Abstract An improved element for the selective permeation separation of components of fluid mixtures comprises (1) thin layers of substantially parallel hollow filaments separated by (2) thin foraminous materials which restrict movement and prevent nesting of the hollow filaments during use of the element, and (3) a resinous tube sheet structure encapsulating a portion of the hollow filaments, with open ends of the filaments extending through the tube sheet structure. A permeation separation device incorporates the improved element in a surrounding shell with means for introducing into and removing a fluid mixture from the shell and means for removing separated components of the mixture from the open ends of the hollow filament membranes. Preferably the device also contains a foraminous tube in the center with the foraminous material and hollow filaments convolutely wrapped around the tube. Such devices are particularly useful for the reverse osmosis desalination of water.
A permeation separatory element of claim 1 wherein there are two layers of hollow filaments between each layer of foraminous separatory material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
A permeation separatory element of claim 1 wherein the separated layers of hollow filaments and the foraminous separatory material are convolutely wound around a center.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A permeation separatory element of claim 3 wherein the center of the convolutely wound layers of hollow filaments and foraminous separatory material is occupied by a tube, subsTantially larger in diameter than the hollow filaments, and foraminous along the length of that portion of the tube within the convolutely wound layers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
99 words
A permeation separatory element of claim 4, surrounded by a vessel in fluid-tight relationship with a resinous tube sheet structure said vessel having separate conduit means to permit movement of a fluid between an area outside the vessel and an area adjoining the interior walls of the vessel, an area within the hollow tube, and an area adjacent to a face of a resinous tube sheet structure through which the ends of the hollow filaments extend, said conduit means being arranged to promote the movement of fluid in a path through the foraminous material and across the hollow filaments.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A permeation separatory element and vessel of claim 5 wherein the outer surface of the convolutely wound layers is spaced away from the inner surface of the vessel and the hollow tube is uniformly foraminous along its length which is within the convolutely wound layers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A permeation separatory element and vessel of claim 5 wherein there are two layers of hollow filaments between each layer of foraminous separatory material.