Fluid fractionation apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Fluid fractionating apparatus comprising:

• a. an elongate rigid core of H-shaped cross-section defining two longitudinally extending grooves in said core;
• b. a plurality of hollow fibers arranged longitudinally within said grooves, said grooves acting as a bed for said fibers;
• c. two end walls which secure the hollow fibers to one another at their ends, these walls being firmly secured to the core;
• d. a jacket enclosing at least the said two grooves and end walls;
• e. at least one fluid inlet passage provided in the jacket;
• and
• g. at least one fluid outlet passage provided in the jacket.

Fluid fractionating apparatus, comprising:

• a. an elongate core of cross-shaped cross-section having four arms defining grooves therebetween;
• b. a plurality of hollow fibers arranged longitudinally within said grooves, said grooves acting as a bed for said fibers;
• c. two end walls which secure the hollow fibers to one another at their ends, these walls being firmly secured to the core;
• d. a jacket closing said grooves and end walls;
• e. at least one fluid inlet passage provided in the jacket;
• and
• g. at least one fluid outlet passage provided in the jacket.

A method of preparing a unit cell for fluid fractionating apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

• .alpha..sub.1 :
• winding up the hollow fibers around a plurality of channel cross-section cores placed on the sides of a polygonal support, effective to form a skein which holds all the cores tightly on the support,
• .beta..sub.1 :
• gluing the hollow fibers to the core and to one another at the ends of each of the cores,
• .gamma..sub.1 :
• sectioning the hollow fibers.

A method of preparing a unit cell for fluid fractionating apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

• .alpha..sub.2 :
• winding up the hollow fibers around two cores having hollow fiber receiving grooves on opposite faces so as to form a skein around the said cores,
• .beta..sub.2 :
• gluing the hollow fibers to the core and to one another at both ends of the skein,
• .gamma..sub.2 :
• sectioning of the hollow fibers.