FLUID REMOVING FILTER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF REMOVING FLUID FROM A MIXTURE

摘要

A filter assembly having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion is described. The filter assembly may include a feed inlet located at the proximal end portion and a first filter element in fluid communication with the feed inlet, the first filter element extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the filter assembly. Additionally, the filter assembly may include a second filter element in fluid communication with the first filter element, the second filter element extending between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the filter assembly. The filter assembly may also include a flow deflector located at the distal end portion of the filter assembly, the flow deflector being configured to deflect a flowable mixture exiting the first filter element toward the second filter element. The filter assembly may additionally include a retentate outlet located at the proximal end portion of the filter assembly, the retentate outlet being in fluid communication with the second filter element. A method of removing liquid from a flowable mixture is also disclosed.