Abstract: Treatment apparatus comprising a chamber (11) for treatment of a process fluid and having at least two regions in each of which the process fluid is caused to follow a circulating path, in which the location of openings (13, 14) for introduction and removal of process fluid to and from the chamber and the shape of means defining the paths followed by the components of the process fluid through the chamber is such that the circulating paths followed by the process fluid in the two regions have oppositely directed radial components and the two regions communicate with one another such that process fluid introduced into one region is constrained to flow into the other region before leaving the vessel, at least part of the chamber wall (12′) being formed as a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a winding structure 1 around which a chromatographic column 6 can be wound, and an information carrier 7 which can be connected to said winding structure 1. This assembly offers a rigid and convenient means to handle one or two chromatographic columns of longer lengths. The information carrier 7 contains the chromatographic column identification information as well as several tools, such as a tool 13 to hold one or two chromatographic column connectors 11, a ruler to measure column insertion lengths and clips 12 to hold column ends, and clips to hold column extensions.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a tray having at least one well with a support associated with the well, and a removable undercover. The undercover protects the support or membrane from external contamination without causing excessive force on an individual well that can cause membrane flatness. The undercover is easily removable to provide access to the support or membrane. The undercover, when affixed to the underside of the multiwell plate or tray, allows the assembly to be transportable as a single unit while still being in compliance with SBS automation standards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting water intrusion tests on hydrophobic filtration units is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating sulfate-ion pair complexes from aqueous streams. The method involves the steps of: (a) concentrating and distilling an aqueous stream containing inorganic material by membrane distillation; (b) adding a non-hazardous miscible organic solvent to the concentrated aqueous stream in an amount effective to form inorganic precipitates comprising at least a portion of sulfate and polyvalent cations; (c) removing at least most of the organic solvent from the aqueous stream by vacuum membrane distillation; and (d) after step (c), removing at least most of the inorganic precipitates from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. In the first preferred embodiment, a reverse osmosis system containing one or more reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”) is supported by a platform on the sea floor. In the second preferred embodiment, a cylinder is supported by a flotation device, and the reverse osmosis system is retained on the cylinder. In both the embodiments, an elongated brine return runs downhill on the sea floor. The RODs each contain a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an installation for filtering a liquid using a membrane filter device. The technical sector of the invention is the field of manufacturing filter devices, in particular semipermeable membrane devices. In the invention, a pump (3, 4) for pressurizing a liquid has three pistons (24, 25, 26) connected to a common shaft (23) mounted to move in translation in three chambers (18a, 18b; 19a, 19b; 20a, 20b) that are in alignment; two of said pistons (24, 26) being identical and connected to the ends of the shaft (23), each separating one of the chambers (18, 20) into two cavities (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b).

Abstract: A filtration station for capturing small to medium sized tissue fragments in fluid for histological processing. The filtration station allows tissue to be filtered onto foam in a cassette or into a biopsy bag with speed, excellent tissue recovery and convenient fixative collection for recycling or disposal. The present invention combines two normally separate filtration stations into one station for more convenient filtration of tissue into two widely used filter media while also reducing exposure to harmful vapors.

Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus and a process for recycling used engine coolant employs a combination of filtration, dissolved air floatation, centrifugation (hydrocyclone separation), semi-permeable nano filtration, reverse osmosis, and continuous deionization for separating ethylene glycol, with or without propylene glycol, and water from used engine coolant. The engine coolant is pre-filtered through a series of filters. The filters remove particulate contaminates. This filtered fluid is then subjected to dissolved air floatation and/or centrifugation to remove organic petroleum contaminants. Then, it is pressurized prior to being passed through semi-permeable nano filtration. The nano filtration separates the feed stream into a ultra filtration solution and a concentrated waste solution. The concentrate solution is returned to a centrifuged coolant tank for continuous circulation through the nano filtration device.

Abstract: A water filter for recreational vehicles (RV) is provided which includes a ceramic filter element having a radial flange attached thereto. The flange facilitates filter assembly and replacement of the filter element in the filter housing. The method of use describes a quick and easy method of replacing the filter element which is advantageous to unskilled persons in assembling and attaching the water filter to the RV.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: To pot membranes in a header, a dense, viscous liquid, suspension or, preferably, a thixotropic, water soluble gel, is placed in a header pan in space reserved for a permeate channel. A plurality of hollow fiber membranes are collected together and their open ends are inserted into the gel. A fixing liquid, typically a resin, is placed over the gel. The fixing liquid surrounds each membrane and then solidifies, simultaneously sealing the outer surfaces of the membranes and forming a plug in the opening of the header to complete the permeate channel. After the fixing liquid has solidified, the gel is removed by various means. The space initially occupied by the gel becomes part of the permeate channel after the gel is removed. In one embodiment, membranes are grouped by a cushioning adhesive which later surrounds the membranes where they exit the completed header.

Abstract: A product, capable of treating contaminated fluids, preferably gases, is disclosed. The product contains a carrier, an activated metal oxide, an odor counteractant, a carrier for the odor counteractant, and an agent which limits diffusion of the odor counteractant. The product removes sulfur contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, while also reducing and/or neutralizing other common odor causing compounds in fluids, preferably gases. Methods of making and using the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic device for attachment to an exterior wall of an oil filter canister whose purpose is to attract ferrous particles being conducted through the oil passing through the oil filter canister and cause such to be adhered to the inner wall surface of the sidewall of the oil filter canister. The device has an enclosing frame within which is mounted a series of thin walled plates. The plates are located in a stacked relationship. The plates permit flexing of the enclosing frame so that a plurality of magnets that are mounted in conjunction with the frame will always be located flush against the exterior wall surface of the canister even though the diameter of the canister may vary by the canisters being constructed by different manufacturers. The magnets are coated with a plastic coating to prevent contact with moisture to prevent rusting of the magnets.

Abstract: A novel microporous membrane comprising a hot-melt adhesive and an engineering plastics, the methods of preparing such microporous membrane and the uses of the microporous membrane in, e.g., batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells, sensors, electrochromic devices or the like.

Abstract: A filter filters fluid flowing along an axial flow direction and includes a plurality of concentric cylindrical pleated filter elements having a common axis. A plurality of annular radial gaps between filter elements provide additional flow axially through the filter, providing equalized flow and reducing restriction. In further embodiments, a central filter element is concentrically surrounded by a cylindrical pleated outer filter element and provides additional flow axially therethrough.