Fluid distribution system for separation modules

Claim 1

A fluid distribution system for a fluid separation module having a bundle of hollow fiber membranes positioned in a cylindrical shell and extending through a tube sheet positioned in an enlarged end portion of the shell, the enlarged end portion of the shell having therein an inlet opening for the admission of a fluid mixture into the shell, comprising: (a) a first sleeve attached to the tube sheet in a position enclosing the bundle of fibers, said first sleeve having a distal end spaced from the tube sheet, (b) a second sleeve positioned to enclose the fiber bundle, said second sleeve being spaced from the tube sheet to provide a first annular opening for the passage of the fluid mixture in a radial direction toward the first sleeve, said second sleeve surrounding the distal end of the first sleeve and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first sleeve to provide a second annular opening for flow of the fluid mixture in an axial direction between said first and second sleeves, (c) means securing the first and second sleeves together at spaced points therearound to hold the second sleeve in a position concentric with the first sleeve, (d) a third sleeve enclosing the fiber bundle and being spaced from the first sleeve to provide a third annular opening therebetween for the axially flowing fluid mixture to enter the fiber bundle at an oblique angle, and (e) means for securing the second sleeve to the third sleeve.