Mass or energy transfer cartridge

Abstract

A module is provided which includes a manifold, an elongated medium capable of effecting mass transfer or energy transfer through the medium and a bowl which houses the medium. The medium and bowl are connected to each other by a key which is secured to flat surfaces on the medium to form a unitary construction. The medium and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a first fluid feed and a second fluid feed to the module.

1 . A mass transfer or energy transfer cartridge which comprises: 
 an elongated medium capable of effecting mass transfer therethrough or for effecting energy transfer from a first fluid to a second fluid, said elongated medium having a first end and a second end,    a first sealing plate sealed to said first end,    a second sealing plate sealed to said second end,    a fluid passageway sealed to said first sealing plate to provide fluid communication to an open interior within said medium,    and said fluid passageway having an outside surface including two substantially parallel flat surfaces.    
     
     
         2 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein said medium is a pleated membrane.  
     
     
         3 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein said medium comprises a plurality of hollow fiber membranes.  
     
     
         4 . The cartridge of  claim 1  wherein said medium comprises a plurality of nonporous hollow fibers formed of a heat conducting material.  
     
     
         5 . A module which comprises: 
 a manifold, an elongated medium of  claim 1  and a bowl which houses the medium, and means for locking said bowl to said manifold,    a key secured to two substantially parallel surfaces on an outer surface of a fluid passageway formed with the medium, said key having at least two attachment elements attached to said bowl, said medium and bowl being in fluid communication with said manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a first fluid feed to said medium with a second fluid directed into a space between said bowl and said medium.    
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 5  wherein said key is attached to said bowl by prongs extending from said key which fit over a lip of said bowl.  
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 5  wherein said key is attached to said bowl by flanges extending from said key which fit into slots on a collar, said collar being directly attached to an open end of said bowl.  
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 7  wherein said bowl and said collar comprises a unitary construction.  
     
     
         9 . The module of any one of claims  5 ,  6 ,  7  or  8  wherein said key includes at least one vertical extension, each of said at least one vertical extension being fit into a vertical slot in said collar.  
     
     
         10 . The module of any one of claims  5 ,  6 ,  7  or  8  wherein said key includes at least two flanges and each of said flanges has a boss on an outside surface of each of said flanges.  
     
     
         11 . The module of any one of claims  5 ,  6 ,  7  or  8  wherein said key includes at least two flanges and each of said flanges includes a groove on a lower surface of each of said flanges, said groove shaped to mate with an inner surface of a collar attached to said bowl.