Scouring method

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for forming at least one opening in a membrane pot, the method comprising: 
 providing at least one membrane, the membrane having at least one membrane end;    providing a mould for potting the membrane end, the mould having provided therein at least one formation for forming at least one opening in a membrane pot;    filling the mould with a curable potting material;    positioning the membrane end in the mould;    allowing the potting material to at least partially cure, whereby the membrane ends are secured in a membrane pot; and    demoulding the membrane pot, the membrane pot having at least one opening.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 mounting the mould on a vertically movable platform.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formation comprises at least one upstanding pin mounted in a base of the mould.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein demoulding the membrane pot comprises raising a central ejector portion of the mould, whereby the membrane pot is ejected from the mould.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 heating the mould to assist curing of the curable potting material.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 centrifuging the mould to assist penetration of the curable potting material into membrane fiber walls.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 fitting a guide or collar around a periphery of the mould.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mould comprises a base having a plurality of upstanding pins.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the upstanding pins are sized and distributed for correct gas bubble distribution.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 positioning a plurality of membrane ends in the mould, wherein the membranes comprise hollow fiber membranes.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the membrane ends are positioned uniformly in the mould.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 sealing the membrane ends.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the membrane ends are uniformly distributed in relation to at least one opening.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 positioning the membranes in a sleeve that holds the membranes; and    inserting the membranes into a guide or collar around a periphery of the mould.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein filling the mould with a curable potting material is conducted prior to positioning the membrane ends in the mould.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 fanning the membrane ends prior to positioning the membrane ends in the mould.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 trimming the membrane ends to provide a uniform membrane length.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 cutting the membrane pot transversely to open the membrane ends to facilitate withdrawal of filtrate from lumens during operation.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 positioning a plurality of membrane ends in the mould so as to form an array.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the array is a cylindrical array.