Abstract: A filter which is particularly useful with biological material is formed of porous piezoelectric material such as PZT or Polyvinylidene fluoride. By an application of a voltage to the piezoelectric material, the filter body is caused to vibrate so as to inhibit fouling. In a modification, the piezoelectric material is not itself porous but is bonded to a filter membrane such that vibrations of the piezoelectric material are transmitted to the membrane. Through suitable control of the vibration, the selectivity of the filter can be controlled. In other modifications the vibratory movement of the filter membrane can be produced in other ways such as electro-mechanically.

Abstract: A method of investigating the condition of biological particles, in particular the fraction of viable cells in a bacteria population involves applying a voltage and monitoring the voltage induced by magnetic induction in a detector coil. The applied voltage is of a variable frequency alternating voltage and is preferably induced in the medium through a drive coil.