Method for controlling fouling during a spinning membrane filtration procedure
US10046278B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2321/2033
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for controlling a spinning membrane separator so as to limit fouling of the membrane by changing the rotation rate of the spinning membrane in response to the fouling rate, while maintaining a constant outlet cellular concentration. Increasing the spinner rotation rate will increase the strength of the Taylor vortices generated within the separator by the spinning of the membrane, which should reduce fouling of the membrane. The goal of the method is to rotate the spinning membrane at the slowest rate possible without unacceptable fouling. Two specific methods to control fouling are disclosed. In a first, unidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane is only increased in response to undesirable fouling in order to prevent the fouling from continuing. In a second, bidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane may be either increased or decreased in response to the measured fouling rate in order to maintain the fouling rate within a desired range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.