FR2957272A1 - Liquid i.e. water, filtering device, has interface that is changed when changing type of filtering modules, while valves system and assembly of modules are unchanged, except when changing type of modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has membrane filtering modules (14) connected by pipes to valves for controlling flow of liquid traveling toward the modules. A first block is formed by an assembly (14a) of the modules. Another block is formed by valves system (14b). A third block is formed of a group of intermediate pipes comprising an interface (14ca) between the valves system and the assembly of the modules. The interface is changed when changing a type of the modules, while the valves system and the assembly of the modules are unchanged, except when changing type of the modules. Lower collectors (CA1-CA4) are designed for forming support units of the filtering modules.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF MEMBRANE FILTRATION MODULES AND FILTRATION EQUIPMENT HAVING SUCH ASSEMBLY.

The invention relates to the field of the design and production of membrane filtration systems for liquids, more particularly for water intended for consumption, industrial applications, waste treatment and reuse, these systems implementing ultrafiltration and microfiltration modules.

Membrane filtration systems in ultrafiltration and microfiltration use modules comprising: a vertically positioned outer envelope, one or more membranes located inside the envelope; three or four taps for: feeding the modules; the output of the filtered water called "filtrate"; the backwashing exit called "retentate"; and emptying the module.

The characteristics of a module may vary from one manufacturer to another. The envelope may be longer or shorter and the diameter different. The membranes may be of the hollow fiber type, of different diameter and number, resulting in a variable membrane surface. The positioning, the type and the diameter of the connections are also variable according to the manufacturers.

The modules are implemented in the form of an assembly in which they are installed vertically in at least one row, the modules of each row having their parallel vertical axes situated in the same plane, each module comprising in the lower part an axial stitching of supply of liquid to be treated, in particular water, and in the upper part, an upper axial tapping for filtrate or retentate, and a lateral tapping for retentate or filtrate, said assembly comprising at least one feed collector, a collector of filtrate, and a retentate collector attached to a frame, and means for supporting the modules.

When a module of the assembly no longer fulfills its function correctly, it becomes necessary to replace it. For this replacement it is possible that one wishes to set up a module different from the one that is removed, in particular a module of different length.

The object of the invention is, above all, to provide an assembly of the kind defined above which makes it possible to replace the modules easily and quickly, without being limited to a specific module length.

According to the invention, an assembly of filtration modules, of the kind defined above, is characterized in that it comprises, for each row of modules: a lower collector below the modules, the geometric axis of this collector being located in the vertical plane of the axes of the modules of the row, with upright vertical pipes adapted to be connected to the axial power supply tappings, this lower manifold being designed sufficiently resistant to constitute the means of support of the modules of the row; an upper collector above the modules, the geometric axis of this collector being situated in the vertical plane of the axes of the modules, this collector comprising descending vertical tubes for connection to the axial branchings of the modules, the spacing being fixed between the lower collector and the upper collector, and being determined to allow to receive the longer module, - and rectilinear adapters provided to allow the mounting of shorter modules.

The assembly preferably comprises as many lower feed collectors and upper collectors, for axial stitching, than rows of modules.

According to the invention, an axial support of the modules is provided by the lower manifold, which facilitates the interchangeability of the modules and reduces the manufacturing costs of the chassis of the assembly. The integral weight of the module is taken up 30 on the lower branch which is itself connected to the supply manifold, possibly with an intermediate part if an adaptation is necessary. The lower collector is advantageously designed to receive a load of 180 kg by stitching.

The adaptation pieces are particularly simple because they are rectilinear elements arranged along the geometric axis of the modules. The axial tappings of the modules are arranged in abutment against the end of the connection pipes. The sealing is advantageously carried out at the junction, with the help of sealing rings, in particular mounted around the tubes and which cover the end-to-end connection of the tubing and the stitching tightly.

The invention also relates to a liquid filtration equipment, especially water, comprising membrane filtration modules according to an assembly as defined above.

According to the invention, liquid filtration equipment, especially water, comprising membrane filtration modules connected by pipes to valves for controlling the flow of liquid to and from the modules, is characterized in that it comprises a first block formed by an assembly of membrane filtration modules, a second block formed by a valve system, and a third block formed by a group of intermediate pipes constituting an interface between the valve system and the assembly of modules , only the group of pipes being modified during a change of type of filtration modules, while the valve system and the assembly of modules, apart from the change of type of modules, remain unchanged.

Advantageously, the group of intermediate pipes is declined in as many groups as types of modules, each declination being provided for an assembly with modules of the associated type.

Preferably, the filtration equipment comprises: - an assembly of membrane filtration modules, each module comprising a lower nozzle, generally for the supply of liquid to be treated, an upper nozzle for filtrate or retentate, and a lateral tapping for retentate or filtrate, the assembly comprising at least one feed collector, a filtrate collector and a retentate collector, fixed in a frame, a valve system for controlling the flow of liquid to the module assembly, and from, and a group of intermediate pipes between the valve system and the module assembly, this equipment being characterized in that: - the valve system is installed in a frame in a fixed configuration, - the frame of the module assembly is provided to receive at least two types of modules namely a first type with upper axial stitching for the filtrate and lateral stitching for r the retentate, and a second type with upper axial tapping for the retentate and lateral tapping for the filtrate, the transition from one type to another causing a permutation of the functions of the manifolds, and at least one associated group of intermediate pipes. respectively to each type of modules, designed to be put in place removably between the module assembly and the valve system and ensure the permutation of the collectors according to the type of modules.

The pipe group provides an interface to switch the functions of the manifolds of the assembly without changing the position of the manifolds or the valve system.

Preferably, the equipment comprises as many groups of intermediate pipes as membrane filtration module types.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements described above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below with regard to embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but which are not in no way limiting. On these drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a row of four vertical modules of different lengths, in an assembly according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter for changing diameter.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a lower manifold with riser tubing.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an upper manifold with downcomer.

Fig. 5-8 are schematic views of different types of modules.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the connection of two modules of a first type with axial outlet of the filtrate and lateral outlet of the retentate, according to the invention. 10 is a diagram similar to that of FIG. 9 illustrating the connection with modules of a second type with side filtrate outlet and axial retentate outlet. Fig. 11 is a schematic view of blocks constituting an equipment according to the invention.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a filtering apparatus according to the invention, with an assembly of modules of a first type A and a suitable group of intermediate pipes.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a row of type A modules with the horizontal collectors. Fig. 14 shows, similarly to Fig. 12, the filtration equipment with an assembly of modules of a second type B, and a suitable group of intermediate pipes, and

Fig. 15 shows in perspective, similarly to FIG. 13, a row of type B modules.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there can be seen an assembly G of membrane filtration modules M1, M2, M3, M4 installed vertically in at least one row, the modules having their parallel vertical geometric axes located in the same plane. In the example considered, four modules are provided in a row; of course, this number may be different, especially greater than four. Each module comprises in the lower part an axial tapping L1, L2, L3, L4 liquid supply to be treated, especially in water, and in the upper part an upper axial tapping H1, H2, H3, H4 for filtrate or retentate. Upper lateral stitching, not visible in Fig. 1, is further provided for retentate or filtrate.

The assembly comprises at least a lower AC supply manifold, an upper filtrate collector or CF retentate, and an upper collector retentate or filtrate not visible in FIG. 1. CA, CF collectors are fixed in a frame 1, in particular made of tubes and metal profiles. The spacing E between the geometric axes of the collectors CA, CF is fixed. The lower manifold CA may be slightly inclined in the direction favoring the flow, and its geometric axis 2 is located in the vertical plane of the geometric axes of the modules M1-M4 of the row. The lower manifold CA is provided with vertical rising pipes 3 adapted to be connected to the lower axial connections L1-L4. The pipes 3 are preferably identical.

The lower collector CA is constituted by a cylindrical tube and is provided sufficiently resistant to constitute the support means of the modules Ml-M4 of the row. The integral weight of a module is taken up by its lower nozzle L1-L4 which itself is connected to and supported on the manifold 3 of the supply manifold. The AC collector is designed to receive a load of 180 kg by stitching.

The tube constituting the collector CA is maintained, relative to the frame 1, by 4 spaced collars, located between two pipes 3.

The upper collector CF for the filtrate or retentate, may be slightly inclined in the flow-promoting direction, above the modules, and its geometric axis 5 is located in the vertical plane of the geometric axes of the modules M1-M4, which plane contains the geometric axis of the lower AC manifold. The upper collector CF, generally constituted by a cylindrical tube, comprises descending vertical pipes 6, identical, coaxial with the pipes 3 of the lower collector.

The spacing E between the collectors CA and CF is chosen to allow to accept the modules having the greatest length.

According to the example of FIG. 1, the module M4 is the longest, and the module M2 is the least long. The modules M1, M3 have an intermediate length. The lower and upper connections of the M2, M3 and M4 modules have the same diameter as the pipes 3 and 6. On the other hand, the connections LI and H1 of the MI module have a diameter greater than that of the pipes 3 and 6.

The mounting of the M2-M4 modules between two associated pipes 3 and 6 is carried out in the following manner.

The lower connections L2 - L4 are applied end to end against the pipes 3. A sealing ring 7, in particular of the type with two half-shells assembled to tighten the connections and pipes, is then put in place around the connections L2 - L4. to cover the junction of the taps and tubings, and to establish the tightness.

At the top, adapters 8, 9, 10 formed by straight tubular elements are arranged at the end of the connections H4, H3, H2, coaxially with the modules and the tubes 6. The lengths of the adapters 8, 9, 10 are provided so that the upper end of the adapters is close to the lower end of the tubing 6 when the adapters are in abutment against the connections H4, H3, H2. The sealing of the junction of the adapter and the stitching is performed with a ring 7 similar to that of the lower connections. The tightness of the junction between the adapters 8, 9, 10 and the tubings 6 is achieved by means of a sliding sleeve 11 equipped with internal sealing means. The sleeve 11 is in retracted position on the adapter 8, 9, 10 to allow the establishment under the tubing 6, then this sleeve It is moved upwards to cover the junction and seal.

For the module M1, whose tips LI and H1 have a diameter greater than that of the tubes 3.6, an adapter piece 12, clearly visible in FIG. 2, ensures the reduction in diameter between the quilts LI, H1 and the pipes 3.6. The part 12 has a frustoconical shape with two end cylindrical surfaces. A rectilinear adapter 13 is provided in the upper part between the part 12 and the tubing 6. The sealing of the junctions between the different parts is performed as explained previously for the modules M4-M2, with ring 7 and sliding sleeve 11, of appropriate diameter. .

An assembly according to the invention allows the introduction of a module of different length from that originally planned. The adaptation is achieved by the assembly of coaxial intermediate parts ensuring the direct transmission of the load of the module to the lower manifold CA, avoiding a load offset that would cause a torque moment on the lower manifold CA.

The parts in the lower and upper part, in the axis of the module, are advantageously made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The side pieces are made of semi-rigid or flexible material. A transparent or translucent part may be added, in particular at the adapters 8, 9, 11 or 13, to check the absence of bubbles during an integrity test by a pressure maintenance method. Locations for unused modules on the manifolds are sealed with plugs and clamps.

Fig. 3 illustrates a portion of the AC lower manifold with tubing 3 for connecting the lower axial stitching of a module. This tubing 3 comprises a collar 3a of reduced diameter around which the sealing ring 7 can engage.

Fig. 4 shows, in perspective, a portion of the upper collector CF, with downcomer 6.

The axial support made in an assembly according to the invention facilitates the interchangeability of the modules and reduces the manufacturing cost of the frame 1. The membrane filtration modules can not only have different lengths as discussed in connection with FIG. 1, but also have tappings arranged differently, as shown in FIG. 5-8.

Fig. 5 shows a type A module in which the lower axial stitching La is provided for the supply of liquid to be treated, the upper axial stitching Ha is provided for the filtrate outlet, while the upper lateral stitching Ra is provided for the outlet retentate. The type A modules can have sizes namely length and diameter different. Modules of the same type A, but of different sizes, can be assembled in the same row as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Fig. 6 shows a type B module in which the lower axial stitching Lb serves for the supply of fluid to be treated, while the upper axial stitching Hb serves for the evacuation of the retentate. The upper lateral tapping Rb is used for the filtrate outlet. With respect to the arrangement of FIG. 5, the functions of the upper tappings Hb, Rb are permuted.

Fig. 7 illustrates a type C module which has three branching points Lc, Hc, Rc having the same functions as for the module A of FIG. 5, and a fourth lateral lower quill Vc for emptying. 8 illustrates another type D of module in which the lower axial tapping Ld is provided for the emptying, the upper axial tapping Hd is provided for the retentate outlet and the upper side tapping Rd is provided for the filtrate outlet. A lower lateral tapping Vd is provided for the supply of liquid to be filtered.

For mounting in filtration equipment according to the invention, the type C modules are reduced to type A by closing the lower nozzle Vc. The type D modules are brought back to type B by closing off the lower lateral tapping Vd and ensuring feeding by the lower axial tapping Ld.

Fig. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the permutation of the functions of the upper manifolds when changing type A modules (Fig. 9) into type B modules (Fig. 10).

According to FIG. 9 two rows of type A modules, perpendicular to the plane of the figure, are provided. The modules in each row are located behind or in front of the displayed MAI and MA2 modules. For each row of modules are provided: - for axial lower connections, a lower collector CA1, CA2 perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 9, - and for the upper axial tappings, an upper collector CF1, CF2 perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 9.

The geometric axes of the lower collectors CA1, CA2 and higher CF1, CF2 are located in the vertical plane of each of the rows corresponding to the modules MAI, MA2. A lateral upper collector CR is further provided. The manifolds occupy fixed positions in the chassis. The lower connections La1, La2 are connected to the lower collectors by vertical axial pipes. The upper connections Hal and Ha2 are also connected by vertical axial ducts to the upper collectors CF1 and CF2 which collect the filtrate. The lateral taps Rai, Ra2 are connected laterally to the collectors CR which collect the retentate.

In the case of Fig. 10, where the modules are of type B, the schematic connections remain the same, but the functions of collectors CF1, CF2 on the one hand and CR on the other hand are permuted. The collector CR becomes a filtrate collector and the collectors CF1, CF2 become collectors of retentate.

To enable this permutation to be carried out with a minimum of operations, a liquid filtration equipment 14 (FIG 11) comprises, according to the invention, an assembly 14a of membrane filtration modules, a valve system 14b for controlling the flows liquid flow to and from the assembly, and a group of intermediate pipes 14c between the valve system 14b and the module assembly 14a. The group 14c is declined into a group 14ca (FIG. 12) provided for an assembly with type A modules and a group 14b (FIG. 14) for an assembly with type B modules. The declinations 14ca, 14cb of the group 14c make up interfaces, only to change when changing the type of modules.

Fig. 12 illustrates in perspective, partially exploded, a filtration equipment 14 according to the invention, comprising an assembly 14a equipped with type A filtration modules. In the example shown, the equipment 14 comprises two frames 1.1, 1.2 of identical composition , and only one of which will be described, the other deducing itself from it.

The chassis 1.1 comprises, in the lower part, two groups of two supply manifolds CA1, CA2 and CA3, CA4 which provide support for the weight of the modules such as MAI, MA2 of each row, arranged above these collectors . The vertical plane of a row passes through the geometric axis of the associated collector. The two groups of two collectors are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the frame 1.1, plane materialized by vertical uprights 15, for example three in number, provided at both ends and in the middle.

Filtration equipment according to the invention is provided to allow a quick and easy change of type A modules in type B modules or vice versa.

Above each lower collector CA1-CA4 is arranged, vertically, a row of modules of type A, MAI, MA2 whose lengths and diameters may be different. Each row is arranged relative to the lower manifold as explained with reference to FIG. 1.

Above the rows of modules, and vertically CA1-CA4 bottom collectors are arranged upper collectors CF1-CF4 whose geometric axes are located in the vertical planes passing through the geometric axes of the lower collectors and corresponding modules. In the case of Type A modules, these higher CF1-CF4 collectors collect the filtrate. The geometric axes of the collectors CF1-CF4 are located in the same upper horizontal plane, while the geometric axes of the lower collectors CA1-CA4 are also located in the same lower horizontal plane.

On either side of the group of four upper collectors CF1-CF4, corresponding to the four rows of vertical modules, are provided two lateral collectors CRI, CR2 parallel to collectors CF1-CF4, preferably with their geometric axes situated in the same plane than that of the axes of the collectors CF1-CF4. The side collectors CRI, CR2, in the case of type A modules, collect the retentate. The upper lateral tappings of the first row MAY modules are connected to downcomers of the side manifold CRI by bent pipes 16.1 having a horizontal branch and a vertical branch. Similarly, the modules MA2 of the second row, farther transversely than the first row of the collector CRI, are connected to the latter by bent pipes 16.2 whose horizontal leg is longer than that of the pipes 16.1. The horizontal branch of the pipes 16.2 passes between two modules MAI of the first row. The vertical branches of the pipes 16.1, 16.2 are located in the same vertical plane passing through the longitudinal geometric axis of the collector CRI. A similar arrangement is provided for the other two rows of modules corresponding to the collectors CA3, CA4 and the lateral collector CR2.

The other assembly of modules 1.2 is symmetrical with the first assembly 1.1 concerning the different collectors and the frame, with respect to a median vertical plane parallel to the geometric axes of the collectors. The filtration modules may be of different size and dimensions, but must be of the same type as those of the assembly 1.1.

The lower collectors CA1-CA4 have the same lengths and their ends are located in the same vertical plane, orthogonal to the geometric axis of these collectors. One of the ends of the manifolds is closed by a removable cap namely the end (not visible) located on the left of FIG. 12, while the other end, located to the right according to FIG. 12, is intended to be connected to an intermediate supply pipe 17 comprising a transverse pipe 18, in the plane of the lower collectors, provided with four groups of tubular connectors 19 which are in line with the lower collectors CA1-CA4 to which they are connected. sealed by flanges with joints.

The intermediate pipe 17 comprises, on the side opposite the connections 19, a central pipe 20, parallel to the collectors CA1-CA4, provided, at its end remote from the transverse tube 18, a connecting flange to the valve system 14b.

The upper collectors CF1-CF4, of the same length, have their ends located in the same vertical plane orthogonal to the geometric axes of the collectors. One end, namely the left end (not visible) according to FIG. 12, collectors CF1-CF4 is closed by a removable cap. The other ends of these collectors CF1-CF4 are open to be connected, by flanges, to an intermediate pipe 21a having a transverse tube 22a closed at its ends, situated at a level lower than that of the collectors. The tube 22a is provided on its upper part with connecting elements formed by elbows 23a, at 90 °, the open ends of which face the open ends of the collectors CF1-CF4 to be connected in a sealed manner by flanges with joints. A median outlet pipe 24a, parallel to the upper manifold, is provided for connection to the valve system 14b.

The side collectors CRI, CR2 of the two assemblies are also closed at their left end (not visible) and open at their right end, preferably located in the same vertical plane as the ends of the collectors CF1-CF4. An intermediate pipe 25a having a transverse tubular portion 26a and four branches in a direction parallel to the geometric axes of the collectors CRI, CR2 is provided for connecting, at the ends of each of these collectors, sealingly with flanges. A central pipe 27a, parallel to the collectors, is provided on the opposite side to connect the transverse pipe 26a to the valve system 14b.

The valve system 14b comprises a frame 28 in which are mounted in a predetermined configuration, and fixed: - a tubing 29 with valve and connection for the filtrate; a pipe 30 bent vertically downwards, with valve and connection for the retentate; - A pipe 31, with valve and fitting, preferably rectilinear, for feeding.

The orifices of these tubings located on the assembly side 14a occupy a determined position in the space, fixed by the mounting on the frame 28, as well as the outlets located on the opposite side.

The filtrate pipe 24a connects to the pipe 29; the retentate line 27a connects to the tubing 30, while the supply tubing 15 connects to the tubing 31.

Fig. 13 illustrates, in perspective, with a limited number of modules, a row of the equipment 14a of FIG. 12. The various elements of FIG. 13 already described are designated by the same reference numerals as those previously used, without the description being repeated.

Fig. 14 shows, similarly to Fig. 12, the filtration equipment with an assembly 14a in which are installed MB1, MB2 ... type B filtration modules. The chassis 1.1, 1.2 are the same and the CA1-CA4 collectors, CF1-CF4, CRI , CR2 have not changed position.

On the other hand, the function of the upper collectors CF1-CF4 and the lateral collectors CRI-CR2 is permuted. The side collectors CRI, CR2, connected to the lateral branchings of the modules, receive the filtrate, while the axial upper collectors CF1-CF4 connected to the axial output taps of the modules collect the retentate.

The intermediate pipe group 14cb is provided for connecting the ends of the manifolds to the appropriate ports of the valve system 14b, which have not changed position.

The intermediate pipe 22b, 24b connects the ends of the axial top collectors CF1-CF4 to the inlet of the pipe 30b of the retentate in the valve system 14b. The intermediate pipe 25b, 27b connects the ends of the side collectors CRI, CR2 to the orifice of the filtrate pipe 29, in the valve system 14b. The transverse piping 17 for the supply manifolds has not been modified. Fig. 15 illustrates, similarly to FIG. 13 a row of four type B modules.

According to the invention, the filtration equipment can accommodate at least two different types of filter modules A, B. The interchangeability of the modules is particularly simple and fast, notably thanks to the support of the modules by the lower collectors and to the permutation performed by changing the groups 14ca, 14cb of intermediate pipes. 15

Claims (7)

REVENDICATIONS1. Assembly of membrane filtration modules installed vertically in at least one row, the modules of each row having their parallel vertical axes located in the same plane, each module comprising in the lower part an axial stitching (L1-L4) of liquid supply to treating, in particular water, and in the upper part, an upper axial stitching (H1-H4) for filtrate or retentate, and a lateral stitching for retentate or filtrate, said assembly comprising at least one supply manifold, a collector of filtrate, and a retentate collector fixed on a frame, and means for supporting the modules, characterized in that it comprises, for each row of modules: - a lower collector (CA) below the modules (M1-M4 ), the geometric axis (2) of this collector being located in the vertical plane of the axes of the modules of the row, with rising vertical pipes (3) adapted to be connected to the axial power supply taps. n (L1-L4), this lower collector (CA) being designed sufficiently resistant to constitute the support means of the modules of the row, - an upper collector (CF) above the modules, the geometric axis (5) of this collector being located in the vertical plane of the axes of the modules, this collector comprising descending vertical tubes (6) for connection to the axial branching of the modules, the spacing (E) being fixed between the lower collector (CA) and the upper collector (CF), and being determined to allow to receive the module of greater length, - and rectilinear adapters (8,9,10,13) provided to allow the mounting of shorter modules. 2. Assembly of membrane filtration modules according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises as many lower feed collectors (CA1, CA2) and upper collectors (CF1, CF2), for axial stitching, than rows of modules (MAI, MA2). 3. Assembly of membrane filtration modules according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower collector (CA) is provided to receive a load of 180 kg by stitching (L1-L4). 4. Assembly of membrane filtration modules according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial tappings (LI-L4) of the modules are arranged in abutment against the end of the connecting pipes (3), the sealing being performed at the junction, using sealing rings (7). 5. Liquid filtration equipment, including water, comprising membrane filtration modules, in an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, connected by pipes to valves to control the flow of liquid to the modules and from it, characterized in that it comprises a first block formed by an assembly (14a) of membrane filtration modules, a second block formed by a valve system (14b), and a third block formed by a group of intermediate pipes. (14c) forming an interface between the valve system (14b) and the module assembly (14), only the group of pipelines (14c) being modified when changing the type of filtration modules, while the system valves (14b) and the assembly of modules (14a), apart from changing the type of modules, remain unchanged. 6. Filtration equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that the group intermediate pipes (14c) is declined in as many groups (14ca, 14cb) as types (A, B) of modules, each declination being provided for an assembly with modules of the associated type. 7. Liquid filtration equipment, including water, according to claim 5 or 6 comprising: - an assembly of membrane filtration modules, each module having a lower nozzle, generally for the supply of liquid to be treated, a quilting filter for the filtrate or retentate, and a lateral stitching for retentate or filtrate, the assembly comprising at least one feed collector, a filtrate collector and a retentate collector, fixed in a frame, a valve system for controlling the liquid flow to and from the module assembly, - and a group of intermediate pipes between the valve system and the module assembly, characterized in that: - the valve system (14b) is installed in a frame (28) according to a fixed configuration, - the frame (1, 1.1, 1.2) of the assembly (14a) of modules is designed to receive at least two types of modules, namely a first type (A) with axial stitching l superior (Ha) for the filtrate and lateral tapping (Ra) for the retentate, and a second type (B) with upper axial tapping (Hb) for the retentate and lateral tapping (Rb) for the filtrate, the passage of a type to the other causing a permutation of the functions of the collectors (CF, CR), - and at least one group (14ca, 14cb) of intermediate pipes respectively associated with each type (A, B) of modules, intended to be implemented removably place between the module assembly (14a) and the valve system (14b) and switch the collectors according to the type of modules.