Patent ID: 7862719

Claim:
A membrane module comprising: a first header having one or more openings formed therein; a plurality of porous hollow membranes arranged in partitioned bundles, each of the porous hollow membranes extending between and being fixed at a first end in the first header and at a second end in a second header, the one or more openings formed in the first header positioned to coincide with spaces formed between the partitioned bundles; and a headpiece sealingly connected to and in fluid communication with the second header, the headpiece comprising: a filtrate conduit in fluid communication with open ends of said membranes for the withdrawal of filtrate therefrom; and a gas conduit configured to communicate gas to the module through the one or more openings formed in the first header, the gas conduit in communication with a source of gas; and a pipe or tube connected to the gas conduit of the headpiece positioned below the one or more openings formed in the first header.