Patent ID: 8048307

Claim:
A filtration system, having one or more apparatuses comprising: an inlet adapted to receive an influent to be filtered; a rotating central body having an influent distribution unit therein, the influent distribution unit having a central receiving pipe adapted to receive the influent and a plurality of delivery pipes extending radially from the central receiving pipe; a plurality of filters, arranged circumferentially around the central body, each attached to one of the plurality of delivery pipes and each having an inlet configured to receive the influent from one of the plurality of delivery pipes, a distal end through which a concentrate passes, and one or more tubular porous membranes with a pore diameter of up to about 500 μm; one or more outer chambers, each surrounding one or more of the filters, each outer chamber being configured to collect a permeate passing through the filter(s); a plurality of permeate collection pipes, each attached to one of the outer chambers and configured to transport permeate away from the outer chamber; a plurality of concentrate collection pipes, each attached to a distal end of either one of the filters or one of the outer chambers, and configured to transport concentrate away from the filter; and a drive mechanism or motor configured to rotate said central body and the filters.