Abstract: A polymer having a fractal configuration of structure which is self-similar or is scale invariant at different scales. As a consequence of their fractal configuration, such polymers have superior properties as an interstitial material for the adsorption of substances, and are useful as an additive or adjunct to ion exchange, filtration and membrane separation of compounds.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a new highly permeable anisotropic synthetic membrane useful in membrane separation of compounds in such processes as ultrafiltration, dialysis, electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, gas permeation and gas diffusion. The membrane comprises a multi-layered structure, preferably of 4-12 layers, with each layer thereof serving as a molecular screen of a precise molecular weight cut-off. Between each layer of the membane there are rows of alveolae with adjacent alveolae in adjacent rows being connected by means of channels of molecular dimensions. For any type of plymeric starting material it is possible to obtain membranes of a predetermined molecular weight cut-off. The membranes have the advantage of providing a multilayered action for separation of compounds, with any defect in one layer being corrected by the following layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semipermeable barrier for osmotic distillation, having a semipermeable matrix of an externally hydrophobic, high thermal conductibility material having a thickness of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 20 microns, a minimum porosity of 50% of the surface area and pore dimensions such that the flux is proportional to the pore radius (Knudsen) or to the square of the pore radius. Concentration of a dilute solution of low osmotic pressure is accomplished by the process of contacting the barrier on a first side with fluid of a first osmotic pressure and on the second side with fluid of a lower osmotic pressure, whereby the concentration of the fluid of lower osmotic pressure is increased due to the difference in osmotic pressure between the two fluids.

Abstract: The modification of a diffusion barrier by the deposition of one or more inorganic species within the pores and on to the surfaces of said diffusion barrier to form an immobilized crystalline lattice barrier or molecular grid having substantially uniform permeability and to select and separate different ionic species, giving a high efficiency of separation with a low energy input. The diffusion barrier is characterized by one or more units, each incorporating a tubular housing with a bundle of porous hollow fibres therein, arranged in the axial direction of the housing. The inorganic crystalline lattice is exemplified by barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and sulphuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) solutions, or, alternatively, co-precipitated aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.2) and barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and aluminium sulphate (Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) solutions.

Abstract: The modification of a diffusion barrier by the deposition of one or more inorganic species within the pores and on to the surfaces of said diffusion barrier to form an immobilized crystalline lattice barrier or molecular grid having substantially uniform permeability and to select and separate different ionic species, giving a high efficiency of separation with a low energy input. The diffusion barrier is characterized by one or more units, each incorporating a tubular housing with a bundle of porous hollow fibres therein, arranged in the axial direction of the housing. The inorganic crystalline lattice is exemplified by barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and sulphuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) solutions, or, alternatively, co-precipitated aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.2) and barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and aluminium sulphate (Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) solutions.

Abstract: A hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane process (e.g., using hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers) for the concentration of a dilute solution of low osmotic pressure by osmotic distillation (also known as membrane distillation or membrane evaporation), which is a separation process using as its driving force the difference in the osmotic pressure between two fluids (e.g., fruit juice and seawater) separated by a hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane to achieve a concentration of the fluid having the lower osmotic pressure (.e., fruit juice). When coupled with reverse osmosis means there is provided a method for recovery of solvent (e.g., potable water) from the process, e.g., desalination of seawater. A process is also provided to recover part of the energy available between the two fluids i.e., between two different potential energies, due to the difference in osmotic pressure between the two fluids.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a semipermeable membrane having a maximized porosity with surface properties providing enhanced flux, and good chemical resistance.

Abstract: The modification of a diffusion barrier by the deposition of one or more inorganic species within the pores and on to the surfaces of said diffusion barrier to form an immobilized crystalline lattice barrier or molecular grid having substantially uniform permeability and to select and separate different ionic species, giving a high efficiency of separation with a low energy input. The diffusion barrier is characterized by one or more units, each incorporating a tubular housing with a bundle of porous hollow fibres therein, arranged in the axial direction of the housing. The inorganic crystalline lattice is exemplified by barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and sulphuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) solutions, or, alternatively, co-precipitated aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.2) and barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and aluminum sulphate (Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) solutions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite covering, particularly useful as floor covering, constituted by an underlayer of a density varying as a function of the thickness and by a light velvet-type woven fabric with a weight per surface unit of between 70 and 120 g/m.sup.2, said fabric, constituting the visible face of the covering, being glued to the underlayer on the side of the zone of high density.

Abstract: In apparatus for continuously treating a thread, for example a textile thread, including squeezing and/or drying a humid thread wherein the humid thread is passed into a zone traversed by a current of air at a pressure lower than that prevailing about the thread during the operation that provoked its humidification, the zone comprises a chamber having an inlet and an outlet between which there is a helical conduit.