Filtration module incorporating capillary membranes. RU patent 2504428.

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to "from outside-to inside" filtration modules including capillary membranes intended for water or other turbid fluid treatment. Proposed device comprises membrane shutters, each being formed by one row of capillary membranes, lower manifold arranged nearby lower end of membrane shutters and connected therewith, and at least one membrane shutter. Appropriate top manifold arranged nearby upper end of membrane shutter and connected with its capillary membranes is arranged for every membrane shutter. Membrane shutters are arranged vertically while top manifolds are spaced apart to allow fluid flowing upward between membrane shutters and top manifolds. Top manifolds of at least two adjacent membrane shutters are located at different height while capillary membranes of adjacent shutters feature different length.

EFFECT: lower turbulence, lower life and/or material fatigue in filtration module.

16 cl, 5 dwg

[0001] the Present invention relates to the modules filtering in the direction of "outside-inside", containing capillary membrane and intended for the purification of water or other clouded fluid.

[0002] filter Modules with capillary membranes, as a rule, are used for water purification. Typically, these modules are immersed be cleaned in a liquid (e.g., waste water) and apply the filter in the direction from outside to inside, creating a hollow capillaries transmembrane pressure drop. Inside (cavities) of the capillary membrane is created at a lower pressure.

[0003] as A result of the process described above in the cavities of the capillaries is a filtrate. However, after the removal of remaining outside of wastewater on the outer surface of the capillaries remains lot of other sediment, which reduces the effectiveness of subsequent filter. Similar contamination is removed from the surface of the capillaries through, for example, air purification (feeding on the outer surface of the capillaries air bubbles) and/or backwashing, and/or reverse pulse cleaning.

[0004] air Bubbles apply also to create on the surface of the capillary membrane wastewater circulation, promotes uniform mixing impurities contained in the wastewater, and, as a consequence, more efficient filtration. Rising bubbles carry the treated water, thus creating a forced flow of this fluid (precipitate). This allows to achieve a satisfactory distribution of treated water throughout the unit.

[0005] For the effective use of air bubbles, you need to optimize their access to the capillary membranes. In a patent application WO 2008/012221 described filtering module using the capillary membranes containing several vertical flat membrane blocks (or capillary membrane curtains), United with the common bottom collector. Each flat membrane unit is connected with a separate upper collector. Such design of the vertical unit with capillary membranes allows to improve circulation of air bubbles and wastewater between capillary membranes, reduce the accumulation of dirt, and, as consequence, to increase the efficiency of air purification of the capillary membranes.

[0006] However, in such vertical structures, where capillary membrane is secured at both ends (for example, the lower and upper collector) and where used by air bubbles, speed mixture flow of sediment and air, in some areas, especially on the upper plot, can be very high. As a consequence, turbulence that inevitably arise in these areas can be so intense that will adversely early development of material fatigue and the associated reduction in the service life of the equipment.

[0007] While reducing the rate of flow by increasing gaps between adjacent membrane blocks undesirable, because this will reduce the specific area of membranes per unit volume, and, consequently, will significantly increase the size modules.

[0008] In the published patent application, Japan # 10146520 described device containing the lattice formed a large number of hollow fibre membranes held with the two ends of the collector tubes. Hollow fiber is parallel to the flow of the treated water, and the grilles are installed so that both ends of the hollow fiber collector tube neighboring lattices are in different positions in the flow of treated water. Due to this increases the coefficient of filling of hollow fibre membranes and reduced clogging membranes suspended particles.

[0009] One of the drawbacks of the above design is that the lattice formed by several rows of hollow fibre membranes, and blockage can occur inside arrays. It can also cause coalescence of air bubbles at the entrance to the space between adjacent screens will impede the flow of water through this period.

[0010] Thus, there is a need for technical solution, which has no the deficiencies mentioned above.

[0011] the Task of the present invention is to offer superior filtering module, containing capillary membrane is devoid of shortcomings of known devices (modules).

[0012] an Additional objective of the invention is to reduce turbulence in the zones of the joint capillary membranes with top header.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to increase the service life and/or a reduction of material fatigue capillary membrane module filtering.

[0014] For the task, an apparatus for filtering liquids, disclosed in attached to the formula of the invention.

[0015] In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for filtering liquids. The device contains several membrane curtains, each of which formed from one near the capillary membranes. In addition, this device contains at least one lower collector, located at the lower end of membrane curtains (at the lower end of the capillary membranes) and coupled with capillary membranes at least one of membrane curtains. In addition, the device includes top headers, and for each membrane curtains provides an appropriate separate the top header. The top header is located at the upper end of membrane curtains and connected with its capillary membranes.

[0016] Membrane curtains (and respectively capillary membrane) are arranged so that the devices are in a vertical position. The top collectors are at a distance from each other. Thus, membrane curtains and upper headers do not hinder the movement upward flow (processed) liquid and possibly bubbles air between the membrane curtains and between the upper reservoirs.

[0017] Top headers are located at a distance from each other, so that between them there are gaps, allowing go up (processed) liquid and possibly air bubbles from beneath the membrane curtains.

[0018] In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the top headers at least two neighboring membrane curtains are located at different heights, and capillary membrane these neighboring membrane curtains are different lengths.

[0019] it is Preferable that the lower ends of these neighboring membrane the curtains were located at the same height. Thus, the bottom headers specified neighboring membrane curtains, too, will be located at the same height.

[0020] it is Preferable that the top headers of any two neighbouring membrane curtains were located at different heights. Should be positioned in the top collectors on two different levels along the height.

[0021] Preferably in two neighboring membrane curtains, located at different height, the highest point top of the collector (or its upper side) was below the lowest point of the upstream upper collector (or lower side) (orthogonal projection on the vertical axis. More preferably, the projection on the vertical axis specified the topmost point was on 5-100 mm below the lowest point, more preferably 10-100 mm below the lowest point and is most preferable to - 20-100 mm below the lowest point.

[0022] it is Preferable that the top headers were located in the direction of the vertical axis in a checkerboard pattern. In other words, is the preferred location of the top collectors in turn for two or more levels of height.

[0023] it is Preferable that the lower collector was connected with capillary membranes several neighboring membrane curtains.

[0024] it is Preferable that the design of the bottom collector provide for the collection and disposal of leachate.

[0025] it is Preferable that the lower collector was formed one of the collector chamber.

[0026] it is Preferable that the design of the upper reservoirs provide for the collection and disposal of leachate.

[0027] it is Preferable that at least one upper collector had the form to its thickness on plots connection with capillary membrane was greater than the thickness in the areas where the specified manifold forms a bridge between the capillary membranes.

[0028] Preferably to the side wall is at least one upper reservoir was made of corrugated. More preferably, all the side walls were crimped. Shirring allows even more to increase the area where the waste water flow between the upper reservoirs. More preferably to at least one lateral wall of the upper reservoir was so that the parallel capillary membranes were hollows and ledges. Preferred location of the projections is their location opposite the capillary membranes. Preferred location of the pits is its location between the capillary membranes.

[0029] Preferably on the sections of the connection of the capillary membranes with top header is provided by the presence of elastomeric material covering membranes. Elastomer material is designed to absorb vibration and/or fluctuations capillary membrane.

[0030] it is Preferable that the proposed device contained a means of aeration, located between the membrane curtains.

[0031] Preferably, to capillary membranes were membranes for nano-, micro -, or ultrafiltration in the direction of "outside-inside".

[0032] it is Preferable that the proposed device contained from 2 to 50, preferably from 2 to 20 and most preferably from 3 to 8 break-out curtains.

[0033] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention provided for the use or application of the devices according to the present invention, for submersible filter, in particular, in membrane bioreactors ICBMs (MBR).

[0034] In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for filtering liquids. The device contains several membrane curtains, each of which formed from one near the capillary membranes. In addition, this device contains at least one lower collector, located on the bottom side of the membrane curtains (at the lower end of the capillary membranes) and coupled with capillary membranes at least one of membrane curtains. In addition, the device includes top headers, and each membrane curtain corresponds to a private collector. The top header is located at the upper end of membrane curtains and connected with its capillary membranes.

[0035] Membrane curtains (and, consequently, capillary membrane) are arranged so that the work of the devices are in a vertical position. Top headers are located at distances from each other. Thus, membrane curtains and upper headers do not hinder the movement upward flow (processed) liquid and possibly air bubbles between the membrane curtains and between the upper reservoirs.

[0036] Top headers are located at a distance from each other, so that between these are gaps that allow to go up (processed) liquid and possibly air bubbles from beneath the membrane curtains.

[0037] In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, at least one top header has the following form in which its thickness on plots connection with a separate capillary membrane larger than the thickness of the areas where it forms a bridge between the capillary membranes (i.e. the sections between neighbouring capillary membranes).

[0038] it is Preferable that the wall is at least one upper reservoir was made of corrugated. More preferably, all the side walls were crimped. Thanks increases the size of the passage for the flow of treated water and, possibly, air bubbles between the upper reservoirs. More preferably to at least one lateral wall of the upper reservoir was so that the parallel capillary membranes were hollows and ledges. Preferred location of the projections is their location opposite the capillary membranes. Preferred location of the pits is its location between the capillary membranes.

[0039] Preferably in filtering devices according to the third aspect of the invention these top headers neighboring membrane curtains were located (essentially) the same height. Capillary membrane neighboring membrane curtains preferably have (essentially) the same length. In this context, the use of the expression «in essence, this implies that the height and length are approximately the same, taking into account the tolerances in manufacturing and Assembly, which may lead to maximum deviations in height/length maximum of + / - 10 mm, preferably maximum ±5 mm

[0040] Thus, it is preferable that the lower ends of the neighboring membrane curtains were located at the same height. Thus, and lower header (or headers) specified neighboring membrane curtains preferably located at the same height.

[0041] it is Preferable that the lower collector was connected with capillary membranes several neighboring membrane curtains.

[0042] it is Preferable that the lower collector was executed with the possibility of collection and disposal of leachate.

[0043] it is Preferable that the lower collector was formed one of the collector chamber.

[0044] it is Preferable that each of the capillary membranes was covered by an elastomer material on those sites where it meets the top header and/or with the lower collector. Coating elastomeric material helps to absorb vibrations and/or fluctuations capillary membrane.

Brief description of drawings

[0045] figure 1 shows a side view of the filtration devices in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the front view of the same device.

[0046] figure 3 shows a filtering module, known from the prior art. On Fig.3 shows a side view of the upper part of the filter module to illustrate the top headers and membrane curtains. On Fig.3 shows-section (top view) on a line And A filtering module, shown on Fig.3.

[0047] figure 4 shows the filtering module according to the first aspect of the invention. On Fig.4 shows a side view of the upper part of the filter module to illustrate the top headers and membrane curtains. On Fig.4 presented section (top view) line-In filtering module, shown on Fig.4.

[0048] figure 5 shows the filter in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. On Fig.5 shows a side view of the upper part of the filter, in which the side walls of the upper reservoirs (have a wavy shape) and which shows the top headers and membrane curtains (held perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). On Fig.5 presented section (top view) in line with the -- With-filtering module, shown on Fig.5.

Detailed description of the invention

[0049] Below with reference to the drawings are described in detail embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that these options do not limit the scope of the invention defined by the claims. These drawings are also not very restrictive and are schematic images. For greater clarity, some elements are shown on the drawings at a larger scale. The sizes and the ratio of the sizes of the elements are not in strict accordance with the actual values of sizes and ratios achieved by carrying out the invention. Specialists it is clear that there are many options and modification of the present invention, does not fall outside the scope of protection. Thus, these are the embodiments of the invention is not restrict its scope.

[0050] the Word «top», «bottom», «left», «right», «above», «below», and the like used in the description and claims to illustrate the essence of the invention and are not obligatory for indication of the relative positioning of elements. Under certain circumstances, these words are interchangeable, because the device in accordance with the variants of realization of the invention described in this document can operate at different spatial orientation elements other than described or illustrated in this document. For example, the words «left» and «right» (of an element) point to the location on opposite sides of the element.

[0051] it Should be noted that the word «contains» does not imply that the enumeration of specific means exhaustive. In other words, this word does not exclude the presence of other (besides the listed elements or phases. Thus, the expression «device containing tools And and» shall be interpreted so that the components of the device are the only means of A and B. This wording means only that in the context of the present invention means A and b are essential components of the specified device.

[0052] In that case, when specifying quantities or measurement use numeric values, in estimating these values should be taken into account possible deviations caused by the presence of impurities, the peculiarities of the measurement techniques, human factors, statistical variation, etc.

[0053] When you specify a range of numeric values, determined from the bottom to the top border assumes that the numeric value corresponding to the lower and upper bounds are also fixed in this range, if not otherwise stated.

[0054] Certain aspects of the invention relates to devices for filtering (called below «modules filtering»), containing the ranks of the capillary membrane (called below «membrane curtains»), which in the course of operation of the device are vertical and in which the capillary membrane is provided for both the lower and upper ends. Mount capillary membrane is done by connecting their lower ends of the bottom collector and their upper ends with the upper collector. Design of filtering modules according to the invention allows to use them for submersible filter in which the capillary membrane is completely immersed in the treated water.

[0055] Under the membrane curtains understood single flat blocks of the capillary membranes. In the context of the present invention of the expression «flat membrane unit», «membrane blind» and the «membrane plane» are used interchangeably and refer to the adjacent location of the capillary membranes in one plane. Thus, the capillary membranes in membrane curtain consistently stack to each other, side by side, one behind the other, in one plane, preferably on a (non-zero) distance from each other. As a result of membrane blind forms a single number (or grid) capillary membranes. This shade of the capillary membranes can be called the membrane plane.

[0056] the Term «blind» implies that the capillary membrane in such filtering modules during operation of the device is installed vertically (or hung to the collectors). Thus, capillary membrane and curtains in the course of operation of the device are usually (essentially) parallel to the vertical axis. The same is true for the top collectors. However, the (upper) collectors can be and at an angle to the vertical axis. So, capillary membrane and curtains can be essentially vertically, which means that the capillary membrane can form an angle with the vertical axis preferably in the range of approximately 0 o to approximately 10° in absolute value and is more preferable from approximately 0 o to approximately 5 degrees in absolute value. It should be noted, however, that the form of plots capillary membranes, passing between the upper and lower reservoirs (i.e. between the upper and lower zones of fastening), may slightly vary from straightforward due to the lack of tension.

[0059] Filtering is made by creating a lower pressure (for example, a partial vacuum in the area of the filtrate collection, namely in the inner cavity of the capillary membranes.

[0060] Capillary membrane is suitable for using in the proposed devices can represent so-called capillary membrane type "outside-inside", described in document WO 2006/053046. Capillary membrane is suitable for use in the proposed devices can be supplied with elements of stiffness and/or support, consisting of a layer hardening regimes of lathe material, for example of fibrous material. These capillary membrane may constitute a membrane for nano-, micro and ultrafiltration (liquids, colloids, mixtures of solid and liquid substances, such as solutions of macromolecules, or suspensions, such as suspensions, including bacteria).

It is preferable that they were applicable to filter the outside in. However, the invention is not limited to using capillary membrane specific species.

[0061] Outer diameter of suitable capillaries preferably in the range from 0,5 mm up to 10,0 mm inclusive, more preferably 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm and more preferably from 2.0 mm to 5,0 mm, including 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm 3.6 mm, 3.7, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4,7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm and 5.0 mm

[0062] Certain aspects shall include, in particular, to the modules filtering which use the air bubbles for membrane cleaning and/or to maintain the circulation of treated water (sediment). In connection with this filter modules can contain the means of aeration. Means of aeration may be in the form of perforated disks or plates, placed under the modules filtering. As an option, means of aeration may be in the form of perforated ducting, preferably located between the membrane curtains. Air bubbles move up between the membrane curtains, resulting in a mixture of air and sediment. At the exit from the top of the mixture of air and sediment can meet hydraulic resistance. In fact, the top headers can function as constraints trajectory of flow, because of their thickness more of the outer diameter of the capillary membranes, which entails an increase of flow velocity. Inventors observed occurrence of such areas are too intense turbulence, which exposes the capillary membrane periodic disturbances, potentially having a significant incentive. Thus, capillary membrane may be undesirable excessive vibrations and/or fluctuations that can cause early material fatigue capillary membranes in the areas adjacent to the zones of their fastening in the upper body.

[0063] To resolve this lack of an advanced design of filtering module, containing capillary membrane. Further aspects of the invention will be described by the example of implementation options, described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Below describes the filter unit according to the first aspect of the invention with reference to figures 1 and 2, where presented respectively, side view and front view of the proposed module 1 filter. Capillary membrane 5 are steeply, and their lower ends of the hermetically inserted in (lower) collector 3. The lower collector 3 may constitute a collector for all capillary membrane module 1 filter. In the alternative scenario can be envisaged several lower collectors.

[0065] Capillary membrane 5 are placed in separate membrane curtains 2. Each membrane blind forms a flat layer. Figure 1 shows the four membrane curtains 2, nearby. Figure 2 module is presented in the front view, which shows two neighboring membrane curtains. Capillary membranes in membrane curtain located together or near each other, depending on the observation point), and between adjacent capillary membranes are gaps.

[0066] Upper ends of the capillary membranes separate membrane curtains 2 hermetically inserted into the top header 4. Each membrane curtain has its own upper collector 4, total for all the capillary membranes blinds.

[0068] In the bottom collector may provide support 7, holding capillary membrane together during the manufacturing process and not allowing hit sealing resin in the device for collecting the filtrate 6 during the sealing.

[0069] generally, The upper end of the 14 capillary membranes are protected from penetration of water with the help of a sealing material 12, as shown in figure 1, resulting in the upper reservoirs of the filtrate and no air can come out of the capillary membranes. Alternatively, some of the upper collectors 4 might have the same configuration as the lower header (or headers) 3 if these top headers are also used for collecting the filtrate. Their design can also provide the possibility of deaeration of the upper ends of the capillary membranes with the removal of all local air inclusions that may have accumulated during device operation, and which may cause a local decrease in the patency of the filtrate through the membrane.

[0070] In accordance with another embodiment, for the collection and disposal of leachate can be used only the top headers 4, and in the lower collector (reservoirs) 3 capillary membrane closed (filtrate in the lower reservoir, do not collect and remove from the collector).

[0071] Thus, the proposed modules function device for the collection of leachate can perform either the bottom or the top header, or both collector together.

[0072] Because each capillary curtain is connected with its separate upper collector, between the outer casing 16 upper reservoirs neighboring membrane curtains are the passages 15 for the flow of wastewater.

[0073] In this aspect of the invention neighboring (following each other) top headers 4, each of which is connected with the neighboring one of the following each other) membrane curtain 2, are located at different heights. The term «height» means the distance measured on the vertical axis from the common reference point to the same zone of the upper reservoirs, for example to the bottom or to the top of the top of the collector. In the preferred options for implementing the altitude difference between the two following each other (neighbouring) upper reservoirs more than the height h of the upper reservoir.

[0074] the Terms «nearby» and «next to each other» denotes directly following elements for each other. Thus, an indication of the neighboring, or consecutive top headers means that the top headers are located next and follow each other immediately so that between them there is no third of the upper reservoir.

[0075] Under h is the height of the top of the collector, as shown in figures 1 and 2, refers to the vertical size of the top header (i.e. the size of the top of the collector on the vertical axis from the bottom to the top side). Under the thickness t of the top-collector, as shown in figure 1 refers to the size of the top of the collector on the horizontal axis in the lateral plane (plane of the drawing on the side view shown in figure 1). Length l of the upper collector, as shown in figure 2 indicates the size of the top of the collector on the horizontal axis in the frontal plane (the plane of the drawing in the front view, shown in figure 2).

[0076] Correct selection of the difference in height between the neighboring upper reservoirs can reduce the manifestation of turbulence. Let's call the two neighboring upper reservoirs that sits above, more high upper collector 41 and the second of them is more low top collector. 42. The lowest point 43 higher upper collector 41 is preferably on 5-100 mm above the highest point of the 44 lower upper collector 42, more preferably 10-100 mm above and most preferably 20-100 mm above. The specified lowest point can be located on the underside of the more high top collector. The specified top-most point can be located on the upper side of the lower-upper collector.

[0077] If the measurements are taken from a common reference point to the same zone of the upper reservoirs (assuming that the upper headers having the same height h, the last position can be expressed as follows: the difference ΔH heights between two adjacent (following each other) upper reservoirs preferably in the range from h+5 mm (h+100 mm, where h is determined as above. Preferably, that this difference ΔH heights ranged from h+10 mm h+100 mm, and most preferably in the range from h+20 mm to h+100 mm, the difference ΔH heights may be chosen based on the thickness t of the top-header (or the difference between the t and the outside diameter of the capillary membranes). The thinner the top headers, the less will be the difference ΔH heights.

[0078] figures 1 and 2 shows one example of the configuration of the module with the location of the capillary membranes in the chess () order, however, there are alternative configurations, such as alternating three levels.

[0079] there are also options of implementation, in which the geometric shape of the lower upper reservoirs is different from the form of higher upper reservoirs, for example in order to maximize the passages 15.

[0080] In the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention, in accordance with which some of the top collectors offset adjustment, the narrowing of the flow of the passage of 15 decreases or at least part of the narrowing of the shifting, and all narrowing in General is less sharp. When the difference ΔH heights between neighbouring upper reservoirs exceed the height h of the upper collector (i.e. as seen on the front collectors absolutely not overlap), upward flow of wastewater is feeling the squeeze from one side only. The trajectory of motion of this thread is illustrated in Fig.3 and 4A, where it is shown by arrows between the membrane curtains 2. On Fig.3 illustrates a situation characteristic of modules known construction, and on Fig.4 situation corresponding to the considered aspects of the present invention. As seen on Fig.4, the size of the passage 15 wastewater increased compared with the above situation, when virtually the same specific area of membranes.

[0081] As a result, the turbulence of the upper ends of the capillary membranes decreases significantly. Due to the shift of collectors in height, the motion of the wastewater and air bubbles up to their ways never occurs a sharp narrow passage between the two neighboring curtains at the upper reservoirs, as in the known construction. Therefore avoided periodic impulse actions on the capillary membranes and, as consequence, increase the service life of the capillary membranes.

[0082] As shown in figures 1 and 2, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, capillary membrane neighboring membrane curtains are of different length (i.e. the distance between the lower and upper reservoirs in neighboring membrane curtains differently).

[0083] This can be achieved by positioning the lower ends of the neighboring membrane curtains (parts of the connection with the lower collector or collectors) at the same height and the upper ends of (parts of the connection with the upper reservoirs) - at a different height. Thus, the difference in the length of the capillary membranes neighboring membrane curtains appears to be entered above difference ΔH heights.

[0084] upper ends at different height and location of the membranes in the form of a single series allows to provide the best conditions of contact between the membranes and treated liquid, and more favorable flow regime and increase the life of the membrane.

[0085] in addition, the fact that the neighboring membrane curtains are different lengths not have a significant influence on the density of membranes and yet allows you to have the lower ends of the neighboring membrane curtains at the same height. This reduces the complexity of constructive and easier to assemble the device, as well as contributes to the creation of a homogeneous flow of treated water at the inlet of the passages between the membrane curtains.

[0086] in addition, the lower ends of the membrane curtains at the same height can facilitate embedding means of aeration, such as ducts 10, between membrane curtains in the lower parts. Air bubbles can be injected directly into the passage between the membrane curtains that allows you to evenly distribute them across the curtains. This may avoid coalescence of air bubbles on the entrance in the pass, and the related violations of its patency.

[0087] it Should be noted that at the bottom of the processed liquid can enter the passages between the membrane curtains from the sides, where, due to the absence of contractions, the road is even less likely.

[0088] Top headers and/or lower header (or headers) can be fixed to the frame.

[0089] according to another aspect of the present invention provides filtering device, in which the top headers have a special form, providing a wider passage for the mixture of sediment and air, denoted by the position of the 55 figure 5. In accordance with this aspect at least one top header (two neighboring) has such a form that it thickness t 1 in places 51, where it merges with the capillary membrane, which is greater than the thickness t 2 in places 52, where it forms a bridge between neighbouring capillary membranes (one of membrane curtains). Such construction provides that the top headers 53 may have corrugated (with undulating surface) side walls, as shown in figure 5. This allows to increase the size of the passage of the mixture of air and sediment present in the interval between adjacent reservoirs in the direction parallel to the capillaries, keeping the unit size of the membrane unit volume.

[0090] In the alternative to the implementation of this aspect of the side walls of the upper reservoirs are made grooves on the areas located between neighbouring capillary membranes. Deepening directed in parallel capillary membranes. The presence of such grooves ensures achieving the same result as in embodiment, illustrated in figure 5.

[0092] Thus, in this case, it has the effect similar to that obtained when the location of the top collectors in a checkerboard fashion: reduction of the narrowing gap, which runs the flow, allows to avoid excessive turbulence and increase the lifetime of the capillary membranes.

[0093] Corrugated side panel (or wall) upper collector 53 has (have) preferably sinusoidal. This wall can have a different wave-like form, preferably one in which she was at least partially repeats the form of the capillary membranes. It is preferable that the distance between depression and convexity (minimum and maximum) on the side wall corresponded to half of the outer diameter of the capillary membrane.

[0094] This top header can be made by putting two corrugated sheet of a suitable material (preferably plastic) to each other with the placement of their troughs and peaks opposite each other, that the sheets are located on the mirror. In the gaps formed between the sheets, you can put a capillary membrane. Sheets can be glued to each other and to the membranes of the suitable adhesive.

[0095] for Example, when the outer diameter of the membrane 4 mm for the upper header can be used corrugated sheets with thickness of 0.3 mm Thickness of the upper collector will be approximately t 1 =4.6 mm in those places where the top header is connected with membranes, and approximately t 2 =0.6 mm on the intermediate sections. This considerably increases the area of the passage between neighbouring upper reservoirs in comparison with a variant in which the top headers have flat side walls (i.e. with constant thickness t=4.6 mm).

[0096] In the alternative to corrugated top headers can be produced castings (including under pressure) on the surface of the capillary membranes.

[0097] On the upper parts of the upper reservoirs can be a reinforcing element, such as a rod or a rod. Reinforcing element connect with upper collector at several points. This element can provide external fixation of top collector (for example, to the frame). Thus, such a reinforcing element will give additional rigidity collector does not impeding the flow of treated water.

[0098] it is Preferable that the top headers 53 with corrugated side wall (or walls) were installed at the same height. In this case, the neighboring membrane curtains can be placed at the same height and have the same length.

[0099] This arrangement of reservoirs in combination with accommodation membranes in single rows provides superior (i.e. the larger contact between the surface of the membranes and treated liquid and therefore more high filtration efficiency, as well as extended lifespan of the capillary membranes.

[0100] Top headers according to the considered aspect of the invention is preferable to use devices that lower collector connected with several membrane curtains.

[0101] where the lower parts of the membrane curtains are located at the same height, preferably between the membrane curtains and possibly lower header (or headers) were built-in tools for aeration. Embedding means of aeration in the lower collector or between membrane curtains allows you to enter any air bubbles directly in the flow between the membrane curtains, and thus distributed among the different rows.

[0102] preferred variant, when the lower collector formed one camera to filtrate collection, processed liquid enters the passages between the membrane curtains from the sides, where, due to the absence of contractions violation of the cross is less likely.

[0103] the Considered aspect of the invention (in accordance with which the side walls of the upper collectors have a special form) may be used as addition to the previous aspects or as an alternative to them. In combination with the mentioned above staggered upper reservoirs may be provided to at least lower the top headers have been performed in accordance with this aspect of the invention.

[0104] In accordance with the preferred way of the implementation of the proposed devices, capillary membrane on the areas in which they are inserted in the top headers 4 and/or in the lower collector, covered with damping, such as the elastomeric material. Elastomer material can absorb fluctuations capillary membrane caused by the movement of wastewater and/or air bubbles can form. Thus, in addition to the special location of the top of the collector and/or the special shape of the top of the collector to further increase the service life of capillary materials in modules according to the present invention can be achieved by applying the capillaries damping, preferably elastomeric material. For this purpose approach such elastomeric materials, such as silicone rubber or polyurethane, in particular, suitable for casting. Most suitable for this purpose two-component silicone, more preferably, silicones, received , for example ASSYST 181 (company Assyst BVBA, Belgium). Preferably, damping (elastomer) material had after vulcanization shore hardness A () in the range from 10 to 40, preferably 15 to 25.

[0105] is Preferable to dampening material was applied in the form of a continuous layer under the top header (and/or over the lower collector), so that locally link capillary membranes in membrane-blind. As an alternative, the damping material can be applied separately for each capillary membrane.

[0106] In accordance with the invention, preferably membrane curtains 2 in the modules were placed at a fixed distance from each other (for example, when the top and bottom collectors are at specified intervals from each other). Moreover, some of the capillary membrane in one curtain preferably located on (essentially) the same distance from one another.

[0107] it is preferable that the capillary membranes were held at a large regulated distances from each other, which provides great access bubbles of air and waste waters to the membranes without the threat of obstacles to their movement.

[0108] filtering Device processed liquids can contain multiple modules 1 filter. Usually they are placed next to each other in the tank, through which during operation, passed the treated water.

[0109] In a typical application of the device as a membrane bioreactor ICBMs (MBR) to maintain the movement of wastewater (treated water) around the capillaries and between them and to prevent settling of solid fragments or particles present in the waste water at the bottom of the tank membrane bioreactor apply processing of air bubbles. This air is blown in from the bottom of the modules, cleaning the outer surface of the capillary membranes due to the effect of air cleaning. As a variant, air (optional) may be forced through the holes 11 duct 10 is located between flat layers 2 capillaries directly over the lower collector 3. Ducts can be provided in each of the intervals between flat layers 2, as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, the air ducts to 10 can be provided only in some intervals between the curtains.

1. A device for filtering liquids, containing: membrane curtains (2), each of which formed from one near the capillary membranes (5); the lower collector (3), located at the lower end of membrane curtains and coupled with capillary membranes at least one of membrane curtains; each membrane curtains have a corresponding top header (4), located at the upper end of the membrane curtains and coupled with its capillary membranes; and membrane curtains (2) in the course of operation of the device are arranged vertically and upper headers (4) are located at a distance from each other, providing, thus, the possibility of a liquid flow in a direction up between the membrane curtains (2) and upper reservoirs (4), wherein the top headers (41, 42) at least two neighboring membrane curtains are located at different height, the capillary membrane (5) of the above neighboring membrane curtains (2) are different lengths.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower ends of these neighboring membrane curtains (2) are located at the same height.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two neighboring membrane curtains, top headers which are located at different altitudes in the orthogonal projection on the vertical axis is the topmost point (44) top of the collector (42) is below the lowest point (43) of the upstream upper collector (41).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the specified projection on the vertical axis specified the highest point is located at 5-100 mm below the lowest point, preferably at 10-100 mm below.

5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top headers are located in the direction of the vertical axis in a checkerboard pattern.

6. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top headers are alternately in two different levels (43, 44) height.

13. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sections of the connection of the capillary membranes with top header is provided by the presence of elastomeric material covering membrane, to ensure absorption and/or fluctuations.

14. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tool contains aeration (10, 11), located between the membrane curtains.

15. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capillary membranes are membrane nano-, micro -, or ultrafiltration in the direction from outside to inside.

16. Using the device according to claim 1-15 for submersible filter.