Abstract: A method of actuating a water softening system is provided. The method comprises providing a sensing device containing sensing material in a water treatment tank of the water softening system, the sensing device being positioned at a top of the water treatment tank with a body thereof partially embedded in a resin bed of the water treatment tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous elements that include sintered polymeric particles. The polymeric particles can be formed of a thermoplastic composition that includes a polyarylene sulfide. The polymeric particles sintered to form the porous elements have a very narrow size distribution. The porous elements can maintain their functionality and morphology even when utilized in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having a plurality of membrane elements disposed in series and a plurality of permeate pipes receiving permeate from a respective one of the plurality of membrane elements. Each of the plurality of elements has an inlet and an outlet. A plurality of connectors coupling successive permeate pipes together. Each of the plurality of connectors includes one of a plurality of flow restrictors. Each of the plurality of flow restrictors is sized to further restrict permeate flow into a subsequent permeate pipe of the plurality of permeate pipes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dialysis machine that comprises a dialyzer, a fluid source, a first line connected to the fluid source, and a container containing bicarbonate. The container connects to the first line and the fluid flows from the fluid source, through the first line, to the container. The dialysis machine further includes a second line connected to the container, a flow rate sensor connected to at least one of the lines, a pressure sensor configured for detecting fluid pressure of the container, a display, and a data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus is configured to receive signals from the flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor. The data processing apparatus is configured to calculate a size of the container based on the received signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for desubliming, condensing or evaporating a fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber and at least one tubular member for desubliming, condensing or evaporating the fluid on the outer surface of the at least one tubular member. The chamber is provided with at least one inlet for the fluid and at least one outlet for the condensate and/or evaporate, and at least one supply and at least one discharge for a cooling and/or heating fluid. The tubular member includes an outer member and an inner member enclosed within the outer member. The inner member is in communication with the supply at a first end. The outer member is in communication with the discharge at a first end. The outer member is closed at a second end. The inner member is open and mouths into the outer member at a second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusate holder for use in dialysis. The infusate holder can include one or more interior compartments for holding infusate containers or infusates. The interior compartments are aligned to cooperate with fluid connectors of a dialysis system, ensuring that the proper infusates are added to the dialysis system at a proper location.

Abstract: The present invention describes a liquid recycling system and method for purifying and either recirculating or discarding of liquid. The system includes a liquid input line, a tank, and a circulation pump for providing recirculation of liquid from the tank. A filter and a heater are used to treat liquid from the circulation pump. A valve is provided to direct liquid either to a shower head or faucet, or back to the tank. Additional plumbing and components can be used to provide multiple independent recirculation loops with the tank. An electronic controller can be used to control components of the present invention, where a user could interface with the controller via a control panel or a software application accessed by a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A vapor relief strainer cleaning assembly comprises a turbine and dislodger assembly, wherein the turbine is configured to move a dislodger assembly disposed within a vapor screen relief vessel. Exemplary dislodger assemblies are configured to be powered by vapor or gas and to use excess vapor or gas optionally to dislodge non-condensable contaminants from the filter screen or to facilitate contaminant dislodgement from the inner wall of the filter screen.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a membrane filtration element is provided. The element may include at least one feed spacer including a first set of parallel strands extending in a first direction and including a plurality of first strands having a first thickness and a plurality of second strands having a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. A second set of parallel strands may extend in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. The second set of parallel strands may include a plurality of third strands having a third thickness and a plurality of fourth strands having a fourth thickness that is smaller than the third thickness. In one embodiment, the first and second sets of strands include alternating thick and thin strands, which reduce pressure drop in membrane filtration systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to systems, apparatus, and methods for fluid filtration (e.g., water) with a ceramic membrane having a seal. For example, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a cross-flow fluid filtration assembly comprising (a) an elongate ceramic membrane filter having a first filter end, a second filter end, at least one filter side, and at least one interior channel spanning the length of the filter, (b) a first filtration seal gasket fixed to the first filter end forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and (c) a second filtration seal gasket fixed to the second filter end forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The present disclosure also relates to a cross-flow fluid filtration module comprising a fluid path defined by a contaminated media inlet chamber, a fluid filtration assembly positioned in a permeate chamber, and a concentrate chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid treatment system having a sensor comprising a body, the body having a sensing material disposed therein, the sensing material being subject to a change in size in response to a composition of a liquid flowing therethrough; an actuating means disposed within the body and associated with the sensing material; wherein the actuating means is movable between a first position and a second position in response to the change in size of the sensing material to thereby mechanically actuate a switch member, such that when the actuating means is in the first position, flow of an actuating stream of the liquid is allowed by the switch member to thereby hydraulically actuate operation of the liquid treatment system; and when the actuating means is in the second position, flow of the actuating stream of the liquid is prevented by the switch member.

Abstract: Provided is a water softening system not requiring electrical or electronic actuation in which an ion regeneration process of a resin bed contained in a water treatment tank is hydraulically actuated by a sensing device held at a top of the water treatment tank with a body of the sensing device being partially embedded in the resin bed to detect ion depletion of the resin bed.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus is disclosed. In an example, the blood treatment apparatus includes a blood treatment unit; a blood line configured to extract blood from a blood source, pass the blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel; and a fluid line configured to pass treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit and deliver used treatment fluid to a fluid sink. A flow divider is arranged in the fluid line for separating treatment fluid into to a first fluid section and a second fluid section, thereby electrically isolating the fluid sections such that electrical current flowing in the fluid line between the fluid sections is limited. Related manufacturing and verification methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid flow paths and fluid connectors for use with detachable containers that can be seated in an infusate caddy for use in a dialysis machine. The detachable containers can contain infusates or other solutes or materials such as disinfectants or cleaners, and can be conveniently seated in the infusate caddy. The detachable containers can be removed from the infusate caddy for restocking, cleaning, or resupply, as needed. The infusate caddy can be positioned or seated in a receiving compartment of a dialysis machine, and can also be removed, as needed. The fluid path and fluid connectors of the present invention provide the required fluid fittings, valve arrangements, pumps, and paddle assemblies for using the infusate caddy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating produced water and/or flowback water from fracking operations include: an oil water separator; a first filter downstream of the oil water separator; and an electrocoagulation unit downstream of the first filter. Systems and methods can be used for producing a concentrated brine for use in industrial applications and a separate stream of fresh water.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for photo-chemical oxidation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a dialysis fluid regeneration system includes: a nanostructured anode; a source of light configured to illuminate the anode; and a cathode that is oxygen permeable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for removing a radionuclide, including: a first polymer including a hydroxy group; a second polymer into which a boronic acid group is introduced as a functional group; and an adsorbent for removing the radionuclide, and a method for removing a radionuclide using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sewage/wastewater treatment system using granular activated sludge and a membrane bio-reactor and a sewage/wastewater treatment method using the same that are configured to effectively remove pollutants contained in raw water through a granulation tank in which the granular activated sludge is contained and to allow the raw water to be filtered through movable membranes located on the upper portion of the granulation tank. The system includes: an indirect aeration tank adapted to supply air thereto to allow dissolved oxygen contained in raw water to reach a saturation concentration; a granulation tank adapted to allow floating microorganisms contained in the treated water passing through the indirect aeration tank to be granulated and having a sludge blanket formed thereon; and movable membranes located on the upper portion of the granulation tank in such a manner as to be movable in the granulation tank.

Abstract: A silt filtering device includes a moving bottom plate. A first material conveying water pump, a stirring box, a filter box and a compression box are sequentially arranged on an upper portion of the moving bottom plate. A roller mechanism is arranged on each of four diagonal portions of a lower portion of the moving bottom plate. A controller, an infrared sensor and a high-definition camera assembly are arranged on the upper portion of the moving bottom plate. The first material conveying water pump conveys silt material to the stirring box through a convey pipe. A jitter mechanism assembly is arranged at a bottom portion of the stirring box to generate jittering. The jitter mechanism assembly comprises a plurality of identically shaking spring bodies and a driving cylinder arranged on the shaking spring bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a suspension has a housing with an inlet receiving the suspension to be filtered, an outlet for the clear filtered filtrate, and a drain for removal of filter cake. The housing has a cylindrical part centered on an axis. An output ring pipe is connected to the outlet and externally surrounds the cylindrical part. A plurality of segmental filter holders are fittable into the cylindrical part from above and together form a circular insert with each holder forming an inlet chamber having an outflow fitting connectable to the annular output pipe. Respective sets of filter elements each formed by a respective strip-shaped support and a mesh filter sock surrounding the support are carried on the holder and open into the respective inlet chambers. A removable cover upwardly closes the cylindrical part above the inserts.