Filter cassette article, and filter comprising same

A filtration cassette comprising at least one assembly, wherein the at least one assembly comprises:

• a multilaminate array of sheet members of generally rectangular and generally planar shape, each sheet of the array having a first end, a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, and a thickness, wherein the sheet members comprise in sequence in said array, a first retentate sheet, (a permeate pack and a second retentate sheet) n, wherein n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more, wherein the permeate pack comprises a first filter sheet, a permeate sheet, and a second filter sheet, wherein each sheet in each permeate pack has at least one fluid opening at the first end thereof and at least one fluid opening at the second end thereof, wherein corresponding fluid openings at the first end of each sheet in each permeate pack are in register with one another and corresponding fluid openings at the second end of each sheet in each permeate pack are in register with one another, wherein the first and second retentate sheets have at least one channel opening therein, each channel opening extending longitudinally between a first channel entrance positioned proximate to fluid openings at the first end of the permeate pack and a second channel entrance positioned proximate to fluid openings at the second end of the permeate pack in the array, and wherein the at least one channel opening is open through the entire thickness of the first and second retentate sheets to permit a fluid to contact adjacent filter sheets, and wherein the first and second retentate sheets are bonded to adjacent filter sheets about peripheral end and side portions thereof;
• and
• two assembly end plates sandwiching the multilaminate array of sheets, each end plate having a first end and a second end corresponding to that of the multilaminate array of sheets, wherein the two assembly end plates comprise at least one fluid opening at the first end thereof and at least one fluid opening at the second end thereof, wherein fluid openings of the end plates are in register with corresponding fluid openings of the permeate pack,
• wherein the at least one assembly further comprises at least one permeate passage opening at longitudinal side margin portions of the sheet members of the assembly,
• wherein the permeate sheet comprises a foraminous material, a metal matrix, or other reinforced porous material,
• wherein the permeate pack further comprises (a) a first permeate screen spacer positioned between, and in direct contact with, the first filter sheet and the permeate sheet, (b) a second permeate screen spacer positioned between, and in direct contact with, the second filter sheet and the permeate sheet, or (c) both the first permeate screen spacer positioned between, and in direct contact with, the first filter sheet and the permeate sheet and the second permeate screen spacer positioned between, and in direct contact with, the second filter sheet and the permeate sheet, and wherein each permeate screen spacer has a first end and a second end corresponding to that of the multilaminate array of sheets, at least one fluid opening at the first end thereof and at least one fluid opening at the second end thereof, and wherein fluid openings of the permeate screen spacers are in register with corresponding fluid openings of the permeate pack.