Filter monitoring system

Description

1 / 81 “FILTER MONITORING SYSTEM”. Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to fluid filtration monitoring systems and fluid filtration systems comprising a fluid filtration monitoring system. Background

[002] Fluid filtration systems are used to process fluids to separate a component of the fluid being processed from impurities or similar substances.

[003] For example, water filtration systems process aqueous fluids, such as seawater or wastewater, to produce pure or substantially pure water. Water filtration systems often comprise multiple water filtration modules supplied in series, contained within a container or pressure vessel between an inlet and two separate outlets, a permeate outlet, through which flows the permeate fluid that has passed through the filter material, and a reject outlet, through which flows the reject fluid that has not passed through the filter material. The aqueous fluid to be processed is propelled into the inlet of the container under high pressure and then into a first water filtration module within a series of water filtration modules; this is the fluid of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 147 / 244 2 / 81 Feed. A portion of the water contained in the aqueous fluid will pass through a filtering membrane to a permeate tube connected to the permeate outlet, thus separating the pure or substantially pure water (the permeate) from the aqueous fluid being processed, while other dissolved or suspended materials in the aqueous fluid will generally / significantly not pass through the filtering membrane. The remaining aqueous fluid (the reject) passes to the next water filtration module in the series as feed to that water filtration module, where an additional portion of the fluid passes through the filtering membrane as additional permeate, and so on, until finally, what remains of the fluid exits through the reject outlet of the pressure vessel.

[004] Fluid filtration modules used in series can be prone to fouling, depending on the fluid being processed. For example, in seawater processing in desalination plants, fluid filtration modules can suffer from biofouling, where biological material or organisms contained in the seawater accumulate in the feed spacer / fabric and / or filter material, such as a filter membrane, of the fluid filtration modules, thereby obstructing the flow of feed water through the module and reducing the Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 148 / 244 3 / 81 hydraulic permeability of the filter material. In addition, other materials, such as organic and mineral materials present in seawater, can be deposited on the filter material, reducing the hydraulic permeability of the filter membrane, as well as interfering with the membrane's selectivity in blocking (rejecting) the passage of dissolved materials, such as salts, through the filter membrane.

[005] As a result, fluid filtration modules need to be cleaned regularly to maintain performance.

[006] Fluid filtration system operators typically monitor parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and salinity (to obtain osmotic pressure and salt passage into the permeate) at the feed inlet and at the reject and permeate outlets of the pressure vessel.

[007] However, it is often not possible to know the specific reason for the drop in performance across the entire series of fluid filtration modules. For example, is the performance reduction due to biofouling, mineral fouling, or filter material failure? The operator needs to estimate the reason for the performance loss and apply an appropriate treatment or action. If the first action is unsuccessful, the operator should try a new maintenance action and, Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 149 / 244 4 / 81 potentially, consider using aggressive chemical cleaning methods and / or replacing one or more fluid filtration modules within the fluid filtration system.

[008] This typical trial-and-error approach can lead to prolonged downtime of a fluid filtration system and an increase in the costs associated with maintaining a fluid filtration system.

[009] Additionally, when fouling is detected by a drop in overall system performance, the fouling may have already exceeded the normal cleaning limits for one or more fluid filtration modules within the system, so that cleaning is either necessary or no longer effective. Instead, one or more fluid filtration modules may need to be replaced.

[0010] Therefore, there is still a need for improved monitoring systems and methods to monitor fluid filtration systems.

[0011] At least some aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, systems for use in monitoring fluid filtration systems and methods for using them. Summary

[0012] According to a first aspect, it is provided Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 150 / 244 5 / 81 a sensor module configured to be installed between adjacent fluid filtration modules in a pressure vessel for fluid processing, the sensor module comprising a body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter.

[0013] Although the sensor module of the present aspect is useful in various fluid filtration systems and fluid filtration modules, an example of a fluid filtration system and fluid filtration modules are described below to illustrate the characteristics and benefits provided by the sensor module of the present aspect. The exemplified fluid filtration system described in the present aspect should not be interpreted in any way as limiting.

[0014] A fluid filtration module with which the sensor module can be used may comprise a permeate tube around which a filter membrane is enclosed. During use, the feed fluid (i.e., the fluid fed into the fluid filtration module to be processed) may be propelled through the fluid filtration module so that a portion of the fluid passes through the filter membrane (the permeate) and is collected in the permeate tube. The remainder of the fluid passes through and exits at the other end of the fluid filtration module (the reject). Consequently, a fluid filtration module may Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 151 / 244 6 / 81 comprise a feed side (i.e., the side or portion of the fluid filtration module within which the feed fluid or reject fluid that has not passed through the filter membrane flows) and a permeate side (i.e., within the filter membrane or within the permeate tube where the fluid that has passed through the filter membrane flows). Fluid filtration modules may further comprise a cap (also known as an anti-stretch device, ATD) that prevents the filter membrane from stretching out of the fluid filtration module when subjected to high pressures and / or fluid flow rates from the feed side. Typically, the cap acts as a physical barrier that prevents the filter membrane of the fluid filtration module from being pushed out of the fluid filtration module by the fluid flow that is propelled through the fluid filtration module during use.

[0015] To avoid confusion, the fluid entering a given fluid filtration module is the feed for that fluid filtration module, and the fluid exiting a given fluid filtration module is the reject for that fluid filtration module and becomes the feed for the next fluid filtration module in the series. A feed fluid flowing through a suitable fluid filtration module is separated into a permeate and a Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 152 / 244 7 / 81 reject. Therefore, the use of the terms "feed" and "reject" should be understood as referring to the fluid that has not passed through a fluid filtering material or filter membrane.

[0016] When fluid filtration modules are arranged in series, the permeate tubes of the fluid filtration modules are typically connected together and to the permeate outlet to form a continuous path for the fluid. The permeate tubes are often connected together using connector tubes fitted with appropriate seals at each end of the connector tube.

[0017] The sensor module can be configured to be positioned between adjacent fluid filtration modules, on the feed side of the adjacent fluid filtration modules. The sensor module can be configured to be positioned between the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel and a first fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules contained within the fluid processing pressure vessel. The sensor module can be configured to be positioned between an outlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel and a final fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules contained within the fluid processing pressure vessel. The module body Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 153 / 244 The 8 / 81 sensor can be configured to be affixed to the lid. The sensor module can be positioned on the lid to measure at least one parameter of the fluid flowing on the feed side of the fluid filtration module. The sensor module can be positioned on or adjacent to the lid to measure at least one parameter of the reject fluid flowing from a first fluid filtration module to a second adjacent fluid filtration module.

[0018] The body may be a tubular body. The tubular body may be configured to be inserted or installed in a permeate tube of a fluid filtration module. The tubular body may be configured to be inserted or installed in a permeate tube of two adjacent fluid filtration modules. The tubular body may be configured to be inserted or installed at the inlet. The tubular body may be configured to be inserted or installed at the reject outlet. The tubular body may be configured to be inserted or installed at the permeate outlet. The tubular body may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the tubular body may be inserted or installed in the permeate tube of a first fluid filtration module, and the second end of the tubular body may be inserted or installed in the permeate tube of a second fluid filtration module. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 154 / 244 9 / 81 adjacent. The tubular body can form a continuous fluid path from the permeate tube of a first fluid filtration module to the permeate tube of a second adjacent fluid filtration module. The sensor module can be configured to replace a connector tube.

[0019] As used in this document, the term “tubular body” refers to a body comprising a channel extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The first end may be opposite the second end. Fluid may flow through the channel of the tubular body. Fluid may pass from the outside of the tubular body. The channel may have a regular cross-section. The channel may have a circular or elliptical cross-section. The channel may have a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or top polygonal cross-section. The channel may have an irregular cross-section. The tubular body may be a tube. The tubular body may generally be cylindrical.

[0020] The tubular body of the sensor module can be sized to be similar to a standard connector tube or to mate with the outside diameter of a standard connector tube. The sensor module can be configured to be retrofitted into an existing fluid filtration system without significant modification of the filtration modules. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 155 / 244 10 / 81 pressure vessel fluid for fluid processing, replacing the standard connecting tube.

[0021] The tubular body may comprise one or more sealing elements. A first sealing element may be positioned at one end of the tubular body. A second sealing element may be positioned at the other end of the tubular body. The first end of the tubular body may be configured to be installed within the permeate tubing of a first fluid filtration module, and the first sealing element may form a seal between the inner surface of the permeate tubing of the first fluid filtration module and the outer surface of the first end of the tubular body.The second end of the tubular body can be configured to be installed inside the permeate tubing of a second fluid filtration module, and the second sealing element can form a seal between the inner surface of the permeate tubing of the second fluid filtration module and the outer surface of the second end of the tubular body. The first and second sealing elements can be deformable portions of the tubular body, which are configured to deform when compressed against the inner surface of a permeate tubing, thus forming a seal between the permeate tubing and the body. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 156 / 244 11 / 81 tubular. The first and second sealing elements may be one or more O-rings or similar, which are installed on the tubular body before installation.

[0022] The body may comprise at least one sensor. In embodiments where the body is tubular, the at least one sensor may be configured to detect at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the tubular body channel. For example, the at least one sensor may extend into the tubular body channel or may otherwise be exposed to the fluid flowing through the tubular body channel during use.

[0023] At least one sensor can be configured to detect at least one parameter of the fluid flowing outside the body. For example, at least one sensor can be positioned on the outside of the body or can be otherwise exposed to the fluid flowing outside the body.

[0024] The body may comprise a plurality of sensors. In embodiments where the body is a tubular body, at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors may be provided within the channel of the tubular body. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors may be provided on the outside of the body.

[0025] The sensor module may comprise at least Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 157 / 244 12 / 81 an elongated element that extends away from the body. At least one elongated element may extend radially away from the body. At least one elongated element may extend tangentially away from the body or otherwise.

[0026] The at least one elongated element may comprise at least one sensor. The at least one elongated element may have a proximal end adjacent to or connected to the body and a distal end further from the body. The at least one sensor of the at least one elongated element may be positioned at the distal end. The at least one sensor of the at least one elongated element may be positioned at the proximal end. The at least one sensor of the at least one elongated element may be positioned midway between the proximal and distal ends. In embodiments where the sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors may be provided at the proximal end, at the distal end, or midway between the proximal and distal ends. The plurality of sensors may be distributed along the length or width of the elongated element.

[0027] The sensor module may comprise a support. In embodiments in which the sensor module comprises at least one elongated element, the support may comprise one or more Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 158 / 244 13 / 81 of at least one elongated element. The support may extend away from the body. The support may be substantially flat. Therefore, the support may extend away from the body within a plane or substantially within a plane. The plane of the support may be perpendicular to the line between the first end and the second end of the body. During use, the plane of the support may be perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow passing through the support. At least one elongated element may extend away from the tubular body within the plane of the support. The support may comprise a plurality of elongated elements extending away from the body. At least one elongated element of the plurality of elongated elements may comprise at least one sensor. The support may allow sensor module components to be positioned in a fixed position between two adjacent fluid filtration modules.For example, the support may allow one or more sensors, or at least one sensor, to be positioned in a fixed position relative to the body. The support may allow one or more electronic components of the sensor module to be positioned in a fixed position relative to the body. The support may be configured to minimally impede fluid flow through or passing through it. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 159 / 244 14 / 81

[0028] The data transmitter may be provided on the support. The data transmitter may be provided at one end of the support. The data transmitter may be provided on at least one of the elongated elements. The data transmitter may be provided at one end of the elongated element. The data transmitter may be provided at the distal end of the elongated element.

[0029] Preferably, the data transmitter can be configured, during use, to transmit data wirelessly to an external data receiver on a pressure vessel for fluid processing.

[0030] Alternatively, the data transmitter can be configured, during use, to transmit data via a wired connection to an external data receiver on a fluid processing pressure vessel. During use, the wired connection can run from the data transmitter, through the fluid filtration modules, to an outlet on the fluid processing pressure vessel. The wired connection can run from the data transmitter, through the permeate tube of the fluid filtration modules, to the low-pressure side. The wired connection can run from the data transmitter, through the permeate tube of the fluid filtration modules, to the high-pressure side. The wired connection can run from the data transmitter through a wall of the Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 160 / 244 15 / 81 Pressure vessel for fluid processing. The pressure vessel for fluid processing may comprise a pressure-resistant opening associated with the sensor module to allow the wired connection to pass through the wall of the pressure vessel for fluid processing without compromising the integrity of the pressure vessel for fluid processing.

[0031] The sensor module may further comprise a power receiver configured to receive wireless power from an external power transmitter to thereby power the sensor module. In embodiments where the sensor module comprises an elongated element, the power receiver may be provided at the distal end of the elongated element. Alternatively, the power receiver may be provided at the proximal end or midway between the distal and proximal ends of the elongated element. The power receiver may comprise a near-field induction coil. The data transmitter may comprise the power receiver. The data transmitter may be the power receiver. In embodiments where the sensor module comprises a support and / or at least one elongated element, the power receiver may be provided at a position on the support or on at least one elongated element that is furthest from the tubular body. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 161 / 244 16 / 81

[0032] The sensor module can be configured to receive power via a wired connection. In modes where the sensor module transmits data via a wired connection, the sensor module can be configured to receive power via that wired connection.

[0033] The sensor module may comprise a power source. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be the primary power source for the sensor module. The battery may be a secondary power source to be used when the primary power source is depleted or malfunctions.

[0034] The sensor module can be configured to extract energy from the fluid being processed through the fluid filtration modules. The sensor module can form an electrolytic cell with the fluid being processed through the fluid filtration modules. The sensor module may comprise electrodes and the fluid being processed may be an electrolyte for the electrolytic cell.

[0035] At least one sensor can be configured to determine at least one parameter selected from the group: flow rate, pressure, salinity / conductivity, viscosity, turbidity and temperature.

[0036] In modalities in which the body is tubular, the Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 162 / 244 17 / 81 at least one sensor can be configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the tubular body (i.e., the permeate). At least one sensor can be configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the outside of the body (i.e., the reject / feed). In embodiments comprising at least one elongated element, at least one sensor can be configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through at least one elongated element (i.e., the reject / feed).

[0037] At least one sensor may comprise a first pressure sensor. In embodiments where the body is a tubular body, the first pressure sensor may be positioned to measure the pressure of the fluid flowing through the tubular body. The first pressure sensor may be positioned to measure the pressure of the fluid flowing outside the body. Consequently, the first pressure sensor may be positioned to measure or determine the pressure of the permeate or reject / feed.

[0038] At least one sensor may comprise a second pressure sensor. The second pressure sensor may be positioned so that it is configured, during use, to measure or determine the pressure of the permeate or reject / feed. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 163 / 244 18 / 81

[0039] At least one sensor may comprise a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor may be positioned so that it is configured, during use, to measure or determine the reject / feed pressure, and the second pressure sensor may be positioned so that it is configured, during use, to measure or determine the permeate pressure. Consequently, the sensor module may be configured to measure both the reject / feed pressure and the permeate pressure flowing from a fluid filtration module during use.

[0040] At least one sensor may comprise a conductivity sensor or an array of conductivity sensors. The conductivity sensor is typically an electrical conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor or array of conductivity sensors may be configured during use to measure or determine the conductivity of the fluid passing through the body. The conductivity sensor or array of conductivity sensors may be configured to measure or determine the conductivity of the reject / feed. In embodiments where the body is a tubular body, the conductivity sensor or array of conductivity sensors may be configured during use to measure or determine the conductivity of the flowing fluid. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 164 / 244 19 / 81 through the tubular body channel. The conductivity sensor or conductivity sensor array can be configured to measure or determine the conductivity of the permeate. The conductivity sensor or conductivity sensor array can be positioned inside the tubular body channel. The conductivity sensor or conductivity sensor array can be positioned on the outside of the body. In embodiments comprising at least one elongated element, the conductivity sensor or conductivity sensor array can be positioned on the elongated element.

[0041] The fluid can be a liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid can be a saltwater liquid. For example, the aqueous liquid can be seawater, groundwater, wastewater, hydraulic fracturing water, or similar. Consequently, the fluid filtration module can be a water filtration module and can be configured to separate water from the aqueous liquid to produce pure or substantially pure water from the aqueous liquid.

[0042] The liquid may be a non-aqueous liquid. The non-aqueous liquid may be an oil. The non-aqueous liquid may comprise liquid hydrocarbons. The oil may be crude oil. The oil may be a fraction of crude oil. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 165 / 244 20 / 81 The liquid can be a mixture. The liquid can be a mixture of aqueous and non-aqueous liquids. For example, the liquid can comprise oil and salt water.

[0043] The fluid can be a gas. The fluid can be a plasma.

[0044] In a second aspect, a data collection module is provided configured to receive data from a sensor module according to the first aspect, wherein the data collection module comprises a data receiver configured to receive data transmitted by the sensor module's data transmitter.

[0045] The pressure vessel for fluid filtration may comprise a pressure vessel enclosure. The data collection module may be configured to be mounted on the pressure vessel enclosure. The data collection module may be accessible to an operator during use. In embodiments where the data collection module receives data from a sensor module via a remote connection (i.e., a wireless connection), the data collection module may allow an operator to receive data from the sensor module during use without compromising the integrity of the pressure vessel enclosure by allowing a wire to pass through it. Furthermore, the data collection module may be simpler to implement in a system of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 166 / 244 21 / 81 existing fluid filtration, as it only needs to be mounted on the existing pressure vessel casing, without requiring any modification to the pressure vessel casing itself.

[0046] The data collection module can be configured to be connected to a central data processing unit. The data collection module can transmit data received from a sensor module to the central data processing unit during use. The data collection module can perform an operation using the data or a portion of the data received from a sensor module, and the output of that operation can be transmitted to the central data processing unit.

[0047] The data collection module can be configured to receive data from a plurality of sensor modules. The data collection module can transmit the data received from a plurality of sensor modules to a central data processing unit during use. The data collection module can perform an operation using the data or a portion of the data received from a plurality of sensor modules to produce one or more outputs, and one or more outputs of this operation can be transmitted to the central data processing unit.

[0048] At least one data collection module can Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 167 / 244 22 / 81 understand a power transmitter. During use, the power transmitter can transmit power to the power receiver of a sensor module to, thus, power a sensor module.

[0049] The data collection module may further comprise a fastener such that the data collection module is configured to be mounted on the outside of a fluid processing pressure vessel. The fastener may be an adhesive that can adhere the data collection module to the outside of a fluid processing pressure vessel. The fastener may be a mechanical fastener that can mechanically fasten the data collection module to the outside of a fluid processing pressure vessel. The fastener may include a clip or clamp. In embodiments where the data collection module is configured to receive data from a sensor module remotely (e.g., via a wireless connection), the clip or clamp may include a wire extension so that turns of wire are wrapped around the fluid processing pressure vessel to enhance the strength and / or clarity of the data signal connection with the sensor module.

[0050] The data collection module may comprise a connector configured to allow a cable or wire to Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 168 / 244 23 / 81 multiconductor cable is passed around the outside of a fluid processing pressure vessel. The multiconductor cable can be wrapped around the outside of the fluid processing pressure vessel one or more times to attach the data collection module to the fluid processing pressure vessel. The multiconductor cable can be wrapped around the outside of the fluid processing pressure vessel multiple times.

[0051] According to a third aspect, a detection system is provided comprising at least one sensor module according to the first aspect, and at least one data collection module according to the second aspect, wherein one sensor module of the at least one sensor module is configured to be positioned between adjacent fluid filtration modules retained within a fluid processing pressure vessel, and the at least one data collection module is configured to be positioned on the outside of the fluid processing pressure vessel.

[0052] The detection system may comprise at least one power transmitter, wherein, during use, the power transmitter may transmit power to the power receiver of at least one sensor module in order to power at least one sensor module. The system of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 169 / 244 24 / 81 detection may comprise at least one sensor module, at least one data collection module, and at least one power transmitter.

[0053] At least one data collection module may comprise a power transmitter. During use, the power transmitter may transmit power to the power receiver of at least one sensor module in order to power at least one sensor module.

[0054] A sensor module of at least one sensor module can communicate with a data collection module of at least one data collection module by means of near-field communication. The data collection module may comprise an initiator device that, during use, provides a carrier electromagnetic field. The sensor module may comprise a target device that can act as a transponder. The target device can communicate with the initiator device of the data collection module by modulating the carrier electromagnetic field and can derive its operating energy from the carrier electromagnetic field.

[0055] Communication between at least one sensor module and at least one data collection module of the detection system may conform to one or more corresponding near-field communication interfaces and protocols, such as ISO / IEC 18092 / ECMA-340 or ISO / IEC Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 170 / 244 25 / 81 21481 / ECMA-352, for example.

[0056] A sensor module of at least one sensor module may communicate with a sensor module of at least one data collection module by means of a Bluetooth® wireless connection, a Wi-Fi wireless connection or proprietary analog or digital radio communications, or any other appropriate means, for example.

[0057] A sensor module of at least one sensor module can communicate with a data collection module via a wired connection.

[0058] During use, at least one data collection module may be positioned on the outside of a fluid processing pressure vessel adjacent to at least one sensor module.

[0059] A pressure vessel for fluid processing may comprise a pressure vessel shell within which a plurality of fluid processing modules are maintained in series. A data collection module of at least one data collection module may be provided in the pressure vessel shell adjacent to, or suitably positioned relative to, a sensor module of at least one sensor module. The separation between the data collection module and the sensor module may be minimized. In embodiments where the data collection module and the sensor module are Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 171 / 244 26 / 81 communicate via near-field communication, minimizing the separation between the data collection module and the sensor module, which can maximize the intensity of communication between them or enhance the intensity and / or clarity of the data signal connection with the sensor module.

[0060] Each sensor module within the at least one sensor module may comprise a unique identifier, so that the specific sensor module from which the data was transmitted is identified. The unique identifier may correspond to the addition of an identifier to the transmitted data from each sensor module within the at least one sensor module. Each sensor module within the at least one sensor module may be identified by the sequence in which the data is transmitted from the at least one sensor module. In embodiments in which a data collection module is associated with each sensor module within the at least one sensor module, each sensor module within the at least one sensor module may be identified by the data collection module associated with it to which a sensor module transmits data.

[0061] In a fourth aspect, a fluid filtration system is provided comprising a fluid processing pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fluid filtration modules supplied in series between an inlet, a reject outlet and a permeate outlet, by Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 172 / 244 27 / 81 less than one sensor module and at least one data collection module, the at least one sensor module comprises a body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter, the at least one data collection module comprises a data receiver configured to receive data from the data transmitter of a sensor module of the at least one sensor module, wherein one or more of the at least one sensor module are positioned between two adjacent fluid filtration modules of the plurality of fluid filtration modules and a data collection module of the at least one data collection module is positioned on the outside of the fluid processing pressure vessel, wherein during use, fluid flows into the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel, through each fluid filtration module of the plurality of fluid filtration modules, sequentially, and the permeate flows out of the permeate outlet and the reject flows out of the reject outlet.

[0062] At least one sensor module can be a sensor module according to the first aspect.

[0063] At least one data collection module can be a data collection module according to the second aspect.

[0064] The combination of at least one sensor module and at least one data collection module can be a system Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 173 / 244 28 / 81 detection according to the third aspect.

[0065] Each fluid filtration module within the plurality of fluid filtration modules may comprise a filtering material. The filtering material may be configured to allow a portion of the fluid flowing through the fluid filtration module to pass through the filtering material. The filtering material may be in the form of a filtering membrane. The filtering membrane may selectively allow fluid to pass through or into the filtering membrane. The filtering membrane may direct the fluid that has passed through or into the membrane to a permeate tube. Consequently, during use, the fluid flowing into the fluid filtration module (the feed) may be divided into fluid that does not pass through the filtering material (the reject) and fluid that does pass through the filtering material (the permeate).Therefore, the fluid filtration module may correspond to a fluid filtration module as defined in the first aspect.

[0066] Typically, the pressure vessel for fluid processing comprises a pressure casing and the plurality of fluid filtration modules is maintained in series within the pressure casing.

[0067] Pressure vessel for fluid processing Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 174 / 244 The 29 / 81 pressure vessel can be configured to contain fluid that is propelled or pumped through the fluid processing pressure vessel at high pressure. The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to contain fluid that is propelled or pumped through the fluid processing pressure vessel at normal operating pressures. Consequently, the fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand normal operating internal pressures for the fluid filtration system. The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 2 bar (200 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 10 bar (1000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 20 bar (2000 kPa).The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 50 bar (5000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 60 bar (6000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 70 bar (7000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to... Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 175 / 244 30 / 81 can withstand an internal pressure of at least 80 bar (8000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 90 bar (9000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 100 bar (10000 kPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of 2 bar (200 kPa) to 300 bar (30000 kPa). The pressure vessel for fluid processing can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of 10 bar (1000 The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of 20 bar (20000 KPa) to 300 bar (30000 KPa). The fluid processing pressure vessel can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of 50 bar (50000 KPa) to 300 bar (30000 KPa).

[0068] The fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise at least two fluid filtration modules. The fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise at least three fluid filtration modules. The fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise at least four fluid filtration modules. For example, the fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 176 / 244 31 / 81 eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen or more fluid filtration modules.

[0069] The at least one sensor module may comprise a plurality of sensor modules. A sensor module of the at least one sensor module may be provided between a selected pair of fluid filter modules or selected pairs of fluid filter modules. A sensor module of the at least one sensor module may be provided on both sides of a selected fluid filter module or of selected fluid filter modules from the plurality of fluid filter modules. Consequently, a sensor module may be provided on the upstream side of the selected fluid filter module or of the selected fluid filter modules, and a sensor module may be provided on the downstream side of the selected fluid filter module or of the selected fluid filter modules.To avoid confusion, a sensor module on the upstream side of a first fluid filtration module is also a sensor module on the downstream side of the preceding fluid filtration module in the series.

[0070] A sensor module can be provided between the first two fluid filtration modules in the plurality of fluid filtration modules. A sensor module can be provided between the last two filtration modules in Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 177 / 244 32 / 81 Plurality of fluid filtration modules. The fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise a sensor associated with the inlet. At least one sensor module may be associated with the inlet. A sensor module may be associated with the upstream side of the first fluid filtration module in the series. Consequently, at least one parameter of the fluid flowing into the inlet or into the first fluid filtration module may be determined during use. The fluid processing pressure vessel may comprise a sensor associated with the permeate outlet. At least one sensor module may be associated with the permeate outlet. At least one sensor module may be provided downstream of the final fluid filtration module in the series. Consequently, at least one parameter of the fluid flowing out of the permeate outlet may be determined during use.

[0071] The pressure vessel for fluid processing may comprise a sensor associated with the reject outlet. A sensor module of at least one sensor module may be associated with the reject outlet. A sensor module of at least one sensor module may be provided on the downstream side of the final fluid filtration module of the series. Consequently, at least one parameter of the flowing fluid Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 178 / 244 33 / 81 outside the reject outlet can be determined during use.

[0072] The provision of a sensor module in at least two positions between at least two fluid filtration modules in a series of fluid filtration modules allows at least one parameter to be determined at multiple points within the fluid processing pressure vessel. For example, when a sensor module is provided upstream and downstream of a fluid filtration module, it is possible to determine variations in at least one parameter through that fluid filtration module. In embodiments where upstream and downstream sensor modules are provided for more than one fluid filtration module, it is possible to determine variations in at least one parameter through those fluid filtration modules independently.In embodiments where sensor modules are provided for adjacent fluid filtration modules in a series of fluid filtration modules, the sensor module downstream of the first adjacent fluid filtration module can act as the upstream sensor module for the adjacent downstream fluid filtration module. In embodiments where at least one parameter includes pressure and a sensor module is provided both upstream and downstream of a fluid filtration module, it is possible to determine, therefore... Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 179 / 244 34 / 81 form, the pressure changes through this fluid filtration module.

[0073] Membrane filtration systems, in which the processed fluid comes into contact with a filtering membrane, are commonly operated in one of two modes: (1) Constant Pressure Mode and (2) Constant Flow (permeate) Mode. In constant pressure mode, the applied pressure is kept constant, and as contaminant material accumulates on the feed-side fabric and membrane, a decline in permeate flow occurs. Typically, a rapid decline in permeate production indicates the onset of fouling. In constant flow mode, the applied pressure is varied to maintain a chosen permeate flow, and this pressure must be increased as contaminant material accumulates on the feed-side fabric and membrane in order to maintain the clean permeate production rate. Typically, a rapid increase in the pressure required to maintain constant flow indicates the onset of fouling.

[0074] The rate at which water is conducted through the filtration membrane is determined by the hydraulic permeability of the membrane and the Net Motive Pressure. The Net Motive Pressure is the difference between the Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) and the osmotic pressure difference between Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 180 / 244 35 / 81 the fluids on the feed and permeate sides of the filtration membrane. The TMP is the hydraulic pressure difference between the feed side and the permeate side of the filtration membrane. The operator of a filtration system can control the TMP by adjusting the pressure on the feed and permeate sides of the membrane, controlling pumps and / or valves at the inlet, permeate outlet, or reject outlet, for example.

[0075] Osmotic pressure is determined by the concentration of dissolved solids in fluids. In filtration operations that use, for example, reverse osmosis membranes, such as seawater desalination, wastewater, groundwater, and the like, the osmotic pressure of the permeate is very low because the water is substantially pure. In seawater desalination, the feedwater contains high concentrations of dissolved solids, mainly dissolved salt.

[0076] The feed water flowing through the feed side of the filtration membranes and finally out the reject outlet of the pressure vessel provides a so-called “crossflow,” which helps to remove contaminants from the feed side of the filtration modules. If the crossflow is not high enough, contaminants will accumulate in the filtration modules, leading to fouling. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 181 / 244 36 / 81

[0077] When fouling becomes very severe, it may not be possible to adjust the feed pressure to maintain permeate flow rate in steady-flow operations, and in steady-pressure operations, the permeate production rate decreases. When this occurs, the operator performs a cleaning process using aggressive acidic or alkaline solutions, as deemed appropriate, to attempt to restore system performance. This process usually requires the fluid filtration system to be shut down during the cleaning process. Depending on the type and extent of the fouling, the cleaning process may or may not be effective. Early detection and corrective action before fouling becomes permanent are important.

[0078] Without limiting itself to theory, it is proposed that a variation in pressure drop, for example, on the feed side of the first fluid filtration module or one of the first fluid filtration modules in a series of fluid filtration modules, may be indicative of biofouling. A variation in transmembrane pressure (TMP) and / or transmembrane flow (TMF), for example, in the last fluid filtration module or one of the last fluid filtration modules in a series of fluid filtration modules, may be indicative of mineral fouling.

[0079] The fluid being processed by the system of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 182 / 244 37 / 81 Fluid filtration typically comprises a fluid to be extracted and at least one contaminant. The at least one contaminant may be a particulate contaminant. The at least one contaminant may be a species that is dissolved in the fluid. For example, the species may be a salt that is dissolved in an aqueous liquid. The at least one contaminant may be a biological contaminant. The at least one contaminant may be an inorganic contaminant, such as, for example, silica.

[0080] The operating conditions for each filtration module in series may be different and, during operation, change over time, with each membrane module removing some of the permeate from the feed water and thus concentrating contaminants in the feed and reducing both the flow rate and pressure for subsequent filtration modules in series. When these contaminants include dissolved solids, for example, salts, the osmotic pressure difference between the feed and permeate sides of the filtration membrane will increase as the volume of water in which they are dissolved decreases. This acts to decrease the net driving pressure and reduce the permeate flux. Some contaminants may adhere to the materials in the filtration modules. This can obstruct the crossflow of water on the feed side of the filtration membranes. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 183 / 244 38 / 81 which reduces the cross-flow elimination effect and can lead to fouling. This hydraulic resistance will also reduce the pressure applied to each subsequent filtration module in series, which reduces permeate production in those modules. Some dissolved contaminants may reach saturation concentration and precipitate from the solution. This can occur on the surface of the filtration membrane, causing fouling and increasing hydraulic resistance across the filtration membrane, thus reducing transmembrane flow (permeate production).

[0081] Additionally, it has also been demonstrated (Ho et al. 2016 and Coster et al. 2021) that if a transmembrane flux limit (“critical flux”) is exceeded (i.e., the fluid flow through the membrane from the feed side to the permeate side), then crossflow is insufficient to remove at least one contaminant at a rate sufficient to prevent the accumulation of at least one contaminant on the surface of the filter membrane. Where at least one contaminant includes dissolved silica, for example, the silica may exceed the saturation concentration and therefore form an immobile cake on the surface of the filter membrane. The initial fouling caused by excess critical flux can be mitigated by increasing crossflow and / or decreasing transmembrane flux (flow of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 184 / 244 39 / 81 permeated through the membrane). If allowed to continue, fouling may become impossible to remove except by chemical cleaning methods and, in some cases, may require replacement of the specific fluid filtration module, as cleaning protocols may no longer be sufficient to eliminate the fouling. It is noted in this document that the critical flow increases as the crossflow increases, so that increased crossflow may allow the transmembrane flow to fall below the critical flow.

[0082] Consequently, it is very important that fluid filtration system operators avoid operating the fluid filtration system above the critical flow, ideally for each filtration module in the system, not just the average of the set of filtration modules in the series.

[0083] In embodiments where the fluid filtration system comprises a plurality of sensor modules, the fluid filtration system of the present aspect allows one or more properties of the feed fluid and / or permeate fluid to be determined at multiple points along the series of fluid filtration modules, thus enabling an operator to detect that the approach of critical flow is being reached for specific fluid filtration modules and thus take action. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 185 / 244 40 / 81 corrective actions to avoid exceeding the critical flow.

[0084] A sensor module of at least one sensor module may be installed in a permeate tube of a first fluid filtration module and in a permeate tube of a second fluid filtration module that is adjacent to the first fluid filtration module in the series of fluid filtration modules. Consequently, during use, the permeate of the first fluid filtration module may flow from the permeate tube of the first fluid filtration module to the permeate tube of the second fluid filtration module through the sensor module. In embodiments in which the sensor module comprises a tubular body, the permeate of the first fluid filtration module may flow from the permeate tube of the first fluid filtration module to the permeate tube of the second fluid filtration module through the channel of the tubular body.

[0085] There may be a gap between the permeate tube of the first fluid filtration module and the permeate tube of the second fluid filtration module. Part of the sensor module may be exposed in this gap. Thus, during use, part of the sensor module may be exposed to the reject fluid flowing from the first fluid filtration module to the second fluid filtration module.

[0086] The permeate tube of each filtration module Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 186 / 244 41 / 81 of fluid in the plurality of fluid filtration modules can form a continuous fluid path through the plurality of fluid filtration modules to the permeate outlet.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fluid filtration system may be a water filtration system. Thus, the plurality of fluid filtration modules may be a plurality of water filtration modules. Each water filtration module may comprise a water filtration membrane wrapped around a permeate tube. The permeate tube may extend from a first end of the water filtration module to a second end of the water filtration module. The permeate tube may be provided in the middle of the water filtration module. The permeate tube of each water filtration module may feed the permeate tube of the next water filtration module in the series. Therefore, the permeate may flow along the permeate tube of the plurality of water filtration modules to a permeate outlet.

[0088] The fluid processed by the fluid filtration system can be an aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid can be saltwater or seawater. The aqueous liquid can be wastewater. The aqueous liquid can be sewage, industrial water, contaminated water, surface water, or groundwater. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 187 / 244 42 / 81

[0089] In embodiments in which the fluid filtration system processes saltwater, for example, the permeate may be water with reduced salinity and the reject may be water with increased salinity. The permeate may be substantially saline water.

[0090] The fluid filtration system may comprise the same number of sensor modules as data collection modules. Consequently, a data collection module may be associated with one sensor module. The fluid filtration system may comprise fewer data collection modules than sensor modules. Consequently, at least one data collection module may be associated with, and receive data from, more than one sensor module.

[0091] A data collection module of at least one data collection module may be positioned adjacent to a sensor module of at least one sensor module. The distance between a data collection module of at least one data collection module and a sensor module of at least one sensor module may be minimized by appropriate positioning of the data collection module relative to the sensor module.

[0092] The fluid filtration system may comprise at least one power transmitter. The power transmitter may transmit power to one or more of at least one sensor module. Consequently, one or Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 188 / 244 43 / 81 more than sensor modules, at least one sensor module can receive power from at least one power transmitter and can transmit data to a separate data collection module.

[0093] The fluid filtration system may comprise a central processing unit. The central processing unit may be configured to receive data from at least one data collection module. The central processing unit may present the data received from at least one data collection module to a user.

[0094] According to a fifth aspect, a method is provided for monitoring a fluid filtration system of the fourth aspect, the method comprising the steps: To provide a fluid filtration system comprising a fluid processing pressure vessel containing a plurality of fluid filtration modules supplied in series between an inlet, a reject outlet and a permeate outlet; to provide a plurality of sensor modules, with at least one sensor module positioned between adjacent fluid filtration modules, the adjacent fluid filtration modules comprising an upstream fluid filtration module and a downstream fluid filtration module, each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules comprising Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 189 / 244 44 / 81 a body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter; provide at least one data collection module, the data collection module(s) being positioned outside the pressure vessel for fluid processing and comprising a data receiver configured to receive data from the data transmitter of a sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules; To propel a fluid through the pressure vessel for fluid processing, so that the fluid flows from the inlet to the reject outlet and to the permeate outlet through a plurality of fluid filtration modules; each sensor module, out of a plurality of sensor modules, determines at least one fluid parameter at the sensor module's location; each sensor module transmitting data related to at least one determined parameter to a data collection module; and wherein the at least one parameter determined by a sensor module in the plurality of sensor modules is indicative of the operating conditions of the associated fluid filtration module.

[0095] A variation of at least one parameter determined by a sensor module in the plurality of sensor modules compared to the reference data may be Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 190 / 244 45 / 81 indicates fouling of the associated fluid filtration module.

[0096] Each sensor module in the plurality of sensor modules can be a sensor module of the first aspect.

[0097] Each data collection module of at least one data collection module can be a data collection module of the second aspect.

[0098] The combination of a sensor module and a data collection module can be a detection system according to the third aspect.

[0099] The fluid filtration system can be a fluid filtration system according to the fourth aspect.

[00100] At least one specified parameter can be selected from the group of parameters consisting of: flow rate, pressure, salinity / conductivity, viscosity, turbidity and temperature.

[00101] Each fluid filtration module may comprise a filtration membrane and a permeate tube, such that, during use, at least part of the fluid passes through or into the filtration membrane, into the permeate tube. At least one sensor module out of the plurality of sensor modules may determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the permeate tube. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 191 / 244 46 / 81 At least one sensor module out of the plurality of sensor modules can determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the filtering membrane. At least one sensor module out of the plurality of sensor modules can determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the permeate tube and at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the filtering membrane.

[00102] At least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the permeate tube may include pressure. At least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the permeate tube may include conductivity.

[00103] At least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the filter membrane may include pressure. At least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the filter membrane may include conductivity.

[00104] Determining the pressure on the upstream and downstream sides of a fluid filtration module can allow the determination of the pressure variation across the fluid filtration module. The pressure variation across the fluid filtration module (ΔP) can allow the detection of fouling in the feed-side fabric of a fluid filtration membrane. The feed-side fabric of a fluid filtration membrane can provide spacing between adjacent portions of the membrane. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 192 / 244 47 / 81 Fluid filtration in a fluid filtration module. Tissue fouling on the feed side of a fluid filtration membrane can be considered biofouling. Tissue fouling on the feed side can occur predominantly in the first fluid filtration modules (e.g., the first, second, and third fluid filtration modules) in a series of fluid filtration modules.

[00105] Determining the flow rate on the upstream and downstream sides of a fluid filtration module can allow the transmembrane flow, TMF (i.e., the flow of fluid through the filtration membrane from the feed side to the permeate side) for a fluid filtration module to be determined. Detecting a reduction in TMF can allow the detection of plaque formation on the surface of a filtration membrane. Plaque formation on the filtration membrane can occur predominantly in the end-fluid filtration modules (i.e., the last three fluid filtration modules) in a series of fluid filtration modules. The TMF can be determined for a given filtration membrane by a method as described in the sixth, seventh, or eighth aspects below, for example.

[00106] In modalities in which both the pressure Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 193 / 244 48 / 81 as to how TMF is determined, the method can allow ΔP and TMF to be determined independently for a given fluid filtration module, thus allowing fouling of the filter membrane fabric and plaque formation on the filter membrane surface to be detected independently.

[00107] Each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules may comprise a tubular body inserted into the permeate tube of adjacent fluid filtration modules.

[00108] Each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules may comprise at least one elongated element extending away from the tubular body. The at least one elongated element may extend from the tubular body between the filter membranes of adjacent fluid filter modules.

[00109] A sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules can be provided on either side of a selected fluid filtration module or of selected fluid filtration modules from a plurality of fluid filtration modules. A sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules can be provided between the first two fluid filtration modules from a plurality of fluid filtration modules. A sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules can be provided between the last two fluid filtration modules from a plurality of fluid filtration modules. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 194 / 244 49 / 81 Fluid filtration system with multiple fluid filtration modules. A sensor module can be provided between each fluid filtration module of the fluid filtration system. A sensor or a sensor module from multiple sensor modules can be provided at the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel. A sensor or a sensor module from multiple sensor modules can be provided at the permeate outlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel. A sensor or a sensor module from multiple sensor modules can be provided at each of the permeate inlets and outlets of the fluid processing pressure vessel. A sensor or a sensor module from multiple sensor modules can be provided at the reject outlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel. Consequently, at least one parameter can be determined for the fluid flowing into the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel and / or for the fluid flowing out of the permeate outlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel and / or for the fluid flowing out of the reject outlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel. In at least some embodiments, a sensor module from the plurality of sensor modules is provided between each pair of adjacent fluid filtration modules within the plurality of filtration modules. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 195 / 244 50 / 81 fluid and a sensor or a sensor module from the plurality of sensor modules is provided at the permeate inlet and outlet and at the reject outlet of the pressure vessel for fluid processing, so that the variation of at least one parameter in each fluid filtration module within the plurality of fluid filtration modules is determined and compared with reference data to determine if fouling has occurred in any fluid filtration module within the plurality of fluid filtration modules.

[00110] The method may include the step of adjusting the initial pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel (i.e., the pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet before flowing through the first fluid filtration module) when fouling is determined to occur. The method may include the step of adjusting the initial pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel from a working pressure to a discharge pressure. The discharge pressure may be higher than the working pressure. Consequently, increasing the pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet may increase cross-flow through the filter membrane of the fluid filtration modules, thus eliminating some or all of the buildup of contaminants or Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 196 / 244 51 / 81 fouling agents that may have caused the variation of at least one parameter.

[00111] The step of adjusting the initial pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet of the pressure vessel for fluid processing can be performed by an operator. The step of adjusting the initial pressure of the fluid flowing into the inlet of the pressure vessel for fluid processing can be performed automatically. A pump that pumps fluid into the inlet can be automatically controlled by a central processing unit, so that the central processing unit is configured to adjust the pressure of the fluid pumped by the pump. When fouling is determined, the central processing unit can adjust the pumping pressure from a working pressure to a discharge pressure. The pumping pressure can return to the working pressure after a predetermined period of time. The pumping pressure can return to the working pressure as soon as the fouling is determined to be eliminated.For example, at least one parameter may return to normal limits when compared to the reference data.

[00112] The method may include the step of adjusting the reject flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the fluid processing vessel to decrease the fluid pressure and Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 197 / 244 52 / 81 increase the reject flow rate in order to increase the cross-flow rate in the fluid filtration modules to wash the membrane surfaces of the fluid filtration modules.

[00113] The step of adjusting the fluid pressure flowing out of the reject outlet of the pressure vessel for fluid processing can be performed by an operator. The step of adjusting the fluid pressure flowing out of the reject outlet of the pressure vessel for fluid processing can be performed automatically. A reject outlet valve can be controlled to adjust the pressure at the reject outlet. When fouling is determined, the central processing unit can adjust the pressure at the reject outlet from a working pressure to a discharge pressure. The pressure at the reject outlet can return to the working pressure after a predetermined period of time. The pressure at the reject outlet can return to the working pressure as soon as the fouling is determined to be eliminated. For example, at least one parameter can return to normal limits when compared to reference data.

[00114] The method can be performed for multiple fluid filtration modules of the fluid filtration system in order to determine at least one parameter for multiple fluid filtration modules of the system. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 198 / 244 53 / 81 Fluid filtration. The method can be performed to determine at least one parameter for each fluid filtration module in the plurality of fluid filtration modules of the fluid filtration system.

[00115] Data from each sensor module can be presented to the operator so that they can see each parameter of at least one parameter determined by each sensor module per monitored fluid filtration module. Sensor module data from each side of a given fluid filtration module can be used to present at least one parameter across the fluid filtration module to the operator. For example, the variation in pressure (or variation in pressure drop) across the fluid filtration module and / or the variation in conductivity across the fluid filtration module can be presented to the operator. At least one parameter can be presented to the operator numerically. At least one parameter can be presented to the operator graphically. Colors can be used in the presentation of at least one parameter to the operator.Colors can be used to differentiate values ​​of one or more parameters that are within normal limits from those that are outside normal limits, for example, and those that are dangerously outside normal limits.

[00116] In some modalities, the data of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 199 / 244 Reference data may define normal threshold values ​​for at least one parameter. Therefore, when at least one parameter is determined to be within the reference data (i.e., within the normal threshold values ​​for at least one parameter), this may be indicative of normal, non-fouling, or substantially non-fouling operating conditions of the specific fluid filtration module. Reference data may define an upper limit for at least one parameter, above which variation of at least one parameter compared to the reference data may be indicative of fouling. Reference data may define a lower limit for at least one parameter, below which variation of at least one parameter compared to the reference data may be indicative of fouling. Reference data may define a target value or a range of values ​​for at least one parameter.

[00117] Reference data may be specific to an individual fluid filtration system. Reference data may be specific to an individual fluid filtration module. Reference data may be specific to a particular type, size, or configuration of fluid filtration module.

[00118] The reference data may have been Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 200 / 244 55 / 81 acquired or derived by the operator from the fluid filtration system provided in the method of this aspect. For example, the operator may acquire at least one parameter from each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules when each fluid filtration module is known to be clean, in order to acquire or derive reference data.

[00119] Reference data may be provided to the operator by a third party.

[00120] According to a sixth aspect, a method is provided for determining the transmembrane flux of fluid through a filtration membrane, the method comprising the following steps: - to provide a filtering membrane; - to make the fluid pass through the filtering membrane; - Determine the initial flow rate of the fluid before it passes through the filter membrane; - to determine the initial concentration of a species in the fluid before it passes through the filtration membrane; - to determine the final concentration of species in the fluid after it has passed through the filtration membrane; - Calculate the change in the concentration of the species between the initial concentration and the final concentration; - Calculate the final flow rate of the fluid that flows after passing through Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 201 / 244 56 / 81 of the filtration module based on the calculated variation in the concentration of species and the initial flow rate of the fluid; and - Calculate the fluid flow rate that passed through the filter membrane from the difference between the initial and final fluid flow rates.

[00121] The species can be ions within the fluid. The fluid can be an aqueous fluid comprising salt ions, such as seawater, for example. The concentration of ions within the fluid can be determined by measuring or determining the fluid's conductivity.

[00122] The species may be particulates within the fluid. The fluid may be an aqueous fluid comprising particulates. The fluid may be a non-aqueous fluid. The concentration of particulates in the fluid may be determined by measuring the turbidity of the fluid.

[00123] The method may include the step of determining the concentration of species in the permeate fluid at two ends of the permeate tube at each end of the fluid filtration module.

[00124] The step in calculating the fluid flow that passed through the filter membrane (i.e., the transmembrane flow) can take into account the surface area of ​​the filter membrane.

[00125] The initial fluid flow rate for the first Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 202 / 244 The flow rate of a fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules can be determined at the inlet of a pressure vessel for fluid processing. The initial fluid flow rate for the second fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules can be the final fluid flow rate for the first fluid filtration module. The initial fluid flow rate for the third fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules can be the final fluid flow rate for the second fluid filtration module. Consequently, the transmembrane flow can be determined for a given fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules without the need for direct measurement of the initial fluid flow rate for that fluid filtration module.

[00126] It should be noted that the steps of determining the initial flow rate of the fluid before it flows through the filtering membrane, determining the initial concentration of a species in the fluid before it flows through the filtering membrane, and determining the final concentration of the species in the fluid after it has flowed through the filtering membrane can be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[00127] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 203 / 244 58 / 81 to determine the fluid flow rate passing through a filtering membrane, the method comprising the following steps: - to provide a filtering membrane; - to pass the fluid through the filtering membrane; - Determine the initial flow rate of the fluid before it flows through the filter membrane; - Determine the initial conductivity of the fluid before it flows through the filtering membrane; - To determine the final conductivity of the fluid after it has passed through the filtering membrane; - Calculate the change in conductivity from the initial concentration and the final concentration; - Calculate the final flow rate of the fluid after it has passed through the filter membrane, based on the calculated variation in conductivity and the initial flow rate of the fluid; and - Calculate the fluid flow rate that passed through the filter membrane from the difference between the initial fluid flow rate and the final fluid flow rate.

[00128] The fluid can be an aqueous fluid. The fluid can be an ionic fluid. The fluid can be a polar fluid.

[00129] The filtering membrane can be a water filtering membrane. The fluid can be saltwater. The fluid can be seawater. As the fluid interacts Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 204 / 244 59 / 81 with the water filtration membrane, water can pass through or into the water filtration membrane, but the ions dissolved in the water that make up the fluid are prevented from passing through or into the water filtration membrane. Consequently, as the volume of fluid that has flowed through the water filtration membrane is reduced due to the transfer of water through the water filtration membrane, the concentration of dissolved ions in the fluid on the feed / reject side increases. As the ion concentration increases, the conductivity of the fluid increases proportionally.

[00130] In embodiments where fluid filtration modules include reverse osmosis membranes or filtration membranes that substantially restrict the passage of ions, simply measuring the fluid conductivity before and after a water filtration membrane in a water filtration module allows the water flow through or into the water filtration membrane to be calculated from the measured variation in conductivity and the flow rate of the fluid entering the fluid filtration module.

[00131] The step of calculating the fluid flow that passed through the filtering membrane (i.e., the transmembrane flow) can take into account the area of Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 205 / 244 60 / 81 filter membrane surface.

[00132] The method may include the step of determining the initial conductivity of the fluid flowing into the permeate tube of the fluid filtration module. The method may include the step of determining the final conductivity of the fluid flowing out of the permeate tube of the fluid filtration module. Consequently, the method may include the step of calculating the change in the conductivity of the permeate fluid by comparing the initial conductivity and the final conductivity. The step of calculating the final flow rate of the fluid flowing after passing through the filtration membrane may additionally use the calculated change in the conductivity of the permeate fluid to determine the fluid flow rate through the filtration membrane. In embodiments where substantially no dissolved ions pass through the filtration membrane, there will be no substantial change in the conductivity of the permeate fluid.In applications where a significant concentration of ions passes through the filtration membrane, there may be a significant variation in the conductivity of the permeate fluid, and determining this variation in concentration can provide a more accurate measurement of fluid flow through the filtration membrane.

[00133] According to an eighth aspect, it is provided Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 206 / 244 61 / 81 a method for determining the fluid flow through a filtering membrane, the method comprising the following steps: - to provide a filtering membrane; - to pass the fluid through the filtering membrane; - To determine the initial turbidity of the fluid before it flows through the filtering membrane; - To determine the final turbidity of the fluid after it has flowed through the filtering membrane; - Determine the initial flow rate of the fluid before it passes through the filter membrane; - Calculate the change in turbidity by comparing the initial turbidity and the final turbidity; - Calculate the final flow rate of the fluid that flows after passing through the filter membrane, based on the calculated variation in turbidity and the initial flow rate of the fluid; and - Calculate the fluid flow rate that passed through the filter membrane from the difference between the initial flow rate and the final flow rate.

[00134] The fluid may be a non-aqueous fluid. The fluid may be an aqueous fluid. The fluid may comprise particulates.

[00135] As the fluid passes through the filtering membrane, the fluid can pass through or into the Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 207 / 244 62 / 81 filtration membrane, for a permeate tube.

[00136] A fluid comprising a population of particulates may exhibit greater turbidity than a similar fluid that does not comprise a population of particulates. As the fluid passes through the filtration membrane, the fluid passes through or into the filtration membrane, and the particulate population may be prevented from passing through the filtration membrane or may not pass through the filtration membrane at all. Consequently, the concentration of particulates in the remaining fluid increases as the fluid volume decreases.

[00137] Therefore, simply measuring the fluid turbidity before and after a filtering membrane in a fluid filtration module, in combination with the initial fluid flow rate, allows the fluid flow through the filtering membrane to be calculated solely from the measured difference in turbidity.

[00138] The step in calculating the fluid flow that passed through the filtering membrane (i.e., the transmembrane flow) can take into account the surface area of ​​the filtering membrane.

[00139] The method may include the step of determining the initial turbidity of the fluid flowing into the permeate tube of the fluid filtration module. The method may Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 208 / 244 63 / 81 include the step of determining the final turbidity of the fluid flowing out of the permeate tube of the fluid filtration module. The method may include the step of calculating the change in permeate fluid turbidity by comparing the initial and final turbidity. The step of calculating the final fluid flow rate may additionally use the calculated change in permeate fluid turbidity to determine the fluid flow through the filtration membrane. In embodiments where virtually no particulate matter passes through the filtration membrane, there will be no substantial change in permeate fluid turbidity. In embodiments where a significant concentration of particulate matter passes through the filtration membrane, there may be a significant change in permeate fluid turbidity, and determining this change in concentration may provide a more accurate measurement of fluid flow through the filtration membrane.

[00140] To avoid confusion, the characteristics of the sensor module of the first aspect are characteristics of the sensor module of the subsequent aspects. The characteristics of the data collection module of the second aspect are characteristics of the data collection module of the subsequent aspects. The characteristics of the detection system of the third aspect are characteristics of the combination of a Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 209 / 244 64 / 81 sensor module and a data collection module for subsequent aspects. The fluid filtration system characteristics of the fourth aspect are characteristics of the fluid filtration systems of subsequent aspects. Brief Description of the Figures

[00141] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00142] Figure 1: A) a side cross-sectional view of a sensor module according to an embodiment, and B) a front view of a sensor module according to an embodiment;

[00143] Figure 2: A side cross-sectional view of two adjacent water filtration modules connected by a connecting tube;

[00144] Figure 3: A side cross-sectional view of two adjacent water filtration modules connected by a sensor module according to one embodiment;

[00145] Figure 4: An example of a water filtration module used in the technique;

[00146] Figure 5: An example of a water filtration membrane wrapped around a permeate tube of a water filtration module;

[00147] Figure 6: A cross-sectional view Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 210 / 244 65 / 81 side of a water filtration system of the technique;

[00148] Figure 7: A side cross-sectional view of a detection system according to one embodiment, installed in a pressure vessel of a water filtration system; and

[00149] Figure 8: A side cross-sectional view of the sensor module according to one embodiment. Detailed Description

[00150] Although the preparation and use of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be incorporated into a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed in this document are merely illustrative of specific ways of preparing and using the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[00151] To facilitate understanding of this invention, several terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary ability in the fields relevant to the present invention. Terms such as a, an, and the are not intended to refer only to a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example is a particular example. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 211 / 244 66 / 81 may be used for illustration. The terminology described in this document is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but its use does not delimit it, except as described in the claims.

[00152] The apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure are suitable for filtering any appropriate fluid. The apparatus and systems of the present disclosure are exemplified below using a water filtration system such as those used in desalination plants that produce potable water from seawater. This example should not be interpreted as limiting the applications of the apparatus, systems and methods of the disclosure and are merely illustrative of the underlying principles. Example 1

[00153] With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, a sensor module 1 is provided comprising a tubular body 2 and a support 4 extending from the tubular body 2. The tubular body 2 comprises a first end 6 and a second end 8 and a channel 10 extending from the first end 6 to the second end 8. The support 4 comprises radial elements (acting as elongated elements, for example, 12), an inner circular connection portion 14 and an outer circular connection portion 16. The electronic control components 17 are provided adjacent to the body. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 212 / 244 67 / 81 tubular 2. The first end 6 comprises two sealing rings 18 and the second end 8 comprises two sealing rings 20. The tubular body 2 further comprises a first pressure transducer 22 (acting as a first pressure sensor) on the inside of channel 10 and a second pressure transducer 24 (acting as a second pressure sensor) on the outside of the tubular body 2.

[00154] A radial element 12 comprises an arrangement of conductivity sensors 26. The support 4 comprises a target device 28 at the end of the support 4 furthest from the tubular body 2. The target device 28 comprises a near-field induction coil configured to receive energy from an external initiator device and modulate the electromagnetic carrier field of an external initiator device.

[00155] Typically, adjacent water filtration modules in water filtration stations are connected together by a connecting pipe 30 that connects the permeate pipe 32 (acting as a permeate tube) of a first water filtration module 34 to the permeate pipe 36 (acting as a permeate tube) of the adjacent second water filtration module 38 (see Figure 2, for example). Anti-truncation devices or caps 39 are provided at the end of the first filtration module. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 213 / 244 68 / 81 water 34 and the second water filtration module 38. An example of connecting pipe 30 is a cylindrical tube having an outside diameter of 25 mm, with the first and second ends comprising two sealing rings to seal the connection between the connecting pipe and a permeate pipe, the first and second ends having an outside diameter of 27 mm. With reference to Figure 3, the connecting pipe 30 is replaced by a sensor module 1. The sensor module 1 is installed between adjacent water filtration modules. The first end 6 of the tubular body 2 is inserted into the permeate tube 40 of a first water filtration module 42 and the second end 8 of the tubular body 2 is inserted into the permeate tube 44 of a second water filtration module 46.The sealing rings 18 at the first end 6 form a seal between the inner surface of the permeate tube 40 of the first water filtration module 42 and the tubular body 2, and the sealing rings 20 at the second end 8 form a seal between the inner surface of the permeate tube 44 of the second water filtration module 46 and the tubular body 2. The support 4 extends from the tubular body 2 through the anti-distension device 48 (which acts as a cap) of the first and second water filtration modules 42, 46, so that the target device 28 is positioned adjacent to the part. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 214 / 244 69 / 81 external 50 of the first and second water filtration devices 42, 46. Example 2

[00156] An example system in which the sensor module of Example 1 can be used is a seawater filtration / desalination plant, where seawater is processed in a desalination process to produce substantially pure water.

[00157] Desalination processes typically pump seawater or another saltwater source (the feed) to be processed through a plurality of water filtration modules supplied in series within a pressure vessel (acting as a pressure vessel for fluid processing). With reference to Figures 4 to 6, industry standard water filtration modules 50 comprise a filtration membrane 52 wrapped around a perforated permeate collection pipe 54 (acting as a permeate tube). The filtration membranes 52 are contained within the water filtration module 50 by anti-distension devices (acting as caps) that prevent the filtration membrane 52 from being pushed out of the water filtration module 50 when water is propelled through the water filtration module 50 at high flow rates during use. The filtration membrane 52 comprises Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 215 / 244 70 / 81 a filtering membrane envelope comprising a first membrane 56, a permeate spacer 58 and a second membrane 60, such that, during use, water flows through the first membrane 52 and the second membrane 60 to the permeate spacer 58. From the permeate spacer 58, the water flows to the perforated permeate collection pipe 54. The filtering membrane 52 thereby filters salt and other impurities from the water, so that substantially pure water 53 is collected in the perforated permeate collection pipe 54.

[00158] The feed 55 entering a water filtration module 50 has a certain salinity and the feed exiting the other side of the water filtration module 50 (the reject) typically has a higher salinity due to the reduction in the volume of water in the feed as the water (permeate) is filtered from the feed to the permeate collection pipe 54.

[00159] Consequently, the feed 55 entering a second water filtration module will have a higher salinity and lower pressure, and a lower flow rate due to the reduction in volume and hydraulic resistance in the first module, than the feed entering the first previous water filtration module.

[00160] In some installations, the pressure vessel Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 216 / 244 71 / 81 can contain seven water filtration modules supplied in series. Consequently, the feed flows through the water filtration system from the first water filtration module to the seventh water filtration module, passing through the second to the sixth water filtration modules sequentially.

[00161] Alternative pressure vessels can hold two, three, five, ten, fourteen, or any other number of water filtration modules, for example.

[00162] A pressure vessel 62 has an inlet 64 that feeds a first water filtration module 66. The pressure vessel 62 additionally includes a permeate outlet 68 to allow the removal of permeate from the pressure vessel 62. The pressure vessel 62 includes a reject outlet 69 to allow the feed that has passed through all the water filtration modules 70 (also known as reject 57) to flow out of the pressure vessel 62. The resulting reject can then flow to another pressure vessel for further processing. The pressure vessel 62 in this example contains seven water filtration modules supplied in series.

[00163] Typically, with reference to Figure 7, the permeate collection pipe 80 of a first water filtration module 82 feeds the permeate collection pipe Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 217 / 244 72 / 81 of a second water filtration module 86 and so on, so that the permeate collection pipes of the series of water filtration modules form a continuous permeate collection pipe.

[00164] Previously, operators of a desalination plant comprising multiple pressure vessel banks, for example, would use data obtained from the feed at the pressure vessel inlet and at the reject outlet to determine the performance of each pressure vessel bank. Typically, a measured variation in the pressure drop across the pressure vessel as a whole, or a variation in the transmembrane pressure or total salt passage, was indicative of membrane failure or fouling within the series of water filtration modules, which would result in the decommissioning of the specific pressure vessel bank and the application of treatment to the specific pressure vessel.

[00165] In this example, a sensor module 1 according to example 1 is provided between adjacent water filtration modules, so that a sensor module 1 is provided after each water filtration module, so that pressure data and conductivity data can be provided for each water filtration module. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a sensor module 1 is provided in the permeate collection pipe 80 of a Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 218 / 244 73 / 81 first water filtration module 82 and in the permeate collection pipe 84 of a second water filtration module 86. Sensors (not shown) are also provided at the inlet 64 of the pressure vessel 62 to determine the pressure and conductivity of the fluid entering the pressure vessel 62 during use, and sensors (not shown) are provided at the reject outlet.

[00166] Referring to Figure 7, a data collection module 100 is provided on the outside of the pressure vessel 62 for each sensor module 1. The data collection module 100 comprises an initiator device 102 configured to communicate with and power the corresponding sensor module 1 via the target device 28 of that sensor module 1. Each data collection module 100 is positioned on the pressure vessel 62 such that the initiator device 102 of that data collection module 100 is positioned adjacent to the target device 28 of the sensor module 1.

[00167] During use, seawater is forced under high pressure (up to approximately 100 bar (10000 kPa)) into inlet 64 of pressure vessel 62, so that seawater flows sequentially through each water filtration module. Water is removed from the seawater through permeate outlet 68, which has collected water from each water filtration module. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 219 / 244 74 / 81

[00168] Each sensor module 1 collects pressure and conductivity data and transmits them to the corresponding data collection module 100. Each data collection module 100 transmits the received data to a central processing unit (not shown), where the data is collected and analyzed. In addition, data from input 64 and reject output 80 are also transmitted to the central processing unit for collection and analysis.

[00169] The central processing unit calculates the pressure variation (ΔP), transmembrane pressure (TMP), salt passage (from measured conductivity), and conductivity variation (ΔC) through each water filtration module. A variation in any or all parameters of a given water filtration module relative to normal operating values ​​(acting as reference data) for that water filtration module is indicative of failure or fouling of that specific module.

[00170] Typically, a variation in ΔP compared to the reference data for one of the first two water filtration modules in the water filtration module series is indicative of biofouling, and therefore the operator knows that the likely corrective action to be taken is to apply or adjust the dosage of a biocide or an anti-biofouling composition similar to the modules in that vessel. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 220 / 244 75 / 81 pressure.

[00171] Typically, a variation in TMP and / or transmembrane flow (TMF) compared to reference data for one of the last two water filtration modules in the water filtration module series is indicative of mineral fouling and, therefore, the operator knows that the likely corrective action to be taken when the TMP or TMF of one of the final water filtration modules changes from the normal operating TMP or TMF is to apply or adjust the dosage of an anti-scaling composition to the feed solution of that pressure vessel.

[00172] Data is regularly provided to the operator so that fouling incidents can be dealt with early by an operator, thereby reducing downtime of the water filtration system and minimizing the risk of damage to the water filtration modules.

[00173] The supply of ΔC for the feed / reject water for each water filtration module also allows the water flow through the filtration membranes of the water filtration modules, known as transmembrane flow, to be calculated.

[00174] As described earlier, removing water from seawater using a water filtration module reduces Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 221 / 244 76 / 81 the volume of fluid, but retains the same amount of salt. Consequently, the salt concentration increases directly in proportion to the change in water volume in the seawater fed into a subsequent water filtration module (the feedwater). The measured conductivity of the feedwater is proportional to the salt concentration in the feedwater.

[00175] Measuring ΔC per water filtration module, together with the known total feed flow rate into the pressure vessel, allows an operator to determine the change in salt concentration in seawater across the water filtration module and thus determine the change in seawater volume to determine the water flow through the filtration membrane per water filtration module (transmembrane flow).

[00176] Determining the transmembrane flow per water filtration module allows an operator to identify any variation in the transmembrane flow of any individual water filtration module, thus identifying any reduction in transmembrane flow early and applying corrective action if necessary.

[00177] Additionally, the ability to monitor transmembrane flow through a water filtration module along Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 222 / 244 77 / 81 of the time allows any variation in transmembrane flow to any water filtration module that may be associated with the onset of critical flow to be detected. In this way, the operator can determine that critical flow is approaching for a specific water filtration module and can take preventative measures to avoid critical flow from occurring. For example, the operator can decrease the pressure inside the pressure vessel by opening a reject outlet valve to reduce the driving pressure and increase crossflow to eliminate contamination and prevent critical flow from being exceeded. Example 3

[00178] With reference to Figure 8, a sensor module 200 comprises a tubular body 202. The tubular body 202 comprises a first end 204, a central portion 206, and a second end 208 opposite the first end 204. A channel 210 extends from the first end 204 to the second end 208. The first end 204 comprises two sealing rings 212, and the second end 208 comprises two sealing rings 214. The central portion 206 further comprises a first pressure sensor 216 on the inside of the channel 210 of the tubular body 202 and a second pressure sensor 218 on the outside of the tubular body 202. The central portion 206 Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 223 / 244 78 / 81 additionally includes a 220 battery and a 222 data transmitter.

[00179] The first end 204 of the tubular body 202 is configured to be inserted into the permeate tubing (acting as a permeate tube) of a first fluid filtration module, and the second end 208 of the tubular body 202 is configured to be inserted into the permeate tubing of a second fluid filtration module that is adjacent to the first fluid filtration module in a series of fluid filtration modules. The first pressure sensor 216 is exposed to the fluid flowing through channel 210 of the tubular body 202. The second pressure sensor 218 is exposed to the fluid flowing between adjacent fluid filtration modules, passing through the outside of the tubular body 202.

[00180] During use, sensor module 200 is powered by battery 220. Pressure data is determined by the first pressure sensor 216 and the second pressure sensor 218 and transmitted to an external device by the data transmitter 222. Example 4

[00181] A water filtration system (not shown) comprises fourteen water filtration modules supplied in series within two pressure vessels (seven Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 224 / 244 79 / 81 water filtration modules contained in a first pressure vessel and seven water filtration modules contained in a second pressure vessel) connected in series. The pressure vessel arrangement comprises an inlet, a permeate outlet, and a reject outlet, with the reject outlet of the first pressure vessel being connected to the inlet of the second pressure vessel and the permeate outlet of the first pressure vessel connected to the permeate tube of the second pressure vessel. Each water filtration module corresponds to a water filtration module as described in Example 2. A sensor module according to Example 3 is provided between the first and second water filtration modules, the second and third water filtration modules, the fifth and sixth water filtration modules, and the sixth and seventh water filtration modules of the first and second pressure vessels.A sensor module is also provided at the inlet of the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel. A sensor module is also provided at the reject outlet of the first pressure vessel and the reject outlet of the second pressure vessel.

[00182] A data collection module is provided on the outside of the pressure vessel for each sensor module. The data collection module comprises an initiator device configured to communicate with the sensor module. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 225 / 244 80 / 81 corresponding via the transmitter of this sensor module. Each data collection module is positioned in the pressure vessel so that the initiator device of this data collection module is positioned adjacent to the transmitter of the sensor module.

[00183] During use, data is collected as described in Example 2. The operator receives data from the first, second, sixth, and seventh water filtration modules for each pressure vessel, allowing them to monitor the performance of each water filtration module in each pressure vessel and thus detect a drop in performance of any of these water filtration modules independently. As a result, the operator can deal with any drop in performance of any of the monitored water filtration modules in advance, thus ensuring that the water filtration system operates at maximum efficiency.

[00184] Although approved embodiments of the present invention have been described previously, it will be evident that many and varied variations and modifications in the form, design, structure and arrangement of parts can be made for other embodiments without departing from the invention, and it should be understood that all such variations and modifications are contemplated as embodiments as part of the present invention. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 226 / 244 81 / 81 invention, as defined in the appended claims. References JS Ho, LN Sim, J Gu, RD Webster, AG Fane, HGL Coster A threshold flux phenomenon for colloidal fouling in reverse osmosis characterized by transmembrane pressure and electrical impedance spectroscopy; Journal of Membrane Science 500, 55-65 2016 HGL Coster, AG Fane, LN Sim, JS Ho, JH Low Method and apparatus for assessing a state of fouling of a reverse osmosis system US Patent 11,192,069 2021 Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 227 / 244

Claims

1 / 10 CLAIMS 1. Fluid filtration system characterized by comprising a fluid processing pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fluid filtration modules provided in series between an inlet, a reject outlet and a permeate outlet, at least one sensor module and at least one data collection module, the at least one sensor module comprising a body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter, the at least one data collection module comprising a data receiver configured to receive data from the data transmitter of a sensor module from the at least one sensor module;wherein one or more of the at least one sensor module are positioned between two adjacent fluid filtration modules of the plurality of fluid filtration modules and a data collection module of the at least one data collection module is positioned on the outside of the fluid processing pressure vessel, wherein, during use, the fluid flows into the inlet of the fluid processing pressure vessel, through each fluid filtration module of the plurality of fluid filtration modules sequentially, and the permeate flows out of the permeate outlet and the reject flows out of the reject outlet. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 228 / 244 2 / 10; 2. Fluid filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sensor module comprises a plurality of sensor modules.

3. Fluid filtration system, according to claim 2, characterized in that a sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules is provided on each side of a selected fluid filtration module or selected fluid filtration modules from a plurality of fluid filtration modules.

4. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a sensor module is provided between each pair of adjacent fluid filtration modules.

5. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body of, or each sensor module in, at least one sensor module being a tubular body configured to be inserted or installed in a permeate tube of a fluid filtration module.

6. Fluid filtration system, according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the tubular body and / or passing through the outside of the tubular body. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 229 / 244 3 / 10 7. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the body or each sensor module of at least one sensor module comprises at least one sensor.

8. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor module or each sensor module comprises at least one elongated element extending away from the body.

9. Fluid filtration system according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one elongated element comprises at least one sensor.

10. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor module or each sensor module of at least one sensor module comprises a power receiver configured to receive wireless power from an external power transmitter in order to power the sensor module.

11. Fluid filtration system, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a sensor or sensor module is provided upstream of a first fluid filtration module of the series of fluid filtration modules, and a sensor or sensor module is provided downstream of a final fluid filtration module of the series of fluid filtration modules.

12. Method for monitoring a fluid filtration system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized by comprising the steps: providing a fluid filtration system comprising a fluid processing pressure vessel containing a plurality of fluid filtration modules provided in series between an inlet, a reject outlet and a permeate outlet; providing a plurality of sensor modules, each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules comprising a body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter, and being positioned between adjacent fluid filtration modules, the adjacent fluid filtration modules comprising an upstream fluid filtration module and a downstream fluid filtration module;provide at least one data collection module, or each data collection module comprising a data receiver configured to receive data from the data transmitter of a sensor module, or each data collection module being positioned on the outside of the pressurized vessel; propel a fluid through the pressurized vessel so that the fluid flows from the inlet and through each fluid filtration module of the plurality of fluid filtration modules; each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules determining at least one parameter of the fluid flowing from the fluid filtration module upstream of the adjacent fluid filtration modules; each sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules transmitting data relating to at least one determined parameter to at least one data collection module;and where at least one parameter determined by a sensor module in the plurality of sensor modules is indicative of the operating conditions of the associated fluid filtration module.

13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that changes in at least one parameter determined by a sensor module in a plurality of sensor modules, compared to reference data, are indicative of fouling of the associated fluid filtering module.

14. Method, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one determined parameter is selected from the group of parameters consisting of: flow rate, pressure, salinity / conductivity, viscosity, turbidity and temperature.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a sensor module from a plurality of sensor modules is provided on each side of a selected fluid filtering module or fluid filtering modules selected from a plurality of fluid filtering modules, and wherein the method determines variations in at least one parameter for the selected fluid filtering module or modules independently.

16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that each fluid filtration module comprises a filtration membrane and a permeate tube such that, during use, at least part of the fluid passes through the filtration membrane into the permeate tube, wherein the method comprises the step of at least one sensor module out of a plurality of sensor modules determining at least one parameter of the feed / reject fluid passing through the filtration membrane.

17. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that at least one sensor module of the plurality of sensor modules comprises a tubular body, the tubular body being inserted into the permeate tube of adjacent fluid filtering modules, and the method comprising the step of determining at least one parameter of the permeate fluid flowing through the channel of the tubular body.

18. Sensor module characterized by being configured to be installed in a permeate tube of a fluid filtration module, the sensor module comprising a tubular body, at least one sensor and a data transmitter.

19. Sensor module, according to claim 18, characterized in that the tubular body comprises at least one sensor.

20. Sensor module, according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by comprising at least one elongated element extending away from the tubular body, and the at least one elongated element comprising at least one sensor.

21. Sensor module, according to claim 20, characterized in that at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid passing through the elongated element.

22. Sensor module, according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the data transmitter is configured, during use, to wirelessly transmit data to a data receiver external to the pressure vessel for fluid processing. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 234 / 244 8 / 10 23. Sensor module, according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized by further comprising a power receiver configured to receive wireless power from an external power transmitter in order to power the sensor module.

24. Sensor module, according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter selected from the group: flow rate, pressure, salinity / conductivity, viscosity, turbidity and temperature.

25. Sensor module, according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the tubular body and / or passing through the outside of the tubular body.

26. Sensor module, according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that at least one sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is positioned so that it is configured, during use, to measure at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the tubular body, and the second sensor is positioned so that it is configured, during use, to measure at least one parameter of the fluid passing through the outside of the tubular body.

27. Method for determining fluid flow through a filtering membrane characterized by comprising the steps: - providing a filtering membrane; - passing the fluid through the filtering membrane; - determining the initial flow rate of the fluid before it passes through the filtering membrane; - determining the initial concentration of a species in the fluid before it passes through the filtering membrane; - determining the final concentration of the species in the fluid after it has passed through the filtering membrane; - calculating the change in the concentration of the species between the initial concentration and the final concentration; - calculating the final flow rate of the fluid flowing after passing through the filtering membrane from the calculated change in the concentration of the species and the initial flow rate of the fluid; and - calculating the flow rate of the fluid that passed through the filtering membrane from the difference between the initial flow rate of the fluid and the final flow rate of the fluid.

28. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that the fluid is an aqueous fluid.

29. Method according to claim 27 or 28, Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 236 / 244 10 / 10 characterized in that the species are ions or particulates within the fluid. Petition 870250085580, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 237 / 244

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