Membrane filtration device having a hygienic suspension arrangement

A cross-flow filtration device comprising:

• a retentate plate possessing oppositely facing first and second sides;
• a permeate plate possessing oppositely facing first and second sides;
• a membrane sandwiched between the retentate plate and the permeate plate so that the second side of the retentate plate and the second side of the permeate plate face the membrane;
• the retentate plate comprising a plurality of feed channels each fluidly connected with and extending from a distribution manifold, the plurality of feed channels being located on the first side of the retentate plate;
• the retentate plate also comprising a plurality of drain channels each fluidly connected with and extending from a collection manifold, the plurality of drain channels being located on the first side of the retentate plate;
• each of the feed channels being fluidly connected to one of the drain channels by way of a plurality of first and second through holes that each extend completely through the retentate plate;
• the first through holes being fluidly connected to the feed channel and extending away from the first side of the retentate plate;
• the second through holes extending away from the second side of the retentate plate and opening into the drain channel;
• a space extending between the membrane and the second side of the retentate plate, and fluidly connecting the first through holes and the second through holes;
• and
• at least one of the second side of the retentate plate and the second side of the permeate plate including a plurality of spaced-apart ridges projecting towards the membrane and in contact with the membrane to suspend the membrane relative to the at least one of the second side of the retentate plate and the second side of the permeate plate.