Permeable membrane separation device and method

Abstract

Abstract A system and method for enhancing the selective transport of fluid particles through a semipermeable membrane. The system consists of a conduit, comprising a semipermeable membrane, containing within it a plurality of sheet-like elements extending longitudinally within said conduit. Means are provided for flowing a first fluid through said conduit. Means are also provided, either for receiving the permeate passing through said semipermeable membrane or for submerging said semipermeable membrane in a second fluid. Each sheet-like element in the conduit is curved to turn the direction of fluid flow by being arranged in alternating right- and left-handed curvature groups (a group consisting of one or more elements). As a result, each particle of the fluid flowing through said conduit is moved in a programmed manner toward and away from the wall of the conduit. The semipermeable membrane selectively passes certain particles of at least one of the fluids. In one type of application, such passage tends to create a condition, commonly called ''''polarization,'''' in the fluid layer adjacent the inner wall of the conduit which decreases the rate at which the selected fluid particles pass through the semipermeable membrane. The action of the curved elements removes such layer from the inner wall, thus overcoming the inhibiting effect of such layer on the transport of the selected fluid particles through the membrane. In another type of application, in which a polarization layer is not formed, but in which it is desirable to distribute the fluid material adjacent such inner wall under non-turbulent conditions, the curved elements effectively produce the desired results without resorting to turbulent flow.

Inventors

• 👤 Stanley Middleman
• 👤 Richard D Devellian

Bibliographic Details