WO2023169630A1

WO2023169630A1 - Monolithic membrane filter

Info

Publication number: WO2023169630A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/100174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ulrich Meyer-Blumenroth; Gisela Jung
Original assignee: InnoSpire Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2022-03-07
Filing date: 2023-03-06
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: DE102022105243A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a monolithic component, in particular as a device or for a device for separating constituents from a fluid. The monolithic component comprises a carrier fluid inlet and a carrier fluid discharge, a monolithic structure which is arranged between the carrier fluid inlet and the carrier fluid discharge and which is designed to be permeable at least in some parts or regions in any case, and an opening collector which is arranged between the carrier fluid discharge and the permeable structure, wherein the opening collector is integrally formed together with the carrier fluid discharge and the permeable structure, and the permeable structure is designed and arranged so as to separate an enveloping face from a carrier face in a permeable manner at least in some parts and/or at least in some regions. A carrier fluid can be provided on the carrier face, said carrier fluid being capable of flowing from the carrier fluid inlet to the carrier fluid discharge through the carrier face of the permeable structure. The permeable structure is designed to ensure a material transfer of the carrier fluid by means of the enveloping face, in particular a transfer of the carrier fluid into an enveloping fluid and/or from an enveloping fluid into the carrier fluid.

Description

Monolithically constructed membrane filters

Description

Field of invention

The present invention relates to monolithic components, in particular as membrane filters.

Background and general description of the invention

Membrane filters for filtering or separating substances from mostly liquid mixtures are known as such. Such a mixture can be a disperse medium or, for example, a solution in which further components are dissolved in a base material.

Membrane filters are used in various areas of application, e.g. E.g. in the treatment of water and food, in the production of pharmaceutical products, in biotechnological, medical or chemical processes or applications. An example of such an application could be the separation of alcohol from beer to produce alcohol-free beer. A particularly gentle process preferably allows alcohol to be removed with minimal taste impairment. Another application can be the separation of cells and cell fragments from active ingredient solutions in the biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals. For example, there are constant attempts to increase the throughput of medium to be filtered or to further reduce costs. Different areas of application may require different designs. In contrast to medical devices, technical systems require much larger membrane surfaces.

Since each different area of application has different requirements, especially in terms of material, design or size of the filters, and process requirements such as temperature, pressure, volume and aggressiveness of the media in contact, or special hygiene requirements have to be taken into account, the market for membrane filters is currently still in the Development. A universal approach that is able to cover at least a number of different areas of application has not yet been achieved. In addition, it is not uncommon for filtration systems to fail due to the limited mechanical and/or chemical stability of known modules. For example, modules made of polymer materials such as. e.g. For example, PP typically cannot withstand higher loads such as temperatures of over 60 °C or higher transmembrane pressures (over 3 bar), or at least not over longer periods of time without damage. However, this is desirable for numerous areas of application.

Steam sterilization, for example carried out at 121 °C, which is particularly necessary in hygienically demanding areas, can only be repeated - if at all - in a small number of cycles. Cleaning at elevated temperatures, high and/or low pH values or with oxidizing cleaning agents also limits the service life of the modules. Ceramic filters, on the other hand, react sensitively to temperature shocks or mechanical influences.

Due to the partly automated manufacturing processes, membrane filters are now manufactured as standardized products with a specified geometry, whereby adaptations to special requirements from process control, such as for high viscosities and/or low pressure losses during flow or for difficult installation environments, are practically impossible or not provided for. as the resulting lower unit numbers would drive unit costs into unsaleable regions.

It is the basis of the present invention that the described limitations of currently existing filters and those described in the literature result essentially from their structure, because they are assembled from assembled components.

An example of known welded pipe membranes is described in European Patent Application EP 88 108 462 A. It is typical that various joining processes, such as in particular welding or filling with casting compound, are necessary in order to achieve a seal and/or targeted fluid flow in the filter module. With such a “modular structure” it is fundamentally interesting that different materials can be used precisely and therefore possibly more cost-effectively and can therefore be selected specifically according to the requirements. However, this can be disadvantageous in that the different components behave differently from one another under stress, such as temperature changes, pressure changes or even swelling of the material, thereby worsening the performance of the filter or the filter fails. For example, when welding pipe membranes, no foreign materials or different substances are used, but the surfaces that come into contact before welding are often only inadequately prepared for welding, so that a tight and reliable connection cannot be created.

Building on the developments at InnoSpire, for example also described in the publications WO 2021/110483 or WO 2022/038093, further design improvements and further developments are described below.

Based on InnoSpire's own developments, the present invention has set itself the task of further improving the solutions already presented. The task is, on the one hand, to further improve the flow guidance and to reduce or prevent fluid dead spots. On the other hand, based on the in-house developments, another aspect of the task is to further optimize the design of the components in order to either save costs, simplify production, further increase the resistance of the components to external influences, in particular the mechanical resilience, and/or something else to make more adverse process parameters such as higher pressures manageable without components failing.

The present invention therefore also fulfills the further aspect of reducing production costs during manufacture and/or increasing the service life of filter modules or components in tough technical use and thus improving economic efficiency.

In addition to the aforementioned and numerous other aspects that the present invention solves, the present invention also provides a filter that can be easily adapted and which can be optimized in the manufacturing process for the specific subsequent application with regard to, for example, the parameters of filtration performance, delivery rate, volumetric or mass flow of fluid and/or the mechanical resilience or resistance to mechanical influences.

The task is solved by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The improvements and new designs proposed in this description, among numerous other aspects, focus on providing a component that is suitable for separating components from a fluid. Such a separation is, for example, the filtering of a fluid, i.e. the removal of substances, for example from a solution, the stripping or separation of suspended matter from a disperse medium such as a suspension. However, the invention is not limited to this.

The present invention focuses in an underlying idea and in a further aspect of the invention on providing monolithically constructed components for the production of filter modules. Such monolithic components, such as membrane filters in particular, can be additively shaped in the light of the present invention and/or have an intrinsic porosity. For example, in the case of a monolithic component, all components can be made from a uniform starting material.

Monolithic components are also typically manufactured as a whole and preferably without interruption. Due to the lack of joined component-to-component transitions, they are characterized by extreme robustness in use and can also be optimized in terms of their size and thus the filtration capacity for their intended use. There are various already known additive manufacturing processes that offer great scope for design. Typically, the elements to be manufactured are built up in layers. However, the previously known methods of additive manufacturing are inadequate in various respects, particularly for use in the construction of membrane modules, and are only ready for use with the present invention.

Additive manufacturing also allows, for example, the production of geometries that are not possible with previously known processes for producing membranes or membrane modules. Particular emphasis should be placed on three-dimensional geometries that are prepared in such a way that a damping or force-absorbing shape can be provided. For example, there is often an application of force in the longitudinal extent of the membrane modules, whereby even if the membrane modules are inserted without tension into the respective holder or device, a change in length can occur during operation due to a change in temperature or chemical action and the membrane module or modules are subjected to tension. The membrane module or modules are therefore preferably designed to be stress-tolerant, in particular longitudinal stress-tolerant. This voltage tolerance can be continually improved.

For example, the membrane module(s) can be provided in a stress-tolerant manner in that an inherent spring effect of the membrane module(s) is present or can be exploited, so that compression of the individual membrane tubes causes the membrane tubes to deflect. The deflection of the membrane tube can be caused by twisting, or an arch formation or the like. In the same way, the stress-tolerant design of the membrane tubes or membrane modules can also include a cross-stress-tolerant provision. Membrane modules are occasionally also exposed to transverse stresses, for example if they are not inserted precisely into the respective holder and the membrane module compensates for the inaccurate installation by twisting. This torsion can be transferred to the membrane tubes inside the membrane module.

The use of porous material systems for additive manufacturing described in the present invention also allows, for example, the reproducible production of porous components with an average pore size of up to less than 1 m. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the geometric resolution of the application device is only for the general shape of the component or the membrane filter is relevant, but not for the specific pore size of the membrane filter.

A monolithic component according to one aspect of the present description includes a carrier fluid inlet and a carrier fluid outlet. The carrier fluid inlet and outlet lead the carrier fluid from outside the monolithic component into and out of the monolithic component, i.e. the flow leads in particular into or through a permeable structure.

The monolithic component comprises the monolithically constructed and at least partially or partially permeable structure arranged between the carrier fluid inlet and the carrier fluid outlet. The permeable structure is designed to ensure mass exchange or filtering of components of the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid therefore carries components that are removed from the carrier fluid in the permeable structure. The monolithic component is therefore preferably used as or for a device for separating components from a fluid, namely the carrier fluid. The monolithic component is therefore typically prepared to receive and discharge the carrier fluid on the carrier side and an enveloping fluid on the enveloping side. The carrier fluid and possibly also the sheath fluid can flow through the monolithic component to provide a carrier flow and possibly a sheath flow in the monolithic component. In one example, the monolithic component can be present as an integrated filter module.

The monolithic component further includes a mouth collector disposed between the carrier fluid drain and the permeable structure. The mouth collector distributes the carrier fluid to subregions of the permeable structure, which can be tubular or membrane tubes, for example. In the mouth collector is preferred a carrier fluid reservoir is formed, so that the permeable structure is in fluid communication with the carrier fluid reservoir. The mouth collector can also be referred to as a fluid distributor, fluid collector or funnel collector. In the mouth collector, the fluid flows from the permeable structure unite or the fluid flows branch off into subregions of the permeable structure.

The orifice collector is formed integrally with the carrier fluid drain and the permeable structure. The carrier fluid drain therefore merges integrally into the mouth collector, and the mouth collector merges integrally into the permeable structure. Together, the carrier fluid drain, mouth collector and permeable structure therefore form a three-dimensional, possibly interlocking structure. Typically, the mouth collector is arranged between the carrier fluid outlet - or carrier fluid inlet, depending on the side of the component - on one side and the permeable structure on the other side and can be used as a connecting piece between them. The permeable structure can extend into the mouth collector in some areas.

The permeable structure is prepared and arranged to permeably separate an envelope side from a carrier side at least partially and/or at least in regions. A carrier fluid can be provided on the carrier side of the permeable structure. The carrier fluid can, for example, flow from the carrier fluid inlet through the carrier side of the porous structure to the carrier fluid outlet, i.e. once through the monolithic component, the permeable structure being prepared to ensure a mass transfer of the carrier fluid to the envelope side, in particular a transfer from the carrier fluid into an envelope fluid and/or from a sheath fluid into the carrier fluid. The permeable or porous material structure therefore permeably separates an envelope side from a carrier side, so that the porous material structure can be referred to as a membrane for the permeable separation of the envelope fluid from the carrier fluid.

A second mouth collector can preferably be arranged between the carrier fluid inlet and the permeable structure. Although this embodiment has some advantages, as will be explained in the exemplary embodiments, this is not necessary in every case. The second orifice collector may be formed integrally with the carrier fluid inlet on one side and the permeable structure on the other side. For example, the second mouth collector can be constructed mirror-symmetrically to the (first) mouth collector. In other words, carrier fluid inlet, mouth collector, permeable structure, second mouth collector and possibly also the Carrier fluid drain must be formed or constructed in one piece, so that there are no separation points that reduce the tightness and therefore no seals have to be used.

The permeable structure can preferably comprise filter capillaries, in particular membrane capillaries. The filter capillaries can also merge in one piece into the mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector. The filter capillaries can therefore be viewed as a one-piece structural extension of the mouth collector, although it may be preferred if the filter capillaries protrude into the installation space of the mouth collector.

In a preferred embodiment, the membrane tubes or filter capillaries are designed to be voltage tolerant, in particular longitudinal voltage tolerant, but also transverse voltage tolerant. If the first end face and the second end face are arranged parallel to one another, a longitudinal tension can imply an application of force to the membrane tubes or filter capillaries, in which the end faces remain arranged parallel to one another, but may be displaced in parallel; A longitudinal tension that increases to a certain extent can result in an evasive movement of the end faces towards one another. The membrane tubes or filter capillaries are subjected to force along their main direction of extension, i.e. typically compressed, but also elongated. The membrane tubes or filter capillaries may break. A transverse stress can imply that a force is applied to the membrane tubes or filter capillaries, in which the end faces are tilted towards one another, i.e. a force is applied perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the membrane tubes or filter capillaries. If the membrane tubes or filter capillaries are designed to be stress-tolerant, then they can be subjected to a higher degree of longitudinal stress and/or transverse stress than a comparable straight membrane tube or filter capillary. In other words, the geometry of the membrane tubes or filter capillaries in particular is constructed in such a way that a higher longitudinal stress, or transverse stress, can be absorbed without the membrane tubes or filter capillaries breaking. An embodiment of a membrane tube or a filter capillary that is designed to be stress-tolerant is a spring-like compressible membrane tube or filter capillary. For example, the membrane tube or the filter capillary can be compressed by 1 mm or more without being damaged or destroyed, preferably by 2 mm or more, more preferably by 5 mm or more, even more preferably by 10 mm or more, finally preferred by 20 mm or more. On the other hand, the length change tolerance - i.e. the change in length that results when tension is applied due to the tension tolerance of the membrane tube or the filter capillary - 0.1% of the original length or more, preferably 0.2% or more, more preferably 0.5% or more, even more preferably 1% or more, and finally 2% or more of the original length of the membrane tube or filter capillary.

Stress tolerant can also be understood as elastic, stress-distributing or stress-reducing, because stress peaks in inelastic areas are distributed over a larger component area, but may even be reduced overall if the component allows deformation as a result. It is particularly preferred that the membrane tubes or filter capillaries are designed to dissipate stress, because if the membrane tubes or filter capillaries can yield under force, e.g. compress like a spring, and at the same time the component housing is designed to be stiff enough, then the applied tension, e.g. the compressive stress, can the component housing can be derived and absorbed by it.

The monolithic component can include one or more enveloping fluid channels. The enveloping fluid channel(s) is/are in particular prepared to guide the flow of an enveloping fluid, at least in sections along the monolithic component. The enveloping fluid channels can, for example, merge in one piece into the mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector.

The filter capillaries can each have a capillary outlet. The capillary outlets can then further form a sheath fluid closure for shutting off the sheath fluid from the carrier fluid inlet and merge integrally into the mouth collector. In other words, the capillary outlets form a closed wall which separates a carrier fluid side in the area of the mouth collector from an enveloping fluid side.

By means of a flow-guiding surface design, the capillary outlets can provide reduced flow resistance for the carrier fluid flowing through, with a reduction in turbulence and/or pressure fluctuations in the course of the flow. The capillary outlets can, for example, have a conical, conical shell-shaped, parabolic or torus-shaped inner surface design. The flow-guiding surface design is in particular arranged or constructed concentrically around the mouth. Furthermore, the capillary outlets can protrude into the mouth collector. The monolithic component may further comprise a casing which is monolithically formed with at least one of a permeable structure, a mouth collector, a second mouth collector, a carrier fluid inlet or a carrier fluid outlet. Particularly preferably, the casing is designed to be monolithic with all of the aforementioned structures, that is to say with a permeable structure, mouth collector, second mouth collector, carrier fluid inlet and carrier fluid outlet.

The sheathing fluid channels can form an integral part of the casing, so that the casing forms part of the inside of the sheathing fluid channels. In other words, the enveloping fluid channels can be arranged immediately adjacent to the casing, preferably designed integrally with the casing, for example as a bulge or cavity, so that the inside of a cladding fluid channel is also located on the inside of the casing.

An inner support structure can be provided in the monolithic component, which is formed in one piece with at least one of the casing, the enveloping fluid channels, the permeable structure, the mouth collector or the second mouth collector, preferably monolithically formed with all of the aforementioned structures. The inner support structure can support the housing inwards towards the muzzle collector. For example, the enveloping fluid channels can be formed integrally with the support structure. For example, the inner support structure can each be placed with a support arm on one of the enveloping fluid channels and be formed integrally with the respective enveloping fluid channel.

The mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector can preferably be designed to taper conically. In addition to the preferred cone shape, the taper can also be designed in an analogous or very similar truncated cone shape. Typically, the carrier fluid inlet or carrier fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than the permeable structure, so that the flow from the carrier fluid supply in the mouth collector is expanded to the width of the permeable structure - or is summarized again in the second mouth collector in the direction of the carrier fluid outlet.

On the envelope side, which faces the envelope fluid, i.e., for example, represents the outside of the permeable structure, an envelope fluid can be provided, so that both the carrier fluid and the envelope fluid can flow in or through the monolithic component and the carrier fluid can flow by means of the permeable structure is separated from the enveloping fluid.

The permeable structure can also be designed to be semi-permeable or selectively permeable. The permeable structure can also be designed to be permeable, for example for substances and/or particles with a size smaller than 10 m, preferably smaller than 2 m, more preferably smaller than 0.5 pm.

The filter capillaries of the permeable structure can be designed as a plurality of elongated membrane tubes which integrally connect the mouth collector of the monolithic component with the second mouth collector.

The membrane tubes or filter capillaries can also have an inside, with the insides of the membrane tubes or filter capillaries forming the carrier side. The carrier fluid can therefore flow along the inside. The membrane tubes or filter capillaries can also form part of the envelope side on their outsides, whereby the envelope fluid can flow along the outside. The membrane tubes or filter capillaries can also have a tubular or tubular design.

Without this being specifically shown with figures in this description, the filter capillaries can also be helically shaped, for example divided into triple helixes. Helically shaped filter capillaries offer the advantage of better material exchange on the inside when carrier fluid flows through. Compared to straight filter capillaries, helically shaped membrane tubes have an advantage when subjected to loads in the direction of the main axis of the membrane tube bundle or the triple helix. Such a load can occur during operation when there are rapid changes in the temperature of the fluid flowing through. For example, the membrane tube bundle wants to expand according to the temperature, but is prevented from doing so by the still cold casing. The same applies to rapid temperature drops. The triple helix or generally the helical shape can act like a coil spring. This means that a stress-tolerant monolithic component can be provided, in particular longitudinal stress-tolerant, which can absorb higher stresses, in particular longitudinal stresses caused by temperature differences, before fatigue or even breakage of one or more filter capillaries occurs. In a further embodiment, filter capillaries can be shaped like a meander or wavy line to improve the mixing of the fluids and possibly to increase a damping effect or elastic flexibility in the direction of the main axis of extension of the filter capillary. It is also possible to use variable cross-sectional geometries of filter capillaries to increase the mixing of the flowing carrier fluid.

The carrier fluid inlet can be a carrier fluid connection element which is monolithically formed with the mouth collector and the porous structure for connection to a fluid guide such as a hose or a pipe. The carrier fluid connection element can preferably have means for releasably connecting the hose or pipe, such as a connecting thread. Also/or the carrier fluid drain can have a second carrier fluid connection element which is designed monolithically with the second mouth collector and the permeable structure for connection to a fluid guide such as a hose or a pipe. The second carrier fluid connection element can also include means for releasably connecting the hose or tube, such as a screw thread.

Furthermore, at least one sheath fluid connection formed monolithically with the permeable structure and/or the sheath fluid channels can be provided.

The monolithic component can have a sheath fluid ring distributor, in particular for connecting the sheath fluid connection and/or for connecting the sheath fluid channels.

For example, the sheath fluid ring distributor can distribute the sheath fluid from the sheath fluid connection into the individual sheath fluid channels. The enveloping fluid ring distributor can be placed on the housing of the monolithic component from outside the housing, for example by making the enveloping fluid ring distributor integral with the housing and the housing forming part of the inner wall of the ring distributor.

The permeable structure can have at least one turbulator for mixing the carrier fluid and/or for mixing the enveloping fluid, in particular a plurality of turbulators per filter capillary. A turbulator can provide turbulence in the corresponding fluid, so that there is improved mixing and thus improved mass transfer between the enveloping fluid and the carrier fluid.

The monolithic component can comprise or consist of or be made from inorganic components, in particular ceramic paste or metallic paste. The monolithic component can further comprise, consist of or be made from polymers, in particular polymer powders, in particular at least one of polyolefins, for example polypropylene, polyamides, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone. The monolithic component can further comprise, consist of or consist of inorganic and polymeric components, in particular polymer solution with ceramic, metallic and/or polymeric fillers, the polymer solution in particular comprising at least one of polyolefins, for example polypropylene, polyamides, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone be constructed. The permeable structure can be a porous structure which is constructed in one piece from porous or porousable starting material.

The present description also includes a monolithically constructed filter module for separating components from a fluid, comprising a carrier fluid inlet and a carrier fluid outlet, an orifice collector formed monolithically with the carrier fluid inlet, a second orifice collector formed monolithically with the carrier fluid outlet, a particularly elongated or tubular one, integral with the mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector, a filter housing arranged in the filter housing and constructed and connected in one piece with the mouth collector, the second mouth collector and the filter housing and at least partially or partially permeable structure, at least one carrier fluid connection element, at least one enveloping fluid Connection element, wherein the mouth collector and the second mouth collector are each designed as an integral fluid barrier to prevent an exchange between the carrier fluid connection element and the enveloping fluid connection element.

The filter module can further comprise the permeable structure prepared and arranged in such a way that an envelope side is at least partially and/or at least partially permeably separated from a carrier side. A carrier fluid can accordingly be provided on the carrier side. The permeable structure can also be prepared to ensure mass transfer of the carrier fluid to the envelope side.

To produce a monolithic component with a permeable structure, as described above in various variants that can be combined with one another, several steps will be explained below to increase understanding. The monolithic component preferably has an at least partially or at least partially porous material structure, and is therefore particularly suitable as a filter element or filter device. The starting material is provided for the order, for example using an extruder. The starting material is already porous or is provided in a porous form. This means that the starting material is initially not porous when it is made available, but is influenced, changed or put together differently in connection with the application of the starting material in such a way that the starting material can become riddled with pores in connection with the application of the starting material. Providing the primary material can also provide funding of the porous or porousable starting material to the location of the material application, but also the thermal adaptation to desired application conditions, as well as setting an advantageous physical pressure for the application of the starting material to produce the component. In the example of the extruder, the provision includes conveying and pressing in the extruder screw, with the porous or porousable starting material finally being provided at the exit of the extruder.

When the porous or porousable starting material is applied, the porosity can be adjusted, for example at the location of the material application. For example, this setting takes place immediately before, during or immediately after the specific material application. Here, for example, machine parameters of an application machine, such as an extruder, can be changed, or a mixing ratio of the starting material can be changed, or process parameters can be set during the solidification of the starting material in order to adjust the porosity at the location of the material application. The material permeability is advantageously adjusted intrinsically in the material. For example, parts of the housing of the component can be constructed with the starting material provided in a slightly or non-porous form. Elsewhere on the component, a porous, i.e. permeable or permeable, semi-permeable or specifically permeable material structure can be created with the same starting material, and the different component areas can be constructed monolithically with one another.

The porous or porousable starting material can be applied point by point, in particular in a point-target matrix or in cylindrical coordinates, in a line-like manner or in layers. The material application can be carried out continuously or quasi-continuously, i.e., for example, emerging from the supply system such as an extruder in a “caterpillar shape”, and, for example, points of a point-target matrix can be approached point by point. The material is typically applied according to gravity with an application from above and the component is built up from bottom to top. The material application can take place in a layer-target matrix, whereby a plurality of points to be approached can be combined in such a layer. For example, if the starting material is in powder form, such a layer can be prepared as a whole, that is, for example, heated with a radiation source and connected to one another in one piece.

The point distance from one point to the next neighboring point does not have to be identical; for example, an area of particularly complex geometry can have a narrower area be provided with a dot grid, whereas simple structures can be described with just a few dots. For example, in the case of pasty starting material, the starting material can be applied in a “bead shape” and a long straight line can be applied, whereby only the start and end points of the straight line would have to be defined.

When approaching a point to be approached, the starting material is available at the corresponding point in the point-target matrix. The start-up can be carried out using an application tool, for example the extruder already mentioned, whereby the application tool can be moved in a three-dimensional manner to the point of the point-target matrix to be applied, or a component carrier is designed to be adjustable in such a way that a movable system of the point-target matrix can be moved. Matrix is created whereby the point-target matrix is moved in front of the application tool and the point of the point-target matrix to be applied comes into contact with the application tool.

An application tool is advantageous if the starting material has a liquid, pasty or solid form. In the event that the starting material is in powder form, while approaching the point of the point-target matrix, for example, a heat generator, such as in particular a laser or a radiation source, can also be directed at the point of the point-target matrix to be approached be understood in order to bring the powdery starting material deposited there into at least a kind of pre-melt at the point of the point-target matrix, so that it connects with the surrounding component or the surrounding starting material, if necessary as preparation for later sintering of the component as a whole. For example, the powdery starting material can be an inorganic, i.e. ceramic and/or metallic, filled polymer powder.

The porosity of the porous and/or porosable starting material can be adjusted in various ways. It may include a mixing ratio in the starting material, for example if a filler is provided in a variable mixing ratio, whereby the porosity of the starting material can be defined by adjusting the mixing ratio of the filler. It can also include setting the radiation source or the source for thermal treatment of the starting material at the point to be approached. For example, the intensity of a laser to be used can be adjusted so that a higher intensity produces a different porosity than a lower intensity. The starting material is therefore influenced and changed in terms of its porosity at the point of the point-target matrix to be approached, composed or generally adjusted such that a porous material structure is created at the at least one first point. An impermeable material structure can be created at at least a second point of the point-target matrix by adjusting the porous or porousable starting material differently. Impermeable is, for example, a structure which has comparatively few pores or no pores at all, or which has a closed-pore structure, so that no fluid exchange and/or mass exchange between fluids is guaranteed.

To adjust the porosity of the material structure of the component, an intrinsic or chaotic pore arrangement can be set. This means that the microporous design cannot be reproduced exactly, that one component resembles a second component at a specific point in the point-target matrix. The pore structure is not precisely defined in the micrometer range, but is only adjusted with regard to the “effect”, i.e. average pore size and number of pores per volume. A permeable or porous material structure accordingly has open porosity. The pores can, if necessary, be designed or prepared during material application so that they form a coherent porous material structure in the component. The pores can have a round or potato-shaped individual structure. The impermeable material structure, on the other hand, can have closed porosity or no porosity at all, at least no open porosity.

The porous material structure can be characterized by the fact that there is a lower resistance to the flow or penetration of a fluid through the porous material structure than in the impermeable material structure. It can prove to be advantageous if the pores are at least partially connected to one another, so that a fluid can flow from one pore to the next and overall a flow or continuity can be formed through the porous material structure. The open porosity therefore preferably means that a pore is typically in communicating liquid exchange with at least two other pores when a fluid flows through the porous material structure. The liquid can be made to flow by conveying the liquid through the component by applying a pressure gradient, for example generated by gravity and without an external pump device, or also by the action of a pump device or pressurization.

The permeable or porous material structure can have an open micro- or mesoporous structure. The average pore size can be smaller than 40 m, preferably smaller 5 pm and more preferably even smaller than 1 pm. The permebal or porous material structure preferably has an average volume porosity of 20% or greater, preferably 35% or greater. The average volume porosity can also reach 50% or greater values.

The impermeable material structure may have a higher density than the porous material structure. The ratio of the density of the impermeable material structure to that of the porous material structure is in particular 1.2: 1, preferably 1.5: 1 and even more preferably 2: 1. In other words, the material structure can be denser in impermeable areas than in areas of porous material structure. The ratio of the density of the impermeable material structure to the porous material structure can also be specified in intervals, for example in an interval between 1.2: 1 to 1.5: 1 and preferably in the interval from 1.5: 1 to 2: 1 .

The porosity can be adjusted by adding additive or filler to the starting material, or by setting hardening parameters for the point of the point-target matrix to be approached, or by selecting a starting material to be used from a plurality of at least two starting materials if the at least two starting materials can be supplied alternately or simultaneously. The adjustment can also be done by providing a location-dependent radiation intensity with a radiation source that is directed at the location of the material application, or further alternatively or cumulatively the location-dependent adjustment of the light absorption capacity of the porous or porousable starting material, so that the component structure can be carried out in particular by means of a location-independent radiation source is.

Polymeric or inorganic nanoparticles can be used as an additive for the starting material. Particles with an average diameter of typically 100 nm or less are referred to as nanoparticles. For example, the nanoparticles can have an average diameter of 900 nm or less, 500 nm or less, 100 nm or less or even 50 nm or less. An inorganic or organic filler can be used as the filler.

To increase clarity, an additive manufacturing process for producing a component with at least a partial or at least partially porous material structure is explained below. First, a porous or porousable starting material is provided. The porous or porousable starting material is then used to build the Component is applied, and the porosity of the porous or porousable starting material is adjusted during the application.

The application of the porous or porousable starting material can include a point-by-point, line-like or layer-by-layer application of the porous or porousable starting material, in particular in a point-target matrix or in a layer-target matrix. The point-by-point application can further include approaching a point of the point-target matrix to which the porous or porousable starting material is to be applied. Furthermore, it can include setting the porous or porousable starting material at the point of the point-target matrix to be approached and applying the set porous or porousable starting material to the point.

Furthermore, the approach of at least a first point of the point-target matrix and adjustment of the porous or porousable starting material at the at least one first point can be included in such a way that a porous material structure is created at the at least one first point, and / or the approach of at least a second point of the point-target matrix and adjusting the porous or porousable starting material at the at least one second point such that an impermeable material structure is created at the second point.

The points of the point-target matrix can be arranged in storage layers, and the approach (120) of the points of the point-target matrix is carried out in layers, so that first the points of a first storage layer are approached and then the points of a second storage layer .

The application of the porous or porousable starting material can be designed in such a way that a deposit layer has areas with an impermeable material structure, at least one deposit layer has areas with a porous material structure, or at least one deposit layer has both an impermeable material structure and a porous material structure, which have the same porous or porous material structure Starting material is applied. The partially or partially porous material structure of the component can be arranged or constructed chaotically. The partially or partially porous material structure of the component can also arise when the starting material is applied in or on the component.

The starting material is, for example, made to be intrinsically porous. The porous material structure preferably has an open porosity, the impermeable material structure has a closed porosity. The porous material structure can also change as a result characterized in that there is a lower resistance to the flow or penetration of a fluid through the porous material structure than in an impermeable material structure. The porous material structure preferably has an open micro- or mesoporous structure with an average pore size of less than 40 pm, preferably less than 5 pm, more preferably less than 1 pm. The porous material structure can also have an average volume porosity of 20% or greater, preferably 35% or greater.

An additive or filler can be added to the starting material to adjust the porosity at the moment of material application, in particular at the point of the point-target matrix to be approached. Hardening parameters can also be set there for the point of the point-target matrix to be approached. Furthermore, a starting material to be used can be selected from a plurality of at least two starting materials, wherein the at least two starting materials can be supplied alternately or simultaneously. A location-dependent radiation intensity can be provided by means of a radiation source that is directed at the material application. A location-dependent adjustment of the light absorption capacity of the porous or porousable starting material can also take place, so that the component structure can be carried out in particular using a location-independent radiation source. Polymeric or inorganic nanoparticles can be used as an additive, and an inorganic or organic filler can be used as a filler.

When material is applied, the pores of the porous or porousable starting material can be designed or prepared in such a way that they form a coherent porous material structure in the component.

In the monolithic component, the mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector can form an integral fluid barrier, and the fluid barrier(s) can separate the flow of the carrier fluid from the envelope flow.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, whereby the same and similar elements are partially provided with the same reference numerals and the features of the different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another. Short description of the characters

Show it:

1 shows a first embodiment of an improved monolithic component in a longitudinal sectional view,

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a monolithic component in a longitudinal section view with two symmetrical ends, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a monolithic component in a longitudinal section view,

4 - 12 the embodiment of FIG. 3 in different cross-sectional areas, FIG. 13 a further embodiment of an improved monolithic component, FIG. 14 an embodiment of a monolithic component with asymmetrical terminations.

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows a first embodiment of a monolithic component 50, in which the inlet side 7 is left open. The monolithic component 50 has a casing 5 which encloses the filter capillaries 1. A carrier fluid flows through the carrier side 11 of the filter capillaries 1 towards the mouth collector 25, in which the carrier fluid from all filter capillaries 1 is combined in the reservoir 22 before the carrier fluid leaves the monolithic component 50 again via the carrier fluid drain 6. In the area of the filter capillaries 1, the side surfaces 9 of the capillaries 1 are designed to be permeable; an adjustable porous material is preferably used here for the structure 60 to produce the capillaries 1. This ensures a mass exchange between the carrier fluid or the carrier side 11 and the enveloping fluid or the cover side 10 allows. On the envelope side 10, an envelope fluid is provided which is typically characterized by the fact that it can accommodate components of the carrier fluid. In one example, a chemical potential gradient can cause components to be expelled from the carrier fluid into the enveloping fluid. On the other hand, corresponding components can also be pressed out of the carrier fluid and thus transported from the carrier side 11 to the envelope side 10. In this example, the capillaries 1 each have a capillary outlet 3, which merges into the mouth collector 25 like a truncated cylinder or conically. The enveloping fluid closure 20 is formed from the ends of the side surfaces 9 of the filter capillaries 1. The enveloping fluid closure 20 separates the enveloping side 10 impermeably from the carrier side 11. The side surfaces 9 are designed in such a way that the capillaries 1 grow together or stick together or are connected to one another in a fluid-impermeable manner for the enveloping fluid. In other words, the enveloping fluid closure 20 prevents the enveloping fluid from penetrating into the mouth collector 25. The enveloping fluid closure 20 is also continued in the embodiment shown in FIG . In this embodiment, the side arms 28a of the stiffening structure 28 are based on enveloping fluid channels 12. This makes it possible to achieve even further improved force dissipation of transverse and/or longitudinal stresses.

The capillaries 1, the sheath fluid closure 20 and the mouth collector 25 are made of the same, similar, but at least compatible material, so that the sheath fluid closure 20 and capillaries 1 can be constructed in one piece. If necessary, mechanical forces can also act on the capillary outlets 3, since these connect the filter capillaries 1 to the mouth collector 25 and thus to the housing 5. The capillary outlet 3 can therefore also be designed to be optimized in terms of mechanical resistance in order to reduce the tendency to break in the area of the transition from the enveloping fluid closure 20 to the respective filter capillary 1. The filter capillaries 1 typically together form the membrane or the membrane filter.

The sheath fluid is provided at the sheath fluid inlet 8 and fed into the sheath fluid ring distributor 15. Sheath fluid channels 12 branch off from the sheath fluid ring distributor 15 along the housing 5 in the direction of the permeable structure 60, which forward the sheath fluid in a pre-distributed manner into the central exchange area of the component 50. The enveloping fluid channels 12 are formed integrally with the housing 5, so you could say that they are formed together with the wall of the housing 5. The enveloping fluid channels 12 have an inside (cf. e.g. FIG. 7), the inside of the enveloping fluid channels 12 being partially formed by the housing 5.

The carrier fluid outlet 6 and/or the carrier fluid inlet 7 has a connection means 6a for fluid-tight connection of a fluid connection line, such as in particular a pipe section or a hose. For example, a thread can be arranged there, a Screw connection can be provided, or it can be designed as a flange connection. The H üllfluidzu- or drain 8 can also have a connection means 8a such as a thread or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, a further embodiment of a monolithic component 50 is shown as a through-pass filter, with two mouth collectors 25 in this design being designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another. Inside the filter 50, the filter capillaries 1 are shown in a sectional view. A total of 19 filter capillaries 1 are arranged in the filter 50 (see also FIG. 8). On both sides, the filter capillaries 1 open integrally into the respective mouth collector 25 and together form the envelope fluid closure 20. For this purpose, the ends of the filter capillaries 1 come together in order to separate the envelope side 10 from the respective mouth collector 25 in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, both mouth collectors 25 have an integral stiffening structure 28, which is formed seamlessly and in one piece from the extension of the filter capillaries 1. In other words, during the production of the filter capillaries 1, the material application is continued in such a way that first the enveloping fluid closure 20 and then the integral stiffening structure 28 are formed at the ends of the filter capillaries.

3 shows a further embodiment of the monolithic component 50, whereby, in contrast to the previous embodiments, the filter capillaries 1 are equipped with static mixers or turbulators 29. This achieves improved mixing of the carrier fluid.

Internals, such as static mixers as turbulators 29, are known in process engineering as such to improve the mixing of a flowing fluid. However, this does not work easily in filter capillaries 1, at least not permanently. Static mixers cannot be fixed well in conventional membrane tubes or they have to be fixed with third materials and therefore regularly carry out relative movements to the membrane surface during operation. The membrane surface is permanently damaged by the resulting friction and can no longer fulfill its separation task.

Due to the advantageous method in which the component is constructed monolithically, it is now possible to form turbulators 29 in one piece with the porous structure 60, so that the problem of relative movement no longer occurs. The individual segments of the turbulators 29 or the static mixers are therefore an integral part of the porous structure 60. The monolithic composite of turbulators 29 with porous structure 60 as Integrated component eliminates the problem of relative movements, so that membrane damage at this point is reduced or even eliminated and thus long-term operation is reliably guaranteed.

Referring to Figures 4 to 13, an embodiment of the monolithic component 50 is shown in different cross-sectional planes to further clarify the internal structure. Fig. 4 shows a perspective external view of the filter component 50, the perspective allowing a view through the carrier fluid drain 6 on the one hand into the mouth collector 25 underneath, and two sheath fluid channels 12 can also be seen, which branch off from the sheath fluid ring distributor 15.

5 shows a cross section at the level of the enveloping fluid ring distributor 15, where the liquid distribution of the enveloping fluid and the branching off enveloping fluid channels 12 can be seen. 6 shows a cross section of the component 50 at the level of the carrier fluid chamber 22. 12 enveloping fluid channels 12 are shown in cross section along the housing 5, through which the enveloping fluid is guided from the enveloping fluid connection 8 into the filter chamber or the central area 52. The enveloping fluid channels 12 have an inner wall 12a, the inner wall 12a also forming part of the circumference of the respective enveloping fluid channel at the same time as the housing wall of the housing 5, so that part of the inner wall 12a of the enveloping fluid channels 12 is formed by the housing 5.

Fig. 7 shows the component 50 in a further cross section through the mouth collector 25, whereby it can be seen that due to the conical and continuous widening the mouth collector 25 already has a larger diameter than in the cross section shown in Fig. 6. The structure of the integral stiffening structure 28 can be seen in Fig. 7, with side arms 28a of the stiffening structure 28 based directly on the enveloping fluid channels 12, so that force transfer into the housing 5 is further improved by the enlarged contact area of the enveloping fluid channel 12. Furthermore, this structure also proves to be advantageous during production, since the enveloping fluid channels are already built up on the housing 5 in the direction of the mouth collector 25 and thus further application of material to the enveloping fluid channels 12 is easier than using the corresponding application tool between the enveloping fluid channels 12 to reach the side arms 28a there. The filter capillaries 1, which extend into the filter area 52, already emerge between the side arms 28a of the stiffening structure 28. Fig. 8 shows a further section through the filter component 50 in the area of the enveloping fluid closure 20, whereby almost the largest diameter of the mouth collector 25 has already been reached.

9 shows a further cross section through the filter component 50 in the area of the capillary outlets 3 of the filter capillaries 1 and thus even further in the direction of the filter chamber 52, with FIG . The capillaries 1 have an expanded diameter in the area of the capillary outlets 3, which has already grown together further “up” in the direction of the carrier fluid inlet 7 (see Figures 1 and 8), and then tapers into tubular filter capillaries further down (see Figures 12 and 13). . The shape of the capillary outlets 3 can be adjusted so that it optimally follows the existing space and merges in one piece from the permeable, and in this case round, filter capillaries 1 into the impermeable or fluid-tight enveloping fluid closure 20.

10 shows a cross section in the area of the second mouth collector, i.e. already on the opposite side of the filter chamber 52, with a perspective of the carrier fluid inlet 7. In this perspective, no filter capillaries 1 are visible because they run in the opposite direction. From a structural point of view, the side arms 28a represent extensions of the outlets 3 of the filter capillaries 1, since they merge into one another in one piece. The stiffening structure 28 forms a self-supporting support structure that can further stiffen the component 50. The arms 28a are based on the enveloping fluid channels 12, which can be seen in a perspective view extending to the enveloping fluid ring distributor 15 (see, for example, Fig. 4).

With reference to Fig. 11, another cross section through the filter component 50 is shown in a perspective view, the cross section being drawn at the base of the capillary outlets 3, so that the transition from capillaries 1 over the capillary outlets 3 and into the enveloping fluid closure 20 can be seen in perspective . Furthermore, the filter capillaries 1 in this embodiment are equipped with turbulators 29 to slow down the flow through the filter capillaries 1 or to improve the mass exchange with the envelope fluid on the envelope side 10.

12, a cross section through the filter component 50 is shown at the level of the filter chamber 52, whereby it can be seen how the envelope side 10 surrounds the carrier side 11 of the filter capillaries 1 on all sides, so that the filter capillaries 1 are protected from the envelope fluid on all sides can flow around to provide an effective and large-area flow over the filter capillaries 1.

13, a further embodiment of a component 50 is shown in a simplified schematic representation to illustrate the essential components with carrier fluid inlet 7, mouth collector 25 with carrier fluid chamber 22, schematic representation of the enveloping fluid closure 20 in the area of the capillary ends 3 and three filter capillaries 1. The filter 50 can be provided as a pass filter or as a dead-end filter.

Fig. 14 shows the embodiment of Fig. 13 as a dead-end filter, the filter capillaries 1 being closed in the area of the end shown in the figure below, for example closed in one piece with the enveloping fluid closure 20. In such an embodiment, the carrier fluid is pressed into the filter 50 through the carrier fluid inlet 7 and components from the carrier fluid reach the envelope side 10. For example, suspended matter can be collected in the filter capillaries 1 and the carrier fluid can pass through from the carrier side 11 in such a configuration The permeable or porous structure of the filter capillaries 1 passes through to the casing side 10 and larger components remain in the filter capillaries 1. In such an embodiment, the filter capillaries 1 fill with suspended matter or particles or the like over the period of use until the filter is filled with them .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and the invention is not limited to these, but can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of protection of the claims. Furthermore, it can be seen that the features, regardless of whether they are disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures or otherwise, also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described together with other features. In all figures, the same reference numerals represent the same objects, so that descriptions of objects that may only be mentioned in one or at least not with regard to all figures can also be transferred to these figures, with regard to which the object is not explicitly described in the description.

1 membrane tube, filter capillary

3 capillary outlet

5 casing, casing

6 carrier fluid drain

7 carrier fluid inlet

8 Sheath fluid inlet or outlet, filtrate connection

9 inner side surface

10 envelope side, filtrate space

11 carrier side

12 envelope fluid channel

15 envelope fluid ring distributor

20 sheath fluid closure

22 carrier fluid chamber

25 muzzle collector

25a second mouth collector

28 integral stiffening structure

28a side arms of the stiffening structure

29 Turbulator, static mixer

50 monolithic component

52 filter chamber or central area

60 permeable or porous structure

62 pores or cavities or passage

Claims

Monolithic component (50), in particular as or for a device for separating components from a fluid, comprising:

- a carrier fluid inlet (7) and a carrier fluid outlet (6),

- a monolithically constructed structure (60) arranged between the carrier fluid inlet and the carrier fluid outlet and at least partially or partially permeable, and

- a mouth collector (25) arranged between the carrier fluid outlet and the permeable structure,

- wherein the mouth collector is formed integrally with the carrier fluid drain and the permeable structure,

- wherein the permeable structure is prepared and arranged to permeably separate an envelope side (10) from a carrier side (11) at least partially and/or at least in some areas,

- whereby a carrier fluid can be provided on the carrier side,

- wherein the carrier fluid can flow from the carrier fluid inlet through the carrier side of the permeable structure to the carrier fluid outlet,

- wherein the permeable structure is prepared to ensure a mass transfer of the carrier fluid to the envelope side, in particular a transfer from the carrier fluid into an envelope fluid and / or from an envelope fluid into the carrier fluid. Monolithic component (50) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a second orifice collector (25) arranged between the carrier fluid inlet (7) and the permeable structure (60), the second orifice collector being integral with the carrier fluid inlet on one side and as well as the permeable structure is formed on the other side, wherein the second mouth collector is constructed, for example, mirror-symmetrically or identically to the mouth collector, and / or wherein the second mouth collector is arranged at an angle to the first mouth collector. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the permeable structure (60) comprises filter capillaries (1), in particular membrane capillaries, wherein the filter capillaries merge integrally into the mouth collector (25) and/or the second mouth collector (25a), and/ or further comprising one or more enveloping fluid channels (12), the enveloping fluid channels merging integrally into the mouth collector (25) and/or the second mouth collector (25a). Monolithic component (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the filter capillaries (1) each have a capillary outlet (3), the capillary outlets together forming a sheathing fluid closure (20) for shutting off the sheathing fluid from the carrier fluid inlet (7), and/or wherein the Filter capillaries (1) have capillary outlets (3) through which the carrier fluid can flow, which merge integrally into the mouth collector (25) or the second mouth collector (25a). Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a casing (5) which is monolithically connected to at least one of a permeable structure (60), a mouth collector (25), a second mouth collector (25a), a carrier fluid inlet (7) or a carrier fluid outlet (6 ) is designed, preferably monolithic with all of the aforementioned structures (6, 7, 25, 25a). Monolithic component (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sheathing fluid channels (12) form an integral part of the casing (5), so that part of the inside of the sheathing fluid channels is formed by the casing (5). Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner support structure (28, 28a), which is designed monolithically with at least one of the housing (5), the enveloping fluid channels (12), the permeable structure (60), the mouth collector (25) or the second mouth collector (25a), preferably monolithic with all aforementioned structures (5, 12, 25, 25a, 60), and / or wherein the mouth collector (25) and / or the second mouth collector (25a) is designed to taper conically.

8. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, further prepared in such a way that an enveloping fluid can be provided on the enveloping side (10), so that both the carrier fluid and the enveloping fluid can flow in or through the monolithic component and the carrier fluid is separated from the enveloping fluid by means of the permeable structure (60), and/or wherein the permeable structure (60) is designed to be semi-permeable or selectively permeable, and/or wherein the permeable structure (60) provides passages (62), which are in particular in the manner of a split screen or are tubular, the permeable structure (60) being designed to be permeable to substances and/or particles with a size of less than 10 pm, preferably less than 2 pm, more preferably less than 0.5 pm.

9. Monolithic component (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the passages (62) are designed like a slotted sieve and have a width of 25 pm or more, preferably 50 pm or more, more preferably 75 pm or more and more preferably 100 pm or more , and/or have a width of 120 pm or less, preferably 80 pm or less, and/or wherein the slotted screen-like passages (62) have a length of 1 mm or more, preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more and/or wherein the slotted screen-like passages have a length of 5 mm or less, preferably 4 mm or less, and/or wherein the passages (62) are tubular and have a diameter of 50 pm or more, preferably of 100 pm or more, more preferably 130 pm or more, and/or have a diameter of 150 pm or less, preferably a diameter of 120 pm or less, further preferably of 80 m or less.

10. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, wherein the filter capillaries (1) of the permeable structure (60) is designed as a plurality of elongated membrane tubes which integrally form the mouth collector (25) of the monolithic component with the connect the second mouth collector (25a), and/or wherein the membrane tubes or filter capillaries (1) have an inside (9), the insides of the membrane tubes or filter capillaries defining the carrier side (11), and/or wherein the membrane tubes or filter capillaries (1) form part of the casing side (10) on their outer sides, and/or wherein the membrane tubes or filter capillaries (1) have a tubular or tubular configuration.

11. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the carrier fluid inlet (7) a carrier fluid connection element (7a) designed monolithically with the mouth collector (25) and the permeable structure (60) for connection to a fluid guide such as a Has a hose or a tube, wherein the carrier fluid connection element preferably comprises a connection thread, and / or wherein the carrier fluid outlet (6) has a second carrier fluid connection element (6a) which is monolithically formed with the second mouth collector (25a) and the permeable structure (60). ) for connecting to a fluid guide such as a hose or a pipe, and / or a sheath fluid connection (8, 8a) formed monolithically with the permeable structure (60) and / or the sheath fluid channels.

12. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an enveloping fluid ring distributor (25), in particular for connecting the enveloping fluid connection (8, 8a) according to claim 9 and / or for connecting the Sheath fluid channels according to claim 3, wherein the sheath fluid ring distributor is preferably formed integrally with the housing (50) and is placed, for example, from outside the housing (5).

13. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the permeable structure (60) has at least one turbulator (29, 29a) for mixing the carrier fluid and / or for mixing the enveloping fluid, in particular a plurality of turbulators per filter capillary (1 ).

14. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monolithic component comprises or consists of inorganic components, in particular is made up of ceramic paste or metallic paste, and / or wherein the monolithic component comprises or consists of polymers, in particular at least one made of polyolefins, for example polypropylene, polyamides, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyether sulfone, and preferably made of polymer powder, and/or wherein the monolithic component comprises or consists of inorganic and polymeric components, in particular of polymer solution with ceramic, metallic and/or polymeric fillers , the polymer solution in particular comprising at least one of polyolefins, for example polypropylene, polyamides, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone, is constructed.

15. Monolithic component (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the permeable structure (60) is a porous structure which is constructed in one piece from porous or porousable starting material.

16. Monolithic filter module (50) for separating components from a fluid, comprising:

- a carrier fluid inlet (7) and a carrier fluid outlet (6),

- a mouth collector designed monolithically with the carrier fluid inlet

- a second mouth collector (25a) designed monolithically with the carrier fluid outlet,

- a filter housing (5) formed in one piece with the mouth collector and/or the second mouth collector,

- a structure (60) arranged in the filter housing and constructed and connected in one piece with the mouth collector, the second mouth collector and the filter housing and at least partially or partially permeable,

- wherein the permeable structure engages into the mouth collector or the second mouth collector in such a way that an integral fluid barrier (20) is formed there. Monolithically constructed filter module (50) according to the preceding claim,

- wherein the permeable structure (60) is prepared and arranged to permeably separate an envelope side (10) from a carrier side (11) at least partially and/or at least in some areas,

- whereby a carrier fluid can be provided on the carrier side (11),

- Wherein the permeable structure is prepared to ensure mass transfer of the carrier fluid to the envelope side.