Importance

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Abstract

A membrane module may have, or may be fitted with, a transparent or translucent cover over a block of potting material holding hollow fiber membranes. To locate a defective fiber, a liquid may be placed over the ends of the membranes while the separating surfaces of the membranes are exposed to a gas and a pressure differential is applied to produce bubbles of the gas in the liquid through a defect requiring repair. The location of the defective fiber is revealed by the bubbles. The module may be repaired by closing the potted end of the defective fiber. The pressure differential may be applied by suction on the cover. The separating surfaces of the membranes may not need to be installed in a pressure vessel. The end of the defective membrane may be sealed by manipulating devices from outside of the cover such that the cover does not need to be removed. The cover may also be used to create a permeate cavity, or other part of a header assembly, used in normal operation of the module.

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First Claim