Patent ID: 7371322

Claim:
A filtration system operable to separate a process fluid into selected components comprising: a housing having at least one inlet operable to received the process fluid; the housing having at least a first outlet for a retentate and a second outlet for a permeate; a filter element disposed within the housing; the filter element having at least one flexible membrane with a central work area, which is not obstructed by mechanical support and a periphery; the periphery of the at least one membrane is anchored with respective supporting structures; the central work area of the flexible membrane is open for contact with the process fluid and operable to separate the process fluid into the permeate and retentate; a first fluid flow path coupling the retentate with the first outlet; a second fluid flow path coupling the permeate with the second outlet; the periphery of the at least one flexible membrane in the filter element are generally aligned with each other; the respective supporting structures are adapted to apply tension around the periphery of the at least one flexible membrane; at first end and a second end with said filter element disposed therebetween; and at least one end of the housing formed in part by with a flexible, impermeable diaphragm.