at least one first support member may include a plurality of first support members spaced apart, and one of the at least one first flow channel may be arranged between two adjacent first supporting members among the plurality of first support members. In some embodiments, the at least one first support member may be in a wavy plate-like structure, and one or more first grooves may be disposed on both sides of the first supporting member along a thickness direction, and the one or more first grooves may define the at least one first flow channel.

In some embodiments, the at least one first flow channel may include a plurality of first flow channels, two adjacent first flow channels of the plurality of first flow channels may be separated by one of the at least one first support member, the first support member may be provided with a first communication pore, and the two adjacent first flow channels may be in flow communication through the first communication pore.

In some embodiments, the at least one filtration layer may include a filtration screen and one or more filtration membranes, one of the one or more filtration membranes may include at least one of a hollow fiber membrane, a plate membrane, or a rolled membrane, and the filtration screen may support the one or more filtration membranes.

In some embodiments, the at least one flow-through layer may include a plurality of flow-through layers, wherein one of the at least one filtration layer may be disposed on each of both sides along a thickness direction of one of the plurality of flow-through layers. In some embodiments, the at least one filtration layer may include a plurality of filtration layers, wherein one of the at least one flow-through layer may be disposed on each of both sides of one of the plurality of filtration layers along a filtration direction of the one of the at least one filtration layer.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may be a columnar structure. The apparatus for filtration may include a filtrate discharge pipeline, the at least one filtration layer and the at least one flow-through layer may be spirally encircled along a circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline and may be alternately disposed along a radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline. The filtrate discharge pipeline may be provided with a collection pore passing through a side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline. Ends of the at least one flow-through layer and the at least one filtration layer away from the filtrate discharge pipeline along a spiral direction may be both closed, an end of each of the at least one flow-through layer close to the filtrate discharge pipeline along the spiral direction may be connected to the side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline, and an end of each of the at least one filtration layer close to the filtrate discharge pipeline may be in flow communication with the filtrate discharge pipeline through the collection pore.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may be a columnar structure. The apparatus for filtration may include a filtrate discharge pipeline, the filtrate discharge pipeline may be provided with a collection pore passing through a side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline; a plurality of filtration groups may be provided apart along a circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline, and the plurality of filtration groups may be spirally encircled along the circumferential direction of the filtration discharge pipeline. Each filtration group of the plurality of filtration groups may include one of the at least one filtration layer and one of the at least one flow-through layer connected to the at least one filtration layer. For each filtration group, ends of the flow-through layer and the filtration layer away from the filtrate discharge pipeline along a spiral direction may be closed, an end of the flow-through layer close to the filtrate discharge pipeline along the spiral direction may be connected to the side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline, and an end of the filtration layer close to the filtrate discharge pipeline may be in flow communication with the filtrate discharge pipeline through the collection pore.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may be a columnar structure, each of the at least one filtration layer and the at least one flow-through layer of the apparatus for filtration may be an annular structure, and the at least one filtration layer and the at least one flow-through layer may be coaxially disposed.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may further include at least one permeable layer disposed along the filtration direction of the at least one filtration layer. One of the at least one permeable layer may be provided with at least one second support member and at least one second flow channel, and the at least one second support member may define the at least one second flow channel.

In some embodiments, the at least one second support member may include a plurality of second support members spaced apart, and one of the at least one second flow channel may be defined between two adjacent second supporting members among the plurality of second support members. Each of the second support members may be provided with at least one second communication pore, and the at least one second communication pore may be in flow communication with two adjacent second flow channels.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may further include at least one liquid-dispensing component, wherein one of the at least one liquid-dispensing component may be disposed at an inlet end of the apparatus for filtration or a retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component may include a liquid main pipe, a plurality of liquid diverters, and a housing. The plurality of liquid diverters may be spaced apart in the housing along a height direction of the housing, and along the height direction of the housing, a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of liquid diverters away from the liquid main pipe may be larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of liquid diverters close to the liquid main pipe. An external pipeline may be in flow communication with an interior of the housing through the liquid main pipe.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component may further include a first liquid-drainage. The first liquid-drainage may be disposed on the side of the plurality of liquid diverters close to the liquid main pipe, and along the height direction of the housing, a cross-sectional area of a side of the first liquid-drainage away from the liquid main pipe may be larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of the first liquid-drainage close to the liquid main pipe.

In some embodiments, one of the liquid diverters may include a plurality of diverting bars, along the height direction of the housing, and a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of diverting bars away from the liquid main pipe may be larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of diverting bars close to the liquid main pipe. The plurality of diverting bars may be spaced apart along the height direction of the housing.

In some embodiments, the plurality of liquid diverters may be a plurality of liquid-diverting rings, the plurality of liquid-diverting rings may be coaxially disposed, and an angle between the axial direction of the liquid-diverting ring and the height direction of the housing may be less than 90°.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component may include a liquid main pipe and at least one liquid branch pipe. One of the at least one liquid branch pipe may include a first opening and a plurality of second openings. An end of the liquid main pipe may be connected to the first opening of the liquid branch pipe, the other end of the liquid main pipe may be connected to an external pipeline, and the plurality of second openings of the liquid branch pipe may correspond to an end surface of at least one of the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component may include a liquid main pipe, a drainage pipe, a port, a plurality of liquid-diverting baffles. The port may be disposed at a side portion of the drainage pipe, an end of the drainage pipe may be connected to the liquid main pipe, the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles may be disposed inside the drainage pipe and spaced apart along a direction from close to the port to away from the port, and a length of each of the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles along an extension direction of the drainage pipe may increase along the direction from close to the port to away from the port; and the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles may define a plurality of second drainage channels inside the drainage pipe. Each of the plurality of second drainage channels may be in flow communication with the liquid main pipe and the port, and the port may correspond to at least one of the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

One of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a method for filtration. The method may include: feeding a liquid through an inlet end of an apparatus for filtration; and collecting a retention liquid discharged from a retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

In some embodiments, the feeding a liquid through an inlet end of an apparatus for filtration may include: disposing a liquid-dispensing component at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration; transporting the liquid to the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration through the liquid-dispensing component; and/or the collecting a retention liquid discharged from a retention end of the apparatus for filtration includes: disposing the liquid-dispensing component at the retention end of the apparatus for filtration; and collecting the retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration through the liquid-dispensing component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings required to be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly described below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, and it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to apply the present disclosure to other similar scenarios in accordance with these drawings without creative labor. Unless obviously obtained from the context or the context illustrates otherwise, the same numeral in the drawings refers to the same structure or operation.

As shown in this specification and the claims, unless the context clearly suggests an exception, the words “a”, “an”, and/or “the” does not refer specifically to the singular, but may also include the plural. Generally, the terms “including” and “comprising” suggest only the inclusion of clearly identified steps and elements that do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration. The apparatus may include at least one filtration layer and at least one flow-through layer disposed along a filtration direction of the filtration layer. One of the at least one flow-through layer may include at least one first support member and at least one first flow channel, and the at least one first support member may define the at least one first flow channel. When a liquid is injected into the apparatus for filtration, the liquid may enter into the filtration layer via the first flow channel, and then may be filtered by a filtration membrane of the filtration layer. When the filtration membrane filters the liquid, the first support member of the flow-through layer may support the filtration membrane, and establish one or more channels to guide the liquid to flow over a surface of the filtration membrane. By utilizing the rigidity of the first support member, the first flow channel and the filter membrane may not be significantly deformed during an entire filtration process, so that the path of the first flow channel can be well maintained, thereby making the resistance and disturbance encountered by the liquid during the flow process smaller, and being closer to a laminar flow state, greatly reducing a shear force on the liquid and significantly reducing the damage to the active substances in the liquid. For example, the damage to cells in the liquid may be reduced, thus improving cell activity. In some embodiments, an extension direction of the first flow channel may be parallel to the surface of the filtration layer, so that when the liquid flows into the filtration layer from the first flow channel, a tangential flow can effectively avoid clogging of the filtration layer (e.g., the filtration membrane of the filtration layer). On the other hand, the first flow channel ensures that the liquid is subjected to a very small shear force, which greatly reduces the damage to sensitive substances (e.g., cells, etc.), greatly enhances the filtration efficiency and improves the filtration effect.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an apparatus for filtration provided with a permeation layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG.2is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an apparatus for filtration provided with a permeation layer according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG.3is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an apparatus for filtration provided with a permeation layer according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.1-3, an apparatus100for filtration may include at least one filtration layer110and at least one flow-through layer120disposed along a filtration direction of the filtration layer110. One of the at least one flow-through layer120may include at least one first support member121and at least one first flow channel122. The at least one first flow channel122may be configured for a liquid to flow, and the at least one first support member121may define the at least one first flow channel122.

The filtration direction of the filtration layer110refers to a linear direction in which a permeation direction of the liquid along the filtration layer110is located, e.g., a linear direction in which a permeation direction of the liquid when entering into the filtration layer110or a permeation direction of a liquid that has been filtered is located. The filtration direction of the filtration layer110may be represented by the Z-axis inFIG.1. The at least one first support member121may define the at least one first flow channel122, which means that the at least one first flow channel122is formed by the at least one first support member121, or is mainly formed by the at least one first support member121together with other structures (e.g., the housing of the apparatus100for filtration).

In some embodiments, the apparatus100for filtration may further include a housing130. The at least one flow-through layer120and the at least one filtration layer110may be disposed within the housing130. In some embodiments, an inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration may be in flow communication with the at least one flow-through layer120. In some embodiments, the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration may be provided on the housing130. In this embodiment, since the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration is in flow communication with the at least one flow-through layer120, the liquid may be fed through the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration into each of the at least one first flow channel122of the flow-through layer120, and flow along the extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122. Since the at least one flow-through layer120is disposed along the filtration direction of the at least one filtration layer110, the liquid, when flowing along the at least one first flow channel122, may begin to be filtered along a contact surface of each of the at least one first flow channel122and one of the at least one filtration layer110adjacent to the each of the at least one first flow channel122. In addition, the at least one first support member121may support the filtration layer110, creating one or more channels that guide the liquid flowing across a surface of the filtration layer110. By utilizing the rigidity of the at least one first support member121, the at least one first flow channel122and the filtration layer110will not be significantly deformed throughout a filtration process, so that a diameter of the at least one first flow channel122can be well maintained, thereby making the liquid in a flowing process subject to less resistance and perturbation and closer to a laminar flow state. Meanwhile, a shear force to the liquid can be greatly reduced, and the damage to active substances in the liquid can be significantly reduced. For example, the damage to the cells in the liquid can be reduced, thereby improving cell activity. In some embodiments, a retention end (not shown in the figures) of the apparatus100for filtration may be in flow communication with the at least one flow-through layer120, and a retention liquid in the flow-through layer120may be discharged via the retention end. The retention liquid refers to a portion of the liquid that is retained in the flow-through layer120after the liquid enters the flow-through layer120. A liquid flowing from the flow-through layer120into the filtration layer110is the leachate. In some embodiments, the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration may be the inlet of the flow-through layer120, and the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration may be represented by M inFIG.5. In some embodiments, the retention end of the apparatus100for filtration may be the outlet of the flow-through layer120, and the retention end of the apparatus100for filtration may be represented by N inFIG.5. In other embodiments, the inlet end and the retention end of the apparatus100for filtration may be exchanged, that is, N may represent the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration and M may represent the retention end of the apparatus100for filtration.

In some embodiments, the housing130may be used to support other components of the apparatus100for filtration. For example, the housing130may be used to secure the at least one first support member121of the flow-through layer120. As another example, the housing130may be used to secure the filtration layer110(e.g., a filtration screen112of the filtration layer110). As a further example, the housing130may be used to secure a liquid-dispensing component (e.g., a liquid-dispensing component470inFIG.19andFIG.20). In some embodiments, a material used to produce the housing130may include resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), or the like, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the count of the at least one first flow channel122may be equal to 1, i.e., the at least one first flow channel122may include one first flow channel. In some embodiments, the count of the at least one first flow channel122may exceed 1, i.e., the at least one first flow channel122may include a plurality of first flow channels spaced apart. In some embodiments, the plurality of first flow channels122may be disposed spaced apart in parallel, and a surface where the plurality of first flow channels122are disposed may be parallel to a surface of the filtration layer110. In other words, the plurality of first flow channels122may be perpendicular to the surface of the filtration layer110. A distribution direction of the plurality of first flow channels122(i.e., a direction in which the plurality of first flow channels122are disposed spaced apart) may be represented by a Y-axis. In some embodiments, two adjacent first flow channels122may be spaced by one first support member121. In some embodiments, since two adjacent first flow channels122are spaced by one first support member121, each first flow channel122is relatively independent, and each first flow channel122may be independently configured for the liquid to flow, and the liquid in each first flow channel122may not affect each other, making the liquid in each first flow channel122more uniform, which is more conducive to a tangential flow of the liquid along the surface of the filtration layer110, thereby delaying accumulation and concentration polarization of substances retained by the filtration layer110on the surface of the filtration layer110, avoiding premature clogging of the filtration layer110, and improving the filtration effect.

In some embodiments, the extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122may be parallel to the surface of the filtration layer110, so that when the liquid flows into the filtration layer110from the at least one first flow channel122, on the one hand, the tangential flow can effectively avoid the clogging of the filtration layer110, and on the other hand, the at least one first flow channel122ensures that the liquid is subjected to a very small shear force, which greatly reduces the damage to sensitive substances (e.g., cells), thereby enhancing the filtration efficiency and significantly improving the filtration effect.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one first support member121may be provided with a first communication pore (not shown in the figures), and when there are a plurality of first flow channels122, the first communication pore of the at least one first support member121may connect two adjacent first flow channels122so that liquids in the adjacent first flow channels122may flow to each other and be diffused.

In some embodiments, the count of the at least one flow-through layer120may be equal to 1, and disposed along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. The extension direction of the flow-through layer120may be perpendicular to the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. For example, in some embodiments shown inFIG.1, there may include one filtration layer110and one flow-through layer120, and the flow-through layer120may be disposed on one side of the filtration layer110along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. As another example, in some embodiments shown inFIG.2, one filtration layer110may be disposed on each of two sides of the flow-through layer120along a thickness direction of the flow-through layer120, i.e., for each filtration layer110, there may be one flow-through layer120disposed along the filtration direction of the filtration layer120. In some embodiments, a plurality of flow-through layers120may be disposed along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. Merely by way of example, the plurality of flow-through layers120may be disposed on two sides of the filtration layer110along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. For example, the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1may be changed by adding the flow-through layer120between the filtration layer110and a permeation layer140.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of filtration layers110, and the plurality of filtration layers110may be disposed on two sides of the flow-through layer120along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120. Merely by way of example, as shown inFIG.2, there are two filtration layers110and one flow-through layer120, and one of the two filtration layers110is disposed on one side of the flow-through layer120along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120. Since there is one filtration layer110disposed on each side of the flow-through layer120along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120, a liquid in each first flow channel122may touch contact surfaces of two adjacent filtration layers110and be filtered, respectively, and the flow-through layer120may support the two filtration layers110on both sides at the same time, which can improve the filtration efficiency while ensuring the structural rigidity of the filtration layers110on two sides, further ensures that the at least one first flow channel122and the filtration layers110may not be significantly deformed during an entire filtration process. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of filtration layers110, and at least one of the plurality of filtration layers110may be provided with the flow-through layers120on two sides along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.13, one of the filtration layers110is provided with the flow-through layers120disposed on two sides along the filtration direction of the at least one filtration layer110.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of flow-through layers120, and the filtration layers110may be disposed on two sides of at least one of the plurality of flow-through layers120along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120. Merely by way of example, as shown inFIG.3, there are a plurality of filtration layers110and a plurality of flow-through layers120, the plurality of flow-through layers120are disposed at an interval along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110, and at least one of the plurality of flow-through layers120is provided with the filtration layers110on two sides along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120. As another example, as illustrated inFIG.13, there are a plurality of filtration layers110and a plurality of flow-through layers120, the filtration layers110are disposed on two sides of each flow-through layer120shown inFIG.13along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer120, and one of the plurality of filtration layers110is provided with the flow-through layers120on two sides along the filtration direction of the at least one filtration layer110. By providing the plurality of flow-through layers120, the count of the at least one first flow channel122may be enlarged, thus increasing a volume of a liquid accommodated by the apparatus100for filtration and increasing a filtration flux of the apparatus100for filtration.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one filtration layer110may include one or more filtration membranes111, and the filtration membranes111may be used to filter the liquid. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the filtration layer110may include one filtration membrane111. As another example, the filtration layer110may include two filtration membranes111. In some embodiments, the extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122parallel to the surface of the filtration layer110refers to that the extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122is parallel to a surface of the filtration membrane111.

In some embodiments, the filtration membrane111may be configured to retain and separate large molecules from small molecules or large particles from small particles. In some embodiments, the filtration membrane111may allow only specific substances in the liquid to pass through and retain other substances. In some embodiments, the filtration membrane111may be provided with filtration pores having a specific aperture, so that when the liquid touches the filtration membrane111, particulate matter, molecules (e.g., proteins), or tissues that are larger than the aperture of the filtration pores may be retained by the filtration membrane111and may not be able to pass through the filtration membrane111, and particulate matter, molecules, or tissues that are smaller than the aperture of the filtration pores may pass through the filtration membrane111, thereby separating the particulate matter, molecules, or tissues that are smaller than the aperture of the filtration pores from the particulate matter, molecules (e.g., proteins), or tissues that are larger than the aperture of the filtration pores. Particulate matter, molecules, or tissues that are unable to pass through the filtration membrane111may be retained in the at least one first flow channel122when the filtration membrane111is connected to the flow-through layer120. Instead, particulate matter, molecules, or tissue that passes through the filtration membrane111may flow to other regions (e.g., the permeation layer140).

In some embodiments, if the flow-through layer120is not disposed, the liquid may directly touch the filtration membrane111and be filtered, and substances in the liquid that are smaller than the aperture of the filtration pores of the filtration membrane111may typically flow in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the filtration membrane111, that is, filtered along a tangential flow. When the liquid flows tangentially, it is necessary to apply a certain pressure to the liquid to push the liquid to pass through the filtration pores of the filtration membrane111. When a driving force is too small to push the liquid to pass through the filtration pores of the filtration membrane111, a transmembrane pressure (i.e., a pressure that drives the liquid to pass through the filtration membrane111) may be insufficient and a filtration efficiency may be reduced. When the driving force is too large, the liquid may squeeze the filtration membrane111, thereby causing the filtration membrane111to deform in a way that affects a shape of a flow channel of the liquid, thereby affecting a shear force to the liquid, the filtration effect, and the filtration efficiency. Additionally, since the extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122is parallel to the surface of the filtration membrane111, when the liquid flows in the at least one first flow channel122, it is equivalent to flowing along the surface of the filtration membrane111, which not only avoids the clogging of the filtration membrane111due to the tangential flow of the liquid, but also allows the liquid to fully touch the surface of the filtration membrane111, increasing a contact area between the liquid and the surface of the filtration membrane111, greatly improving the filtration efficiency, and significantly improving the filtration effect.

In some embodiments, the filtration membrane111may include of a hollow fiber membrane, a tubular membrane, a ceramic membrane, a polymer membrane, or the like, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the filtration membrane111may be a flat-plate membrane, and a hollow flat-plate membrane formed by the flat-plate membrane combined with the at least one first support member121not only has the advantages of high flux, high selectivity, and ease of cleaning, but also has an adjustable aperture and better anti-pollution performance with a certain mechanical strength and stiffness.

In some embodiments, a type of the filtration membrane111may be structurally adapted to the apparatus100for filtration. In some embodiments, the apparatus100for filtration may be a plate-like structure, and when the apparatus100for filtration is the plate-like structure, the filtration membrane111may be a hollow fiber membrane or a flat-plate membrane, so as adapt to the plate-like structure of the apparatus100for filtration. In some embodiments, the apparatus100for filtration may be a column-like structure or a structure similar to column. For example, the apparatus100for filtration may be a cylinder-like structure or a structure similar to cylinder, a prismatic-like structure, or a structure similar to prismatic. When the apparatus100for filtration is the column-like structure or the structure similar to column, the filtration membrane111may be a rolled membrane to fit the shape of the apparatus100for filtration. In some embodiments, the rolled membrane may be formed by rolling a plate membrane in other embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS.14-16and related embodiments thereof provide an apparatus300for filtration in a form of a column-like structure, with a filtration membrane being a rolled membrane. More details about the apparatus300for filtration can be found inFIGS.14-16and embodiments thereof, which will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3, in order to increase the structural rigidity of the filtration membrane111and to avoid the deformation of the filtration membrane111, the filtration layer110may include at least one filtration screen112and one or more filtration membranes111, the filtration screen112may support the filtration membranes111.

In some embodiments, the count of the at least one filtration screen112may be equal to 1 or exceed 1. For example, inFIG.3, the filtration layer110-2includes one filtration screen112. In some embodiments, when the flow-through layer120is disposed along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110, the filtration screen112may be provided on a side of the filtration membrane111away from the flow-through layer120, so that two sides along the filtration direction of the filtration membrane111are supported by the flow-through layer120and the filtration screen112, respectively, thereby further improving the structural rigidity of the filtration membrane111, reducing the degree of deformation under pressure, and ensuring that the first flow channel can be well maintained. In some embodiments, when the flow-through layers120are disposed on two sides along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110, the filtration screen112may be disposed on a side of the filtration membrane111proximate to one of the flow-through layers120.

In some embodiments, the filtration screen112may be connected to the housing130at end portions, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10. In some embodiments, the filtration screen112may be fixedly or removably connected to the housing130. A specific manner of the fixed connection and the detachable connection may be referred to other embodiments in the present disclosure, and will not be repeated herein. In some embodiments, a material to produce the filtration screen112may include nylon, polypropylene, or the like.

In some embodiments, the filtration screen112may further filter substances passing through the filtration membrane111. In some embodiments, as shown in conjunction withFIG.3,FIG.9, andFIG.10, the filtration screen112is provided with a plurality of screen pores1121, and an aperture of the screen pore1121may be smaller than the aperture of the filtration pore, and the screen pore1121may further retain and separate molecules or particles that pass through the filtration membrane111. A principle of retention and separation of the filtration screen112is the same or similar to that of the filtration membrane111, and will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the aperture of the screen pore1121may be in a range of 10 microns to 200 microns. In some embodiments, the aperture of the screen pore1121may be in a range of 200 micrometers to 2 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aperture of the screen pore1121may be in a range of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

In some embodiments, in order to prevent deformation of the filtration membrane111, it is necessary to provide a rigid support for the filtration membrane111. The rigid support refers to a structural support that provides a higher strength, stiffness, and stability through certain materials or components, and the rigid support can withstand a relatively larger weight and pressure, allowing the entire filtration membrane111to remain stable and less prone to deformation. For example, a maximum deformation amount of the filtration membrane111may be less than 10%, 5%, 3%, etc. In some embodiments, a material used to make the at least one first support member121may include polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene, polycarbonate (PC), or the like.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.1-3, the at least one first support member121may include a plurality of first support members121spaced apart, each first support member121may extend along an extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122, and one of the at least one first flow channel122may be disposed between two adjacent first support members121in the plurality of first support members121. The extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122may be perpendicular to the filtration direction of the at least one first flow channel122and the distribution direction. The extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122may be represented by an X-axis. Merely by way of example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the at least one first support member121includes a plurality of first support members121(two first support members121located at two ends along a distribution direction of the at least one first flow channel122are not fully shown), the plurality of first support members121are disposed parallel to each other and disposed along a Y-axis direction at an interval, and the extension direction of each of the plurality of first support members121is parallel to the surface of the filtration layer110, and one of the at least one first flow channel122is disposed between two adjacent first support members121in the plurality of first support members121.

It is to be noted that a count of the at least one first support member121and a count of the at least one first flow channel122in the embodiment shown inFIG.1are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the count of the at least one first support member121and the count of the at least one first flow channel122, and the count of the at least one first support member121and the count of the at least one first flow channel122may be increased or decreased according to actual needs. For example, if there is a lot of liquid, the count of the at least one first support member121and the count of the at least one first flow channel122may be increased, and if the liquid is less, the count of the at least one first support member121and the count of the at least one first flow channel122may be decreased.

In some embodiments, two ends of each of the plurality of first support members121along the length direction may be connected to the housing130, respectively, as shown inFIG.5. In some embodiments, the two ends of each of the plurality of first support members121along the length direction may be removably connected to the housing130. Exemplary removable connections may include a snap connection, a magnetic connection, or the like. In some embodiments, two ends of each of the plurality of first support members121along the extension direction may be fixedly connected to the housing130to ensure the stability of the entire apparatus100for filtration. Exemplary fixed connections may include gluing, hot-melt fixing, or the like.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.4, the first support member121may be in a wave-plate structure, and one or more first grooves1211may be disposed on both sides of the first supporting member121along a thickness direction, and the one or more first grooves1211may define the at least one first flow channel122. The thickness direction of the at least one first support member121may be parallel to the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. For illustrative purposes only, two ends of the at least one first support member121along the length direction may be connected to a side wall of the housing130, a plurality of first grooves1211may be disposed on both sides of the first supporting member121in the length direction, and each of the first grooves1211may form one of the at least one first flow channel122, and an extension direction of the at least one first flow channel122may be perpendicular to the thickness direction of the at least one first support member121. For ease of description, the first flow channel122formed by the first groove1211disposed on an upper side along the thickness direction of the at least one first support member121may be referred to as a first sub-flow channel1221, and the first flow channel122formed by the first groove1211disposed on a lower side along the thickness direction of the at least one first support member121may be referred to as a second sub-flow channel1222. A plurality of first sub-flow channels1221may be disposed on one side along the thickness direction of the first support member121, and extension directions of the plurality of first sub-flow channels1221are parallel. A plurality of second sub-flow channels1222are disposed on the other side of the first support member121and extension directions of the plurality of second sub-flow channels1222are parallel. In this embodiment, both the first sub-flow channels1221and the second sub-flow channels1222may be used for the liquid to flow, and each channel is used for filtration in a different direction. For example, after the liquid is injected into the first sub-flow channels1221and the second sub-flow channels1222, respectively, the liquid in the first sub-flow channels1221may contact the filtration membrane111located above and be filtrated by the filtration membrane111located above. The liquid in the second sub-flow channels1222may contact the filtration membrane111located below and be filtrated by the filtration membrane111located below. In some embodiments, since the first sub-flow channels1221and the second sub-flow channels1222are disposed on the two sides along the thickness direction of the at least one first support member121and are divided by the at least one first support member121, the first sub-flow channels1221and second sub-flow channels1222may be simultaneously injected with the liquid for filtration without affecting each other. In other embodiments, the wave plate-like structure is stronger and stiffer, provides stronger support for the filtration layer110, and the filtration layer110is less likely to be deformed by pressure, further improving the filtration effect and speed.

In some embodiments, a surface of the at least one first support member121facing the filtration layer110is curved. The first support member121may include a first side wall1212for defining the first flow channel122. For example, the first flow channel122is formed between first side walls1212of two adjacent first support members121inFIG.1. As another example, the first flow channel122is formed in the first groove1211of the first support member121inFIG.4, and an inner wall of the first groove1211is the first side wall1212. A surface of the first support member121facing the filtration layer110refers to a surface of the first side wall1212close to the filtration layer110. Since the surface of the at least one first support member121facing the filtration layer110is curved, a frictional resistance of molecules (e.g., cells) or particles and other substances in the liquid when passing through the surface of the at least one first support member121facing the filtration membrane111may be reduced, which can not only effectively improve a flowing speed of the molecules (e.g., cells) or particles and other substances, but also avoid the molecules (e.g., cells) or particles and other substances in the liquid from accumulating within the at least one first flow channel122, thereby reducing the possibility of blockage in the at least one first flow channel122and improving the filtration efficiency and the filtration effect.

In some embodiments, the apparatus100for filtration may further include at least one permeation layer140disposed along the filtration direction of the filtration layer110. For example, inFIG.1, one permeation layer140is disposed on a side of the filtration layer110away from the flow-through layer120. After the liquid is injected into the at least one first flow channel122, the liquid may begin to be filtered along a contact surface between each first flow channel122with an adjacent filtration membrane111, and when passing through the filtration membrane111, the liquid may be filtered along a contact surface between the surface of the filtration membrane111and an adjacent permeation layer140. In addition, the at least one first support member121of the flow-through layer120and a second support member141of the permeation layer140may support the filtration membrane111of the filtration layer110at the same time, thereby further improving the rigidity of the filtration membrane111, avoiding deformation of the filtration membrane111due to pressure from the liquid, and improving the filtration effect and the filtration speed.

In some embodiments, the permeation layer140may be provided with at least one second support member141and at least one second flow channel142, and the at least one second support member141may define the at least one second flow channel142.

In some embodiments, the at least one second flow channel142includes a plurality of second flow channels142spaced apart, and two adjacent second flow channels142may be spaced by one of the at least one second support member141. The plurality of second flow channels142spaced apart may be parallel to each other and a plane on which the plurality of second flow channels142are located is parallel to the surface of the filtration layer110. In some embodiments, since two adjacent second flow channels142are spaced from each other by one of the at least one second support member141, each second flow channel142is relatively independent, and the liquid in each second flow channel142does not affect each other, making the liquid in each second flow channel142more uniform and more favorable for the filtration of a high throughput liquid.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of second support members141spaced apart. Each of the second support members141extends along the length direction of the second flow channel142, and the second flow channel142is arranged between two adjacent second support members141in the plurality of second support members141. The extension direction of the second flow channel142may be represented by the X-axis. In some embodiments, the second support member141may be provided with a second communication pore (not shown in the figures), and when there are a plurality of the second flow channels142, the second communication pore of the second support member141may connect two adjacent second flow channels142so that the liquid in adjacent second flow channels142may flow to each other and be diffused. In some embodiments, the second support member141may be a wave plate-like structure, and second grooves (not shown in the figure) are disposed on both sides of the second support member141in the thickness direction, and the second grooves may define the second flow channels142. The thickness direction of the second support member141may be parallel to the filtration direction of the filtering layer110. In some embodiments, the second support member141may be the same as or similar to the first support member121.

In some embodiments, the apparatus100for filtration may not be provided with the permeation layer140when complex structure matter or particles passing through the permeation layer140are not target biomass (i.e., biomass needed to be obtained). For example, takingFIG.1as an example, the target biomass is cells that are retained by the filtration layer110, after the liquid is filtered through the flow-through layer120, the filtration layer110, and the permeation layer140in turn, a liquid that passes through the filtration layer110and into the permeation layer140may be regarded as a waste liquid, in which case there is no need to provide the permeation layer140.FIGS.11-13are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary structure of another apparatus for filtration. Compared to the apparatus100for filtration shown inFIGS.1-3, an apparatus200for filtration shown inFIGS.11-13is not provided with the permeation layer140, and the flow-through layer120, the filtration layer110, and the housing130of the apparatus200for filtration may be the same as or similar to the flow-through layer120, the filtration layer110, and the housing130of the apparatus100for filtration. In some embodiments, complex structure matter or particles that ultimately pass through the permeation layer140are the target biomass, whether to provide the permeation layer140may be determined based on the sensitivity of the target biomass to a shear force. Merely by way of example, since an extension direction of the second flow channel142is perpendicular to the filtration direction of the filtration layer110, thereby forming a tangential flow channel parallel to the filtration layer110, complex structure matter or particulate matter entering the permeation layer140through the filtration layer110may be subjected to a larger shear force. If the complex structure matter (e.g., exosomes) or the particulate matter have a higher sensitivity to the shear force and are susceptible to be damaged by the shear force, the permeation layer140may be provided. If the complex structure matter or particulate matter is less sensitive to the shear force and is not susceptible to damage by the shear force, the permeation layer140may not be provided. The sensitivity of the complex structure matter (e.g., exosomes) or the particulate matter to shear forces is related to the shear rate tolerated by the complex structure matter (e.g., exosomes) or the particulate matter. The Shear rate refers to the shear strain generated by the fluid per unit time. For example, when the shear rate tolerated by cultured system is less than 5000 S−1, it can be considered that the cultured system have a higher sensitivity to the shear force.

In some embodiments, when the second support member141and the second flow channel142(i.e., the permeation layer140) are provided, the second support member141may support the filtration layer110, and thus the filtration screen112may not be provided.

In some embodiments, a surface of the second support member141facing the filtration layer110is curved, so to reduce the frictional resistance of substances such as complex structure matter (e.g., cells) or particles in the liquid when passing over the surface of the second support member141facing the filtration membrane111. In some embodiments, the second support member141may include a second side wall1411for defining the second flow channel142. For example, the second flow channel142may be disposed between the second side walls1411of two adjacent second support members141inFIG.1. The surface of the second support member141facing the filtration layer110refers to a surface of the second side wall1411close to the filtration layer110.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of permeation layers140and a plurality of filtration layers110, and the filtration layers110may be disposed on two sides of at least one permeation layer140along a filtration direction. In some embodiments, the filtration direction of the permeation layers140may be parallel to the filtration direction of the filtration layers110. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, a filtration layer110-1and a filtration layer110-2are provided on two sides along a filtration direction of a permeation layer140-1.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may be a plate structure, for example, the apparatus for filtration may be a flat-plate structure or a curved-plate structure. Merely by way of example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the flow-through layer120, the filtration layer110, and the permeation layer140are in a shape of a flat plate, and thus the apparatus100for filtration composed of the flow-through layer120, the filtration layer110, and the permeation layer140is a plate-like structure. As another example, the flow-through layer, the filtration layer, and the permeation layer may all be in a shape of a curved plate, and thus the apparatus for filtration composed of the flow-through layer, the filtration layer, and the permeation layer is a curved-plate structure. In some embodiments, the apparatus for filtration may be a column-like structure or a structure similar to column, e.g., an elliptical column-like structure, a cylinder-like structure, a prismatic-like structure, a structure similar to elliptical column, a structure similar to cylinder, a structure similar to prismatic, etc.

FIG.14is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an apparatus for filtration according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG.15is a schematic diagram illustrating a flowing direction of a liquid in at least one flow-through layer of the apparatus for filtration inFIG.14; andFIG.16is a schematic diagram illustrating a flowing direction of a leachate in at least one filtration layer of the apparatus for filtration inFIG.14.FIGS.14-16are schematic diagrams illustrating a cross-section of another apparatus for filtration. In some embodiments, the apparatus300for filtration may include a filtrate discharge pipeline360. Both a filtration layer310and a flow-through layer320are spirally encircled along a circumferential direction (e.g., a direction shown by an arrow A inFIG.14toFIG.16) along the filtrate discharge pipeline360, and the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320are provided alternately along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. The filtrate discharge pipeline360is provided with a collection pore361passing through a side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. Ends of the flow-through layer320and the filtration layer310along a spiral direction that are away from the filtrate discharge pipeline360are closed. One end of the flow-through layer320along the spiral direction that is close to the filtrate discharge pipeline360is connected to the side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, and one end of the filtration layer310along the spiral direction that is close to the filtrate discharge pipeline360is in flow communication with the filtrate discharge pipeline360through the collection pore361.

In this embodiment, the liquid may enter the flow-through layer320from an inlet end of the apparatus300for filtration. Since both the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320are spirally encircled along a circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360and alternately disposed along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, the filtration layer310and/or the flow-through layer320may encircle to form a plurality of circles. Along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320may have a plurality of loop layers, and the liquid in each loop layer may flow to a radially adjacent loop layer and be filtered by the loop layers (e.g., a filtration membrane311-1and a filtration membrane311-2of the filtration layer310). For example, along a direction where an arrow P in an embodiment ofFIG.15is located (the direction shown by the arrow P passes through a center axis of the filtrate discharge pipeline360), the filtration layer310has a first filtration loop layer313and a second filtration loop layer314, and the flow-through layer320has a first flow-through loop layer323and a second flow-through loop layer324, and the first filtration loop layer313, the first flow-through loop layer323, the second filtration loop layer314, and the second flow-through loop layer324are sequentially connected. With such setup, when the first flow-through loop layer323and the first filtration loop layer313are in flow communication, the liquid in the first flow-through loop layer323may flow toward the first filtration loop layer313(as shown by the arrows inFIG.15) and to be filtered through the first filtration loop layer313. When the first flow-through loop layer323and/or the second flow-through loop layer324is in flow communication with the second filtration loop layer314, the liquid in the first flow-through loop layer323and/or the second flow-through loop layer324may flow toward the second filtration loop layer314(as shown by an arrow between the first flow-through loop layer323and the second flow-through loop layer324and the second filtration loop layer314inFIG.15) and be filtered through the second filtration loop layer314. In flow communication the flow-through loop layer and the filtration loop layer herein refers that substances in the liquid in the flow-through loop layer may enter the filtration loop layer under certain conditions. In some embodiments, a barrier layer may be provided between the flow-through loop layer and the filtration loop layer. For example, the barrier layer may be provided between the first flow-through loop layer323and the second filtration loop layer314to restrict the liquid in the first flow-through loop layer323from flowing to the second filtration loop layer314. After the liquid is filtered through the apparatus300for filtration, a liquid that is retained in the flow-through layer320(i.e., in each flow-through loop layer) is the retention liquid, and a liquid that enters each filtration loop layer after being filtered through the filtration membrane (i.e., a liquid that flows into the filtration layer) is the leachate. Since one end of the filtration layer310is in communication with an interior of the filtrate discharge pipeline360and the other end of the filtration layer310is closed, and the filtration layer310is distributed in a spiral shape, the leachate flowing into the filtration layer310may flow toward a center of the apparatus300for filtration. For example, ends of the filtration layer310along a direction of the central axis of the apparatus300for filtration may be closed to allow the leachate in the filtration layer310to flow toward the filtrate discharge pipeline360. Then, the leachate may enter the filtrate discharge pipeline360through the collection pore361of the filtrate discharge pipeline360(i.e., the leachate flows along a direction indicated by an arrow at the collection pore361inFIG.16), and thus the leachate may be discharged from the apparatus300for filtration through an outlet of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. At the same time, the retention liquid in the flow-through layer320may be discharged from the apparatus300for filtration through an outlet (i.e., the retention end of the apparatus300for filtration, e.g., an end surface of the flow-through layer320) of the flow-through layer320, thereby enabling the retention liquid and the leachate to be discharged from the apparatus300for filtration through different channels. In some embodiments, the flow-through loop layer is in communication with an adjacent filtration loop layer along any radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of collection pores361spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360to improve the efficiency of the leachate in the filtration layer310entering the filtrate discharge pipeline360.

In some embodiments, the filtration layer310may be provided on one side of the flow-through layer320along the thickness direction. For example, the embodiments shown inFIGS.14-16may be viewed as that the filtration layer310is provided on one side along the thickness direction of the flow-through layer320, and when the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320are spirally encircled and alternatively disposed along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, the flow-through loop layer may be connected to different filtration loop layers. For example, along the direction where the arrow P is located inFIG.15, the first flow-through loop layer323may be connected to the first filtration loop layer313and the second filtration loop layer314, respectively, so that the liquid in the first flow-through loop layer323may be filtered through the first filtration loop layer313and the second filtration loop layer314. In some embodiments, one or more filtration layers310may be provided on two sides of the flow-through layer320along the thickness direction, which will not be specifically described herein.

In some embodiments, the filtration layer310may include one or more filtration membranes. Merely by way of example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIG.14toFIG.16, the filtration layer310includes a filtration membrane311-1and a filtration membrane311-2. The filtration membrane311-1and the filtration membrane311-2are both spirally encircled along the circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. A channel for the leachate to flow is formed between the filtration membrane311-1and the filtration membrane311-2. For example, along the direction where the arrow P is located, the second filtration loop layer314includes the filtration membrane311-1and the filtration membrane311-2, and the filtration membrane311-2disposed on an inner side of the second filtration loop layer314is connected to the first flow-through loop layer323, and the liquid in the first flow-through loop layer323may be filtered through the filtration membrane311-2. The filtration membrane311-1disposed on an outer side of the second filtration loop layer314is connected to the second flow-through loop layer324, and the liquid in the second flow-through loop layer324may be filtered through the filtration membrane311-1, so that the liquid in the flow-through layer320may be filtered along both directions. In another embodiment, when both the flow-through layer320and the filtration layer310form a loop layer, the filtration layer310may include one filtration membrane (e.g., the filtration membrane311-1), the filtration membrane is connected to the flow-through layer320to filter the liquid in the flow-through layer320.

In some embodiments, the filtration layer310may include a filtration screen312and one or more filtration membranes, and the filtration screen312may support the filtration membranes to form a channel for the leachate to flow. Merely by way of example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIG.14toFIG.16, the filtration screen312is disposed between the filtration membrane311-1and filtration membrane311-2to form a channel for the filtrate to flow between the filtration membrane311-1and the filtration membrane311-2. For example, along the direction where the arrow P is located inFIG.15, the filtration membrane311-1is connected to the first flow-through loop layer323, and the filtration membrane311-2is connected to the second flow-through loop layer324, and the filtration screen312is disposed between the filtration membrane311-1located on the inner side of the second filtration loop layer314and the filtration membrane311-2located on the outer side of the second flow-through loop layer314, thereby forming the channel for the leachate to flow between the filtration membrane311-2and the filtration membrane311-1. The inner side refers to a side facing a center of the apparatus300for filtration along the direction of the arrow P, and the outer side refers to a side backing away from the center of the apparatus300for filtration along the direction of the arrow P. Particulate matter, molecules, or tissues in the liquid in the second flow-through loop layer324and the first flow-through loop layer323that are smaller than the aperture of the filtration pores may then enter the channel through filtration pores of the filtration membrane311-1and the filtration membrane311-2, finally enter into the filtrate discharge pipeline360through the collection pore361, and then be discharged from the apparatus300for filtration via the filtrate discharge pipeline360.

In some embodiments, the filtration layer310may also include a third support member (not shown in the figures), which may replace the filtration screen312for supporting the filtration membranes. In some embodiments, the third support member may be the same as or similar to the first support member or the second support member in other embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the third support member may be used in conjunction with the filtration screen312to increase a strength of support for the filtration membrane.

In some embodiments, the flow-through layer320may include at least one first support member321and at least one first flow channel322, and the at least one first support member321and the at least one first flow channel322may be the same or similar to the at least one first support member121and the at least one first flow channel122in embodiments ofFIG.1toFIG.13, and will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, the apparatus300for filtration may also include a permeation layer (not shown in the figures). For example, on the basis of the embodiment shown inFIG.15, the permeation layer may be added to further improve the structural rigidity of the filtration membranes, avoid the filtration membranes from being deformed by the pressure from the liquid, and improve a filtration effect and a filtration speed, on the other hand, the liquid may be further filtered to meet different filtration requirements through the permeation layer. For the convenience of description, taking the direction where the arrow P is located as a reference, the permeation layer may be disposed between the second filtration loop layer314and the first flow-through loop layer323. In some embodiments, the permeation layer may be provided with at least one second support member and at least one second flow channel, the second support member may define the second flow channel, and the second flow channel and the second support member of the permeation layer are the same as or similar to the second flow channel142and the second support member141in embodiments inFIG.1toFIG.3, and will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, the apparatus300for filtration may also include a housing (not shown in the figures), and the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320are both disposed within the housing. For example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIG.14toFIG.16, the housing may be disposed on the outside of the entire apparatus300for filtration, encasing an outermost loop layer of the flow-through layer320, preventing the liquid in the outermost loop layer from leakage. In some embodiments, the housing may enclose ends of the flow-through layer320and the filtration layer310that are away from the filtrate discharge pipeline360, thereby preventing the liquid in the flow-through layer and the filtrate in the filtration layer310from leakage.

It should be noted that the embodiments shown inFIG.14toFIG.16are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the apparatus300for filtration, and after fully understanding the technical scheme of the apparatus300for filtration, the apparatus300for filtration inFIG.14toFIG.16may be transformed to obtain a transformed embodiment of the apparatus300for filtration. For example, the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320may not be stacked along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. As another example, the filtrate discharge pipeline360of the apparatus300for filtration may not be necessary, i.e., the leachate in the filtration layer310does not need to be collected in the filtrate discharge pipeline360and discharged from the apparatus300for filtration, but can be directly discharged from the opening of the filtration layer310.

In other embodiments, the apparatus300for filtration may include the filtrate discharge pipeline360as shown inFIG.17, the filtrate discharge pipeline360may be provided with at least one collection pore361passing through a side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. A plurality of filtration groups are disposed apart along a circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, and the plurality of filtration groups are all spirally encircled along the circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360. Each filtration group of the plurality of filtration groups includes one of the at least one filtration layer310and one of the at least one flow-through layer310connected to the at least one filtration layer310. For each filtration group, ends of the flow-through layer320and the filtration layer310away from the filtrate discharge pipeline360along a spiral direction are closed, an end of the flow-through layer320close to the filtrate discharge pipeline360along the spiral direction is connected to the side wall of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, and an end of the filtration layer310close to the filtrate discharge pipeline360is in flow communication with the filtrate discharge pipeline360through the collection pore361.

In the present embodiment, since the plurality of filtration groups are disposed at an interval along the circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, each filtration group operates independently of each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.17, four filtration groups are provided at an interval along the circumferential direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, and each filtration group includes a flow-through layer320and a filtration layer310, and the liquid in the flow-through layer320may flow into the filtration layer310connected thereto, and then enter the filtrate discharge pipeline360from the filtration layer310via the connection pore361.

In some embodiments, the filtrate discharge pipeline360extends along a direction parallel to the direction of the center axis of the apparatus300for filtration. In some embodiments, it is not necessary for the plurality of filtration groups to be spirally encircled. For example, the plurality of filtration groups may extend along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360, i.e., the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320may extend along the radial direction of the filtrate discharge pipeline360.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.18, both the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320of the apparatus300for filtration are enclosed in an annular structure (not shown in the figure), and the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320are coaxially disposed. Openings are disposed on the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320along a center axis direction of the annular structure. In this embodiment, the liquid may enter into the flow-through layer320from the inlet end of the apparatus300for filtration and be filtered through the filtration membrane (e.g., the filtration membrane311-1, the filtration membrane311-2) of the filtration layer310, and a liquid flowing into the filtration layer310(i.e., the percolation liquid) may be discharged out of the apparatus300for filtration through the outlet of the filtration layer310(which is not shown in the figure), and a liquid (i.e., the retention liquid) that is retained in the flow-through layer320by the filtration membrane may be discharged out of the apparatus300for filtration through the outlet (i.e., the retention end of the apparatus300for filtration) of the flow-through layer320.

In some embodiments, there may be one filtration layer310and one flow-through layer320. Merely by way of example, the filtration layer310may be disposed on an inner side of the flow-through layer320, i.e., the filtration layer310is disposed on a side of the flow-through layer320close to the center of the apparatus300for filtration, and the liquid in the flow-through layer320may flow to the filtration layer310located at the inner side of the flow-through layer and be filtered through the filtration layer310located at the inner side. As another example, the filtration layer310may be disposed on an outer side of the flow-through layer320, i.e., the filtration layer310is disposed on a side of the flow-through layer320away from the center of the apparatus300for filtration, and the liquid in the flow-through layer320may flow to the filtration layer310located at the outer side of the flow-through layer320and be filtered through the filtration layer310located at the outer side.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of filtration layers310and/or a plurality of flow-through layers320. Merely by way of example, there may be one flow-through layer320and two filtration layers310, the one flow-through layer320is provided with a filtration layer310-2on the inner side of the flow-through layer320and a filtration layer310-1on the outer side of the flow-through layer320, and the filtration layer310-1and filtration layer310-2being independent of each other. The liquid in the flow-through layer320may flow into the filtration layer310-2located at the inner side of the flow-through layer320and the filtration layer310-1located at the outer side of the flow-through layer, respectively. As another example, there may be two flow-through layers320and one filtration layer310, i.e., the one filtration layer310is provided with a flow-through layer320-2on the inner side of the filtration layer310and a flow-through layer320-1on the outer side of the filtration layer310, so that the liquid in the flow-through layer320-2and the flow-through layer320-2may flow to the filtration layer310and be filtered through the filtration layer310, and a liquid that enters the filtration layer310(i.e., the leachate) may be discharged out of the apparatus for filtration through the outlet of the filtration layer310. As another example, there may be two flow-through layers320and two filtration layers310, e.g., the flow-through layer320includes a flow-through layer320-1and a flow-through layer320-2, the filtration layer310includes a filtration layer310-1and filtration layer310-2, and the filtration layer310-2, the flow-through layer320-2, the filtration layer310-1, and the flow-through layer320-1are coaxially disposed in sequence along a radial direction of the apparatus300for filtration outwardly. The flow-through layer320-1is connected to the filtration layer310-1only, so that the liquid in the flow-through layer320-1may flow to the filtration layer310-1to be filtered through the filtration layer310-1, and the since the flow-through layer320-2is connected to the filtration layer310-1and the filtration layer310-2at the same time, the liquid in the flow-through layer320-2may flow to the filtration layer310-1and the filtration layer310-2, respectively, and be filtered through the filtration layer310-1and the filtration layer310-2, and then leachates in the filtration layer310-1and the filtration layer310-2may be discharged out of the apparatus for filtration through outlets of the filtration layer310-1and the filtration layer310-2, respectively. In some embodiments, the count of the filtration layer310and/or the flow-through layer320may be three, four, five, or more, which will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, a specific shape of the apparatus300for filtration may be related to a specific shape of an annular structure enclosed by the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320. For example, if the annular structure enclosed by the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320is cylindrical, the apparatus300for filtration may be cylindrical. As another example, if the annular structure enclosed by the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320is prismatic, the apparatus300for filtration may be prismatic. In some embodiments, the shape of the annular structure enclosed by the filtration layer310and the flow-through layer320may be a regular or irregular shape such as a cylinder, a prism, an ellipse, or the like.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.19andFIG.20, the apparatus for filtration (e.g., the apparatus100for filtration inFIG.1) may also include the liquid-dispensing component470. The liquid-dispensing component470may be disposed at the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. When the liquid-dispensing component470is located at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration, it is used to dispense the liquid entering the apparatus for filtration to ensure that the liquid is uniformly dispensed into each first flow channel (e.g., the at least one first flow channel122inFIG.1). Then, the liquid may enter the filtration layer (e.g., the filtration layer110inFIG.1) via the first flow channel, and then be filtered by the filtration membrane (e.g., the filtration membrane111inFIG.1) of the filtration layer. This setup delays the accumulation and concentration polarization of substances retained by the filtration membrane on its surface, prevents the clogging of the filtration membrane caused by the tangential flow of the liquid, and ensures full contact between the liquid and the surface of the filtration membrane. This increases a contact area between the liquid and the filtration membrane surface, greatly enhancing filtration efficiency and significantly improving filtration performance. Additionally, it avoids altering the shape of the flow-through channel, thereby reducing shear forces on the liquid and significantly minimizing damage to active substances in a liquid that has been filtered. When the liquid-dispensing component470is disposed at the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, it is used to collect the retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. By utilizing the liquid-dispensing component located at the retention end of the apparatus for filtration to collect the retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, damage to active substances in the retention liquid may be reduced as well.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component470may include a liquid main pipe471, a plurality of liquid diverters472, and a housing473. The plurality of liquid diverters472are spaced apart within the housing473along a height direction of the housing473, and an interior of the housing473is in flow communication with an external pipeline through the liquid main pipe471. Along the height direction of the housing473, a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of liquid diverters472away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of liquid diverters472close to the liquid main pipe471.

The height direction of the housing473refers to a center axis direction of an opening of the housing473in flow communication with the liquid main pipe471. The height direction of the housing473is indicated by arrows inFIG.19andFIG.20. A cross-section of the liquid diverter472refers to a cross-section of the liquid diverter472perpendicular to the height direction of the housing473. The liquid main pipe471is in flow communication with the external pipeline for transmitting the liquid into the housing473or collecting the retention liquid from the housing473. For example, the liquid main pipe471may be in flow communication with a liquid pump (not shown in the figures). As another example, the liquid main pipe471may be in flow communication with a waste tank.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component470may further include a first liquid-drainage474, and the first liquid-drainage474is disposed on a side of the plurality of liquid diverters472close to the liquid main pipe471. The first liquid-drainage474may be used to drain liquid from the liquid main pipe471into the housing473to the plurality of liquid diverters472.

In some embodiments, along the height direction of the housing473, a cross-sectional area of a side of the first liquid-drainage474away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of the first liquid-drainage474close to the liquid main pipe471. In some embodiments, the first liquid-drainage474may include a cone (e.g., a cone, a prismatic cone), a trapezoidal table, a round table, or the like. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.19, the first liquid-drainage474is a cone, and a projection (e.g., a black area corresponding to dashed lines476) of the first liquid-drainage474on an end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is circular. When contacting with the cone, the liquid may flow from a top portion to a bottom portion of the cone along a side wall of the cone, which causes the liquid to be dispersed and thus enables a portion of the liquid to be drained to the liquid diverter472.

In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component470may also include a second liquid-drainage475, and the second liquid-drainage475may be disposed on a side of the first liquid-drainage474away from the liquid main pipe471. The second liquid-drainage475may be coaxially disposed with the first liquid-drainage474. In some embodiments, by providing the second liquid-drainage475below the first liquid-drainage474, the liquid between the first liquid-drainage474and a first liquid diverter4721may be prevented from directly falling below the first liquid-drainage474, which causes uneven distribution of the liquid. In some embodiments, along the height direction of the housing473, a cross-sectional area of a side of the second liquid-drainage475away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of the second liquid-drainage475close to the liquid main pipe471. In some embodiments, the second liquid-drainage475may be the same as or similar to the first liquid-drainage474.

In some embodiments, the liquid diverter472may be a non-closed structure. Merely by way of example, each liquid diverter472may include a plurality of diverting bars (not shown in the drawings), and along the height direction of the housing473, a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of diverting bars away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than a cross-sectional area of a side of each of the plurality of diverting bars close to the liquid main pipe471, and the plurality of diverting bars are disposed at an interval. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the diverting baffle perpendicular to the length direction of the diverting baffle may be triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the length direction of the plurality of diverting bars may be perpendicular to the height direction of the housing473, and the plurality of diverting bars may be disposed at an interval and parallel to each other along the height direction of the housing473. In some embodiments, the plurality of diverting bars may be disposed coplanarly, and the plurality of diverting bars may be disposed on a plane that is perpendicular to the height direction of the housing473. In some embodiments, the plurality of diverting bars may be disposed coplanarly, and an angle between the plane on which the plurality of diverting bars are located and the height direction of the housing473may be less than 90°. In some embodiments, the plurality of diverting bars may be disposed non-coplanarly.

In some embodiments, the liquid diverter472may be one or more liquid-diverting rings coaxially disposed. In some embodiments, an axial direction of the liquid-diverting rings may be parallel to the height direction of the housing473. The axial direction of the liquid-diverting rings refers to an axial direction that perpendicular to a plane enclosed by the liquid-diverting rings. In some embodiments, an angle between the axial direction of the liquid-diverting rings and the height direction of the housing473may be less than 90°. For example, the angle between the axial direction of the liquid-diverting rings and the height direction of the housing473is 30°. In some embodiments, each of the liquid-diverting rings may be a regular or irregularly-shaped ring structure such as a rectangular ring, a circular ring, a triangular ring, or the like. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.19andFIG.20, the liquid diverter472is a rectangular ring, and a projection (e.g., a black area corresponding to dashed lines477and dashed lines478) of the liquid diverter472on the end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is a rectangular ring. As another example, in embodiments shown inFIG.21andFIG.22, the liquid diverter572is a circular ring, and a projection (e.g., a black area corresponding to dashed lines577and dashed lines578) of the liquid diverter572on the end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is a circular ring. In some embodiments, along the height direction of the housing473, an inner cross-sectional area of a side of the one or more liquid-diverting rings away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than an inner cross-sectional area of a side of the one or more liquid-diverting rings close to the liquid main pipe471.

In some embodiments, a count of the liquid diverters472may be increased or decreased to meet the needs of liquid-dispensing in different scenarios. For example, if an area of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration is increased (or a count of the first flow channels is increased), the count of the liquid diverters472may be increased. As another example, if the area of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration is reduced (or the count of the first flow channels is reduced), the count of the liquid diverters472may be reduced, for example, the count of the liquid diverters472may be reduced to one.

In some embodiments, at least one first drainage channel479is formed between an outer wall surface of the first liquid-drainage474and an inner wall surface of the liquid diverter472, between an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of two adjacent liquid diverters472, and between the liquid diverter472and an inner wall surface of the housing473, and a first opening of the first drainage channel479is in flow communication with the liquid main pipe471, and a second opening of the first drainage channel479corresponds to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

The first drainage channel479corresponding to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration refers to that when the liquid-dispensing component470is located at the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, a projection of the first drainage channel479covers at least a portion of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. The liquid flowing from the second opening of the first drainage channel479may flow to an area corresponding to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, or a liquid flowing from the end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration may flow to a corresponding second opening of the first drainage channel479. In some embodiments, the first drainage channel479formed between the outer wall surface of the first liquid-drainage474and the inner wall surface of the liquid diverter472may be referred to as a first sub-drainage channel4791, and the first drainage channel479formed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the two adjacent liquid diverters472may be referred to as a second sub-drainage channel4792, and the first drainage channel479formed between the liquid diverter472and the inner wall surface of the housing473may be referred to as a third sub-drainage channel4793. The first sub-drainage channel4791, the second sub-drainage channel4792, and the third sub-drainage channel4793correspond to a portion of a region of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, respectively. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated inFIG.19toFIG.20andFIG.21toFIG.22are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit a court of the first drainage channel, in actual application, a count of the sub-drainage channels may also be increased or decreased as required by a width of the apparatus for filtration. For example, when the area of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration increases, a fourth sub-drainage channel, a fifth sub-drainage channel or the like may be added, for example, an end of a sub-drainage channel closest to the apparatus for filtration corresponds to a portion of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, respectively.

FIG.19is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid-dispensing component470including two liquid diverters472. For ease of description, the liquid diverter472close to the liquid main pipe471may be referred to as a first liquid diverter4721, and the other liquid diverter472is referred to as a second liquid diverter4722. As shown inFIG.19, the first liquid diverter4721and the second liquid diverter4722are both rectangular rings, and the first liquid-drainage474is a cone. The farther away from the liquid main pipe471, the larger the cross-sectional area of the cone and the thicker the wall of each rectangular ring. Taking the liquid-dispensing component470disposed at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration as an example, when the liquid flows into the housing473from the liquid main pipe471, a portion of the liquid may flow to the first liquid-drainage474and contact with the first liquid-drainage474, the liquid may be diverted by the first liquid-drainage474, and a portion of the liquid that is diverted by the first liquid-drainage474may flow from an outer side of the first liquid-drainage474(i.e., the first sub-drainage channel4791formed between the first liquid-drainage474and the first liquid diverter4721) to the end surface of the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration, and another portion of the liquid may be drained to the first liquid diverter4721. The liquid flowing to the first liquid diverter4721may be diverted by the first liquid diverter4721. A portion of the liquid that is diverted by the first liquid diverter4721may flow from an inner side of the first liquid diverter4721(i.e., the first sub-drainage channel4791) to the apparatus for filtration, while another portion of the liquid may flow from an outer side of the first liquid diverter4721(i.e., the second sub-drainage channel4792formed between the second liquid diverter4722and the first liquid diverter4721) to the apparatus for filtration. In turn, a portion of the liquid flowing down from the outer side of the first liquid diverter4721may flow toward the second liquid diverter4722and contacts the second liquid diverter4722. Therefore, this portion of the liquid (i.e., the liquid flowing to the second liquid diverter4722) may be diverted by the second liquid diverter4722and may flow to the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration from an inner side (i.e., the second sub-drainage channel4792) and an outer side (i.e., the third sub-drainage channel4793formed between the second liquid diverter4722and the housing473) of the second liquid diverter4722, respectively.

In some embodiments, along the height direction of the housing473, an inner cross-sectional area of a side of the housing473away from the liquid main pipe471is larger than an inner cross-sectional area of a side of the housing473close to the liquid main pipe471. In some embodiments, a projection of the housing473at the retention end and/or at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration may correspond to the shape of the end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration. For example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIG.19andFIG.20, the end surface of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is rectangular, and therefore the projection of the housing473on the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is also rectangular. That is, the liquid-dispensing component470illustrated inFIG.19toFIG.20may be adapted to an apparatus for filtration whose end surfaces of a retention end and/or an inlet end is rectangular. For example, the apparatus100for filtration inFIG.1toFIG.3is a plate-like structure, so end surfaces of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus100for filtration are rectangular. As another example, the apparatus200for filtration inFIG.11toFIG.13is a plate-like structure, so end surfaces of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus200for filtration are rectangular. For example, in the embodiments shown inFIG.21andFIG.22, end surfaces of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration are circular, and therefore the projection of the housing473on the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration is also circular. That is, a liquid-dispensing component570illustrated inFIG.21andFIG.22may be adapted for an apparatus for filtration whose end surfaces of a retention end and/or an inlet end is a circular or similar to circular, for example, the apparatus300for filtration inFIG.14toFIG.18is a structure similar to cylinder, so that end surfaces of the retention end and/or the inlet end of the apparatus300for filtration are similar to circular.

In some embodiments, except for a shape of the housing and the liquid diverter, the liquid-dispensing component570of the embodiment illustrated inFIG.21andFIG.22is identical or similar to the liquid-dispensing component470of the embodiment shown inFIG.19andFIG.20, which will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, the liquid-drainage474and the plurality of liquid diverters472may be connected to the housing473. For example, as shown inFIG.19, the housing of the apparatus for filtration (not shown in the figure) is provided with a fixing bracket4701, which may be used to fix the housing relative to the liquid-dispensing component470. In some embodiments, the liquid-drainage474and the plurality of liquid diverters472may be removably connected or fixedly connected to the housing473, and a removable connection or a fixed connection may be referred to descriptions of other embodiments.

FIG.20is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary liquid-dispensing component placed at a second angle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A placement direction of the liquid-dispensing component470shown inFIG.20may be opposite to a placement direction of the liquid-dispensing component470shown inFIG.19. In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component470may be placed at a first angle or a second angle when there is a need to dispense the liquid to the apparatus for filtration. For example, the liquid-dispensing component470is placed at the second angle, where the apparatus for filtration may be disposed above the liquid-dispensing component470, and an end surface of an inlet end of the apparatus for filtration may correspond to an opening of the housing473. The liquid main pipe471of the liquid-dispensing component470is in flow communication with a liquid pump, through which the liquid is pumped into the housing473, and in turn, the liquid is transmitted to the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration by the liquid-dispensing component470.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.23, a liquid-dispensing component570may include a liquid main pipe (not shown in the figure) and at least one liquid branch pipe. One of the at least one liquid branch pipe includes a first opening and a plurality of second openings. An end of the liquid main pipe is connected to the first opening of the liquid branch pipe, the other end of the liquid main pipe is connected to an external pipeline, and the second openings of the liquid branch pipe correspond to an end surface of at least one of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.23, the liquid branch pipe may include a first liquid branch pipe671and at least one second liquid branch pipe672, the first liquid branch pipe671and the at least one second liquid branch pipe672both include a first opening and a plurality of second openings. The first opening of the first liquid branch pipe671may be connected to an end of the liquid main pipe the first opening of the at least one second liquid branch pipe672may be correspondingly connected to a second opening of the first liquid branch pipe671. Each of the second openings of the at least one second liquid branch pipe672may correspond to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. It should be noted that an embodiment shown inFIG.23is for illustrative purposes only, and does not limit a count of the liquid branch pipe, and in practice, the count of the liquid branch pipe may also be increased or decreased as required by a width of the apparatus for filtration. For example, when the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration is enlarged, for example, a third liquid branch pipe, a fourth liquid branch pipe, a fifth liquid branch pipe, etc., may be added. A connection manner between liquid branches pipes at each level is similar to that of the first liquid branch pipe and the second liquid branch pipe, and a second opening of the liquid branch pipe closest to the apparatus for filtration corresponds to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration.

The first opening of the second liquid branch pipe672corresponding to a second opening of the first liquid branch pipe671refers to that the first opening of the second liquid branch pipe672is connected to the second opening of one first liquid branch pipe671. The count of the first opening of the second liquid branch pipe671is the same as the count of the second opening of the first liquid branch pipe671. Since each of the first liquid branch pipe671and the second liquid branch pipe672includes a plurality of second openings, when the liquid flows out of the first liquid branch pipe671and/or the second liquid branch pipe672, the liquid may be split into a plurality of liquids. In some embodiments, inner diameters of the second openings of the first liquid branch pipe671are the same, and inner diameters of the plurality of second openings of the at least one second liquid branch pipe672are the same.

In this embodiment, when the liquid-dispensing component670is disposed at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration, the liquid, after flowing into the first liquid branch pipe671, may then flow into the at least one second liquid branch pipe672from the second openings of the first liquid branch pipe671, respectively. Then the liquid in each second liquid branch pipe672may in turn flow out of the plurality of second openings of the at least one second liquid branch pipe672and into the first flow channel, thereby completing the distribution of the liquid.

Merely by way of example, as shown inFIG.23, a count of the first liquid branch pipe671is one, a count of the second liquid branch pipe672is two, the second openings of the first liquid branch pipe671and the second openings of the second liquid pipe672are both two, and the first opening of each of the two second liquid branch pipes672are connected to one of the second openings of the first liquid branch pipe671, respectively. Each of the second openings of the two second liquid branch pipes672corresponds to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration (not shown in the figures), respectively.

It should be noted that a structure of the liquid-dispensing component670illustrated inFIG.23is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit a count and a shape of the liquid branch pipe. In some embodiments, the count of the liquid branch pipe may be increased or decreased to meet the needs of liquid dispensing. For example only, when an area of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration is increased or a count of the first flow channel is increased, a third liquid branch pipe, a fourth liquid branch pipe, a fifth liquid branch pipe, and so forth, may be added, and liquid branch pipes at each level may be connected in a similar manner as that of between the first liquid branch pipe and the second liquid branch pipe, and a second opening of a liquid branch pipe that is closest to the apparatus for filtration corresponds to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. As another example, the second liquid branch pipe672may be omitted when the area of the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus for filtration decreases or the count of the first flow channel decreases. In some embodiments, the first liquid branch pipe671and the second liquid branch pipe672may be a round pipe, a square pipe, or the like.

In some embodiments, connecting faces of the plurality of second openings of the first liquid branch pipe671, connection faces of the plurality of second openings of the second liquid branch pipe672, and a connection face between the first liquid branch pipe671and the second liquid branch pipe672may be curved to reduce a shear force and frictional resistance subjected by the liquid as the liquid passes through the faces, thereby preventing substances in the liquid (e.g., cells) from being damaged, e.g., to reduce damage to cells and increase cell activity.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.24, a liquid-dispensing component770may include a liquid main pipe (not shown in the figure), a port773, a drainage pipe774, and at least one liquid-diverting baffle771, the port773may be disposed on a side of the drainage pipe774, one end of the drainage pipe774may be connected to a liquid main pipe, and the liquid-diverting baffle771may be disposed within the drainage pipe774. The liquid-diverting baffle771divides a second drainage channel772within the drainage pipe774. The second drainage channel772is in flow communication with the liquid main pipe and the port773. In this embodiment, the second drainage channel772may be provided in correspondence with an inlet end and/or a retention end of an apparatus700for filtration via the port773of the liquid-dispensing component770, so the liquid may be transmitted to the inlet end of the apparatus700for filtration and/or a liquid (e.g., a retention liquid) discharged out of the retention end may enter the liquid-dispensing component770.

In some embodiments, there may be one second drainage channel772. For example, there may be one liquid-diverting baffle771, and a surface of the liquid-diverting baffle771back from the port773may define and space the second drainage channel772. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of second drainage channels772, and the plurality of second drainage channels772may be inconsistent in length. In some embodiments, a length of each of the plurality of second drainage channels772increases along a direction from close to the port773to away from the port773. Merely by way of example, there may be a plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771disposed at an interval along the direction from close to the port773to away from the port773, and a length of each of the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771may be increased along an extension direction of the drainage pipe774, the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771may divide the drainage pipe774into a plurality of second drainage channels772, and lengths of the plurality of second drainage channels772may increase along the direction from close to the port773to away from the port773. In some embodiments, the direction from close to the port773to away from the port773of the liquid-dispensing component770refers to a direction indicated by an arrow Q inFIG.24.

In some embodiments, the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771are disposed at an interval and parallel. For example, the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771may be provided at an interval and parallel along the direction indicated by the arrow Q. The plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771divide the drainage pipe774into a plurality of second drainage channels772, and the plurality of second drainage channels772are parallel to each other. As another example, the plurality of liquid-diverting baffles771are parallel to each other and are all disposed at an angle to the end surface of the inlet end and/or the retention end of the apparatus700for filtration. In some embodiments, two adjacent liquid-diverting baffles771may be provided at an angle. For example, an end of one of the two adjacent liquid-diverting baffles771(i.e., an end of the liquid-diverting baffle771away from the liquid main pipe) may be angled toward an end of the other liquid-diverting baffle771, such that an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° is formed between two adjacent second drainage channels772.

FIG.24is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid-dispensing component770disposed at an inlet end of an apparatus700for filtration. As shown inFIG.24, there are three liquid-diverting baffles771parallel to each other. The three liquid-diverting baffles771divide the drainage pipe774into a plurality of second drainage channels772. For ease of description, the liquid-diverting baffle771farthest from the port773may be referred to as a first liquid-diverting baffle7711, the liquid-diverting baffle771closest to the port773may be referred to as a third liquid-diverting baffle7713, and the liquid-diverting baffle7711between the third liquid-diverting baffle7713and the first liquid-diverting baffle7711may be referred to as the second liquid-diverting baffle7712. A second drainage channel772(which may be referred to as a fourth sub-drainage channel7721) is formed on a side of the first liquid-diverting baffle7711that is back from the second liquid-diverting baffle7712, a second drainage channel772(which may be referred to as a fifth sub-drainage channel7722) is formed between the first liquid-diverting baffle7711and the second liquid-diverting baffle7712, a second drainage channel772(which may be referred to as a sixth sub-diversion channel7723) is formed between the third liquid-diverting baffle7713and the second liquid-diverting baffle7712. Along the direction from close to the port773to away from the port773, the fourth sub-drainage channel7721, the fifth sub-drainage channel7722, the sixth sub-drainage channel7723, the first liquid-diverting baffle7711, the second liquid-diverting baffle7712, and the third liquid-diverting baffle7713are all parallel to the end surface of the inlet end of the apparatus700for filtration. As lengths of the fourth sub-drainage channel7721, the fifth sub-drainage channel7722, and the sixth sub-drainage channel7723decrease sequentially along a direction away from the port773to close to the port773, this can ensure that the liquid discharged from each of the second drainage channels772may be transmitted to the inlet end of the apparatus700for filtration or that a liquid discharged from the retention end (i.e., a retention liquid) may all flow into the second drainage channels772. In some embodiments, on a side of the third liquid-diverting baffle7713backed away from the second liquid-diverting baffle7712, a second drainage channel772may also be viewed to form, which may be referred to as a seventh sub-drainage channel, for example.

In some embodiments, the count of the liquid-diverting baffles771may be increased or decreased to meet the needs of liquid dispensing. Merely by way of example, the count of the liquid-diverting baffles771may be increased when a count of the first flow channel increases. As another example, the count of the liquid-diverting baffles771may be decreased when the count of the first flow channel decreases. In some embodiments, the liquid-diverting baffle771may be a flat plate, a wavy plate, a curved plate, or the like.

The present disclosure also provides a method for filtration based on an apparatus for filtration in the preceding embodiments (e.g., the apparatus100for filtration inFIG.1toFIG.3, the apparatus200for filtration inFIG.11toFIG.13, the apparatus300for filtration inFIG.14toFIG.18). The method may include feeding a liquid through an inlet end of the apparatus for filtration; and collecting a retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration. The retention end of the apparatus for filtration in this embodiment refers to an opening on a flow-through layer, and after the liquid is filtered through the apparatus for filtration, the retention liquid that is retained in the flow-through layer may be discharged out of the apparatus for filtration through the opening on the flow-through layer. In some embodiments, a liquid-dispensing component (e.g., the liquid-dispensing component470inFIG.19, the liquid-dispensing component570inFIG.21, the liquid-dispensing component670inFIG.23, or the liquid-dispensing component770inFIG.24) may be disposed at the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration, and the liquid may be transmitted to the inlet end of the apparatus for filtration via the liquid-dispensing component. In some embodiments, the liquid-dispensing component may be provided at the retention end of the apparatus for filtration, and the retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration may be collected by the liquid-dispensing component.

The beneficial effects of the apparatus for filtration and the method for filtration for the apparatus for filtration provided in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to that: (1) since at least one flow-through layer is provided along a filtration direction of a filtration layer, a first support member may support a filtration membrane, establish one or more channels to guide a liquid to flow through a surface of the filtration membrane, and utilize the rigidity characteristics of the first support member, so that the first flow-through channel and the filtration membrane may not be obviously deformed during a filtration process, so that a diameter of the first flow channel may be well maintained, which in turn makes the liquid in the flow process subject to less resistance and perturbation, and is more close to a state of laminar flow, which greatly reduces a shear force on the liquid, and significantly reduces the damage to active substances in the liquid, e.g., reduces the destruction of the cells, and enhances the cells activity; (2) since two adjacent first flow channels in the same flow-through layer are divided by the first support member, each first flow channel is relatively independent, and may be used independently for the flow of the liquid, and the liquid in each first flow channel may not affect each other, so that the liquid in each first flow channel is more uniform, and it is more conducive to the tangential flow of the liquid along the surface of the filtration membrane, which slows down the accumulation and concentration polarization of the substances retained by the filtration membrane on the surface of the filtration membrane, avoids premature clogging of the filtration membrane and improves the filtration effect; (3) due to the flow-through layer, when the liquid enters the apparatus for filtration, it does not pass through the filtration membrane directly, but enters into the first flow channel first, and since resistance in the first flow channel is smaller, so the liquid is subjected to less resistance when flowing in the apparatus for filtration, which reduces a driving force required for the liquid to enter the apparatus for filtration, which in turn reduces the pressure of the liquid on the filtration membrane; (4) since an extension direction of the first flow channel is parallel to the surface of the filtration membrane, when the liquid flows in the first flow channel, it is equivalent to the flow along the surface of the filtration membrane, i.e., tangential flow, and the tangential flow may slow down the buildup of the material retained by the filtration membrane on the surface of the filtration membrane and concentration polarization, avoid premature clogging of the filtration membrane, and increases a contact area between the liquid and the surface of the filtration membrane, improving the filtration efficiency and the filtration effect; (5) by setting a liquid-dispensing component, and utilizing the liquid-dispensing component to transport the liquid to an inlet end of the apparatus for filtration, it is possible to ensure that the liquid is fed into various first flow channels, so that the liquid may be evenly distributed into the filtration layer via the first flow channel, and then be filtered by the filtration membrane on the filtration layer; in addition, the flow channel design in the liquid-dispensing component significantly reduces the shear force to the liquid, and thus reduces the damage to the active substances in the liquid, and by using the liquid-dispensing component placed at the retention end of the apparatus for filtration to collect a retention liquid discharged from the retention end of the apparatus for filtration may also reduce the damage to active substances in the retention liquid. The foregoing is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.