Multiple element fluid separation device

An integral manifold for use in a multi-element fluid separation device, comprising:

• a first portion having a plurality of element receiving recesses, said recesses being divided into at least a first group and a second group;
• a second portion connected to said first portion and containing a pluraliry of inlet recesses associated respectively with said element receiving recesses, and containing a first channel connecting the inlet recesses of said first group together, and a second channel connecting the inlet recesses of the second group together;
• and
• a third portion co-nected to said second portion and containing collection recesses associated respectively with said element receiving recesses, and containing a third channel connecting the collection recesses of said first group together, and a fourth channel connecting the collection recesses of said second group together;
• and
• wherein said second and third portions define a fifth channel connecting said second channel to said third channel.

A multi-element fluid separation device, comprising:

• a plurality of fluid separation elements, each element having a treatable fluid inlet end with a treatable fluid inlet, a treatable fluid chamber, a product fluid chamber, and an outlet end having a product fluid outlet connected to said product fluid chamber, and a concentrated fluid outlet connected to said treatable fluid chamber;
• said elements being divided into first stage elements and second stage elements;
• pressure chamber means for pressurizing said elements, said pressure chamber means including at least one pressure vessel having first and second ends;
• manifold means for directing fluid flow from said concentrated fluid outlet of said first stage elements to said treatable fluid inlet of said second stage elements, said manifold means including recesses to receive, respectively, said elements, each said recess including seal means for sealing the concentrated fluid outlet of the respective element, each seal means including a generally planar surface engaging an end surface of the respective element, said manifold means being connected to said pressure vessel only at said first end;
• and
• an end cap means connected over said second end of said pressure vessel for enclosing said second end.