Abstract: A suitable member formed from sintered, powdered, stainless steel is contacted with a nitrate solution of a soluble alkali metal nitrate and a metal such as zirconium in a pH range and for a time sufficient to effect the formation of a membrane of zirconium oxide on the stainless steel support, the membrane preferably including an organic polymeric material such as polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: An improved process for obtaining juice from fruit. The fruit is processed to provide a pumpable fluid puree of fruit and juice which is pumped at pressures in a range of from about 100 to about 1000 pounds per square inch in a single pass through a rigid porous tubular housing having a diameter of from about 5/8 inch to about six inches and having a food grade ultrafiltration membrane deposited on inside surfaces of same. Initial permeability (P) of the membrane to water is from about 1 to about 15 according to the formula ##EQU1## where permeate flux is gallons of water passing through a square foot of membrane area per day and pressure is measured in pounds per square inch. Exit pressure from the housing is maintained in a range of from about 50 to about 100 pounds per square inch. Clear, commercially sterile juice with the taste and aroma of fresh fruit can be obtained at juice yields of at least about 78%.

Abstract: In a process for mercerizing cellulosic cloth by treating the cloth with 3-10% caustic solution at the boil in a boilout stage, washing the cloth after treatment in the boilout stage and treating the washed cloth with 20-25% caustic in a mercerizer, an improvement comprises the steps of:(a) collecting overflow from the boilout stage, contaminated with additives used in weaving or knitting the cloth;(b) treating the contaminated overflow from the boilout stage by hyperfiltration to produce a recovered fraction of relatively pure caustic solution and a concentrate fraction containing additives used in weaving or knitting the cloth;(c) washing the cloth after treatment in the boilout stage with the recovered fraction of relatively pure caustic from step (b).

Abstract: A membrane separation apparatus utilizing hyperfiltration for permitting passage of a filtrate therethrough while rejecting a concentrated liquid medium is provided utilizing porous stainless steel membrane supports, wherein these supports are fabricated into a single pass configuration adapted for use at high pressures and substantial lengths, and wherein membrane is deposited in situ upon said supports after fabrication.