System and method for withdrawing permeate through a filter and for cleaning the filter in situ

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A system is provided according to this invention for withdrawing permeate from a substrate through a filter and for cleaning the filter in situ.
The system includes a vessel that is configured to contain a substrate.
A compartment is provided as part of the system, the compartment being positioned to receive substrate from the vessel.
The compartment is also positioned to return a portion of received substrate to the vessel during normal operation of the system.
The system also includes a filter that is positioned at least partially within the compartment and that is connected to withdraw permeate from substrate in the compartment during normal operation of the system.
A source of cleaning solution is preferably connected to the compartment in order to introduce cleaning solution into the compartment and into contact with the filter during cleaning operation of the system.
In the system according to this invention, the compartment facilitates circulation of substrate during normal operation of the system.
The compartment also makes it possible to substantially prevent the introduction of cleaning solution from the compartment into contact with substrate contained in the vessel during the cleaning operation of the system.
Accordingly, the system of this invention is adapted for withdrawing permeate from a substrate through the filter and for cleaning the filter in situ in order to avoid the need for periodic removal of the filter.
A method is also provided for withdrawing permeate from a substrate through a filter and for cleaning the filter in situ.
The method includes the steps of providing a compartment to at least partially surround the filter.
During normal operation of the filter, substrate is introduced from a vessel into the compartment, permeate is withdrawn through the filter from substrate received in the compartment, and a portion of received substrate is returned from the compartment to the vessel.
During cleaning operation of the filter, flow of substrate into the compartment is prevented, permeate is returned to the compartment, and a cleaning solution is preferably introduced into the compartment and into contact with the filter, all while maintaining the filter in situ