Filter membrane module comprising an integrated heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a membrane module in order to filter media which are capable of flowing. Said module incorporates an integrated heat exchanger. According to the invention, the membrane module has the following characteristics: a plurality of rod-shaped, porous, ceramic filter elements ( ) (ceramic rods); the ceramic rods ( ) are provided with continuous bores ( ) located parallel to an axis; the ceramic rods are arranged parallel to each other and a lid ( ) covers the end thereof: the ceramic rods ( ) are sealed at their circumferences against the lid ( ); a lid ( ) located at one of the membrane modules is provided with an inlet ( ) for the medium to be treated and a lid ( ) located at the other end is provided with an outlet ( ) in order to allow the media to flow out; each ceramic rod ( ) is surrounded by a sheath tube ( ): an annular gap ( ) is situated between the sheath tubes of each ceramic rod and the inner surface of the corresponding sheath tubes: the annular gaps are conductingly connected to each; the lid ( ), ceramic rods and casing pipes ( ) are surrounded by a housing ( ) which is securely connected to the lid; the housing ( ) comprises an inlet ( ) for the introduction of permeate into the annular ( ) gap and an outlet for draining off permeate from the annular gap. The housing also comprises an inlet ( ) and an outlet ( ) for directing a thermally conducting material through the intermediate chamber pertaining to each individual sheath tubing ( ) and the housing ( ); each ceramic rod ( ) is surrounded by an interrupted tube ( ) which is located in the annular gap ( ) and extends over a substantial proportion of the length of said gap.