Hollow fiber alignment devices, systems, and hollow fiber filter devices

Abstract

Hollow fiber alignment devices, systems, subassemblies, filter devices including the hollow fiber alignment devices, and methods of assembly and use, are disclosed.

Description

HOLLOW FIBER ALIGNMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND HOLLOW FIBER FILTER DEVICESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 668,586, filed July 8. 2024, which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hollow fiber filter devices include a plurality’ of hollow fiber membranes that can be arranged in one or more bundles of hollow fiber membranes, wherein the device contains the bundle(s).

[0003] There is a need for hollow fiber alignment devices and methods of aligning the hollow fiber membranes to form bundles to produce hollow fiber filter devices.

[0004] The present invention provides for ameliorating at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description as set forth below.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An aspect of the invention provides a hollow fiber alignment device comprising (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring; and. (c) a hollow central hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow central hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; w herein thefirst non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; wherein the hollow fiber alignment device has a first position wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are arranged such that the first ring gap is aligned with the second ring gap, providing an open chamber bordered by spaced-apart radial arms; and the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring of the hollow fiber alignment device is rotatable from the first position to a second position such that the first ring gap is not aligned with the second ring gap, providing a closed chamber bordered by spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring.

[0006] In some aspects of the device, the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are rotatable to two or more subsequent first positions before the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring is rotated to the second position.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a hollow fiber alignment system is provided, comprising two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and thesecond non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surface of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers.

[0008] In a preferred aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the system further comprises a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring.

[0009] In an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the hollow support tube comprises a plurality of hollow support tube sections, each hollow support tube section having a first hollow support tube section end and a second hollow support tube section end. and a side wall having through openings, wherein the hollow support tube sections are couplable to hollow central hubs of the spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices and, if anaspect of the system includes a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub, the hollow support tube sections are couplable to the hollow central hubs of the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a hollow fiber filter subassembly is provided, comprising an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the hollow fiber alignment system including bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers, the hollow fiber filter assembly with bundles of hollow fibers surrounded by an outer mesh.

[0011] A hollow fiber filter device according to an aspect of the invention comprises a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing an aspect of the hollow fiber filter subassembly arranged within the housing; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet.

[0012] In an aspect of the hollow fiber filter device, the inlet portion further comprises an additional port in fluid communication with the second end of the hollow support tube.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of processing fluid is provided, the method comprising passing fluid through an aspect of the hollow fiber filter device, including passing feed fluid though the feed inlet; passing retentate tangentially along the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers and through the retentate outlet, and passing permeate through the walls of the hollow fibers, through the openings in the wall of the hollow support tube, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0014] An aspect of processing fluid in accordance with the invention comprises clarifying beer, including passing beer through the feed inlet, and passing beer permeate depleted of solids though the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the beer to be clarified includes one or more additives, such as at least one fining and / or at least one enzyme.

[0015] In some aspects, a method of backwashing the hollow fiber filter device is provided, e.g., after processing fluid, the method comprising (optionally including turning on or off the appropriate upstream or dow nstream circulation pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow fiber filter device), and passing backwashing fluid (e.g., permeate, gas or liquid) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing backwashing fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0016] In another aspect, a method of cleaning the hollow fiber filter device is provided, e.g., after processing fluid, the method comprising (optionally including turning on or off the appropriate upstream or downstream pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow fiber filter device), and passing cleaning fluid (e.g., a cleaning fluid including, for example, a caustic such as sodium hydroxide) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing the cleaning fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0017] In another aspect, a method of assembling hollow fibers into an aspect of a hollow fiber alignment system is provided, wherein the hollow fiber alignment system comprises two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices providing sets of correspondingly radially aligned chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving bundles of hollow fibers in the sets of chambers, the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devicesare collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, the method comprising: inserting a first bundle of hollow fibers in the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position, closing the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, inserting a second bundle of hollow fibers in the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position, closing the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, inserting a third bundle of hollow fibers in the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, and rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, closing the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers.

[0018] In some aspects, the method of assembling comprises rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to two or more subsequent first positions and inserting bundles of hollow fibers before rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to the second position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0019] Figures 1A, IB, 1C, and ID are drawings showing perspective (Fig. 1A), top (Fig. IB), cross-sectional (Fig. 1C, along line 1C-1C of Figure 1A), and another perspective (Fig. ID), views of a hollow fiber alignment device comprising a first non-continuous ring and a second non-continuous ring according to an aspect of the invention, wherein each of the non-continuous rings is rotatable, and wherein, in Figures 1 A-1C, the device is shown in a first position with the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring arranged such that a first ring gap is aligned with a second ring gap, providing an open chamber bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, and in Figure ID, the device is shown in a second position such that the first ring gap is not aligned with a second ring gap and all the chambers are closed bordered by the spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surface of the rotated non-continuous ring (illustrated as the first non-continuous ring).

[0020] Figures 2A-2B are drawings showing perspective (Fig. 2A) and cross-sectional (Fig. 2B) views of a hollow fiber alignment system including a plurality of linearly arranged hollow fiber alignment devices as shown in Figure 1 A and a hollow support tube (illustrated as a continuous tube) engaged with the hollow hubs of the plurality of linearly arranged hollow fiber alignment devices, and with hollow hubs of front and rear continuous rings, each alignment device having radially arranged chambers, the plurality of linearly arranged hollow fiber alignment devices arranged between the front and rear continuous rings; the system providing sets of correspondingly aligned chambers, wherein each set of correspondingly aligned chambers can receive a bundle of hollow fibers. Figures 2A-2B showing six sets of correspondingly arranged chambers, for receiving six bundles of hollow fibers, each set receiving a different bundle of hollow fibers (bundles not shown), according to another aspect of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3A is a drawing showing an exploded view of another aspect of the hollow support tube, this aspect of the hollow support tube comprising a plurality of hollow support tube sections, each hollow support tube section having a first hollow support tube section end and a second hollow support tube section end. and a side wall, the hollow support tube sections being couplable to hollow central hubs of a hollow fiber alignment system according to an aspect of the invention; and Figure 3B is a drawing showing a partial view of a variation of hollow fiber alignment system shown in Figure 2A, with the hollow support tube sections as shown in Figure 3 A coupled with the hollow central hubs of hollow fiber alignment devices according to an aspect of the invention.

[0022] Figures 4A-4D are drawings showing preparation of front and rear continuous rings, wherein closed ends are cut from closed caps for preparing the hollow fiber alignment system show n in Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 4A show s a side cross-sectional view7of a cap ring with a closed end; Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the caps with a closed end along line 4A-4A of Figure 4A; Figure 4C shows a side cross-sectional view of the ring after the closed end is removed, and 4D show s a cross-sectional view of the ring along line 4D-4D of Figure 4C.

[0023] Figure 5A is drawing show ing an aspect of the system with enclosed bundles before potting material is inserted to fix the bundles in position; Figure 5B shows an individual hollow fiber bundle surrounded by a fiber bundle mesh.

[0024] Figures 6A-6C are drawings showing the aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system shown in Figures 2A and 5A (Fig. 6A-6C after insertion of the potting material) arranged in a mesh, providing a hollow fiber filter subassembly having front (top) and rear (bottom) continuous rings, wherein Figure 6A shows a top perspective view, Figure 6B shows a bottom perspective view, and Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figures 7A-7D are drawings showing an aspect of a hollow fiber filter device including an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system according to an aspect of the invention, wherein Figure 7A shows a perspective view. Figure 7B shows a cross-section view (without hollow fibers) along line 7B-7B of Figure 7A, Figure 7C shows another cross-sectional view: and Figure 7D shows an enlarged view of detail 7D in Figure 7B.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An aspect of the invention provides a hollow fiber alignment device comprising (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring; and. (c) a hollow central hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow central hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; wherein the hollow fiber alignment device has a first position wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are arranged such that the first ring gap is aligned with the second ring gap, providing an open chamber bordered by spaced-apart radial arms; and the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring of the hollow fiber alignment device is rotatable from the first position to a second position such that the first ring gap is not aligned with the second nng gap, providing a closed chamber bordered byspaced-apart radial arms and the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring.

[0027] In some aspects of the hollow fiber alignment device, the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are rotatable to two or more subsequent first positions before the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring is rotated to the second position.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, a hollow fiber alignment system is provided, comprising two or more hollow fiber alignment devices.

[0029] For example, an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system comprises two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and thesecond non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers.

[0030] In a preferred aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the system further comprises a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring.

[0031] In an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the hollow support tube comprises a plurality of hollow support tube sections, each hollow support tube section having a first hollow support tube section end and a second hollow support tube section end, and a side wall having through openings, wherein the hollow support tube sections are couplable to hollow central hubs of the spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices and, if an aspect of the system includes a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub, the hollow support tube sections are couplable to hollow central hubs of the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a hollow fiber filter subassembly is provided, comprising an aspect of the hollow fiber alignment system, the hollow fiber alignment system including bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers, the hollow fiber subassembly with bundles of hollow fibers surrounded by an outer mesh. Typically, each bundle of hollow fibers is surrounded by a fiber bundle mesh.

[0033] For example, in an aspect, a hollow fiber subassembly comprises a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap. providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap. providing at least one subsequent setof correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; and (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow7fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring.

[0034] In a preferred aspect of the hollow fiber filter subassembly, each of the separate bundles of hollow fibers is surrounded by a fiber bundle mesh.

[0035] In another aspect, a method of assembling a hollow fiber filter subassembly is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the firstend and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices providing sets of correspondingly radially aligned chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving bundles of hollow fibers in the sets chambers; (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms; and, inserting a first bundle of hollow fibers in the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers; rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position; closing the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms; inserting a second bundle of hollow fibers in the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers; rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position; closing the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms; inserting a third bundle of hollow fibers in the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, and rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, closing the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers; placing an outer hollow mesh around the bundles of hollow fibers in the sets of chambers, the bundles of hollow fibers each having a first bundle end and a second bundle end, the hollow mesh having first mesh end extending to the first bundle ends, and a second mesh end extending to the second bundle ends;inserting, at the first mesh end and first bundle ends, a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; inserting, at the second mesh end and second bundle ends, a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; adding potting material sealing the first bundle ends and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and adding potting material sealing the second bundle ends and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring, providing the hollow fiber filter subassembly.

[0036] In some aspects, the method of assembly includes rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to two or more subsequent first positions and inserting bundles of hollow fibers before rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to the second position.

[0037] A hollow fiber filter device according to an aspect of the invention comprises a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing an aspect of the hollow fiber filter subassembly arranged within the housing; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow7support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet.

[0038] For example, in an aspect, a hollow fiber filter device comprises a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising:a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings orthe second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers;(e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous nng hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and,(f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet.

[0039] In an aspect of the hollow fiber filter device, the inlet portion further comprises a port in fluid communication with the second end of the hollow support tube.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of processing fluid is provided, the method comprising passing fluid through an aspect of the hollow fiber filter device, including passing feed fluid though the feed inlet; passing retentate tangentially alongthe inner surfaces of the hollow fibers and through the retentate outlet, and passing permeate through the walls of the hollow fibers, through the holes in the wall of the hollow support tube, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0041] For example, a method of processing fluid comprises obtaining a hollow fiber filter device comprising a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising: a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring;the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each firstring gap is aligned with each second ring gap. providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet; and, passing feed fluid though the feed inlet; passing retentate tangentially along the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers and through the retentate outlet, and passing permeate through the walls of the hollow fibers, through the holes in the wall of the hollow support tube, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0042] An aspect of clarifying beer in accordance with the invention comprises passing beer through the feed inlet of an aspect of the hollow fiber filter device,, and passing beer permeate depleted of solids though the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the beer to be clarified includes one or more additives, such as at least one fining and / or at least one enzyme.

[0043] For example, a method of clarifying beer comprises obtaining a hollow7fiber filter device comprising a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising: a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow7fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous nng, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring;the hollowfiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow7fiber alignment devices, the hollow7support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow7fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the secondnon-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet; and, passing beer though the feed inlet; passing retentate tangentially along the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers and through the retentate outlet, and passing beer permeatedepleted of solids through the walls of the hollow fibers, through the holes in the wall of the hollow support tube, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0044] In some aspects, a method of backwashing the hollow fiber filter device is provided, e.g., after processing fluid, the method comprising (optionally turning on or off the appropriate upstream or downstream pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow fiber filter device), and passing backwashing fluid (e.g., permeate, gas or liquid) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing backwashing fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0045] For example, a method of backwashing a hollow fiber filter device according to an aspect of the invention comprises obtaining a hollow fiber filter device comprising a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising: a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring;the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spacedapart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of thehollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet; and, passing backwashing fluid along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0046] In another aspect, a method of cleaning the hollow fiber filter device is provided, e.g., after processing fluid, the method comprising (optionally turning on or off the appropriate upstream or downstream circulation pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow7fiber filter device), and passing cleaning fluid (e.g., a cleaning fluid including, for example, a caustic such as sodium hydroxide) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing the cleaning fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow7support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0047] For example, a method of cleaning a hollow fiber filter device according to an aspect of the invention comprises obtaining a hollow7fiber filter device comprising a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising: a hollow fiber alignment system comprising tw o or more spaced apart hollow7fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end. a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow7hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow7hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower secondnon-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring;the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow' hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow' hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow' hub, wherein the tw o or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding thehollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet; and passing a cleaning fluid along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0048] In some aspects, the method of cleaning a hollow fiber filter device comprises passing a caustic cleaning fluid along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0049] In another aspect, a method of assembling hollow fibers into an aspect of a hollow fiber alignment system is provided, wherein the hollow fiber alignment system comprises two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, the two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices providing sets of correspondingly radially aligned chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving bundles of hollow fibers in the sets chambers, the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, the method comprising: inserting a first bundle of hollow fibers inthe first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position, closing the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, inserting a second bundle of hollow fibers in the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to a subsequent first position, closing the second set of correspondingly aligned open chambers and providing a third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, inserting a third bundle of hollow fibers in the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers, and rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, closing the third set of correspondingly aligned open chambers.

[0050] In some aspects, the method of assembling comprises rotating the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings to two or more subsequent first positions and inserting bundles of hollow fibers before rotating the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings to the second position.

[0051] Advantageously, operator cycle time is reduced when handling smaller bundle size (for example, about 500 fibers or fewer), and there is less risk of fiber damages when handling larger bundle sizes (for example, about 4000 fibers or greater).

[0052] Filter devices according to aspects of the invention are suitable for processing, e.g., filtering, a wide variety of fluids, especially liquids, for example, fluids used in the beverage industry', such as beer (including wort).

[0053] Each of the components of the invention will now be described in more detail below, wherein like components have like reference numbers.

[0054] Using the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1D for reference, a hollow fiber alignment device 100 comprises a first non-continuous ring 10 having a first end 1 1 and a second end 12, a first ring gap 13 between the first end and the second end, and an inner surface 14A and an outer surface 14B, the inner surface having parallel side ridges 16 bordering a groove 17; a second non-continuous ring 20 having a first end 21 and a second end 22. a second ring gap 23 between the first end and the second end, and an inner surface 24A and an outer surface 24B. the inner surface having parallel side ridges 26 bordering agroove 27; wherein the first non-continuous ring is stacked on top of the second non-continuous ring; and, a hollow central hub 30 having 4 or more spaced-apart radial arms (6 arms are shown; 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, wherein arms 31 and 34; 32 and 35; and 33 and 36, are arranged at opposing portions of the hub) extending from the hollow central hub, each of the spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension 10’ contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension 20’, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end 10A connected to the hollow hub, and a second end 10B in the groove 17 of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring (the end 10B having a shape to fit in the groove 17); the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end 20A connected to the hollow hub. and a second end 20B in the groove 27 of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring (the end 20B having an end shaped to fit in the groove 27), show n with a notch 40 between the ends 10B and 20B.

[0055] Each of the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring is separately rotatable (the ring extension ends 1 OB and 20B remaining in the respective grooves 17, 27 as the rings 10, 20 rotate); and the hollow fiber alignment device is in a first position 1 wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are arranged such that the first ring gap is aligned (completely or partially) with the second ring gap, providing a first open chamber 51 A’ bordered by two spaced-apart radial arms, allowing the insertion of a first bundle of porous hollow fibers through the aligned gaps. Preferably, for ease of handling, each bundle of hollow fibers (see, 50 in Figs. 5A, 5B, 6A. and 6B) is surrounded by a mesh 59, having a first mesh end 59A and a second mesh end 59B (see, Figure 5B), the mesh being open at each end of the bundles, but not extending to each end of the bundles, to allow potting material to secure the ends of the fiber bundles in position. Potting material may also contact the mesh ends.

[0056] As will be explained in more detail below, the first and second non-continuous rings can be moved from one first position to any number of subsequent first positions, providing subsequent open chambers (for example, 51B’, 51C’, 51D’, 51E’, 51F’, that can be subsequently closed), Figure 1A shows available chambers 51A-51F wherein, when moving from one first position to a sequent first position, the rings close the previously open chamber. Illustratively, when the rings move to the first subsequent open position, providing open chamber 5 IB’, previously open chamber 51 A’ is now closed, bordered by the spaced-apart radial arms and inner surfaces of both the first non-continuous ring and thesecond non-continuous ring, the closed chamber 51 A containing the first inserted bundle of hollow fibers.

[0057] After the first and second non-continuous rings are moved to provide the last available open chamber 5 IF’ and the last bundle of hollow fibers is inserted in the open chamber, the first or second non-continuous ring is rotated to a second position 2 wherein the first ring gap is not aligned with the second ring gap, providing a closed chamber bordered by two spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surface of either the first non-continuous ring or the second non-continuous ring (whichever is rotated; see, Figures ID, 2A, and 2B), the closed chamber containing the last inserted bundle of hollow^ fibers.

[0058] The hollow^ hub 30 has a wall 38 surrounding the open interior, the side wall preferably having through holes 39 betw een the connections of the ends of the ring extensions to the side wall. As will be discussed in more detail below, the through holes allow permeate to pass through the walls of the hollow fibers into the hollow central hub and eventually through the permeate outlet.

[0059] Using the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 2A-2B for reference, a hollow fiber alignment system 500 comprises two or more linearly arranged spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices (4 are shown: 100, 100 A, 100B, 100C; see also, Figures 1A-1C) arranged between a front continuous ring 271 (having a hollow hub 30' arranged within the inner diameter of the ring) and a rear continuous ring 272 (having a hollow hub 30” arranged within the inner diameter of the ring; typically, hubs 30’ and 30’ have the same structures as the other hollow hubs 30, 30A, 30B, 30C), each of the two or more spaced-apart alignment devices comprising (a) a first non-continuous ring 10 having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring 20 having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, w herein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non-continuous ring; and, (c) a hollow hub (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) having four or more spaced-apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub (6 arms are shown; 31, 32, 33. 34. 35, 36, wherein arms 31 and 34; 32 and 35; and 33 and 36, are arranged at opposing portions of the hub), each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension, the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, anda second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring; wherein the first non-continuous ring and the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; wherein the two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices can be collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, the first and second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices being rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by two spaced-apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the open chambers receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first or second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices being movable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position wherein the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings are rotated such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap. providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by two spaced-apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers containing a bundle of hollow fibers, moving to the second position closes the open chambers receiving the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube 200 having a side wall 235 with through openings 236 (the openings allowing permeate to pass through the walls of the hollow fibers into the hollow tube and hollow tube sections, the retentate passing tangentially along the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers), the hollow support tube having a first support tube end 201 and a second support tube end 202. The illustrated support tube 200 is engaged with the hollow hubs of the each of the spaced-apart hollow fiber alignment devices, as well as the hollow hub 30’ associated with the first continuous ring 271, and the hollow hub 30” associated with the second continuous ring 272 at each end of the support tube. While support tube 200 is illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B as a continuous tube, the tube can comprise a plurality of plurality of hollow support tube sections 250, each of theplurality of hollow support tube sections having a first hollow support tube section end 251 and a second hollow support tube section end 252, as shown in Figures 3 A-3B, and as discussed below.

[0060] In accordance with the aspect of the support tube as illustrated in Figures 3A-3B the first hollow support tube section end of each of the plurality' of hollow support tube sections is engaged with (e.g., coupled to) the hollow hub 30‘ of the first continuous ring 271, or a hollow hub (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) of the hollow fiber alignment devices, and the second hollow support tube section end of each of the plurality of hollow- support tube sections is engaged with (e.g., coupled to) a hollow' hub (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) of the hollow' fiber alignment devices or the hollow hub 30"’ of second continuous ring (272).

[0061] As will be discussed in more detail below', and referring to Figures 4A-4D, the first and second continuous rings are initially produced as caps with closed ends 261, 262, that are subsequently removed, providing open ends 291, 292 (as shown in Figures 4A-4D, also showing open collars 271C, 272C at the other ends of the continuous rings 271, 272).

[0062] Using Figures 1 A-1D, 2A, and 2B for reference (showing 6 chambers 51A-51F; aspects of the invention have multiple chambers, and can have any number of tw o or more chambers), w ith the first and second non-continuous rings 10, 20 in each of the hollow fiber alignment devices in the first position 1, wherein the first non-continuous ring and the second non-continuous rings are arranged such that the first ring gaps are aligned with the second ring gaps, providing first correspondingly aligned open chambers 51A bordered by' spaced-apart radial arms, a first bundle of hollow' fibers inserted in the open chambers, and the rings are moved to a subsequent first position, providing open chambers 5 IB, closing chambers 51 A’, and a second bundle of hollow fibers is inserted in open chambers 5 IB. The rings are moved to subsequent first positions, closing chambers 5 IB’, opening chambers 51C, inserting a third bundle of hollow fibers into open chambers 1C; closing chambers 51C’ opening chambers 5 ID, inserting a fourth bundle of hollow fibers into open chambers 5 ID, closing chambers 51D’ opening chambers 51E, inserting a fifth bundle of hollow fibers into open chambers 5 IE, closing chambers 5 IE’ opening chambers 5 IF, inserting a sixth bundle of hollow' fibers into open chambers 5 IF. After the last bundle of fibers is inserted into the last available chamber (e.g., 5 IF in the illustrated aspect), one of the rings in each of the hollow fiber alignment devices is rotated such that the hollow fiber alignment devices are thesecond position 2, and the last available chambers are closed (e.g., correspondingly aligned closed chambers 5 IF’).

[0063] The bundles of fibers are inserted and the hollow fiber alignment devices are the second position 2 before providing an outer mesh 400, followed by assembly with the hollow hubs 30’, 30” and rings 271, 272, and the addition of potting material. However, for ease of reference, while the outer mesh is provided before assembly with the hollow hubs 30’, 30” and rings 271, 272, Figure 5A shows system 500 including the hollow hubs 30’, 30” and rings 271 , 272 without the outer mesh.

[0064] After the bundles of fibers are inserted and the hollow fiber alignment devices are in the second position 2, providing a hollow fiber assembly, the assembly is preferably encased in an outer mesh (cage) 400 having a first mesh end 400A and a second mesh end 400B, as shown in Figures 6A-6C, the ends of the mesh extending to the bases of the continuous rings 271, 272 at 271D, 272D. forming a hollow fiber filter subassembly 600.

[0065] Subsequently, potting material 75 (e.g., a sealant / adhesive such as epoxy) is inserted, fixing the ends of the hollow fiber bundles (see, 50 in Figures 5B, 6A-6C) in position in the rings 271, 272 and system. Potting material may also contact the ends 59A, 59B of the fiber bundle meshes and the ends 400A, 400B of the outer mesh.

[0066] Using Figures 7A-7D for reference, an aspect of the hollow fiber filter subassembly 600 is arranged in a housing, providing a hollow fiber filter device 900.

[0067] The aspect of the hollow7fiber filter device 900 illustrated in Figures 7A-7D comprises a housing 950 having an outlet portion 910, including a retentate outlet 911; an inlet portion 920 including a permeate outlet 921 (in fluid communication with, and connected to, first end 201 of hollow support tube 200) and a feed inlet 922; and a hollow body 930 arranged between and connected to the inlet portion 920 and the outlet portion 910, the housing containing an aspect of the hollow7fiber filter subassembly 600 arranged within the housing, the housing defining a fluid flow path between the feed inlet 922 and the retentate outlet 911, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet 922 and the permeate outlet 921, w herein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path between the feed inlet 922 and the permeate outlet 921 (the device is configured to prevent fluid from passing out of portion 910, thus directing permeate through permeate outlet 921). In some aspects, the permeate outlet 921 can also be utilized for out-gassing. While thisdescription refers to various structures relating to an “inlet” or an “outlet.” it should be understood that in some aspects, 910 can be the inlet portion and 920 can be the outlet portion; thus, for example, 911 can be the feed inlet and 922 can be the retentate outlet.

[0068] The inlet and outlet portions 920, 910 can be connected to the hollow body 930 as is known in the art. In the illustrated aspects, resilient members 920A, 920B (see, Figs. 2A, 7B and 7C) such as O-rings are arranged in grooves 281, 282 of the first and second continuous rings, providing improved sealing of subassembly 600 in the housing when the inlet and outlet portions are attached to the hollow body 930. The aspect shown in Figures 7A-7D shows the inlet and outlet portions bolted to the hollow body, the ends of the inlet and the outlet portions and the hollow body each having corresponding mating collars with apertures allowing securing elements such as bolts to be passed through the apertures and tightened.

[0069] Preferably, the filter device is sterilizable. Any housing of suitable shape and providing a feed inlet; a permeate outlet, and a retentate outlet (and an additional port, if desired) may be employed.

[0070] In some aspects, the hollow fiber filter device 900 includes a port 1010 (in fluid communication with, and connected to, second end 201 of hollow support tube 200) for drainage.

[0071] If, for example, backflushing is desired, e.g., after processing fluid, an aspect of a method for backflushing comprises (optionally including turning on or off the appropriate upstream or downstream circulation pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow fiber filter device), passing backwashing fluid (e.g., permeate, gas or liquid) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing backwashing fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0072] In another aspect, a method of cleaning the hollow fiber filter device is provided, e.g., after processing fluid, the method comprising (optionally including turning on or off the appropriate upstream or downstream pump and / or raising or lowering the pressure in the hollow fiber filter device), and passing cleaning fluid (e.g., a cleaning fluid including, for example, a caustic such as sodium hydroxide) along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet. In some aspects, the method includes passing the cleaning fluid through the additional port on the inlet portion, along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

[0073] Aspects of the invention are suitable for use with a wide variety of hollow fiber membranes, and such membranes are known in the art. The membranes can have any suitable pore structure. As is known in the art, retentate passes tangentially along the inner surfaces of the membranes and permeate passes through the porous w alls of the membranes.

[0074] The housing can be fabricated from any suitable rigid impervious material, including any impervious thermoplastic material, which is compatible with the fluid being processed. Typically, the housing is fabricated from a polymer. In a preferred aspect, the housing is fabricated with a high-performance plastics such as, for example, one or more of any of PSU (polysulfone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide ), PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), PPE (polyphenylene ether), PEI (polyethylenimine), PES (polytether sulfone), and PC (polycarbonate).

[0075] System elements according to embodiments of the invention can be monolithic, e.g., manufactured via additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as ‘"additive layer manufacturing” or '"3D printing”). They are typically formed by repeated depositions of a metal powder bound together with an activatable binder (e.g., binder jetting, sometimes referred to as “drop on powder”), typically followed by agglomerating the powder, e.g., by sintering. Elements can be manufactured together via additive manufacturing in a continuous operation at substantially the same time. Any suitable additive manufacturing equipment can be used, and a variety of production 3D printers are suitable and commercially available.

[0076] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference w ere individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0077] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherw ise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unlessotherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., ‘’such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0078] Preferred aspects of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred aspects may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIM(S):1 . A method of cleaning a hollow fiber filter device, the method comprising obtaining a hollow fiber filter device comprising a housing having an inlet portion, including an feed inlet; an outlet portion including a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet; and a hollow body, the hollow body arranged between and connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the housing containing, arranged within the housing, a hollow fiber filter subassembly comprising: a hollow fiber alignment system comprising two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices comprising: (a) a first non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a first ring gap between the first end and the second end. an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface; (b) a second non-continuous ring having a first end and a second end, a second ring gap between the first end and the second end, an inner surface including a groove, and an outer surface, wherein the first non-continuous ring is on top of the second non continuous ring, and the first non-continuous ring and the second non continuous ring are each rotatable separately or together; and, (c) a hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the hollow hub, each of the four or more spaced-apart radial arms having an upper first non-continuous ring extension contacting a lower second non-continuous ring extension; the upper first non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the first non-continuous ring; and the lower second non-continuous ring extension having a first end connected to the hollow hub, and a second end in the groove of the inner surface of the second non-continuous ring;the hollow fiber alignment system further comprising: (d) a hollow support tube comprising a side wall having through openings, engaged with the hollow hub of each of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices, the hollow support tube having a first support tube end and a second support tube end; wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings of the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are collectively arranged in a first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap, providing a first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a first bundle of hollow fibers in the correspondingly aligned open chambers, wherein the first non-continuous rings and the second non-continuous rings are rotatable to at least one subsequent first position such that each first ring gap is aligned with each second ring gap.providing at least one subsequent set of correspondingly aligned open chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms, for receiving a subsequent bundle of hollow fibers in the open chambers, wherein moving to the at least one subsequent first position closes the first set of correspondingly aligned open chambers for receiving the first bundle of hollow fibers, and the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings of the collectively arranged two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are rotatable from the at least one subsequent first position to a second position, such that each first ring gap is not aligned with each second ring gap, providing a set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers bordered by spaced apart radial arms and the inner surfaces of the first non-continuous rings or the second non-continuous rings, the set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers for containing the subsequent bundle of hollow fibers; (e) a first continuous ring, and a first continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the first continuous ring hollow hub; and a second continuous ring, and a second continuous ring hollow hub having four or more spaced apart radial arms extending from the second continuous ring hollow hub; wherein the hollow support tube has a first support tube end engaged with the first continuous ring hollow hub, and a second support tube end engaged with the second continuous ring hollow hub, wherein the two or more spaced apart hollow fiber alignment devices are arranged between the first continuous ring and the second continuous ring; and, (f) separate bundles of hollow fibers in each set of correspondingly aligned closed chambers; the hollow fiber subassembly comprising an outer mesh having a first mesh end and a second mesh end, surrounding the hollow fiber alignment system, including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the first mesh end at the first continuous ring, and including potting material sealing the fiber bundles and the second mesh end at the second continuous ring; wherein the hollow support tube further comprises the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow support tube, the housing defining a fluid flow- path between the feed inlet and the retentate outlet, and another fluid flow path between the feed inlet and the permeate outlet, wherein the bundles of hollow fiber membranes are across the fluid flow path betw een the feed inlet and the permeate outlet; and passing a cleaning fluid along the hollow' support tube and through the permeate outlet.

2. The method of claim 1. comprising passing a caustic cleaning fluid along the hollow support tube and through the permeate outlet.

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