Patent US3708069A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3708069A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reverse osmosis membrane module and apparatus using the same
Assignee: Aqua Chem Inc
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Filing: 1970-08-13
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1990-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A reverse osmosis membrane module and a self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis utilizing the same. The module includes an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength which receives a plurality of elongated tubular membrane structures. Within the casing are a plurality of thin-walled tubes each surrounding and receiving an associated one of the tubular membranes. According to one embodiment, the outer surface of each thin-walled tube is configured as a hexagon and the tubes are interfitted within the casing with each other so that each is in contact with another tube or the casing about its entire peripheral extent. Thus, the pressure within adjacent tubes tends to balance out thereby obviating any requirement for support tubes for the membranes of substantial strength. The self-contained unit employs such a membrane module and within the casing there is further included a motor driven pump which receives a liquid mixture and elevates the pressure of the same to reverse osmosis operating pressures. Each of the membrane cells defined by the tubular membranes has one open end adjacent a high pressure area which receives the liquid mixture under high pressure and another open end adjacent a second high pressure area to permit recirculation of the liquid mixture. Within the first high pressure area there is provided an impeller which is driven by the pump motor together with baffles which operate to recirculate the liquid mixture through the membrane cells. The structure also includes an accumulator for dampening pressure pulses within the casing caused by operation of the pump.
Inventors
- 👤 G Clark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:13
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/02; B01D61/08; B01D63/00; B01D63/06; B01D63/066; B01D2313/00; B01D2313/12; B01D2313/125; B01D2313/22; B01D2313/221; B01D2313/24; B01D2313/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture, b. a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane, c. a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, most of said tubes having a hexagonal outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other and said casing to define a honeycomb structure, d. solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube, e. a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes, and f. means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture, b. a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane, c. a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, most of said tubes having a hexagonal outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other and said casing to define a honeycomb structure, d. solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube, e. a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes, and f. means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A membrane module according to claim 1 wherein said tubes consist essentially of a plastic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
A membrane module according to claim 1 wherein all of said tubes have a hexagonal outer surface and are interfitted in a bundle within said casing; and further including wedge means interposed between the interior of said casing and said bundle, said wedge means having one surface configured to the shape of the interior surface of said casing and a surface opposite said one surface configured to the shape of the exterior of said bundle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a tubular casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture; a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane; a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, most of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other or said casing about their entire peripheral extent; solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube; a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes; and means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a tubular casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture; a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane; a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, most of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other or said casing about their entire peripheral extent; solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube; a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes; and means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
235 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a. a tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture; b. wedge means within said casing and having a first surface configured to conform to the shape of the inner surface of the casing and in abutment therewith, and a second discontinuous surface opposite said first surface; c. a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing and said wedge means each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane; d. a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing and said wedge means each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, all of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface with each tube being interfitted in abutment with at least one of the other tubes, said casing and said wedge means about its entire peripheral extent; e. solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube; f. a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes; and g. means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
235 words
In a membrane module for use in reverse osmosis liquid mixture separation processes, the combination comprising: a. a tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures without rupture; b. wedge means within said casing and having a first surface configured to conform to the shape of the inner surface of the casing and in abutment therewith, and a second discontinuous surface opposite said first surface; c. a plurality of tubular membrane structures within said casing and said wedge means each including an inner surface defined by a tubular, semipermeable membrane; d. a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing and said wedge means each surrounding and receiving a corresponding membrane structure, all of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface with each tube being interfitted in abutment with at least one of the other tubes, said casing and said wedge means about its entire peripheral extent; e. solvent directing means located at the interface of each membrane structure and its associated tube for directing the solvent in a liquid mixture permeating through the associated membrane to at least one end of the corresponding tube; f. a solvent collection manifold, including a solvent outlet, in fluid communication with said one end of each of said tubes; and g. means for directing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of each of said tubular membranes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A membrane module according to claim 5 wherein said tubes are formed of plastic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
195 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the samE under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor within said casing for driving said pump; g. a plurality of elongated, tubular membrane cells within said casing, each having a tubular, semipermeable membrane; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of said semipermeable membranes; i. means associated with the exterior of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet; and j. an impeller adjacent one end of each membrane cell for impelling the liquid mixture through the interior of each semipermeable membrane, said impeller being within said casing and being driven by said motor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
195 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the samE under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor within said casing for driving said pump; g. a plurality of elongated, tubular membrane cells within said casing, each having a tubular, semipermeable membrane; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of said semipermeable membranes; i. means associated with the exterior of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet; and j. an impeller adjacent one end of each membrane cell for impelling the liquid mixture through the interior of each semipermeable membrane, said impeller being within said casing and being driven by said motor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A unit according to claim 7 further including pulsation dampening means interposed between said pump and said liquid mixture outlet for dampening pressure pulses in said liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures caused by said pump.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis according to claim 7 wherein said means for directing the liquid mixture to the semipermeable membranes includes heat exchange means in heat exchange relation with said motor so that the liquid mixture will cool said motor and, in turn, have its temperature increased to increase the separating efficiency of the unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
178 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. a casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the same under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor for driving said pump; g. a plurality of membrane cells within said casing, each having a semipermeable membrane; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to one side of said semipermeable membranes; i. means associated with the other side of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet; and j. pulsation dampening means within said casing and interposed between said liquid mixture outlet and said pump for dampening pressure pulses in said liquid mixture caused by said pump.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
178 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. a casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the same under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor for driving said pump; g. a plurality of membrane cells within said casing, each having a semipermeable membrane; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to one side of said semipermeable membranes; i. means associated with the other side of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet; and j. pulsation dampening means within said casing and interposed between said liquid mixture outlet and said pump for dampening pressure pulses in said liquid mixture caused by said pump.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
204 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the same under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor within said casing for driving said pump; g. a plurality of elongated, tubular semipermeable membranes within said casing; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of said semipermeable membranes; and i. means associated with the exterior of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet and including a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing and each surrounding and receiving a corresponding one of said tubular membranes, most of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other or said casing about their entire peripheral extent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
204 words
A self-contained unit for separating the components of a liquid mixture by reverse osmosis comprising: a. an elongated tubular casing having substantial hoop strength and capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture inlet in said casing; c. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; d. a solvent outlet in said casing; e. a pump within said casing and in fluid communication with said liquid mixture inlet for receiving the liquid mixture from the inlet and placing the same under reverse osmosis operating pressures; f. a motor within said casing for driving said pump; g. a plurality of elongated, tubular semipermeable membranes within said casing; h. means associated with said pump for directing the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures to the interior of said semipermeable membranes; and i. means associated with the exterior of said semipermeable membranes for receiving solvent permeating therethrough and directing the same to said solvent outlet and including a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes within said casing and each surrounding and receiving a corresponding one of said tubular membranes, most of said tubes having a geometrically discontinuous outer surface and being interfitted in abutment with each other or said casing about their entire peripheral extent.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
221 words
LiquId mixture separation reverse osmosis apparatus comprising: a. a casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; c. a solvent outlet in said casing; d. means for placing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures while within said casing; e. a plurality of membrane cells within said casing, each having first and second openings; f. means establishing fluid communication between the first opening of each membrane cell and the first opening of at least one other membrane cell so that the liquid mixture flow in one membrane cell from said first end may be directed back into another membrane cell; g. means defining a high pressure area adjacent the second openings of said membrane cells, said high pressure area receiving the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures; h. an impeller within said high pressure area and adjacent the second openings of said membrane cells; i. vane means disposed between the second openings of at least some of said membrane cells and adjacent said impeller so that said impeller will circulate the liquid mixture within the membrane cells; and j. means establishing fluid communication between said membrane cells and said solvent outlet so that the solvent separated in each membrane cell from the liquid mixture will be directed to said solvent outlet.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
221 words
LiquId mixture separation reverse osmosis apparatus comprising: a. a casing capable of withstanding reverse osmosis operating pressures; b. a liquid mixture outlet in said casing; c. a solvent outlet in said casing; d. means for placing a liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures while within said casing; e. a plurality of membrane cells within said casing, each having first and second openings; f. means establishing fluid communication between the first opening of each membrane cell and the first opening of at least one other membrane cell so that the liquid mixture flow in one membrane cell from said first end may be directed back into another membrane cell; g. means defining a high pressure area adjacent the second openings of said membrane cells, said high pressure area receiving the liquid mixture under reverse osmosis operating pressures; h. an impeller within said high pressure area and adjacent the second openings of said membrane cells; i. vane means disposed between the second openings of at least some of said membrane cells and adjacent said impeller so that said impeller will circulate the liquid mixture within the membrane cells; and j. means establishing fluid communication between said membrane cells and said solvent outlet so that the solvent separated in each membrane cell from the liquid mixture will be directed to said solvent outlet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3369667A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |