Gas / fluid mass exchange apparatus

Abstract

A gas/fluid mass exchange apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas permeable membrane which is arranged to separate a first region for receiving a gas flow, from a second region for receiving a fluid flow. The apparatus further comprises support means which is arranged to maintain the shape and orientation of the membrane.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gas/fluid mass exchange apparatus, the apparatus comprising a housing and plurality of gas permeable flow ducts which are arranged to extend through a fluid flow region of the housing between a gas inlet and a gas outlet of the housing, the apparatus further comprising a fluid inlet for receiving fluid into the fluid flow region of the housing and a fluid outlet for passing fluid out from the fluid flow region, the flow ducts being held in spaced relation with respect to each other, wherein, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are separated from the fluid flow region by a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet manifold, which are contoured to conform with contours of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet respectively, at an interface therebetween. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow ducts are uncoupled from each other within the fluid flow region. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow ducts comprise substantially tubular flow ducts, formed of a gas permeable membrane. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising support means which is arranged to maintain the shape and orientation of the flow ducts. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the support means comprises a support member disposed upon each flow duct. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the support members are arranged to extend along the respective flow duct. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the support members are bonded upon the respective flow ducts. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein support members comprise a wire. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the flow ducts comprise a plurality of support members disposed thereon. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the or each support member is disposed on the side of the membrane which is arranged to face the first region. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the support means comprises or further comprises means for tensioning the flow ducts. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet manifold is contoured to direct the fluid into the fluid flow region in a direction which is substantially along the flow ducts. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet manifold is contoured to direct the fluid into the fluid flow region in a direction which is substantially across the flow ducts. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fluid inlet manifold comprises a fluid flow channel having a proximal end disposed adjacent the fluid inlet. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the fluid flow channel comprises a cross-sectional area which reduces along the length of the channel from the proximal end to a distal end thereof. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fluid outlet manifold comprises a fluid flow channel having a proximal end disposed adjacent the fluid outlet. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the fluid flow channel comprises a cross-sectional area which reduces along the length of the channel from the proximal end to a distal end thereof.