Isolation Valve

Abstract

Systems and methods for isolating a filtration module are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a removable end cap comprising an isolation valve. In certain systems and methods, the isolation valve may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between a port and a filtrate passageway of one filtration module in a plurality of filtration modules.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A membrane filtration system comprising:
 at least one filtration module comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes potted in and extending between upper and lower headers;   the upper header including a first sealing surface and a filtrate passageway; and   a removable end cap comprising a second sealing surface configured to selectively engage with the first sealing surface to selectively allow fluid communication between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the filtrate passageway.   
     
     
         13 . The membrane filtration system of  claim 12 , further comprising a common filtrate manifold and a filtrate transfer port, wherein the filtrate transfer port is in fluid communication between the filtrate passageway and the common filtrate manifold. 
     
     
         14 . A method for replacing a filtration cartridge in a membrane filtration system, the method comprising:
 accessing a membrane filtration system comprising a plurality of filtration modules, wherein each filtration module comprises a filtration cartridge, an upper header defining a filtrate passageway, and a removable end cap in fluid communication with the upper header, the removable end cap including a port in fluid communication with the filtrate passageway and a shut-off valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the port and the filtrate passageway;   evaluating at least one property of at least one filtration module to obtain a result; and   responsive to the result of the evaluation, accessing the at least one filtration module; and   engaging at least one shut-off valve in at least one filtration module to interrupt fluid communication between the port and the filtrate passageway of the at least one filtration module while maintaining fluid communication between filtrate passageways in the upper headers of the plurality of filtration modules.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein evaluating comprises measuring the at least one property, comparing the measured value with a target value, and identifying a fault in the at least one filtration module based on the comparison between the measured value and the target value. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein evaluating comprises performing a pressure decay test. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the pressure decay test is performed automatically by a control system. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein engaging the at least one shut-off valve comprises extending a shaft of the at least one shut-off valve from an upper surface of the removable end cap to provide a visual indication of the at least one filtration module being offline. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising disengaging the at least one shut-off valve to provide fluid communication between the port and the filtrate passageway. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein engaging and disengaging the at least one shut-off valve comprises rotating the shaft of the at least one shut-off valve. 
     
     
         21 . The membrane filtration system of  claim 12 , wherein the removable end cap comprises a reduced diameter portion that at least partially defines the first filtrate passageway in communication with the plurality of hollow fiber membranes.