Filtraion device with variable thickness walls

Abstract

This invention is directed at a cross-flow filtration device for receiving a feed stock and for separating the feed stock into filtrate and retentate, comprising a multicellular monolith structure having a central longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface. The monolith structure has both an inlet and outlet end face and a matrix of porous walls which define a plurality of cells; these mutually parallel cells extending longitudinally between the inlet and outlet end faces. The cells exhibit a uniform transverse cross section throughout each respective cell's length and each cell's cross-section and shape is variable when compared to at least one other cell such that all of the cells of the structure exhibit an equivalent hydraulic diameter. Lastly, the monolith structure's cells exhibit an increasing aggregate wall thickness in at least one direction as the cells approach the peripheral surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.