SE503727C2 - Dynamic filter system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dynamic filter system comprises a dynamic filter assembly including one or more filter elements (148) and one or more members (151) disposed within a housing (105). The filter elements and the members are interleaved and arranged to rotate with respect to one another. <IMAGE>

Description

503 727 conventional filter elements may comprise a part of the housing itself and access to each of the filter elements may require total disassembly of the entire dynamic filter device, including the filter unit and the rotating unit. Furthermore, mechanisms for attaching filter media to the filter elements further contribute to the complexity and complexity of conventional dynamic devices. Depending on the number of components of the fastening mechanisms and the sensitivity of the filter media, the integrity of these conventional dynamic filter devices may be initially questioned or may break down very quickly. Consequently, not only is the integrity and integrity testing problematic, but the removal and replacement of the filter elements is both technically difficult and time consuming.

Furthermore, in order to pump the process fluid through the dynamic filter device, conventional systems have used a first pump for pumping the process fluid into the process fluid inlet and a second pump for drawing the retentate from the retentate outlet. Although the use of two pumps is advantageous in some applications, it nevertheless increases the cost and mechanical complexity of the dynamic filter system.

Summary of the Invention A principal object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic filter device in which the filter elements can be quickly and easily removed and replaced. A further object is (1) to provide a filter unit which can be tested conveniently and reliably; (2) to provide a dynamic filter device which utilizes a wide range of materials to meet the requirements of the filtration process and which absorbs the various materials without affecting the operation of the dynamic filter device; (3) providing a dimensionally stable filter unit; and (4) to provide a simple support structure for supporting the filter elements during simultaneous operation as a channel system for supplying and / or recovering process fluid when it is permeate.

Another principal object of the present invention is to provide pumping action in addition to or even replacing an external pump for pumping the process fluid through the dynamic filter device. The present invention thus provides the pumping action within the dynamic filter device itself and achieves this with a specific design and a specific mode of operation.

Another principal object of the present invention is to provide improved turbulence and shear rate in the gaps in the dynamic filter device. Based on a particular feature of the present invention, it is possible to provide pumping action while simultaneously creating the above-mentioned turbulence.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a dynamic filter system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a partially sectioned view of an embodiment of the dynamic filter device of Fig. 1; Fig. 2A is a partially sectioned view of another embodiment of a filter unit; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the filter module shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view of the filter module of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filter module; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter module; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rotating unit; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the rotating unit; Fig. 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the dynamic filter device: Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dynamic filter device; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dynamic filter device; Figs. 12A - 12C are a front view, a top view and a perspective view of a filter sector of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dynamic filter device; Figs. 14A - 14C are a front view, a top view and a perspective view of a filter sector; Fig. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 13 without the filter sectors in place; and Fig. 16 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 13 with the filter sectors in place.

Description of Embodiments As shown in Fig. 1, a dynamic filter system according to the present invention may include a dynamic filter device 101, a process fluid supply arrangement 102, a retentate recovery arrangement 103 and a permeate recovery arrangement 104. The dynamic filter device 101 generally comprises a housing 105 having an inlet 106 for process fluid, a retentate outlet 107 and a permeate outlet 108. The dynamic filter device 101 comprises one or more filter elements and one or more parts which are interleaved inside the housing and arranged to rotate relative to each other .

The process fluid supply arrangement 102 is connected to the process fluid inlet 106 of the dynamic filter device 101 and may include a process fluid tank, trough or other container 11, which is connected to the process fluid inlet 106 via a supply line 112. The arrangement 102 for supplying process fluid may also include a pump means 113, which may include a positive displacement pump in the supply line 112 for transporting the process fluid from the container 111 to the dynamic filter device 101. A pressure sensor 114 and a temperature sensor 115 connected to the supply line 112 may also be included in the arrangement 102 for supply of process fluid.

Alternatively, the process fluid may be supplied from each pressurized source and the process fluid supply arrangement may, in addition to or instead of the pump means, comprise one or more control valves and / or flow meters for controlling the flow of process fluid through the feed line to the process fluid inlet of the dynamic filter device.

The retentate recovery arrangement 103 is coupled to the retentate outlet 107 of the dynamic filter device 101. When the dynamic filter system is a recirculating system and is designed to repeatedly direct the process fluid through the dynamic filter device 101, the retentate recovery arrangement 103 may include a retentate return. extending from the retentate outlet 107 to the process fluid container 111. When the dynamic filter system is designed to pass process fluid only once through the dynamic filter device, valves 119 may be connected to the retentate return line 116 to direct the retentate to a separate retentate container or away from the dynamic filter system. The retentate recovery arrangement 103 may also include a pump device 117, which may include a positive displacement pump for transporting the retentate from the dynamic filter device 101 to the process fluid container 11.

Alternatively, the retentate recovery arrangement may comprise, in addition to or instead of the pump device, one or more control valves and flow meters connected to the retentate return line for transporting the retentate fluid from the dynamic filter device to the process fluid container. A pressure sensor 118 and a temperature sensor 121 connected to the retentate return line 116 may also be included in the retentate recovery arrangement 103.

The permeate recovery arrangement 104 is connected to the permeate outlet 108 of the dynamic filter device 101 and may include a permeate recovery conduit 122 extending from the permeate outlet 108 to a permeate container 123. One or more valves 124 may be connected to the permeate recovery conduit 122 to divert the permeate away from the dynamic filter system. .

Furthermore, pressure sensors 125, 127 and a temperature sensor 126 connected to the permeate recovery line 122 may also be included in the permeate recovery arrangement 104. Alternatively, the permeate recovery arrangement may comprise a pump device coupled to the permeate recovery line for withdrawing permeate from the dynamic filter device.

The dynamic filter system may include various other subsystems, such as a barrier fluid seal arrangement 128, a sterilization and / or cleaning arrangement 131, a heat exchanger arrangement, and a transport apparatus. For example, when the relative rotation between the filter elements and the plate members is provided by a rotating unit 132, which includes a motor device 133 coupled to a shaft 134, the barrier fluid sealing arrangement 128 may be coupled to the shaft 134 to provide a pressure fluid at the rotating seals 135 mounted on axeln 134.

The pressurized fluid ensures proper lubrication at the seals 135 and prevents leakage of process fluid along the shaft 134. The barrier fluid sealing arrangement 128 may include a valve 136, a temperature sensor 137 and a pressure sensor 138 upstream of the rotating seals 135 as well as a valve 141. temperature sensor 142 and a flow sensor 143 downstream of the rotary seals 135 to ensure that the barrier fluid flows at a correct temperature and pressure.

The sterilization and / or cleaning arrangement 131 may include a steam line 144 connected to a steam inlet 145 of the dynamic filter device 101 through a valve 146. Steam may be passed through the steam line 144 into the dynamic filter device 101 and out through the process fluid inlet 106, retentate outlet 107 and permeate outlet 108. to clean and sterilize the dynamic filter device 101. Alternatively or in addition, a separate cleaning solution, such as a caustic solution, may be introduced into the dynamic filter device 101 through the process fluid inlet 106 and leave through both the retentate outlet 107 and the permeate outlet 108.

The heat exchanger arrangement may be connected to any or all of the process fluid supply line 112, the retentate return line 116 and the permeate recovery line 122 to maintain the temperature of the process fluid, retentate or permeate within a predetermined range. For example, the heat exchanger arrangement may include a heat exchanger 149 mounted to the retentate recovery line 116 and supplied with a refrigerant through a refrigerant line 150 to maintain the temperature of the retentate within the predetermined range.

The transport equipment may comprise a sled or a trolley on which some or all components of the dynamic filter system are mounted to facilitate the transport of the system.

As shown in more detail in Fig. 2, a preferred embodiment of the dynamic filter device 101 preferably comprises a cover 105, a stationary filter unit 147 having one or more filter elements 148 and a rotating unit 132 having one or more parts 151, which are mounted on a central shaft 134 and are interleaved with the filter elements 148. Alternatively, the dynamic filter device may comprise filter elements attached to a rotating housing and the parts may be attached to a rotating shaft or the filter elements may be attached to a stationary or a rotating shaft and the parts attached to a stationary or rotating cover. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is preferred, since rotation of the filter elements can generate undesired centrifugal forces in the permeate and back pressure on the filter elements.

Furthermore, attachment of the parts 151 to a central rotating shaft 134 simplifies the construction of the rotating unit 132 and its interface with the housing 105.

The dynamic filter device is preferably designed to absorb process fluids at operating pressures of up to 100 psi or more. As shown in Figures 2-4, the dynamic filter device 101 allows the process fluid to flow inside the housing 105 from the process fluid inlet parallel past each of the filter elements 148 to the retentate outlet. For parallel flow, seals may be provided inside the filter unit or between the filter unit and the housing to direct the process fluid diametrically over the filter elements or radially over the filter elements from the periphery to the center or from the center to the periphery of the filter unit.

Alternatively, the dynamic filter device may allow the process fluid to flow inside the housing from the process fluid inlet serially past each of the filter elements to the retentate outlet 107. For serial flow, seals may be provided inside the filter unit or between the filter unit and the housing to direct process fluid past each filter element. Both the parallel design and the serial design are equally preferred and for each particular application one design may be more advantageous than the other design. For example, serial flow may be particularly suitable for concentrating process fluid where the temperature of the fluid does not increase significantly between the process fluid inlet and the retentate outlet or where the temperature increase is not a problem. Parallel flow can eliminate a pressure drop axially along the filter element stack and provide substantially the same pressure profile across each individual filter element.

The cover 105 can be configured in a number of different ways.

For example, it preferably has a substantially cylindrical configuration, which may be adapted to the filter unit 147 to minimize the residence volume or not adapted to the filter unit 147 to facilitate different sealing arrangements. Furthermore, the cover 105 preferably comprises a multi-piece unit, which can be conveniently disassembled and reassembled. The housing 105 shown in Fig. 28 comprises, for example, a base 152 and a separable head 153 mounted on the base 152 with a clamp, by bolts or some other suitable arrangement. The base 152 and the head 153 are sealed to each other, preferably by an O-ring or other gasket 154 placed between the base 152 and the head 153. The bearings and the mechanical seals (not shown in Fig. 3) for mounting the rotating unit on the housing can be arranged in the base.

The process fluid inlet, retentate outlet and permeate outlet may be located at any suitable point in the housing 105.

For example, the process fluid inlet may comprise a series of ports on one side of the cylindrical portion 155 of the head 153 while the retentate outlet comprises a series of ports on the opposite side of the cylindrical portion 155 of the head 153. Alternatively, the process fluid inlet may be located in the upper portion 156. of the head 153 while the retentate outlet is located in the base 152 or vice versa. Furthermore, both the process fluid inlet and the retentate outlet may be located in the upper portion 156 or in the base 152 of the housing 105. When fluid flow is conducted along or through the shaft 134, the process fluid inlet or retentate outlet may comprise the opening in the base 152 receiving the shaft 134. The permeate outlet 108 is preferred. located at a suitable connection between the cover 105 and the filter unit 147.

The filter unit 147 preferably comprises one or more stacked filter elements 148 supported by a holder 157. The filter elements can be constructed in a number of different ways. For example, the filter elements may be flat or have a substantially conical shape. Furthermore, the filter element comprises a porous filter, where the size and distribution of the pores of the filter can be selected depending on the requirements of each particular application. For example, the filter element may comprise a rigid porous material such as a porous metal element or a porous ceramic element. In one embodiment, the metal element may comprise upper and lower porous metal filter layers and an inner structure comprising a wire mesh or an open cavity communicating with the permeate outlet. An advantage of an embodiment having a rigid porous material is that the rigid porous filter layers can be fixed only along the edge of the element and at the inner and outer diameters.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, each filter element 148 comprises a flat, rigid plate 161 and at least one but preferably two filters 162 each mounted on opposite sides of the flat plate 161. The flat plate 161 may comprise any suitable rigid material, which provides sufficient structural integrity and which is compatible with the process fluid. For example, the plate 161 preferably comprises a rigid polymeric material such as nylon. In addition, the flat plate 161 may include a reinforcement such as oriented glass fibers dispersed in the polymeric material or an integrated metal support. This reinforcement provides additional structural integrity. It also provides dimensional stability by resisting expansion of the plate 161 depending on temperature or moisture absorption. Passages 163 including through holes and channels such as V-shaped peripheral and radial grooves formed in the surface of the plate allow the permeate to drain from the filter 162. The passages in the filter plate may be designed to minimize back pressure on the filters and balance transmembrane pressure.

The plate 161 may further comprise flat iron on its surfaces and edges to facilitate mounting of the filter 162.

The filters in the filter unit each comprise an upstream side which communicates with the process fluid and a downstream side which communicates with the permeate and therefore divides the housing into two chambers, where one chamber contains the process fluid and the other chamber contains the permeate. Each filter 162 may comprise any suitable porous filter medium, including a porous metal medium or a porous fiber medium, mounted on at least one surface of the plate 161, the size and distribution of the pores of the filter medium being selected to meet the requirements of each particular application. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, each filter 162 comprises a porous polymer membrane mounted on the surface of the plate 161 in any suitable manner, including heat sealing, welding or by means of a solvent or a binder.

In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is formed to the surface of the element as taught in the same application filed by the same applicant Serial No. 07 / 700,268, which is incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 700,268, a resin can be dissolved in a solvent to form a casting solution used to impregnate a substrate. The substrate may be a macroporous material, typically a woven or non-woven fibrous sheet, which when impregnated with or saturated with the casting solution acts as a carrier for the casting solution. The substrate is preferably composed of a material which is resistant to attack or dissolution of the solvent. The saturated substrate is placed in contact with the surface of a support structure, such as a filter plate 161, on which the membrane is to be formed. The support surface on which the saturated substrate is placed is at least slightly soluble in or softened by the solvent used to dissolve the resin.

As soon as the saturated substrate comes into contact with the surface of the support, the support in the solution begins to dissolve or soften the surface of the support. Since the substrate is complete and evenly saturated, the entire area of the surface to which the membrane is to be formed will be substantially evenly dissolved or softened by the solvent. The membrane is then formed on the surface of the support by precipitating the resin inside the substrate and on the surface of the support.

For example, the resin can precipitate from the casting solution by lowering the concentration of the solvent in the casting solution. Alternatively, a precipitation solution may be applied to the assembly of the carrier and the saturated substrate. Since the resin precipitates inside the reshaping surface of the support, the membrane is tight and integrally formed on the support. U.S. Patent No. 4,340,480 discloses various casting solutions, substrates and precipitation methods.

The porous polymeric membrane may comprise any polymeric material that is compatible with the process fluid.

For example, the membrane may comprise a nylon, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyether sulfone or PTFE. Furthermore, the membrane may comprise a single layer or several layers and may comprise a woven or non-woven carrier such as a non-woven polypropylene. The size of the pores in the porous polymeric membrane can be selected to meet the requirements of each particular application.

The holder can fulfill many functions. For example, it can act as a carrier for filter elements in a stacked configuration, anchor the filter unit to the cover, keep the filter elements correctly separated from each other and / or effect drainage of the permeate from the filter elements to the permeate outlet. Alternatively, these functions can be fulfilled through separate structures.

The holder can be designed in different ways. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4, the holder 157 comprises several posts 164 arranged at the periphery of the filter elements 148.

Each post 164 includes a plurality of cylindrical sections 165, 505 727 11, each cylindrical section 165 being stacked between peripheral portions of the plates 161 on adjacent filter elements 148. Although the filter plates 161 and the cylindrical sections 165 are shown as separate components in Fig. 2, each filter plate 161 may and adjacent cylindrical section 165 be formed as a single unit piece. The filter elements 148 and each post 164 may be attached in any suitable manner. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, each post includes a central bore 166 through which a tie rod 167 extends. During manufacture, the tie rod 167 may be fixed in the upper filter element 148 and the lower cylindrical section 165 after the stack of filter elements 148 and cylindrical sections 165 has been compressed under a predetermined load to a suitable height. The tie rod 167 may be permanently attached, for example by welding, as shown in Fig. 2, or it may be releasably attached, for example by a bolt, as shown in Fig. 2A.

When the filter plates are made of a polymeric material, it can be particularly advantageous to manufacture the holder from a high-strength material which has a substantially lower coefficient of expansion than the polymeric filter plate. Suitable high strength low expansion materials may include a metal, such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material such as a polyphenylene sulfide available from Phillips Petroleum under the tradename Ryton.

The holder then functions as a spacer. For example, if the cylindrical sections 165 shown in Fig. 2 are made of a material such as stainless steel, the position of each filter element 148 in the stack of filter elements will change very little relative to the adjacent portions 151 of the rotating unit 132 regardless of the expansion of the polymeric filter plates 161 depending on, for example, temperature and moisture absorption. Alternatively, a spacer clamp separate from the holder may be formed of a material having a lower coefficient of expansion than the polymeric filter plate and may be mounted separately on the filter elements to maintain their position.

The filter unit is preferably attached to the housing in any suitable manner that allows the filter unit to be quickly and easily removed from and installed in the housing. For example, it may be bolted to the housing or the head may comprise a protruding portion which rests against and locks the filter unit on the base. In the embodiment 05 727 CJ 12 shown in Fig. 2, one of the posts 164 comprises a foot 168, which is clamped between the base 152 and the head 153 of the cover 105. The remaining posts 164 are free to slide along the base 152 of the cover 101. With the holder 157 attached to the housing 105 at only one point, the filter unit is allowed to expand and contract inside the housing without unnecessary load on the filter unit. The permeate outlet 108 is preferably located to the base 152 at the bore 166 in the post 164 having the foot 168 and the bore 166 acts as a passage or channel for draining the permeate from the filter elements 148. The permeate passage in the post may be designed to minimize back pressure on the filters in the filter elements. A mandrel 171 mounted in the bore 166 at the bottom of the post 164 allows the permeate to flow through the passages 163 in the filter elements 148 through the passage 166 in the post 164 past the mandrel 171 to the permeate outlet 108. As shown in Fig. 2, the flat gaskets 169 insulate between the filter plates 161 and the cylindrical sections 165 of the posts 164 and a gasket 170 between the posts 164 and the base 152 of the housing 105 permeate from the process fluid. As shown in Fig. 2A, O-rings may be located between the filter plates 161 and the cylindrical sections 165 of the posts 164 to isolate the permeate from the process fluid. For the posts 164 which are not fixed in the housing 105, the passages 163 in the filter elements 148 do not extend through the periphery of the filter plate to the bore in these posts.

The filter unit preferably has a modular construction which facilitates assembly and installation as well as disassembly and removal of the filter unit from the dynamic filter device. A modular construction also facilitates the construction of filter units having any desired predetermined number of filter elements, for example from 1 to 30 or more.

According to one aspect of the module construction, the filter unit may comprise one but preferably two or more filter modules. Where the filter unit comprises a single filter module, each filter element 148 is preferably circular and can extend over approximately 360 °. For example, each filter element may comprise a single circular element having a keyhole opening, which would facilitate mounting of the filter unit around the shaft of the rotating unit. However, when the filter unit comprises two or more modules, each 360 ° filter element may comprise two or more filter sections, for example two or more filter sectors 172 ranging from about 15 ° or less to about 180 ° or more. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, each filter sector 172 spans about 180 ° and the filter unit 147 comprises two separate filter modules 173, each module 173 comprising a stack of 180 ° filter sectors mounted on their respective holders 157. Alternatively, the filter unit may comprise 3, 4 or more filter modules each comprising a holder and a stack of filter sectors spanning 120 °, 90 ° and less respectively. The filter unit may also comprise two or more filter modules having different spans. For example, the filter unit may comprise three filter modules spanning 90 °, 90 ° and 180 ° respectively. The edges of filter sectors in the same plane on any adjacent modules may face, rest against or align with each other to form the circular filter element.

According to another aspect of the modular construction, the filter unit may comprise filter elements or sections which are individually mountable on a holder. As shown in Fig. ZA, for example, a filter sector 172 and an adjacent cylindrical section 165 can be removed from or added to the holder 157 by simply removing and reinstalling the drawbar 167. Each type of filter section, e.g. porous metal medium, a porous ceramic medium, a fibrous medium or a porous membrane may be removably mounted in the holder.

As shown in Fig. 5, a second embodiment of the filter unit comprises a holder 157 and a filter sector 172 similar to those shown in Figs. 2-4. However, the filter sector 172 comprises a pair of opposite tabs 174. At least one of the tabs 174 comprises a nipple 175 extending outwardly from the flap 174. The permeate passages inside the filter sector 172 extend through the flap 174 and the nipple 175 to an opening at the end of the nipple 175. The holder 157 comprises at least two posts 176. Each post 176 may be formed as a single piece and may be made of a material with a substantially lower coefficient of expansion than, for example, a polymer filter sector 172. Each post 176 has several brackets 177 and corresponding brackets 177 on the two posts 176 receive the tabs 174 on the filter sector 172 and securely hold the filter sector 172 in place. At least one of the posts 176 has a central passage or channel which communicates with each bracket 177 via a coupling 178. When the flap 174 having the nipple 175 is inserted into a bracket 177, the nipple 175 cooperates with the coupling 178. An O-ring 505 727 14 181 attached around the nipple 175 is compressed inside the coupling 178 and prevents leakage of the process fluid into the permeate passages of the filter sector 172 and the post 176. The post 176 having the central passage communicating with the permeate passages in the filter sector may be anchored in the cover at the permeate outlet allowing the filter heater to flow through the pole to the permeate outlet.

As shown in Fig. 6, a third embodiment of the filter unit also comprises a holder 157 and one or more filter sectors 172. Each filter sector 172 corresponds to that shown in Figs. 2 to 4. However, the filter sector 172 shown in Fig. 6 spans approximately 90 ° and has an outer periphery designed to securely engage the holder 157. The abutting edges of the filter sectors 172 in the same plane may be formed to conform to and securely engage with each other. In addition, at least one nipple 184 with an enclosing O-ring 185 extends outwardly from the periphery of the filter sector 172. The holder 157 comprises a quartz sector of a cylindrical wall and has grooves 186 which mate with the shaped outer periphery of the filter sectors 172 to securely position the filter sectors. 172 in place. Each groove has at least one coupling 187 which mates with the nipple 184 and the O-ring 185 in a manner similar to that discussed with reference to Fig. 5. Each of the couplings 187 may be connected to a passage or channel in the holder 157 which in turn communicates with the permeate outlet and allows the permeate to flow from the filter sector 172 through the holder 157 to the permeate outlet. The holder 157 may further include one or more openings 188 between adjacent filter sectors 172. The openings 188 may be connected to the process fluid inlet to provide process fluid between each of the adjacent filter sectors 172 or they may be connected to the retentate outlet to remove retentates from between the filter sectors 172.

In each of Figs. 2 to 6, the stack of filter elements and filter sections is oriented vertically. Alternatively, the stack may be oriented horizontally or at any angle between the horizontal and vertical directions.

The modular design of the filter unit offers many advantages over conventional dynamic filter devices. For example, installation as well as removal and replacement of the filter modules can be performed quickly and easily using normally available tools. Once the head has been removed from the base, the filter modules can be easily detached from the parts of the rotating unit simply by moving the filter module radially away from the rotating unit. A new filter module can just as easily be inserted radially into place between the parts of the rotating unit. This manageability is especially important for large stacks. Furthermore, neither removal nor replacement requires disassembly of the rotating unit.

Not only can an entire filter module be replaced but a single filter section in the filter module can also be replaced. When the filter sections, eg the filter sectors, are detachably attached to the holder, as soon as the filter module has been removed from the cover, any defective filter sector can be removed from the holder and replaced with new filter sectors. This significantly reduces maintenance costs as it allows replacement of only those filter sectors that are defective and increases the usability of the device as a maintainable highly integrated system.

Modular design also provides a much more reliable filter unit because it can be tested to a much greater extent both during production and in the field. During production, each component of the filter unit, eg each filter sector, each holder, each filter module can be tested for faultlessness before final assembly and testing. In the field, modular design allows a single defective component in the filter unit to be easily detected. Each filter module can be tested individually for faultlessness to find a defective filter module and then each holder and filter sector in the defective filter module can be tested for faultlessness.

In addition, the modularly constructed filter unit of the present invention is sufficiently strong to be cleaned on site for many cycles and may still be composed of lightweight materials such as plastic. The module filter units also facilitate disposal. The plastic components in the filter unit can be easily disassembled, which gives a low-volume easily combustible waste product.

The rotating unit, comprising the parts 151 and the rotating shaft 134, can also be designed in a number of different ways. For example, the parts 151 may be flat or conical. As shown in Fig. 2, the parts 151 may comprise solid discs attached 505 727 16 to the shaft 134 and interleaved with the stationary filter elements 148. Each disc 151 may have a size, shape and surface contour that maximizes the capacity of the fluid in the gap 191 between each disc. 151 and filter plate 148 to sweep debris from the surface of the filter 162 and prevent the filter 162 from being coated. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, each disc 151 may be tapered so that it becomes narrower with increasing radius. This provides a pointed gap 191 which can help keep the filter 162 free of any accumulated waste. The size and shape of the gap, the configuration of the rotating disks and the rotational speed of the disks can be influenced to give a predetermined shear rate along the radius of the filter elements which prevents the accumulation of debris on the filter surfaces.

In a second embodiment of the rotating unit, the discs may have a microscopic surface roughness as well as large surface structures such as protrusions, depressions or a combination of the two.

For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rotating disks 151 may have ridges 192 or grooves 193 extending over one or both surfaces of the disk 151 from the center to the periphery. The ridges 192 or grooves 193 may extend in a straight radial direction, as shown in Fig. 7, or in a helical direction, as shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the projections and depressions may comprise insulated tubers or pits spread over the surface of the rotating disk.

The surface structure of the discs can produce several effects.

For example, it can facilitate and / or optimize the formation of turbulent flow in the gap between the discs and the filter elements.

Due to the fact that the protrusions and depressions constitute "mini-obstacles", small eddy currents can form at the interface with the fluid. This can induce turbulent flow which in turn can inhibit the accumulation of debris on the filter surface. In addition to the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8 the rotating unit has any suitable configuration for generating turbulence in the gap between the parts and the filter elements, for example the parts may be slotted or they may comprise individual blades extending from the shaft.

The rotating disks also provide a pumping action depending on the centrifugal forces generated by the rotating disks. The natural surface roughness of the discs entrains fluid which is in the vicinity of the surfaces of the rotating discs and throws the fluid through the gaps in a spiral-like flow pattern. Any large surface protrusion and / or depression in the rotating disks, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, can further improve the pumping action. For example, the coils of axes 192 and / or grooves 193 may provide additional pumping action by approximating the throw path along which a fluid particle would move as it passes through the gap 35 from center to periphery under the combined action of centrifugal force and frictional force depending on the surface of the rotating disk.

The spiral pattern of axes 192 and / or grooves 193 will have different magnitudes of pumping action depending on the direction of rotation. Usually, pumping and turbulence are two opposing effects. In view of this fact, the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 can be used for at least two modes of operation. According to the first mode of operation, the disc is rotated in the direction where the pumping action is the dominant effect while the creation of turbulence is suppressed. According to the second mode of operation, the disc is rotated in the opposite direction and emphasizes the creation of turbulence and makes the pumping action less dominant. Thus, the embodiment according to Fig. 8 provides flexibility for the operation of the dynamic filter device. In particular, a different pump action behavior and turbulence behavior can be achieved without changing the rotational speed of the rotating discs. This increase in flexibility of operation is achieved by lowering the symmetry of the surface structure of the rotating disk when transitioning from the embodiment of Fig. 7 to the embodiment of Fig. 8.

The shaft 134 can have a number of different designs. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, another embodiment of the dynamic filter device 101 includes a shaft 134 having a plurality of axially directed pins 194 on which the rotating disks are mounted. The process fluid inlet 106 is connected to the shaft 134 at the base of the pins 194 and above a mechanically rotating seal 135. The process fluid flows axially along the pins 194 parallel along each of the filter elements 148 in the filter unit 147 and out through the retentate outlet 107.

The shaft 134 can also be solid or hollow. When the shaft is solid, the rotating disk 151 may have openings near the shaft that would allow process fluid to flow axially along the shaft and provide a parallel flow of process fluid between the center and periphery of the filter unit. When the shaft is hollow, a passage can run axially up from the bottom or down from the top through the shaft and communicate with the interior of the housing via openings in the shaft between adjacent rotating disks. The passage in the shaft can be connected to either the process fluid inlet or the retentate outlet to provide parallel flow of the process fluid between the center and the periphery of the filter unit.

As shown in Fig. 10, a further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a hollow shaft 134 with rotating disks 151 mounted integrally on the shaft 134. Each of these rotating disks 151 is located between two adjacent filter sectors 172 thus creating narrow gaps 191. A screw conveyor 195 with its shaft concentric with the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 134 may be mounted integrally with the hollow shaft 134. As the shaft 134 rotates, therefore, a pumping action of the screw conveyor 195 in the hollow shaft 134 is provided.

For example, process fluid may be pumped along the hollow shaft 134 and divided into said plurality of narrow gaps 191 through openings 196 in the wall of the hollow shaft 134. The integrated screw conveyor 195 of Fig. 10 preferably has a decreasing pitch in the direction of fluid flow along the hollow shaft 134 to achieve a uniform flow pattern across each of the narrow gaps 191. Changing the preselected pitch along the rotating shaft allows the corresponding preselected adjustment of the pressure / flow distribution along the hollow shaft 134 and its feed openings 196.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 provides synergistic pumping action by rotating both the screw conveyor 195 and the rotating discs 151. Depending on specific requirements, the screw conveyor can be mounted integrally inside the hollow shaft, locking its rotation to the rotation of the rotating discs 42 or the screw conveyor can rotate independently of the hollow shaft and its rotating discs 42. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to even rotate the screw conveyor in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hollow shaft.

Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. A shaft 134, which need not be hollow, is rotatably mounted in the base 152. Several rotating disks 151 (only one of which is shown in the figure) are arranged integrally on the shaft 151. In this embodiment, each filter element 148 is composed of four 505 727 19 filter sectors 172, each spanning about 90 °. Process fluid supply means are arranged as separate feed lines 198 mounted in the base 152. Similarly, permeate discharge means are arranged as separate permeate lines 201 mounted in the base 152.

In the embodiment of Fig. 11, each filter sector 172 comprises an integrated process fluid supply channel 202 and an integrated permeate channel 203. Process fluid enters the dynamic filter device through the process fluid inlet and continues through the process fluid supply lines 198, where it branches into the integrated process fluid supply channels 202. filter sector 172.

The process fluid moves in a radially inward direction through the integrated process fluid feeder channels 202 and is thrown into the gaps 191 between adjacent filter elements 148 and rotating disks 151.

Process fluid then flows in a radially outward direction inside the gaps 191 and is separated into permeate and retentate as it passes over the filter in each filter sector 172. Permeat inside each filter sector 172 is drawn through the integrated permeate channel 203 and passed through the permeate fluid lines 201 to the permeate outlet. The retentate passes inside the housing to the retentate outlet.

An advantage of this embodiment is the fact that even if the process fluid is fed from the periphery towards the center, it is not exposed to any centrifugal force which counteracts the pumping action of the rotating unit. Furthermore, no hollow shaft with openings is required. A second advantage of this embodiment is that the process fluid supply lines and channels 201, 203 function as a support structure for the filter sectors 172. Thus, the lines and channels have a dual function. The filter sections 172, including the filters, the integrated process fluid feeder channels 202 and the integrated permeate channels 203 may preferably be interchangeably mounted on the support frame provided by the process fluid feed lines 198 and the permeate lines 202. Each filter sector 172 with its corresponding integrated channels 202, 203 forms a independent operating unit of the filter apparatus together with each adjacent rotating disk 151. Therefore, no seal is required between adjacent filter sectors 172, thus facilitating the replacement of filter sectors 172. This means that no radial seal between adjacent filter sectors is required. The only type of seal desired is a small seal 503 727 204 at the junction between each integrated process fluid feed channel 202 and the corresponding process fluid feed line 198. Analogously, a similar seal 204 is needed between the integrated permeate channel 203 and the corresponding permeate line 201.

Fig. 12A shows a front view, Fig. 12B shows a top view with parts of the filter 161 removed to make the interior visible and Fig. 12C shows a perspective view of a typical filter sector for the embodiment according to Fig. 11 with the inner structure illustrated. The filter sector 172 according to this embodiment is a drawer with an integrated permeate channel 203 for collecting permeate from the interior of the drawer and conducting the permeate to the permeate conduit 201.

The second integrated channel is an integrated process fluid supply channel 202. Apertures 205 are provided along the length of the integrated permeate channel 203 inside the filter sector 172. This filter sector with an integrated permeate channel 203 and an integrated process fluid supply channel 202 is provided on the channel framework of the embodiment of Fig. 11 with end openings in the process fluid supply channel 202 and the permeate channel 203 which communicate with the process fluid supply line 198 and the permeate line 201. In this case, two seals 204 are provided at the two previously mentioned connections. Permeate then flows from the interior of the filter sector 172 through the openings 205 into the integrated permeate channel 203 and along the integrated permeate channel 203 and the permeate conduit 201 to the permeate outlet.

Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Again, a shaft 134 is rotatably mounted in the base 152. The rotating shaft 134 comprises a plurality of rotating disks 151 integrally mounted on the shaft 134. Process fluid supply means and permeate discharge means are arranged as a separate framework of conduits 198, 201 mounted in the base 152. In embodiment the mold of Fig. 13, each filter sector 172 comprises an integrated permeate channel but the radially extending process fluid feed channels 202 are arranged separately from and adjacent to each filter sector 172. Each of these filter sectors 172 with its two filters 168 forms a closed box with only an opening 206 leading from its interior into permeate discharge lines 201. At the connection between a filter sector 172 and the permeate discharge line means 201, a seal 204 is provided. Each filter sector 172 is held by a pair of separate process fluid supply channels 202. 505 '727 21 In addition, a support is provided at the connection between the filter sector 172 and the permeate line 201.

In this particular embodiment of Fig. 13, process fluid enters through the base 152 and passes along the process fluid supply lines 198 from where it branches into the separate process fluid supply channels 202, which now have a dual function.

First, they provide support for each filter sector 172, second, they allow process fluid to flow in a radially inward direction within a non-rotating portion of the dynamic filter device. In this way, process fluid does not need to be pumped against any centrifugal force. At the central end of each separate process fluid feed line 198, incoming process fluid turns around and enters the gaps 191 between the rotating disks 151 and the filter elements 148, each composed of at least two filter sectors 172. The process fluid is then thrown in a radially outward direction by the rotating disks 151. Accordingly, the pumping action is provided by which process fluid is sucked through the process fluid feed lines and channels 198, 202. As the process fluid proceeds past the filters 162 of the filter elements 148, they are continuously separated into permeate entering the filter elements 148 and retentates remaining in the gaps 191. The permeate then travels through the filter sectors 172 and the permeate discharge conduit means 201 to the permeate outlet, while the retentate flows through the gap 191 to the periphery of the housing and consequently to the retentate outlet.

An advantage of this embodiment is its structural stability for the filter sectors 172 and thus the filter elements 148. In addition, the filter sectors 172 can be easily mounted and replaced modularly. The only seal required is a seal 204 at the junction between each filter sector 172 and the permeate conduits 201. Again, no radial seal is required which facilitates the replacement of the filter sectors 172. The embodiment of Fig. 13 may also be provided with more than one per. meat line for each filter sector 172. Furthermore, the angular range for each filter sector 172 can be varied considerably. In order to keep the interchangeability of the filter sectors 172 simple, a filter sector can advantageously span up to 180 °, thus necessitating two filter sectors 172 to create a filter element 148.

Fig. 14A shows a front view, Fig. 14B shows a top view and Fig. 505 727 22C shows a perspective view of a typical filter sector for the embodiment according to Fig. 13. This is a box with at least one integrated permeate channel for collecting permeate inside the box and conduit. of the permeate to the permeate line 201. The vertical radial edges of the filter sector 172 may be provided with grooves or notches corresponding to the grooves or notches on the outside of the separate process fluid feeder channels 202. Thus, each filter sector 172 may be aligned with and mounted on a support frame. comprising the process fluid feed lines and channels 198, 202 and the permeate lines 201.

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a portion of the embodiment of Fig. 13. The vertical permeate lines 201 and process fluid feed lines 198 are shown in cross section. The separate process fluid supply channels 202 extending radially are connected to each process fluid supply line 198. A filter sector is not shown.

Fig. 16 shows the same part of the same embodiment as Fig. 15.

A filter sector 172 is now displayed. The flow pattern is indicated by arrows and small circles. A circle with a point indicates upward flow and a circle with a cross indicates downward flow. It can be seen that process fluid moves in an upward direction through the process fluid supply lines 198 to branch into the separate radially extending fluid supply channels 202. From these separate process fluid channels 202, process fluid enters the gap 191 between filter elements 148 and the rotating disks 151. Permeate flow within each filter sector 172 is indicated by dashed arrows in a direction from the center to the periphery of the filter sector 172, flowing through the integrated permeate channel 203. and passes to the permeate conduits 201. Although the invention has been described in detail for illustrative purposes, the invention is suitable for various modifications and alternative forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments set forth. These specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention but, on the contrary, are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (67)

23 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A dynamic filter device comprising: a housing (105); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; a permeate outlet (108) arranged to direct permeate from the housing; a filter unit (147) disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of stacked filter elements (148) and spacer sections (165), each filter element comprising a plate (161) and a filter (162), the plate having first and second opposite surfaces , a periphery and at least one permeate passage (163) communicating with the first surface, wherein the filter is mounted on the first surface of the plate and has an upstream side communicating with the process fluid inlet and a downstream side communicating with the permeate passage (163) in the plate. , and wherein each spacer section (165) is disposed between adjacent filter elements, and the filter unit further comprises a hole (166) extending through each spacer section and through each filter element from the first surface through the plate to the second surface, the hole connecting the permeate passage in each plate and the permeate outlet (108); and a plurality of elements (151) arranged inside the housing, each element facing the filter of at least one of the filter elements (148), the elements and the filter elements being arranged to rotate relative to each other to resist coating on the filters. The dynamic filter device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base (152), the permeate outlet (108) is disposed in the base, and wherein the filter unit is releasably connected to the base with the hole in the filter unit sealed to the permeate outlet. A dynamic filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit (147) further comprises a connecting device (167) extending through the stack of filter elements and spacer sections. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of seals (169, 170) arranged to cooperate with the filter elements (148) and the spacer sections to isolate the permeate from the process fluid. 5 "5 727 24 A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein a plate (161) and a spacer section (151) are formed as a single unit piece. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stack of spacer sections (165) comprises a post (164). A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein each spacer section (165) between adjacent filter elements (148) does not extend beyond the periphery of the plate. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first side of the plate (161) comprises flat areas, the filter being applied to the flat areas of the plate. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein the permeate passages (163) in the first side of the plate (161) comprise circular and radial grooves, the filter (162) being arranged over the circular and radial grooves. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein each filter element (148) comprises a filter sector spanning up to about 180 °. A dynamic filter device according to any preceding claim, wherein each filter element (148) comprises at least first and second parallel plane filter sectors (172), each filter sector spanning up to about 180 °, and wherein the plurality of spacer sections (151) comprises a first set of spacer sections arranged between adjacent stacked first filter sectors and a second set of spacer sections arranged between adjacent stacked second filter sectors. A dynamic filter device comprising: a housing (105); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; a permeate outlet (108) arranged to direct permeate from the housing; a filter assembly (147) disposed within the housing (105) and comprising a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element having at least first and second planar filter sections (172), each filter section including a filter (162) having an upstream side communicating with the process fluid inlet (106) and a downstream side communicating with the permeate outlet (108), the filter unit further comprising at least first and second filter modules (173), the first filter module comprising a plurality of first spacer sections and the first filter sections, each first spacer section being arranged between adjacent first filter sections, and the second filter module comprising a plurality of second spacer sections and the second filter sections, each second spacer section being arranged between adjacent second filter sections, wherein each filter module further includes a hole (188) extending through each spacer section on (176) and through each filter section and communicates between the downstream sides of the filter sections and a permeate outlet; and a plurality of elements (151) arranged inside the housing, each element being interleaved between adjacent filter elements (148) and facing the filter of at least one of the filter sections, and the elements and filter elements being arranged to rotate relative to each other to prevent coating on the filter. The dynamic filter device of claim 12, wherein each module comprises a connector (167) extending through the stack of filter sections and spacer sections. A dynamic filter device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the stack of spacer sections in each module comprises a post (176). A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 12-14, further comprising a rotary unit (132) comprising a shaft (134) arranged in the housing, each of the elements comprising a disc (151) mounted on the shaft (134), wherein each filter module (173) is radially displaceable relative to the rotating unit to facilitate removal and installation of the filter module. The dynamic filter device of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises a base (152) and a housing (105) releasably mounted on the base, wherein each filter module (173) is connected to the base with the hole sealingly connected to a permeate outlet (108), and wherein each filter section includes a filter sector that spans up to about 180 °. A dynamic filter device comprising: a housing (l05); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; a permeate outlet (108) arranged to direct permeate from the housing; A stationary filter unit (147) disposed within the housing and comprising at least two stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising an outer periphery and a filter (162) having an upstream side communicating with the process fluid inlet and a downstream side communicating with the permeate outlet, wherein the filter unit further comprises a holder (157) mounted on the outer periphery of the filter elements, the holder being fixed to the housing in one place and allowing the filter unit to expand and contract in a sliding manner; and a rotating unit (132) arranged inside the housing and having an element (151) facing the filter (162) on at least one of the filter elements (148), which element is rotatable relative to the filter to prevent coating on the filter . A dynamic filter device according to claim 17, wherein the holder comprises a first post (164) and the first post is fixed in the housing. A dynamic filter device according to claim 17, wherein the holder comprises at least first and second posts, wherein the first post is fixed in the housing and the filter elements are free to slidably expand and contract at the second post. A dynamic filter device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the cover (105) comprises a base (152) and the permeate outlet (108) is arranged in the base, the first post (164) being fixed in the base at the permeate outlet (108) and comprising a permeate channel (166) communicating between the filter elements and the permeate outlet. A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein the first post (164) comprises a plurality of spacer sections (165) arranged between adjacent filter elements (148). A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 17-21, wherein each filter element (148) comprises a filter sector (172) extending up to about 180 °. A dynamic filter device comprising: a housing (105); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; a permeate outlet (108) arranged to direct permeate from the housing; a filter unit (147) arranged in the housing and comprising at least two stacked filter elements (148), each filter element U '| 27 comprises a filter (162) having an upstream side communicating with the process fluid inlet (106) and a downstream side communicating with the permeate outlet (108), the filter unit further comprising a means disposed on a part of the filter elements and having an coefficient of expansion which is substantially less than this part of the filter elements for maintaining the position of the filter elements in the stack; and an element (151) arranged in the housing facing the filter (102) on at least one of the filter elements (148), the element and the filter being arranged to rotate relative to each other to prevent coating on the filter. The dynamic filter device of claim 23, wherein the filter unit comprises a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising a filter plate (162) of a polymeric material and having first and second opposite sides, the downstream side of a filter being mounted on the first side of a filter plate, wherein the dynamic filter device further comprises a rotating unit (132) arranged in the housing and comprising a rotatable shaft (134) and a plurality of elements (151) mounted on the shaft where each element is interleaved between adjacent filter elements facing the filter of at least one of the adjacent filter elements and wherein the position retaining means comprise a plurality of stacked spacer sections (165) where each spacer section is made of a metal and is arranged between adjacent filter elements, the metal spacer sections having an expansion coefficient substantially lower than for the polymeric filter plates to substantially b maintain the position of each filter element in the stack relative to the elements in the rotary unit. The dynamic filter device of claim 24, wherein the spacer sections (165) are stacked with each spacer section in contact with an adjacent spacer section. The dynamic filter device of claim 24, wherein the spacer sections (165) are stacked with each spacer section spaced from an adjacent spacer section of a filter plate (162). A dynamic filter device according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the stack of spacer sections comprises a post (164). A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 24-27, wherein the housing further comprises a retentate outlet (108) arranged to conduct retentates from the housing, said housing comprising a base (152) and a housing sealingly mounted on the base to facilitate assembly. and disassembling, the permeate outlet being disposed in the base, wherein the filter unit (147) is oriented substantially vertically and comprises a permeate channel (166) extending through the stack of filter elements (148) and spacer sections (165), each filter plate (161) comprising a plurality of permeate passages (163) extending from the downstream side of the filter to the permeate channel, and wherein the filter unit is releasably mounted on the base of the housing with the permeate channel in the stack of filter elements and spacer sections sealingly connected to the permeate outlet (108) in the housing base. A dynamic filter device (101) for separating a process fluid into a permeate and a retentate comprising a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a filter (147), a process fluid supply means (102) in said first chamber, a retentate discharge means in said first chamber and a permeate discharge means (104) connected to said second chamber, at least one rotating part located and movable relative to said filter and arranged in said first chamber, a pump means (113) for providing pumping action for supplying process fluid through said process fluid supply means, said pump means comprising a rotor forming part of said rotating part of the apparatus. A dynamic filter device according to claim 29, wherein said rotating member comprises a hollow shaft (134) having a wall, wherein a helical screw conveyor (195) is arranged inside said hollow shaft for supplying process fluid and wherein the hollow shaft comprises openings (196 ) through the wall of the hollow shaft. The dynamic filter device of claim 30, wherein said helical screw conveyor (195) has a decreasing pitch in the direction of process fluid flow along the hollow shaft. The dynamic filter device of claim 30, wherein said helical screw conveyor (195) is rotatable independent of the rotation of said hollow shaft. The dynamic filter device of claim 30, wherein said helical screw conveyor (195) is integrally mounted in said hollow shaft. The dynamic filter device of claim 29, wherein said rotating member comprises a plurality of discs (151) having a surface structure on at least one side of each of said discs and wherein each of said discs is located opposite each of said filter element supporting said filter, to thereby form a gap (191) between said rotating parts (151) and said opposing filter element (148). The dynamic filter device of claim 34, wherein the surface structure of said disks comprises at least one of a protrusion (192) and a recess (193). The dynamic filter device of claim 35, wherein said at least one of a protrusion (192) and a recess (193) extends radially straight. The dynamic filter device of claim 35, wherein said at least one of a protrusion (192) and a recess (193) extends in a helical direction starting at the center and ending at the periphery of said discs. A dynamic filter device for separating a process fluid into a permeate and a retentate comprising a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a filter unit (147), a process fluid inlet (106) for supplying process fluid into said first chamber, a retentate outlet (108) for discharging retentate from said first chamber and a permeate outlet for discharging permeate from said second chamber, at least one rotating member (132) located in and movable relative to said filter unit and disposed in said first chamber, which filter unit comprises at least two stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising at least one filter (162) having a first side communicating with said first chamber and a second side communicating with said second chamber and a plurality of support elements (161) where each support element extends radially along a filter element to support said filter element. The dynamic filter device of claim 38, wherein said support member comprises process fluid feeder channels (163) communicating with said process fluid inlet for supplying process fluid to said filter element. The dynamic filter device of claim 38, wherein said support member (161) comprises process fluid feeder channels (162) communicating with said process fluid inlet for supplying process fluid to said filter element and permeate channels (163) communicating with the permeate outlet for discharging permeate from said filter. . A dynamic filter device according to claim 40, wherein at least one permeate channel (163) is integrated with a filter element. A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 39-41, wherein at least one process fluid supply channel (162) is integrated with a filter element. A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 39-42, wherein said support member (161) comprises a frame supporting said filter member. The dynamic filter device of any of claims 38-43 further comprising a housing (105) comprising a base (152) and a housing sealingly mounted on the base to facilitate assembly and disassembly, the permeate outlet (108) being disposed in the base, wherein the filter unit (147) is mounted on the base and comprises a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising at least two filter sectors (172) lying in the same plane, the rotating part comprising a rotatable shaft (134) and a plurality of discs (151) mounted on the shaft where each disk is interleaved between adjacent filter elements (148) facing the filter (162) on at least one of the adjacent filter elements, and wherein the dynamic filter device further comprises a plurality of supports (164) extending from the base and supporting the filter elements, which support members extend from the supports radially inwardly along the filter sectors, at least one of the supports comprising a permeate conduit (166) which communicates with the downstream side of the filters of a plurality of filter sectors, the permeate line being sealingly connected to the permeate outlet (108). The dynamic filter device of claim 44, wherein at least one of the supports comprises a process fluid supply line that communicates with the process fluid inlet. A dynamic filter device for separating a process fluid into a permeate and a retentate comprising a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a filter unit (147), a process fluid inlet (106) for supplying process fluid in said first chamber, a retentate outlet ( 108) for discharging permeate from said second chamber, at least one rotating part (151) placed in and movable relative to said filter unit and arranged in said first chamber, which filter unit (147) comprises at least two stacked filter elements (148) each filter element having at least one filter (162) having a first side and a second side communicating with said second chamber, and a plurality of process fluid feeder channels (202) each process fluid feeder channel extending radially along a filter element and communicating between the process fluid inlet and the first side of the filter element. A dynamic filter device according to claim 46, wherein each filter element comprises at least two filter sectors (172) lying in the same plane and wherein said filter sectors comprise at least one integrated permeate fluid channel (203). The dynamic filter device of claim 46, wherein each filter element (148) comprises at least two planar filter sectors (172) and wherein each filter sector comprises at least one radially extended integrated process fluid feed channel (202) within said filter sector. The dynamic filter device of claim 46, wherein each filter element (148) comprises at least two parallel plane filter sectors (172) and wherein at least one radially extending separate process fluid feeder channel is provided on the outside of each filter sector. A dynamic filter device according to claim 46, wherein each filter element (148) comprises at least two filter sectors (172) lying in the same plane and wherein no sealing means is arranged between adjacent filter sectors of a filter element. A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 46-50, wherein the filter unit (147) comprises a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising at least two parallel plane filter sectors (172), wherein the rotating part (132) comprises a rotatable shaft (134) and a plurality of disks (151) mounted on the shaft, each disk being interleaved between adjacent filter elements facing the filter (162) of at least one of the adjacent filter elements, and wherein each process fluid supply channel (202) opens to the shaft for to direct process fluid from the shaft outwards over the filter. The dynamic filter device of claim 51, further comprising at least one process fluid supply line (198) extending parallel to the axis of the rotating unit (134) and connected to one or more of the process fluid supply channels (202), each process fluid supply channel extending from process fluid supply line near the periphery of a filter element radially inwardly along at least one filter sector (172) and opening near the shaft. The dynamic filter device of claim 51 or 52, further comprising at least one permeate conduit (201) extending parallel to the axis of the rotating device and communicating between the other side of the filter and the permeate outlet (108). 54.; Dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 51-53, wherein each filter sector (172) can be removed from the filter unit independently of the other filter sectors. The dynamic filter device of claim 54, wherein each filter sector spans up to about 180 °. A dynamic filter device comprising: a housing (105) having a base (152); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; at least one permeate outlet (108) arranged to direct permeate from the housing; a filter unit (147) arranged in the housing and comprising a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element having at least first and second filter sections (172) lying in the same plane and each filter section comprising a filter (162) having an upstream side communicating with the process fluid inlet and a downstream side communicating with the permeate outlet, wherein the filter unit further comprises at least first and second filter modules (173), each filter module being mounted on the base of the housing and comprising a holder (157) and a plurality of filter sections mounted on the holder; and a unit (132) disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of elements (151) interleaved with the filter elements, the elements and the filter elements being arranged to rotate relative to each other to prevent coating on the filters. The dynamic filter device of claim 56, wherein a permit outlet (108) is provided in the base (152), wherein the holder (176) in each filter module (173) has at least one permeate channel communicating with the downstream side of each filter, and wherein each holder is mounted on the base with the channel sealingly connected to a permeate outlet (108). 503 727 33 The dynamic filter device of claim 57, wherein the housing further comprises a base releasably mounted housing (105), wherein each filter module (173) is releasably mounted on the base, and wherein each filter module is radially displaceable away from the rotating unit (132) after the cover and module are released from the base. A dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 56-58, wherein each filter section (148) comprises a filter sector (172) spanning up to about 180 °. A filter module configured to be incorporated into a housing (105) having a plurality of rotating members (151) disposed therein, the filter module comprising; a plurality of stacked filter elements (148), each filter element comprising a plate (161) and at least one filter (162), wherein the plate has first and second opposite sides, a periphery and at least one permeate passage (163) communicating with at least the first side , the filter being mounted on the first side of the plate, and a holder (164) comprising a plurality of spacer sections (165), each spacer section being disposed between adjacent filter elements, the filter module further comprising a hole (166) extending through each spacer section and through each filter element from the first side through the plate to the second side, where the hole communicates with the permeate passage (163) in each plate, wherein the filter elements are attached to the holder in a configuration which interleaves the filter elements and the rotating elements. The filter module of claim 60, further comprising a connector (167) extending through the stack of filter elements (148) and spacer sections (165). The filter module of claim 60 or 61, further comprising a plurality of seals (204) adapted to cooperate with the filter elements and spacers to isolate permeate from process fluid. A filter module according to any one of claims 60-62, wherein the spacer sections comprise a post (164). A filter module according to any one of claims 60-63, wherein each filter element (148) comprises a filter sector (172) extending up to about 180 °. A dynamic filter system comprising the dynamic filter device according to any one of claims 1-59, wherein the dynamic filter device (101) further comprises a retentate outlet (107) arranged to control retentate from the housing (105) and wherein the system further comprises a process fluid supply arrangement (102) coupled to the process fluid inlet (106), a retentate recovery arrangement (103) coupled to the retentate outlet (107) and permeate recovery arrangement (104) coupled to the permeate outlet (108). The dynamic filter system of claim 65, wherein the process fluid feeder arrangement (102) and the retentate recovery arrangement (103) are coupled to provide recirculation of the process fluid. 67. Dynamic filter device comprising: a cover (105); a process fluid inlet (106) arranged to direct process fluid into the housing; a permeate outlet (108) arranged to control permeate from the housing; a rotating unit (132) disposed within the housing (105) and having a shaft (134) and a plurality of elements (151) attached to the shaft; and a filter unit (147) disposed within the housing and comprising holders (176) and a plurality of stacked filter sectors (172) mounted on the holder, each filter sector spanning up to about 180 ° and comprising a filter (162) having an upstream side which communicating with the process fluid inlet and a downstream side communicating with the permeate outlet, wherein the elements and filter sectors are interleaved and arranged to rotate relative to each other to prevent coating of the filter and wherein each of the filter sectors is separately removable from the holder by radially guiding the filter sector away from axeln.