Methods of making flat sheet membrane element adapted for use in symbiotic fluids factionation, water treatment, and osmotic processes

A method of using a flat sheet membrane panel system for treating of a fluid using osmotic processes of various salinities and pressures, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) introducing a pressurized untreated fluid to a first porous side member of a frame configured to house at least one membrane panel of a plurality of membrane panel assemblies, wherein each membrane panel including at least two adjacent semipermeable flat sheet membranes separated by a flat porous permeate carrier, and wherein at least one end cap being coupled to and configured to receive opposing ends of each or all of said membrane panel assemblies, said end cap each being configured to permit passage of fluid away from said membranes;
• b) subjecting said membrane panel to said fluid, and passing said fluid parallel to said flat sheet membranes;
• c) communicating permeated said fluid across said flat sheet membranes by way of an intermediate flow channel of said flat porous permeate carrier;
• d) collecting a treated fluid by way of a track defined in a top and bottom header of said frame;
• e) disposing of brine through a second porous side member of said frame;
• and
• f) regulating pressure of said fluid in a pressure vessel, with said membrane panel located in said pressure vessel;
• wherein said membrane panel further comprising a sealing sleeve configured to secure and receive front and back edges of said membrane panel, and a protective rigid polymeric or rustproof metallic porous shielding screen configured to shield said membrane panel, and said sealing sleeve;
• wherein said frame including a top header, a bottom header, and porous side members configured to allow for passage of fluid or saline water, said top and bottom headers each being configured to receive one of said end cap, respectively, so said membranes are oriented in a vertical pattern between said top and bottom headers, said top and bottom headers being configured to communicate treated fluid or desalinated water from said membrane panel;
• wherein said panel assemblies are separated apart to maintain flow Reynold's number of 3,000-3,500 for mitigating membrane fouling, maintaining a clearance of about 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inch) for regular maintenance practices.