Crossflowconstructie

Crossflowconstructie (cross-flow construction) is a term used in fluid engineering to describe the arrangement of components and channels that enforce crossflow, or tangential flow, of a liquid over a separating surface such as a membrane or filter. In crossflow filtration, the feed stream travels parallel to the surface, while a portion passes through the membrane as permeate and the remainder continues as retentate. This configuration minimizes concentration buildup at the surface and enables higher solids loading and longer operating cycles compared with dead-end filtration.

Common implementations include plate-and-frame, tubular, and spiral-wound modules, where spacers, channel height, and module geometry are designed to promote uniform tangential velocity and adequate shear. The design must balance pressure drop, flow distribution, and cleaning access. Parameters such as transmembrane pressure, crossflow velocity, and shear rate influence permeate flux and fouling rates. Maintenance often relies on cleaning-in-place and periodic disassembly.

Applications span water treatment, food and beverage processing, dairy processing, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where gentle, continuous filtration or separation is required without rapid fouling. Advantages of crossflowconstructie include higher process stability, reduced fouling, and higher recovery; drawbacks include higher capital cost, energy consumption due to pumping, and more complex manifolds.

The term is primarily used in Dutch-language industrial literature, closely related to the broader concept of tangential-flow filtration and crossflow filtration in membrane technology.