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In an apparatus for filtering and separating fluids by reverse osmosis or by micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, including a plurality of spaced planar filter elements arranged in stacks in spaced relationship so that their surfaces can be contacted by the fluids for the collection of permeate from

In an apparatus for filtering and separating fluids by reverse osmosis or by micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, including a plurality of spaced planar filter elements arranged in stacks in spaced relationship so that their surfaces can be contacted by the fluids for the collection of permeate from the fluids within the filter elements, at least one draining rod having a central draining passage extends through the stack of filter elements and has openings disposed in each filter element for collecting the permeate from the respective filter elements, and a vacuum generating means is connected to a permeate discharge which is in communication with the draining rod passages for generating a vacuum in each filter element.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for filtering and separating a fluid by reverse osmosis as well as micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, comprising: at least one stack of spaced planar filter elements having opposite-spaced membranes with outer surfaces to be contacted by said fluid for the collection of permeate fr

1. An apparatus for filtering and separating a fluid by reverse osmosis as well as micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, comprising: at least one stack of spaced planar filter elements having opposite-spaced membranes with outer surfaces to be contacted by said fluid for the collection of permeate from said fluid within said filter elements, each filter element including a planar form-stable stabilization element consisting of a porous material disposed between said opposite membranes and extending internally within the circumference of the membrane element for providing internal stability to the membrane element and permitting passage of permeate, at least one draining rod extending through each stack of filter elements and the stabilization elements, said draining rod being tubular and having, in each filter element, an opening for collecting permeate from the respective filter element, and being in communication with a permeate discharge, and vacuum generating means in communication with each draining rod for generating a vacuum in said filter elements thereby providing a pressure differential between the interior of said filter elements and their outer surfaces which are in contact with said fluid for causing part of said fluid to permeate into said filter elements from where said permeate is drained. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vacuum generating means providing said pressure differential is a vacuum pump which is connected to said permeate discharge. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the vacuum generated by said vacuum pump in said filter elements is in the range of 0.4 to 0.9 bar. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filter elements are in the form of membrane pillows. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filter elements consist of a polymer or a polymer mixture. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filter elements consist of a ceramic material. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stabilization element consists of at least one of a plastic, metallic, and ceramic material. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said draining rod includes an axial draining passage and, distributed over its circumference and its length, a plurality of openings leading to said draining passage for draining the permeate from said filter elements. 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in each stack of filter elements, the filter elements are supported in spaced relationship so that the membranes of adjacent filter elements do not contact one another. 10. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein annular spacer elements are disposed between adjacent filter elements for supporting said filter elements in spaced relationship. 11. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein strip-like spacer elements are disposed between adjacent filter elements for supporting said filter elements in spaced relationship. 12. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said filter elements are supported in spaced relationship by spacer elements which, at the same time, form seals sealing the permeate spaces between adjacent filter elements. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stack of filter elements is held together by struts extending in spaced relationship at opposite ends of said stacks. 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said struts are interconnected by spacer rods extending at opposite sides of said stacks of filter elements.