Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed, among other things, to methods for reducing fouling of a separation membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1). The present invention further provides a method of reducing fouling of a membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising periodically raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1). Additionally, the present invention provides an improved apparatus for filtering a fluid and methods of reducing membrane fouling in a separation membrane using the apparatus, the improved apparatus comprising a feed inlet having a pump, a filtering apparatus, a concentrate line and a permeate line, the improvement comprising: on the feed inlet, a first gauge for measuring pressure and a controller for controlling pressure of the fluid passing through the feed inlet pump or for controlling the speed of the feed inlet pump; on the permeate line, a second gauge for measuring pressure and a pressure controller for controlling pressure of the fluid passing through the permeate line; and on the concentrate line, a third gauge for measuring pressure of the fluid passing through the concentrate line.

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First Claim