Patent ID: 8808540

Claim:
An aeration/backwash device configured for use with a membrane filtration module comprising one or more membranes and opposing potted ends, comprising: a communication chamber including a closed internal volume defined by an inner wall, an outer wall, an upper wall coupling the inner wall to the outer wall, and a lower wall coupling the inner wall to the outer wall, the communication chamber at least partially surrounding a circumference of the membrane filtration module, the inner wall having upper through-openings and lower through-openings vertically spaced apart from the upper through-openings, the upper and lower through-openings spaced circumferentially about the inner wall, each through-opening having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the one or more membranes; a source of gas in fluid communication with the internal volume of the communication chamber; and a source of backwash liquid in fluid communication with the internal volume of the communication chamber, wherein the source of gas and the source of backwash liquid share a common inlet to the internal volume of the communication chamber.