JPH0335969B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fluid separation devices for performing fluid separation using membranes. There are various separation operations for fluid separation, such as the following.

(1) Separation of gas mixtures by selective permeation gas diffusion; (2) Separation of dissolved solids from liquids by reverse osmosis; and (3) Separation of liquids from mixtures of liquid and dissolved solids or concentration of the same mixture by direct osmosis. (4) Separation of liquids from solids or concentration of liquids by dialysis; (5) Separation of liquids from liquid mixtures by reverse osmosis or excess; (6) Separation of solids from liquids by excess; (7) Separation of liquids between liquids. Gas Exchange (8) Conversion between Gas and Liquid Phases The present invention particularly relates to separations consisting of membrane stacks and spacer layers organized in the form of a simplified and commercially advantageous plate and frame structure. The present invention relates to a device and its manufacturing method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Membrane-based fluid separation methods have many advantages over conventional separation methods. In the field of seawater desalination,
The reverse osmosis membrane method is the mainstream, and the dependence on the ion exchange method, distillation method, and electrodialysis method is decreasing. Also in gas separation, membrane separation methods are being used as new methods for removing specific components from gas mixtures, for example for the removal and recovery of hydrogen from process gas streams or the removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas. It is accepted. Additionally, membrane separation methods are becoming extremely important in water treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, wastewater purification, recovery of specific substances from fluids, and the like.

The various fluid separations described above involve contacting one side of a membrane with the feed fluid, passing one or more components in the feed fluid through the membrane, and removing the components, rather than a simple overstep. This involves operations such as leaving behind a supply fluid that has been removed. The feed fluid is continuously swept over the surface of the membrane and non-permeable components are carried away while remaining within the feed fluid. The residual fluid may be the desired critical component, or it may be the waste component.

Many types of membranes are currently in commercial use, and many more are being developed around the world. Regardless of the application, a common requirement for any type of membrane is that it be supported and contained in a suitable package. In order for the membrane to achieve its intended purpose, ie to separate specific components from a mixture, the membrane packaging device must meet the following requirements.

1. Supporting the membrane against static and dynamic pressures and forces applied to one side thereof; 2. Establishing a passageway for passage of feed fluid to the membrane; 3. Draining fluid that has permeated the membrane. 4. Preventing mixing (and therefore contamination) of the feed fluid with the fluid that has passed through the membrane; 5. Establishing a passageway for the passage of residual fluid after contact with the membrane and removal of specific components. 6. Provide a secure housing to contain the separated fluid; and 7. Low manufacturing costs.

The method of assembling the membrane into the package must be an efficient method to maximize the amount of membrane within the package. Furthermore, the assembled package must be compact so that it can utilize the minimum amount of space practically possible.

When membranes were developed, the first membrane packages proposed were of the plate-and-frame type, borrowed from and modified from previous technical fields, as described in U.S. Pat. Ta. The device is e.g.
As disclosed in US Pat. Feed fluid is introduced through the top plate and flows down to the feed fluid spacer through a manifold on one side of the plate and frame membrane assembly. The components of the feed fluid that are capable of permeating the membrane enter the permeate carrier layer and are transported from the permeate carrier layer to the permeate manifold. Achieving the desired recovery rate and withdrawing permeate from the plate and frame membrane assembly requires complex ports to direct the fluid through the plate and frame membrane assembly. do. The feed fluid, stripped of permeate (fluid or components that permeate the membrane), becomes a retentate or residue and is discharged from the plate and frame membrane assembly through a retentate manifold. The plate and frame type membrane assembly is
It must be constructed of materials of sufficient strength to contain the supply fluid under high pressure. Early plate and frame membrane assemblies were square or rectangular.

Early attempts to commercialize reverse osmosis and gas separation membranes used plate and frame membrane assemblies. Although methods of using membranes for applications such as reverse osmosis and gas separation have been disclosed, the economic efficiency of these systems has been very poor. This is not due to poor performance of the membrane itself, but rather
This was due to the very high cost of frame-type membrane assemblies and their low packing density. Since it has not been economical to use membranes in plate and frame membrane assemblies for reverse osmosis and gas separation processes, other membrane packaging methods have been researched and developed.

The first high pressure membrane equipment was installed in 1970. This reverse osmosis membrane device was a spirally packaged flat sheet-like membrane of cellulose acetate, as disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 3,417,870. Later, membrane packages in the form of hollow thin fiber bundles and membrane packages in the form of cylindrical assemblies were commercialized. Utilizing these three types of membrane packages, many high-pressure industrial applications of synthetic membranes have been commercialized since 1970.

Plate and frame membrane assemblies have been improved over the past 25 years, but currently manufactured membrane packages are not competitive with membrane packages using hollow fiber bundles or spirally wound membrane bodies. do not have. This is because plate and frame membrane packages are very complex and expensive to manufacture. US Patent No.
The separation devices of No. 3,695,444 and No. 3,623,610 are representative of early plate and frame membrane assemblies. A representative current separation device is that disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,340,475. Complex support, separation, collection and distribution plates are required in this device. For example, membrane support plates are formed from many pieces and require complex manufacturing steps. Separation plates are similarly complex and expensive to manufacture, as well as 2.54 to 6.35 mm
(0.1-0.25in) thick. Thick plates of this type result in membrane packing densities that are too low to compete with hollow fiber bundles or spirally wound membrane bodies. The plate and frame membrane device of US Pat. No. 4,255,263 also has complex plates and requires many pieces and materials to manufacture. In the case of this device as well, the plate is thick,
Decrease packing density. Yet another plate and frame membrane device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,416, also has complex plates and assemblies, requiring many seals and ports between each plate. The plates of this device are also thicker, thus reducing membrane packing density.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,536 discloses a separation device consisting of a seed weight assembly of disk-type membrane elements arranged concentrically around a permeate collection pipe within a high pressure vessel. Membrane layers are located on either side of the membrane support and permeate carrier layer. The permeate carrier layer is molded from plastic and includes a plurality of square ridges and fluid conduit passages. This carrier layer is quite thick, approximately 6.35 mm thick, and carries the permeate to the central collection pipe. The collection pipe has a port or hole located precisely in the center of the permeate collection layer. Above and below the permeate carrier/membrane assembly, approximately
A 6.35mm thick feed fluid space is provided. Feed fluid enters a feed fluid pipe that is eccentrically located adjacent to the permeate collection pipe.
The wall of the supply fluid pipe is provided with a plurality of ports or holes for distributing the supply fluid into the supply fluid space. The supply fluid spacer layer must be precisely positioned to align with the ports of the supply fluid pipe. The edge of the disc is provided with a notch to receive the residual fluid collection pipe. The collection pipe also has holes or ports precisely positioned to align with the supply fluid space.

The present invention improves on the device of the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 4,243,536 in many respects. First, there are no internal pipes, and feed fluid, residual fluid, and permeate fluid flow through the stack assembly through channels formed by feeding up and down notches cut into each layer of the stack assembly. guided within the body. Second, the membrane packing density is much higher than the device of the above patent. This is because the space layer is extremely thin. Third, it is much cheaper to manufacture than the device of the above patent. This is because each layer is made of less expensive matted, knitted or woven material rather than injection molded material as in the above patent. Fourth, assembly of the stacking assembly of the present invention is much easier than assembly of the devices of the above-mentioned patents. This is because there are no internal pipes with drilled holes that must align each layer. Fifth
Furthermore, the permeate carrier layer of the present invention has dual functions of a membrane support layer and a permeate carrier. This carrier layer can be made of paper or paper-like material, woven or knitted material. This type of material can support the membrane and create a carrier layer to direct the permeate to the central permeate collection channel. In the stack assembly of the above patent, the membrane support and permeate carrier layer are molded from plastic. The layer has flat smooth lands supporting the membrane and trough-shaped fluid transport channels formed between the lands;
It is less economical and inefficient than the present invention.

Conventional fluid separation methods such as distillation, cryogenic fractionation, and physical-chemical solvent extraction have been replaced by relatively new membrane separation methods in that they can benefit from economies of scale for large-scale projects. It has one advantage over the others. Large scale separation plants can use large vessels, columns and piping, thereby enjoying economies of scale.
In contrast, membrane separation methods have not been able to take advantage of economies of scale because current membrane packaging techniques are severely limited in terms of size expansion.

For example, the current spirally wound membrane package is limited to a diameter of approximately 30.48 cm and a length of approximately 152.4 cm.
The total area of membrane that can be accommodated is approximately 8385 ^cm2 . The spirally wound membrane must consist of multiple lobes of membrane, permeate carrier, and feed fluid spacer layers.
For example, a spirally wound membrane body with a diameter of 10.16 cm and a length of 101.6 cm has 3 to 4 lobes, and each lobe is 103 to 161 cm ²
It has an effective membrane area of "Leaf" refers to a sheet-like material of a certain length, which is made by overlapping a membrane, a carrier, and a spacer. ) Leaf length is limited by the inefficiency of the permeate carrier material. That is, if the leaf length is 101.6 to 152.4 cm or more, the back pressure generated on the leaf becomes unacceptably high. Therefore, in order to increase the diameter of the spirally wound membrane, the number of leaves must be increased. For example, a spirally wound membrane with a diameter of 30.48 cm would contain 24 to 30 leaves. Therefore, manufacturing a spirally wound membrane having a diameter greater than 40.64 cm would be faced with difficult manufacturing problems. That is, since the amount of membrane contained in each membrane body becomes extremely large and the number of leaves also increases, the possibility that manufacturing defects will occur in each membrane body becomes extremely high.

One of the important improvements of the present invention is that the path that the permeate must take is significantly shortened. That is, for a membrane package of the present invention with a diameter of 152.4 cm, the distance that permeate must travel to reach the central permeate collection channel is:
The maximum length is only 76.2cm.

The same problem exists with separation devices consisting of hollow fiber bundle bodies. The current hollow fiber bundle element is
The diameter is approximately 20.32-25.4cm. Diameter 30.48~40.64
cm, the manufacturing process becomes complicated and the probability of defects becoming extremely high. Hollow fiber bundles are also limited in length because the pressure drop of the permeate through the hollow pores of each fiber must be taken into account. Hollow fiber bundles according to current designs have a length of approx.
Limited to 366cm.

For example, spirally wound membrane bodies and hollow fiber bundles
Even if it were possible to manufacture it to a diameter of 40.64 cm, it would not significantly increase economies of scale compared to existing membrane sizes. In order to be competitive with conventional techniques in world-wide projects, the diameter of the membrane package and the pressure vessel to accommodate it must increase to the level of 91.44 to 152.4 cm.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that it provides a method and apparatus for packaging membranes for use in large scale membrane systems. The diameter of membrane packages that can currently be manufactured is
According to the present invention, it is practically possible to produce membrane packages with a diameter of 91.44 to 152.4 cm (36 to 60 inches), as opposed to 20.32 to 30.48 cm. An important advantage of the present invention is that each membrane and permeate carrier assembly can be pre-inspected for defects prior to installation into a pressure vessel or module. This means that only a few square feet of membrane can be disposed of due to defects in the membrane or adhesive sealant lines.

In parallel with the development of industrial high-pressure membrane separation methods, compact low-pressure membrane packages have also been developed. Examples of such membrane packages include artificial kidneys, home and laboratory reverse osmosis equipment, food and beverage processing equipment, and other specialized membrane packages. These devices also use spirally wound membranes, hollow fiber bundles, and cylindrical membranes, and various variations of the earlier plate and frame membrane packages have also been developed.

The invention can also be applied to small membrane packages of this type containing small medical devices and is particularly suitable for portable blood oxygenators and similar equipment. This is because, according to the present invention, the density of the membrane package can be increased, so that an efficient and compact membrane package can be manufactured.

Overall, the present invention provides a novel membrane device that is simple in structure, low in manufacturing cost, compact, and highly efficient in operation. Therefore, it is expected that the present invention will be widely adopted in the technical field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Basically, the present invention provides a separation apparatus for separating two or more different substances, comprising: a pressure vessel for containing a fluid under pressure; and a feed fluid to be separated into said vessel. a feed fluid introduction means for introducing a feed fluid; a residue discharge means for discharging a residue from said vessel; a permeate discharge means for discharging permeate from said vessel; a separation membrane; and a feed to be separated. consisting of a plurality of stacked elements comprising a distribution zone for flowing fluid across the working surface of the membrane and a permeate carrier element each impinging on either side of the membrane for transporting permeate; at least one compact stacking assembly disposed within the container, the plurality of elements in the stacking assembly each having a first notch in two spaced apart portions of the periphery of each element. and a second notch, the first notches of each element being aligned with each other to form a feed fluid channel for the feed fluid to be separated, and the second notches of each element being aligned with each other to form a feed fluid channel for the feed fluid to be separated. forming a retentate collection channel, the distribution zone communicating with the feed fluid channel and the retentate collection channel at the matched first and second notches, each element configured to the stacking assembly having mutually aligned internal holes forming a permeate collection channel in communication with the carrier element, the stacking assembly being disposed between the feed fluid introduction means and the retentate and permeate discharge means; Provided is a separation device characterized in that:

The aim of the invention is to provide a separation device that is easy to manufacture and economical.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to form a supply fluid collection distribution channel and a residual fluid collection by aligning edge notches cut into the outer periphery of a plurality of integral elements. It is an object of the present invention to provide a separation device in which a permeate channel is formed by forming a distribution channel and aligning internal holes in the elements.

Explanation of Main Components and Terms A Membrane A "membrane" is a member for performing separation, and some membranes are porous and others are non-porous. Porous membranes can be used as overmembranes and are generally defined as having pores of a predetermined uniform size. The excess membrane removes specific components from the feed fluid based on the size of the component.

A non-porous membrane is defined as having no pores or pores much smaller than the component to be removed. Membranes for reverse osmosis, dialysis, and gas diffusion are non-porous. Such non-porous membranes generally have an active or front surface that contacts the feed fluid and a back surface that is opposite the side through which the feed fluid passes.

Membranes can be made of a variety of materials, from inorganic materials to modern polymeric materials, but the material of the membrane itself, whether porous or non-porous, is not of concern to this invention. The structure of the film may be uniform in cross section, or it may be anisotropic. The membrane may be made of one material or a mixture or composite of two or more materials.

B. Permeate carrier member "Permeate" refers to the component of the feed fluid that has passed through the membrane. A permeate carrier member is a member that receives permeate from the back side of the membrane and transports it from the membrane assembly. The permeate carrier member is
It may perform this task by itself, or it may be incorporated into some other device or member to complete the removal of permeate from the membrane assembly. Other devices or components include permeable tubes, pipes, ports, channels,
There are ducts, hoses, etc. The permeate carrier member must also support the membrane against the feed fluid and thus the static pressure exerted on the membrane. Such static forces tend to collapse or flatten the permeate carrier member. Therefore, in order for the permeate carrier member to carry the permeate to a desired location, the material of the carrier member must be selected and its structure must be designed to withstand the crushing force.

Permeate carrier members can be made from a variety of materials and have a variety of designs. The simplest is a layer of paper or cloth that directs the permeate to the desired location. Complexities include permeate spacer members that are injection molded from plastic and have a large number of intricate passages and ports. Permeate carrier materials that can be advantageously used in the present invention include knitted fabrics such as tricot and simplex (double tricot) fabrics of polyester or nylon threads. Such fabrics are coated with a suitable resin to provide resistance and stiffness to withstand crushing forces.

C. Feed Fluid Spacer A "feed fluid spacer" is a layer for passing the feed fluid along the working surface of the membrane. The feed fluid spacer serves to direct the feed fluid to uniformly cover the working surface of the membrane, minimizing areas of flow stagnation. The spacer also serves to create turbulence to provide sufficient agitation to the feed fluid as it flows along the working surface of the membrane. The feed fluid spacer may be a member formed by various techniques such as weaving, knitting, molding, casting in place, or may be a member formed between layers of the membrane without any member at all. It can be just a space.

D. PRESSURE VESSEL ASSEMBLY "Pressure Vessel Assembly" means a housing for containing a membrane assembly and containing a supply fluid under pressure. Supply fluid pressure is in the thousands
They range from pressures as high as psig to as low as atmospheric pressure. In certain methods of operation, a pressure vessel assembly may be subjected to a vacuum (negative pressure). The pressure vessel must be capable of safely containing the pressurized supply fluid;
Additionally, since the feed fluid to be treated may be toxic, corrosive, or flammable, it must be possible to contain the feed fluid from contact with the outside environment.

The membrane stacking assembly of the present invention represents a significant advance in the art in that it is the first stacked or plate-and-frame membrane assembly to utilize the same components as those of spirally wound membranes. . Prior art plate and frame membrane assemblies have not been able to utilize inexpensive and highly efficient components such as those in spirally wound membranes. The membrane packing density of a stacked membrane assembly of the present invention having a diameter of 30.48 cm can be the same as that of a spirally wound membrane body having the same diameter of 30.48 cm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a membrane and permeate carrier assembly is shown in plan view. The assembly consists of a circularly cut permeate carrier member 10 and a two-layer separation membrane 18, 20 of the same shape as the carrier member. The carrier member 10 has a central hole 12
, and two opposing notches 14 and 16 of predetermined size and shape are cut in the outer peripheral edge.
Separation membrane layers (also referred to simply as "membranes" or "membrane layers") 18, 20 are each disposed in contact with opposite sides of permeate carrier member 10, and their respective operative surfaces 22, 24 are It is oriented toward the side opposite to the side on which the carrier member 10 is located. The notches in the outer periphery of these three layers, the two membrane layers and the permeate carrier layer, are aligned with each other. Adhesive stripes 26 are applied between the membrane layers 18, 20 and the carrier member 10 along their outer peripheries. The peripheral area 28 of the central hole 12 of the carrier member is free of adhesive so that the carrier member 10 can be placed in fluid communication with the central hole.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the outer periphery of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly. Adhesive thread 26 saturates carrier member 10 and membranes 18, 20 to form a peripheral seal between the three layers.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the feed fluid spacer layer assembly. This assembly is also similar in shape to the membrane and permeate carrier assembly shown in FIGS. That is, the supply fluid spacer 32 has two opposed notches 34, 36 and a central hole 38. A seal ring or a seal ring 40 is provided around the periphery of the spacer 32, and the notches 34, 36
The edges 42, 44 are not provided with such sealing rings. A sealing ring or boss 46 is also provided around the central hole 38. The feed fluid spacer member 32 is formed with feed fluid distribution lines 48 over its entire surface for directing the feed fluid in a manner that minimizes fluid stagnation areas. Feed fluid enters the spacer layer from point 42 of cutout 34 and feed fluid distribution lines 48, 48.
It flows through the space 50 between and exits the spacer layer at the point 44 of the notch 36. It will be apparent that various forms of supply fluid distribution lines may be used. It is desirable to select feed fluid distribution lines to match the type of feed fluid to be delivered. The selection takes into account the composition, viscosity, velocity, temperature, and other factors of the feed fluid.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a modified embodiment of the feed fluid spacer layer. This variant is suitable for fluid separation operations where precise feed fluid flow guidance and mixing is not required, such as in gas separation. This feed fluid spacer layer thus has no feed fluid distribution lines and in fact has two adjacent feed fluid distribution lines.
It can also be constructed by a simple space set between two membrane layers. Feed fluid enters through notch 52, flows along the surface of the membrane, around seal boss 54 in central hole 56, and exits the membrane surface through notch 58. A sealing bead or sealing ring 57 is provided at the outer periphery of the membrane.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the feed fluid spacer assembly of FIG. 3, showing the feed fluid spacer member 32, peripheral seal ring 40, and feed fluid distribution line 48.
and supply fluid space 50 are shown. In operation, supply fluid enters the notch 34 (FIG. 3) and is guided by the distribution line 50 to the spacer member 3.
2 and reaches a notch 36 (FIG. 3). The feed fluid is guided around central hole 38 (FIG. 3) and is prevented from passing straight through the spacer member by peripheral seal ring 40.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the feed fluid inlet (or outlet) distribution plate 60, and shows the inlet (or outlet)
Port 62 and peripheral seal 64 are shown. Plate 60 is circular and has the same diameter as the membrane and permeate carrier assembly.

FIG. 7 is a top view of intermediate residue distribution plate 66 showing ports 68 and central hole 70. FIG.
Plate 66 is circular and has the same diameter as the membrane and permeate carrier assembly. The diameter of the central hole 70 is the same as the central hole of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plate 60 of FIG. 6 showing the peripheral seal 72 installed in the peripheral groove 74. The configuration of plate 66 in FIG. 7 is also similar to plate 60. Plate 60 may be of any suitable thickness, and the means of peripheral sealing may be suitably selected.

With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a stacked assembly in which each element such as the separation membrane/permeate carrier member, feed fluid spacer, feed fluid distribution plate, and residue distribution plate are stacked will be described. This stack assembly is housed within a pressure vessel 84. container 84
is closed by an upper septum 82 and a lower septum 160 to maintain the pressure of the supply fluid therein. The supply fluid introduction port 76 into the container is
It is constituted by a pipe 78 connected to a port 80 of a bulkhead 82. The partition wall 82 is held in place by a split ring 86 (a ring made up of a plurality of arcuate segments) mounted in a circumferential groove 88 in the wall of the container 84, and the split ring 86 is fitted into a groove 9 provided therein.
It is held by a retaining ring 90 disposed within 2. The lower partition wall 160 is also held in a similar manner. The supply fluid is prevented from leaking from the periphery of the septum 82 by a seal 94 mounted in a circumferential groove 96 of the septum 82 . A similar seal is applied to the lower partition wall 160 as well. A feed fluid retention cavity 98 defined on the underside of the upper bulkhead 82 reduces the velocity of the feed fluid. Feed fluid is directed through ports 102 by an inlet feed fluid distribution plate 100 . The distribution plate 100 is sealed against the inner wall surface of the pressure vessel 84 by a seal 104 mounted in a groove 106 in its periphery. The feed fluid is directed into a feed fluid distribution channel 108 defined by the alignment of the feed fluid spacer layer of the stack assembly 110 and the aforementioned notches (14, 34) of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly. The stacking subassembly 110 includes alternating stacked feed fluid spacer layers 112 and membrane/permeate carrier assemblies 114.
It consists of. Each membrane/permeate carrier assembly 114 includes a permeate carrier member 118 and peripheral adhesive/seal lines 12 on both sides of the member.
2 hermetically joined by 0 with the operating surface facing outward.
It consists of two membrane layers 116.

Feed fluid spacer layer 112 has a central hole (see center hole 38 in FIG. 3) surrounded by two membrane layers 116 by a seal 122 (FIG. 11).
is sealed to the operating surface of the These layers 1
The alignment of the central holes 12, 114, and 116 defines a permeate collection and distribution channel 124 through the center of the stacking subassembly 110. On the opposite side of the supply fluid distribution channel 108 is a stacking subassembly 11.
The alignment of the notches in each layer 112, 114, 116 of 0 (see notches 16, 36 in FIGS. 1 and 3) defines a residue collection and distribution channel 126. The residue or residual fluid is transferred to the first stacking subassembly 1
10 to port 1 by intermediate distribution plate 128
30 into the supply fluid distribution channel 132 of the second stacking subassembly 134 . A peripheral seal 136 is provided in the peripheral groove 138 of the plate 128 to prevent residual fluid from escaping around the peripheral edge of the plate 128.

The second stacking subassembly 134 is also configured similarly to the first stacking subassembly 110 and includes a feed fluid distribution channel 132, a permeate collection channel 124, and a retentate collection distribution channel defined as described above. It has 140. Third stacking subassembly 1
42 is similarly configured and includes a residue collection and distribution channel 144, a residue collection channel 124, and a feed fluid distribution channel 146. Residual fluid exiting the third stacking subassembly 142 is
Distribution plate 148 directs residual fluid through ports 150 and into residual fluid retention cavity 152 . The permeate, on the other hand, flows down through channel 124 and is conveyed out through port 154 in distribution plate 148 . A distribution plate 148 between the feed fluid spacer layer and the distribution plate 148 to prevent mixing of the feed fluid or residual fluid with the permeate fluid.
A suitable seal 156 is formed around the port 154 of. The permeate channel 124 includes portions 162 in the distribution plate 148 and the septum 160.
It extends through the residue holding cavity 152 via a pipe 158 which is hermetically coupled at 162 . The permeate enters the septum 16 at a port 164 provided in the septum 160 and at a site 168.
It exits the stack assembly through a pipe 166 that is sealingly connected to the stack. The residue is distributed on distribution plate 1.
48 out of the stack assembly through ports 150 and into the residue retention cavity 152 and then through ports 170 in bulkhead 160 and site 17.
4 exits the pressure vessel through a pipe 172 that is sealingly connected to the bulkhead 160.

Second stacking subassembly 134 and second stacking subassembly 1
42 by an intermediate distribution plate 176. Residue (liquid) from second stacking subassembly 134 flows into feed fluid distribution channel 146 through port 178.

As seen in FIG. 10, the periphery of each feed fluid spacer layer 112 of each stacking subassembly includes third to
As described in connection with FIG. 5, a peripheral seal ring 180 is provided except for the notched portion.

For the present invention to function properly, the membrane 116
It is important to form a leak-tight seal around the central permeate channel 124 between the working surface of the feed fluid spacer layer 112 and the feed fluid spacer layer 112, as shown at 117 in FIG. The feed fluid side of this seal 117 can be at a very high pressure, and the permeate side of the seal 117 is typically at a much lower pressure than the feed fluid side. Therefore, if the seal 117 is not intact, damaged, or strong enough to withstand the pressure differential, feed fluid will be forced into the permeate side. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that certain membranes that can be used in the practice of this invention become brittle during use. An example of such a membrane is a membrane made of dry cellulose acetate for gas separation. If a sealant or adhesive is applied to the working surface of the membrane, a good bond may be obtained, but the adhesive or sealant lines will be stressed during use. The active surface of the membrane is very thin and the adhesive or sealant will not penetrate into the membrane and will bond to the active surface, creating a risk of cracking at the adhesive or sealant line and causing a leak. be. To overcome this problem, the membrane must be reinforced along this sealant line.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the back surface, that is, the porous side, of the membrane layer 116 made of cellulose. As a reinforcing agent, a low viscosity epoxy, urethane or other suitable resin is applied to the membrane layer around the central collection channel 124. The resin is selected to penetrate into the porous substructure of the membrane and to be completely impregnated within the membrane layer. The resin is compressed during the curing process so that, after curing, the area of the membrane impregnated with the resin is no thicker than the unimpregnated area around it. This step of impregnating with a suitable resin is carried out after the membrane layers are cut to size and before assembly as a membrane/permeate carrier assembly. In FIG. 12, area 182 shows an annular ring of impregnated resin applied around central collection channel 124. In FIG. Area 122 shows an annular ring of sealant or adhesive applied on the working or front surface of membrane 116 around central collection channel 124 . Impregnated resin area 182 is wider than joint or seal ring area 122 (13th
(see also figure).

FIG. 13 shows the central collection channel 1 of FIG.
24 is a cross-sectional view of the stacking assembly around 24. FIG. 13th
In the figure, 112 is a supply fluid spacer;
118 is a membrane, 118 is a permeate carrier member, and 186 is a membrane/permeate carrier assembly. Area 122
is a sealant or adhesive area applied between the working surface of membrane 116 and spacer 112. Area 182 is a resin-impregnated membrane portion that reinforces sealant line 122 along the interface with the membrane layer. 188
In this case, the permeate carrier member 118 is connected to the channel 12.
4.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the stack assembly showing flow paths for feed, retentate, and permeate fluids. In operation, feed fluid enters through port 76 and flows through septum 82 and into feed fluid retaining cavity 98 . The feed fluid then enters the first stacking subassembly 110 through the ports 102 of the feed fluid distribution plate 100. Distribution plate 100 is positioned so that its supply fluid distribution ports 102 are aligned over channels 108 . The cutouts formed in each layer are not limited to rectangular shapes as shown in the figures, but can have various shapes and dimensions. The dimensions of the notch are theoretically determined to be as small as possible while still maintaining an acceptable fluid flow rate. The size, shape and location of the cutouts in each layer of the stacking subassembly are typically the same. However, the two notches in each layer do not necessarily have to be placed diametrically opposite each other as shown; for example, the two notches can be placed next to each other with a thin wall separating them. can. In fact, the spacing between the two notches can range from 1° to 180° in terms of angle. Feed fluid enters the channel 108 defined by the cutout in the first stacking subassembly 110 and is prevented from flowing down through the channel 140 by the intermediate distribution plate 128 to Feed fluid flows in parallel flow relationship into each of the spacer layers of the body 110 and is advanced toward a channel 126 defined by alignment of the notches on the opposite side of the subassembly. This channel 126 is
Residual fluid (fluid remaining after removing permeate fluid from feed fluid) collection channel. Residual fluid from first stacking subassembly 110 exits channel 126 through port 130 in intermediate distribution plate 128 . This residual fluid becomes the feed fluid for the next second stacking subassembly 134 and is distributed from the feed fluid distribution channel 132 into each feed fluid spacer layer of the second stacking subassembly. While the feed fluid flows through the feed fluid spacer layer, permeable components in the feed fluid permeate through the membrane and into the permeate carrier layer. This permeate or permeate fluid flows toward an area of relatively low pressure located in the center of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly, into the central permeate collection channel 124, and into other stack subassemblies and Combines with permeate from other permeate carrier layers. The permeate flows down the central channel 124 and exits the stack assembly through the permeate exhaust pipe 166.

Meanwhile, the feed that enters the stacking subassembly 134 through the feed fluid distribution channel 132 passes through the feed fluid spacer layer to channel 1 of the subassembly.
32 into the channel 140 and becomes residual fluid in this subassembly 134 through ports 178 in the intermediate distribution plate 176 into the next third stacking subassembly 142. This residual fluid therefore becomes the feed fluid for the third stacking subassembly 142. The feed fluid enters the feed fluid distribution channel 146 and flows in parallel flow relationship within each feed fluid spacer layer of the subassembly, channel 1
44 as residual fluid. This residual fluid exits the subassembly 142 through ports 150 in the distribution plate 148 into the residual retention cavity 152 and exits the stack assembly through the residual fluid exhaust port 170 in the septum 160.

It is possible to form multiple stack subassemblies within one stack assembly, the number of such subassemblies depending on the amount of permeable components to be removed by the membrane in the feed fluid. You can decide accordingly. The greater the number of subassemblies that are incorporated into one stack assembly, the longer the path for the feed fluid to contact the membrane and the higher the rate of recovery or removal of permeable components in the feed fluid. The number of feed fluid spacer layers and the number of membrane and permeate carrier assemblies in each subassembly are determined to optimize the velocity of the feed fluid flowing through the feed fluid spacer layers. Given a constant amount of feed fluid entering the feed fluid distribution channel, the velocity of feed fluid through a feed fluid spacer layer depends on the number of feed fluid spacer layers present in the subassembly. It will be decided. That is, the greater the number of feed fluid spacer layers arranged in parallel relationship, the lower the velocity of the feed fluid through each one spacer layer. One advantage of the present invention over the prior art is that a single pressure vessel can be used to achieve virtually any desired recovery rate. This is not possible in membrane assemblies using conventional hollow fiber bundles or spirally wound membrane bodies.

Referring again to FIG. 14, a pressure differential exists between the feed fluid holding cavity 98 and the residue holding cavity 152 of the stacking assembly. This pressure difference is due to friction of the fluid flowing through each feed fluid spacer layer and the resulting pressure drop. The embodiments of the invention described above utilize this pressure differential to compress the stack assembly. The residue distribution plate 148 is fixed and does not move. However, because the feed fluid distribution plate 100 and all intermediate distribution plates 128, 176 are free-floating, they can move downwardly toward the residue distribution plate 148, exerting a compressive force on each layer of the stack assembly. affect This advantageously serves to form a leak-tight seal between the outward facing or working surface of each membrane around the central hole and the feed fluid spacer layer. In fact, with certain membrane and feed fluid spacer layer combinations it is possible to form a dynamic seal in this area (around the central hole).

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a modified embodiment of the invention. The pressure vessel and stacking assembly therein in this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 9, but with a tension bar extending through the central channel 124;
The difference is that a tension bar tightening device is provided. tension bar 1
90 extends through permeate discharge port 166 and through seal gland 192 and end seal 194 and is threaded at the lower end into a tightening nut 196 which, when tightened, releases tension bar 190 from vessel 84. It is designed to be pulled outward. Pulling the tension bar 190 outwardly exerts a compressive force on the stack assembly. This compressive force may be required to prevent feed fluid from leaking through the seal formed around the central hole of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly. The compressive force exerted by this tension bar is applied to cavities 98 and 15.
This is added to the compressive force exerted by the pressure difference between the two. Permeate fluid exits the stack assembly through tee tube 200.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other means for forming a seal around the tension bar 190 and for pulling the tension bar outwardly from the pressure vessel are contemplated.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 each show a variant embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 16,
The pressure vessel is designed as a pipe and is closed off by a pipe flange. That is, standard weld-on flanges 218 and 218 are welded to the upper and lower ends of the pipe-type pressure vessel, respectively, as shown at 202, and each flange 218 has a non-perforated flange 204 attached to a nut 212 and a bolt 214. It is fixed in place. The top flange 204 is provided with a feed fluid inlet port 206 and the bottom flange 204 is provided with a permeate exhaust port 208 and a retentate exhaust port 210. A gasket 216 is interposed between flanges 204 and 218. The remainder of this stacking assembly is the same as that of FIGS. 9, 14, and 15.

In the modified embodiment of Figure 17, a feed fluid inlet port 220 is provided in the side wall of the pressure vessel, and a residue outlet port 222 is also provided in the side wall of the vessel. The stacking assembly is designated at 228.

The variant embodiment of FIG. 18 is a variation of the configuration of FIG. 17, in which the feed fluid is introduced into the stacking assembly midway between the top and bottom ends of the containers, and is split up and down within the containers to both ends of the containers. Residues and permeate are discharged at.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various means are possible for closing the pressure vessel of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND EMBODIMENT In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-18, the membrane and its associated elements are circular, but in the second embodiment, semicircular membranes are used. FIG. 19 is a plan view of a semicircular shaped membrane/permeate carrier assembly 300. A continuous peripheral adhesive (seal) line 302 is applied to the periphery of the assembly. The dotted line is a line parallel to the cut line of the assembly 300 and through the centerline of the central permeate collection channel 304. The distance (spacing) from the centerline of channel 304 to the edge of assembly 300 is indicated at 306. A lug 308 projects from the side of the assembly 300 to form a permeate collection channel 304 and is also provided with a peripheral adhesive line 310 . This adhesive line 310
are not provided in the area 312 around the channel 304, establishing a communication channel from the main area of the assembly 300 to the central permeate collection channel 304. The two edge areas 314, 316 shown in FIG. 19 define a feed fluid distribution channel 314' and a residue collection channel 316', as described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the feed fluid spacer layer 318 for this second embodiment. 320 is a peripheral seal ring applied to the peripheral edge of the spacer layer 318 except for areas 322 and 324. The area around the central permeate collection channel 304 is also sealed. The shape and facing of this feed fluid spacer layer 318 is similar to that of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly 3.
Same as 00. This spacer layer 318 is not provided with any supply fluid distribution lines.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a modified embodiment of the feed fluid spacer layer for this embodiment. A supply fluid distribution line 327 is provided in this spacer layer. Peripheral seal ring 320 seals the edge area 32
Although not applied to 8,330, the edge area 326
has been applied. In operation, feed fluid enters the spacer layer from the edge area 328 and passes through the edge area 33.
0 out of the spacer layer. or,
Conversely, it may also flow in from the edge area 330 and out from the edge area 328. In either case, the feed fluid is guided within the spacer layer by feed fluid distribution lines 327. Feed fluid distribution lines can take a variety of forms, but are dependent on the composition, viscosity, and
It is preferable to decide in consideration of factors such as flow rate and temperature.

FIG. 22 shows the membrane and permeate carrier assembly 300 of FIG. 19 and the feed fluid spacer layer 31 of FIG.
A semicircular stack made by vertically aligning and stacking 8 and 2
Figure 3 is a plan view of a generally circular cross-sectional stacking assembly assembled in an individually facing side-by-side relationship, with the upper half of the figure showing the working surface 332 of the membranes of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly 300; The bottom half shows the surface 334 of the feed fluid spacer layer 318. When two identical semicircular stacks are juxtaposed face-to-face in this way, a feed fluid distribution channel 314' and a permeate distribution channel 316 are formed between their edge areas 314 and 314 and edge areas 316 and 316, respectively. ′ is defined. A central permeate collection channel 304 is also defined. In this configuration, feed fluid enters channel 314', is distributed through spacer layer 318, and exits to residue distribution channel 316', as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 24. The permeate that has entered the permeate carrier layer is
It flows into a central permeate collection channel 304 defined by the alignment of the plurality of spacer layers 318 and membrane and permeate carrier assembly 300 . The dotted arrows in FIG. 24 indicate the flow of feed fluid through the spacer layer located below the assembly 300. 23 is a plan view of a feed fluid introduction and distribution plate substantially similar to that of FIG. 6; FIG.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the entire separation device according to the semicircular embodiment of FIGS. 19-24. 25th
The illustrated device is also similar in many respects to the devices of FIGS. 9 and 14. Feed fluid enters the feed fluid retaining cavity 338 from the port 336 and through the feed fluid distribution port 362 of the distribution plate 360 to the feed fluid distribution channel 3 of the stacking subassembly 340.
14' and collects through each feed fluid spacer layer 318 into a residue collection channel 316' as shown by the arcuate solid and dotted arrows in FIG. The fluid collected in this residue collection channel 316' flows down through ports 342 in distribution plate 344 as feed fluid for the next stacking subassembly 346. Meanwhile, the components (permeate) of the feed fluid that permeate through each membrane of the stack subassembly 340 pass through the permeate carrier layer to the central permeate collection, as indicated by the straight dotted arrows in FIG. into channel 304 . A peripheral seal ring 320 of each feed fluid spacer layer 318 establishes a seal with the inner wall of the pressure vessel to prevent feed fluid from simply flowing down, bypassing the stacking subassembly. The feed fluid entering the second stacking subassembly 346 is routed through the feed fluid distribution channel 314'
flows in co-current relationship through each spacer layer, collects in residue collection channel 316', flows into residue retention cavity 352 through port 348 of distribution plate 350, and exits the assembly through port 354. leak. Permeate collected in central permeate collection channel 304 exits the assembly through port 356. The stacking assembly of FIG. 25 uses the feed fluid spacer layer without the feed fluid distribution lines shown in FIG.
It goes without saying that the flow pattern of the feed fluid would be different if a spacer layer with the feed fluid distribution lines 327 of FIG. 21 were used.

Each stacking subassembly 340, 346 is comprised of semicircular elements of the type shown in FIGS. 22 and 24 stacked and assembled in a face-to-face juxtaposed relationship to form a generally cylindrical shape. The number of such subassemblies can be determined as desired.

DESCRIPTION OF THE THIRD EMBODIMENT FIG. 26 is a plan view of a membrane and permeate carrier assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The membrane and permeate carrier assembly is generally circular, but with eccentrically located permeate collection channels 404.
a cutout 400 defining a feed fluid distribution channel and a residue collection channel, respectively, on each side of the
and 402 are provided. In cross-section, this assembly is the same as that shown in FIG. A peripheral adhesive (seal) line 406 is not provided in area 408 to communicate the permeate carrier layer to the permeate collection channel 404.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the feed fluid spacer layer of the assembly of FIG. 26, illustrating an example feed fluid distribution pattern. In this example, feed fluid enters from area 410 and exits from area 412. The feed fluid distribution line is shown at 414 and the flow space defined thereby is shown at 416.

Each of these membrane/permeate carrier assemblies is
When inserted and aligned between paired feed fluid spacer layers, cutouts 400 and 402 form a feed fluid and residue collection and distribution channel;
A permeate collection channel 404 is also formed. These notches 400, 402 are the 26th and 27th notches.
It can also be provided in a position different from that shown in the figures.

FIG. 28 shows port 428 and peripheral seal 4.
22 is a plan view of a supply fluid distribution plate 418 having 22. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a top view of intermediate distribution plate 424 having residual fluid collection and distribution ports 426 and permeate collection ports 428. 430 is a peripheral seal.

The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same as that described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 14, except that the permeate is collected in the channel at an eccentric location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FOURTH EMBODIMENT FIGS. 30 and 31 show another embodiment of the present invention in which the shape of each component is square or rectangular rather than circular, and FIG. 30 shows a membrane/permeate carrier assembly. 31 shows the feed fluid spacer layer. Overall, the configuration is the same as described in connection with FIGS. 1-13. A stacked assembly of these elements may be housed in a square or rectangular pressure vessel. Operation is the same as described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIFTH EMBODIMENT In each of the embodiments of the invention described above, each layer of the stack assembly is inserted directly into the pressure vessel, and each feed fluid spacer layer is such that the feed fluid does not flow by-passing the membrane layer. to form a seal with the inner wall of the pressure vessel. The embodiment of the invention described below uses a modular format to insert the stacking assembly into a pressure vessel. That is, the stack assembly can be constructed as a module (unit) and the entire stack assembly can be moved into and out of the pressure vessel as a single module or unit, rather than as individual layers or groups of layers in the stack assembly. do.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a stacking assembly module in which a stacking assembly having a circular cross section as shown in FIG. 9 is configured as a module. A permeate collection tube 500 extends through top plate 502 and is sealingly connected to plate 504 as shown at 506 . The supply fluid is passed through the top plate 502 to the supply fluid introduction port 50.
7 into the supply fluid holding cavity 508 and flows into the stacking assembly through a port 510 in the plate 504. Area 51 of the stacking assembly
Each layer of 2 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 9 and 25. 514 and 516 are intermediate distribution plates. 518 is a residue distribution plate. The residual fluid is transferred to the residual retaining cavity 520.
through port 522 in bottom plate 524. Permeate can exit the module through either tubes 500 or 501 at either end of the module. The permeate tubes 500, 501 at each end of the module are provided with fittings 530 for connection to the permeate tubes of other modules. Fitting 530 may be a threaded connector such as a flange and O-ring or gasket or union fitting.

The module can be wrapped in a wrap (outer cover) 534 of suitable material to provide a fluid barrier and increase mechanical strength. Lap 5
34 may be formed from an elastomer or fiber-filled plastic material, or the like. A seal 53 is provided in the circumferential groove of the top plate 502 to allow supply fluid to be introduced into the module under high pressure.
6 is installed. Seal 536 presses against the inner wall of the pressure vessel to prevent leakage of supply fluid.

Alternatively, the stacking assembly may be enclosed within a thin-walled container or metal or plastic pipe, with top and bottom plates joined to the ends of the container or pipe.

This modular structure can use the semicircular elements of FIGS. 19-25 or the elements of the variant embodiment of FIGS. 26-27.

FIG. 33 shows a combination of a plurality of modules shown in FIG. 32. module 5
38, 556... are inserted into the pressure vessel 540. An end flange 542 is welded to the top of the pressure vessel 540 and an end cap 544 is secured in place by bolts 546. Feed fluid enters cavity 550 within the container through port 548 and flows into first stacking assembly module 538 through port 507.
552 is a peripheral seal ring. The residual fluid is
From the first stack assembly 538 it enters the cavity 554 and from there to the next second stack assembly module. These modules are connected to each other by fittings 532 and a permeate discharge pipe 558.
It is connected to the. Permeate is collected through pipes 558 and 560. The module of the present invention can be inserted into any suitable pressure vessel. An advantage of this embodiment is that the module can be easily moved into and out of the pressure vessel at the site of use.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the membrane and permeate carrier assembly of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the feed fluid spacer layer of the present invention. 4 is a top view of the feed fluid spacer layer of a modified embodiment; FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a top view of the inlet distribution plate; FIG. 7 is a plan view of the intermediate residue distribution plate; FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the plate of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane/permeate carrier and feed fluid spacer stack assembly contained within a pressure vessel; FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlargements of different portions of the stack assembly of FIG. 9; 12 is a plan view of the porous side, that is, the back surface, of the cellulose membrane layer; FIG. 13 is a sectional view around the central channel of the assembly of the membrane of FIG. 12, a permeate carrier and a spacer; and FIG. 15 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 9 of an embodiment with a tension bar; FIG. 16 is a standard pipe for pressure vessels. 17 is a sectional view of a modified embodiment in which the supply fluid is introduced from the side wall of the container and the residual fluid is taken out from the side wall of the container, and FIG. 18 is a mode of introduction of the supply fluid. FIG. 19 is a plan view of a membrane/permeate carrier layer assembly of a modified embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
The figure is a plan view of a supply fluid carrier layer of a modified embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a plan view of a supply fluid spacer layer of yet another modified embodiment; FIG. 22 is a plan view of a stack of layers of FIGS. 19-21 arranged side by side to form a circular assembly; FIG. 23; is a plan view of the distribution plate, FIG. 24 is a plan view similar to FIG. 22 showing the flow pattern of the feed fluid, and FIG. 25 shows the stacked assembly of the layers of FIGS. 19-24 inserted into the pressure vessel. FIG. 26 is a top view of the membrane and carrier layer assembly of a modified embodiment; FIG. 27 is a top view of the feed fluid spacer layer of a modified embodiment; FIG. 28 is a top view of the feed fluid distribution plate. 29 is a plan view of the intermediate distribution plate, FIG. 30 is a plan view of the membrane/carrier layer assembly of a modified embodiment, and FIG. 31 is a plan view of the spacer layer used in the embodiment of FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the stacking assembly has a modular structure, and FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a separation device formed by inserting the module of FIG. 32 into a pressure vessel. 10: Permeate carrier layer, 12: Central hole, 1
4, 16: Notch, 18, 20: Membrane, 22, 2
4: operating surface, 32: supply fluid spacer layer, 34,
36: Notch, 38: Center hole, 76: Supply fluid introduction pot, 78: Introduction pipe, 84: Pressure vessel,
108: Feed fluid distribution channel, 110: Stacking subassembly, 112: Feed fluid spacer layer, 11
4: membrane and permeate carrier layer assembly; 116: membrane layer; 118: permeate carrier layer; 124: permeate collection and distribution channel; 126: retentate collection and distribution channel; 128: intermediate distribution plate.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A separation device for separating two or more different substances, comprising: a pressure vessel for containing a fluid under pressure; and a supply for introducing a feed fluid to be separated into the vessel. a fluid introduction means; a residue discharge means for discharging a residue from the container; a permeate discharge means for discharging a permeate from the container; a separation membrane member; said vessel consisting of a plurality of stacked members comprising a distribution zone for flow across the working surface of the member and a permeate carrier member respectively abutting opposite sides of said membrane member for transporting permeate; at least one compact stacking assembly disposed within the stacking assembly, the plurality of members in the stacking assembly having a first notch and a first notch, respectively, at two spaced apart portions of the periphery of each member. two notches, the first notches of each member being aligned with each other to form a feed fluid channel for the feed fluid to be separated, and the second notches of each member being aligned with each other to form a feed fluid channel for the feed fluid to be separated. forming a collection channel, the distribution zone communicating with the feed fluid channel and the retentate collection channel at the aligned first and second notches, each member being connected to the permeate carrier member; having mutually aligned internal holes forming a permeate collection channel in communication with said stacking assembly being disposed between said feed fluid introduction means and said retentate discharge means and permeate discharge means; A separation device featuring: 2. The stack assembly consists of two stacks of parts arranged in juxtaposed relation to each other, the two stacks of parts being shaped to form the cutout between them and the inner hole. 2. A separating device according to claim 1, adapted to be matched at the . 3. Separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed fluid is introduced into the pressure vessel at an intermediate longitudinal point of the vessel, and the retentate and permeate are removed at both ends of the pressure vessel. 4. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the membrane members adjacent to the inner hole is reinforced. 5. The separation apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distribution zone is sealed from communication with said permeate collection channel. 6. Each of the membrane members and permeate carrier members are:
2. A separation device according to claim 1, wherein the periphery is sealed to prevent ingress of feed fluid from the periphery. 7. A plurality of said stacking assemblies are arranged vertically within said pressure vessel, and the residue from one stacking assembly is configured to provide feed fluid to the next stacking assembly. A separation device according to claim 1. 8. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the membrane member is an excess membrane. 9. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the membrane member is a reverse osmosis membrane. 10. The separation device of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel is an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel. 11. The separation device of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel is an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel and the distribution zone is formed by a distribution member. 12. The peripheral edge of each distribution member is sealed except at the notch to prevent ingress of supply fluid from the peripheral edge.
Separation device according to item 1. 13. The separation device of claim 11, wherein the distribution member comprises a feed fluid distribution line. 14. The separation device according to claim 11, wherein the membrane member is a gas separation membrane. 15. The separation device of claim 11, wherein the permeate carrier member is a woven or knitted member. 16. The separation device of claim 11, wherein said permeate carrier member is a woven or knitted member reinforced with plastics. 17. The pressure vessel is an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel, the distribution zone is formed by distribution members, and the plurality of stacked members are flat disk-like members. Separation device according to item 1. 18. The separation device of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel is an elongated rectangular pressure vessel, and the distribution zone is formed by a distribution member. 19. Claims in which the pressure vessel is an elongated rectangular pressure vessel, the distribution zone is formed by distribution members, and the plurality of stacked members are flat rectangular members. Separation device according to item 1. 20 The pressure vessel is an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel, the distribution zone is formed by distribution members, the plurality of stacked members are flat disk-like members, and the permeate carrier forming a permeate collection channel in communication with the member;
2. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the hole in the plurality of stacked members is a central hole formed in the center thereof. 21. The separation device according to claim 20, wherein a portion of each of the membrane members adjacent to the central hole is reinforced. 22 The pressure vessel is an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel, the distribution zone is formed by distribution members, the plurality of stacked members are flat disc-like members, and the first cut The nick and the second
The notches are diametrically opposed and the apertures of the plurality of stacked members forming a permeate collection channel communicating with the permeate carrier member have a central hole formed in their center. The separation device according to claim 1, which is a hole.