Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a flat stack permeator useful under dialysis, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, perstraction, pervaporation, etc. conditions. The permeator comprises a multitude of membrane layer alternately separated by feed-retentate spacers and permeate spacers. The layers are secured along their edges so as to define separate feed-retentate zones and permeate zone. The edge gluing is performed so that in any given layer the two parallel edges are secured, while on the layers immediately above and below the edge pairs which are secured are 90.degree. out of register with the previously mentioned pair of secured edges. In that way alternate feed retentate and permeate zones are defined which are perpendicular in flow one to the other. This stack of membrane and spacer layer is fabricated between flat rigid, solid, non-permeable sheets, the membrane sheets immediately adjacent to said solid sheets being edge glued to the sheet along the proper edge defining a feed-retentate or permeate zone as appropriate to form a module. This module is fitted with manifolds to provide a feed-retentate entrance-exit pair and separate permeate exits. Alternatively the module can be inserted into an appropriately manifolded pressure vessel.

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First Claim