Filtration of particulates and emulsions with a pleated, thin channel, cross-flow module

Abstract The pleated thin channel crossflow module represents a novel flat sheet membrane configuration combining the modular advantages of hollow fiber design with the hydrodynamics of plate and frame units containing turbulence promoting elements. It consists of a circular array of parallel pleated thin channels, each of whose inner wall is a membrane supported by a porous backing resting on a central product drain tube. The outer flexible wall is separated from the membrane by a turbulence promoting spacer and serves to create the flow channel, without fulfilling a direct filtrative purpose. The design allows operation at elevated particulate levels and is highly suited to microfiltration of stray matter and bacteria from aqueous solutions to be injected into well heads for enhanced oil recovery. Data are presented for 0.45 and 0.2 μm pore size membrane modules containing 3.3 ft2 of membrane area and operating on dispersions of standard particulates of known size distribution (80 μm to 0.2 μm). Effects...