Patent · US Expired

Scouring method

US6555005B1 · kind B1 · utility

105Cited by
4References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 18, 1999
Grant dateApr 29, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 18, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01D2321/2058
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.