초록 ▼

Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises frame means defining first and second contact zones, each of which is in turn comprised of first and second contact chambers. A plurality of tubular semi-per

Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises frame means defining first and second contact zones, each of which is in turn comprised of first and second contact chambers. A plurality of tubular semi-permeable membranes are disposed in each of the contact chambers. Each of the tubular membranes has an inlet end and an outlet end, and is adapted to conduct a least a portion of a first fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end. Barrier means are provided between the first contact zone and the second contact zone for preventing fluid communication therebetween. Fluid communication means are provided in each of the contact zones for providing fluid communication between the first contact chamber and the second contact chamber of each of the contact zones so that fluid in each of the contact zones flows substantially throughout both the first and second contact chambers thereof around a plurality of tubular membranes. Inlet means are provided for the second fluid for distributing the second fluid between the first and second contact zones and for introducing a portion of the second fluid into each of the contact zones. Outlet means are provided for withdrawing the second fluid from each of the contact zones after the second fluid is conducted substantially throughout the first and second contact chambers. Sealing means are provided for sealing the plurality of tubular membranes from the contact chambers so that there is no contact between the first fluid and the second fluid.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes, said apparatus comprising: frame means defining first and second contact zones, each of said contact zones having a first end and a second end and being comprised of first and secon

Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes, said apparatus comprising: frame means defining first and second contact zones, each of said contact zones having a first end and a second end and being comprised of first and second contact chambers; a plurality of tubular semi-permeable membranes disposed in each of said contact chambers, each of said tubular membranes having an inlet end and an outlet end and adapted to conduct at least a portion of said first fluid from said inlet end to said outlet end; barrier means between said first contact zone and said second contact zone for preventing fluid communication therebetween; fluid communication means in each of said contact zones for providing fluid communication between said first contact chamber and said second contact chamber of each of said contact zones so that the fluid in each of said contact zones flows substantially throughout both said first and second contact chambers of said contact zones around said plurality of tubular membranes therein, said fluid communication means including an intermediate flow chamber between said first and second contact chambers and said intermediate flow chamber communicating with said first contact chamber at said second end and with said second contact chamber at said first end; inlet means for said second fluid for distributing said second fluid between said first and second contact zones and for introducing a portion of said second fluid into said first contact chamber of each of said contact zones at said first end thereof so that said portion of said second fluid introduced into said contact zone flows through each of said contact chambers in a direction from said first end to said second end and through said intermediate flow chamber in a direction from said second end to said first end; outlet means for withdrawing said second fluid from each of said contact zones after said second fluid has been conducted through said first and second contact zones; and sealing means for sealing said plurality of tubular membranes from said contact chambers so that there is no contact between said first fluid and said second fluid.