Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges

摘要

A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

主权项

1. A cross-pleated cartridge comprising two strips of sheet material folded to form multiple layers defining a stack of fluid passageways, wherein each layer comprises a portion of each of the two strips of sheet material lying side-by-side in substantially the same plane and joined by a seam, and wherein adjacent fluid passageways in the stack are oriented at 90° to one another.