Ultrafiltration apparatus and process for the treatment of liquids

An ultrafiltration apparatus having improved resistance to clogging for the concentration and separation of components contained in liquids, said apparatus comprised of, in combination:

• a. at least one module having
• i. at least one entrance port,
• ii. at least one exit port,
• iii. a permeate collection zone, having at least one exit port,
• iv. a multiplicity of axially aligned hollow tubular members disposed in said zone in close proximity to one another, said members having a pore volume of at least about 0.08 cc/gm in the distribution peak in the pore diameter range wherein the majority of the pores are from about 0.1 to about 2.0 microns in diameter, said members being supported and sealably mounted in said zone so that liquid entering said module must contact said members and any components of said liquid which permeate the walls of said members collect in said permeate collection zone, and
• v. contained on the surface of said members which is in direct contact with said liquid a substantially uniform continuous adherent porous coating of preformed aggregates of metal oxide particles, said aggregates of particles having an average mean size of less than 5.0 microns, said coating being from about 0.01 to about 10.0 microns in thickness without substantial penetration into said members,
• b. means for supplying a feed liquid to said module,
• c. means for withdrawing a concentrated liquid from said module, and
• d. means for withdrawing a permeate liquid from said permeate collection zone.