Cross-flow filtration system including particulate settling zone

Abstract

Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14). A pressurizable recirculation loop (A) comprises the fluid treatment pathway (28) and recirculation pump (Z) and the recirculation pump (Z) is adapted for driving pressurized through the recirculation loop (A). A feed pump (Y) is adapted to introduce feed liquid into the system (10); and an effluent outlet (18) in fluid communication with the particulate settling zone (30). The feed pump (Y), effluent outlet (18) and filtered fluid outlet (16) reside outside of the recirculation loop (A).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to cross-flow filtration assemblies for separating particulate matter from liquids. Background technique [0002] Suspended particles have been separated from liquids using various techniques including coacervation, flocculation, settling, filtration and cyclone separation. For example, in a typical hydrocyclone implementation, pressurized feed liquid is introduced into a conically shaped chamber under conditions that create a vortex within the chamber. The feed liquid is introduced near the top of the conical chamber, while the effluent stream exits near the bottom. The centrifugal force associated with the vortex pushes the denser particles towards the periphery of the chamber. As a result, the liquid located near the center of the vortex has a lower concentration of particles than the liquid at the periphery. This "cleaner" liquid can then be drawn from the central area of ​​the hydrocyclone. Examples of h...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Cross-flow filtration systems are small and produce high quality separations, but are prone to fouling and are energy intensive

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