JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR JOINING A CERAMIC MEMBRANE

摘要

A joint assembly (1; 1'; 1") for joining a ceramic membrane (2; 2'; 2") of tubular form to a tube sheet (3) used in supporting the ceramic membrane (2; 2'; 2") within a reactor. The ceramic membrane (2; 2'; 2") is received withi n a fixture (10; 32; 50) connected to the tube sheet (3) and a follower (12; 4 4; 54), extending into the fixture (10; 32; 50), exerts a force on a high temperature sealing element (16; 42; 72) located between the fixture (10;32;50) and the ceramic membrane (2; 2'; 2") to effect a seal and to hold the ceramic membrane (2; 2'; 2") in place. The force can be exerted directly on the sealing element (16, 72) or on the ceramic membrane (2') itself.