Membrane device and process for mass exchange, separation, and filtration

摘要

A membrane device and processes for fabrication and for using are disclosed. The membrane device may include a number of porous metal membranes that provide a high membrane surface area per unit volume. The membrane device provides various operation modes that enhance throughput and selectivity for mass exchange, mass transfer, separation, and/or filtration applications between feed flow streams and permeate flow streams.

主权项

1. A membrane device, comprising:
two or more membrane cassettes disposed in a stack of membrane cassettes comprising at least a first membrane cassette and a second membrane cassette, each membrane cassette comprising
porous metal membranes disposed on respective faces of a support frame, the support frame defining an open space and comprising a plurality of depressions located on opposing faces of the support frame, and a plurality of permeate or sweep flow slots located on one edge or both opposing edges of the support frame and in fluid communication with the open space; wherein a first plurality of depressions on the first membrane cassette are connectable to a second plurality of depressions on the second membrane cassette to form a plurality of feed flow slots in the stack of membrane cassettes, the plurality of feed flow slots and the plurality of permeate or sweep flow slots being located on respective sides of the stack of membrane cassettes with flow paths that transport selected fluids across the surfaces of the porous membranes in the membrane cassettes during operation that provide separation or filtration of particulates or certain molecules from the fluids introduced into the membrane device.