Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for treating blood outside the human body, with a view to improving the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus including a semi-permeable membrane carrying out an exchange of solutes, referred to as dialysis, and of liquid, referred to as ultrafiltration, with the blood, the method including at least one iteration of the following steps: determination of a so-called instantaneous value, of an ultrafiltration coefficient corresponding to the ratio of an ultrafiltration flow rate to a difference in pressure, the so-called transmembrane pressure, on either side of the semi-permeable membrane, comparison of the instantaneous value with at least one previously determined characteristic value; and control of the treatment apparatus to reach a maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient, the control including a variation of the ultrafiltration flow rate up to a value corresponding to the maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between an effluent fluid and a blood fluid and a heat exchanger for heat exchange. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second fluid circuit extending through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger further comprises a stack of fluid plates and a membrane arranged between each of the fluid plates where one interspace is formed between each fluid plate and membrane. The first and the second fluid circuit is each constituted by a passage extending through the fluid plates and membranes and along the fluid plates and membranes in at least two interspaces According to the method for heat exchanging an effluent fluid is passed through the first fluid circuit and a blood fluid is passed through the second fluid circuit such that the effluent fluid is passed along one side of a membrane and simultaneously the blood fluid is passed along the other side of the membrane. Heat is thus exchanged between the effluent fluid and the blood fluid over the membrane.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between an effluent fluid and a treatment fluid and a heat exchanger for heat exchange as well as an arrangement and a kit comprising a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second fluid circuit extending through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger further comprises a stack of fluid plates and a membrane arranged between each of the fluid plates where one interspace is formed between each fluid plate and membrane. The first and the second fluid circuit is each constituted by a passage extending through the fluid plates and membranes and along the fluid plates and membranes in at least two interspaces. According to the method for heat exchanging an effluent fluid is passed through the first fluid circuit and a treatment fluid is passed through the second fluid circuit such that the effluent fluid is passed along one side of a membrane and simultaneously the treatment fluid is passed along the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: A dialysis system instrument includes a dialysis instrument, a disposable pumping and valving cassette apparatus operable with pumping and valving actuators of the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including an electronic cell and electronics associated with the electronic cell, the electronics configured to determine an electrical property of a solution flowing through the electronic cell of the disposable apparatus.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger received within the open end such that it slides within the interior of the housing. The plunger is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, wherein the plunger has an elongated housing that includes a filter element, such as, a plurality of hollow filter elements that are open at a distal end of the plunger housing and are in communication with an outlet that is associated with the plunger.

Abstract: A modular water purification system is optimized for versatility and weight using a pump component that is mountable by standardized fittings into alternative prime mover modules that can receive and power the pump. The pump can be a heavy high pressure pump for a reverse osmosis stage, interchangeably mounted on an internal combustion engine module or an electric motor module. The pump is enclosed and protected by a frame with end plates, elongated bar handles and a standardized base that fits into and is fixed by a sliding flange and clamping structure, locating the pump precisely to engage a rotational fitting on the pump shaft with a complementary fitting coupled to the prime mover.

Abstract: A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste and an injector section that injects oxygen into the compressed liquid waste. The system further includes a driver subsystem for driving the compressor section and a control subsystem for activating and deactivating the driver subsystem.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A power recovery chamber is used for a positive-displacement power recovery apparatus in the seawater desalination plant or system. The power recovery chamber includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of being reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a piston guide disposed in the cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder for guiding the piston when the piston is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the piston is out of contact with an inner surface of the cylinder, and the piston is brought into contact with the piston guide at a part where the piston guide passes through the piston.

Abstract: A waste fluid treating apparatus including a pure water generating unit including an ion exchanger for purifying a fresh water sent by a fresh water pump to obtain a pure water. The ion exchanger includes a housing, an anion exchange resin layer accommodated in the housing, and a mixed resin layer accommodated in the housing. The anion exchange resin layer is composed of only anion exchange resin, and the mixed resin layer is composed of a mixture of anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin. The housing is provided with a fresh water inlet for introducing the fresh water into the anion exchange resin layer and a pure water outlet for discharging the pure water from the mixed resin layer.

Abstract: An oil-water separator with a self-priming pump of high oil-water separation ability enables a mixed liquid to be introduced into the oil-water separator without causing emulsification. A separator portion separating a mixed liquid includes a rough cyclone separation portion. A main separation portion downstream of the rough separation portion performs main separation according to specific gravity. A water discharge portion connected to the main separation portion discharges water. An oil storage tank stores the oil separated from the water and overflowing the main separation portion. A self-priming liquid pump connected downstream of the separator portion and connected to the water discharge portion sucks the mixed liquid from an exterior to enable venting and discharging of air.

Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems, including a variety of systems and methods that would make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to new fluid circuits for fluid flow. In one set of embodiments, a hemodialysis system may include a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path, where the dialysate flow path includes one or more of a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. Preparation of dialysate by the preparation circuit, in some instances, may be decoupled from patient dialysis. In some cases, the circuits are defined, at least partially, within one or more cassettes, optionally interconnected with conduits, pumps, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the hemodialysis system.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a pressure tank having a first end and a second end, the pressure tank has a first volume adjacent to the first end and a second volume adjacent to the second end and a third volume between the first volume and the second volume and a fluid passage fluidically coupling the second volume to the first volume. The reverse osmosis system also includes a plurality of membranes disposed within the third volume generating permeate and a permeate manifold receiving permeate from the membranes and fluidically communicating permeate out of the pressure tank. A feed line couples feed fluid into the pressure tank. A first pump pressurizes the feed line. A second pump is disposed within the tank and circulates brine fluid from the second volume through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid during an extracorporeal treatment of blood is disclosed. Detection of the supply of replacement fluid upstream or downstream of the dialyser or filter is based on a measurement of the optical or physical density of the blood or of a constituent of blood in the extracorporeal circulation. To detect pre- or post-dilution, the blood flow rate and/or the replacement rate and/or the flow rate of the fluid removed from the blood through the dialyser membrane is altered, and the density of the blood or of the constituent of blood is measured upstream and/or downstream of the dialyser. Additionally, an apparatus for treating blood with an apparatus for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A desalination plant for treating a sea water or brackish water feed is provided. The desalination plant includes a first treatment section to effectively remove scaling species, the first treatment section including nanofiltration section, the nanofiltration section including at least two stages and at least two passes; and a reverse osmosis section that operates at high recovery to produce a purified permeate stream and a selectively NaCl salt-enriched reject stream as a saline output.

Abstract: A novel system and method for fluid management for accurate continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The fluid management or CWH system is automated and configured for operation as a stand alone unit and can be easily integrated with an ECMO system. The fluid management system is capable of producing either perfect or negative fluid balance between ultrafiltrate removal and replacement fluid delivery. The fluid management system can achieve electrolyte replacement over a range of flow rates needed to care for patients ranging from neonates to adults. Finally, the novel fluid management system preserves patient safety, maintains sterility during operation, is easy to operate, and is compact enough to fit near a patient's bed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.

Abstract: A multi-stage method of reducing solids and contaminants from liquid waste and other suitable streams without the use of chemical flocculants or polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.

Abstract: Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide an economical means for producing electricity.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system for removing contaminants from fluids includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The system also includes a fluid pump between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a filter material between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The filter material comprises a dual-valence polymer with negative valence monomer groups and positive valence monomer groups, the negative valence being stronger than the positive valence.

Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor for carrying out a photocatalytic reaction on a liquid which is to be treated, the reactor comprising a reaction chamber which comprises: (i) a foraminated member which supports a plurality of mobile photocatalyst particles, the size and density of which is such that they tend to rest on the foraminated member in use; and (ii) an aeration device which causes gas bubbles to rise from the foraminated member and agitate the mobile photocatalyst particles. The reactor may be a flow-through reactor. The photocatalytic reactor can be applied to the remediation of waste water using titanium oxide.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment plant using methane gas, a by-product of anaerobic sludge digestion, to generate energy in a combustor to run the plant, a system for collecting the gas stream from the plant biological process and feeding the gas stream, containing nitrous oxide emissions, into the combustor. The nitrous oxide is thermally reduced down to nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.

Abstract: A portable lubricant filtration system and method is provided for facile pre-filtering of used or new lubricant prior to pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Abstract: A container (10) for liquids is provided, in which pressurization of the container is used to force the liquid through one or more membranes to an output. The membranes are disposed across substantially an entire length of the container, and pass liquid in preference to air. As a result, the liquid may be extracted from the container in any orientation. A particular use for this kind of container is as a portable water bottle containing a filter (20).

Abstract: A method for treating seawater that includes the step of intaking water into at least one treatment block, wherein the treatment block includes a membrane pressure vessel having at least one membrane element, wherein the treatment block is configured such that the intake water is fed through the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, is disclosed. The disclosed method further includes the steps of feeding the intake water through the membrane pressure vessel at a custom pressure based on the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, and separating the intake water into at least an aqueous permeate stream and a concentrate reject stream; and outputting the aqueous permeate stream and the concentrate reject stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system including a raw water tank, a module which includes a filtration membrane, a feed pump, a filtered water tank, a backwash pump which flows filtered water backward from the filtered water tank to the module, a valve and a channel which switch the direction of the water flow between the forward and reverse directions, a controller which suspends the supply of raw water from the raw water tank to the module, switches the valve and channel to the reverse direction, makes the backwash pump to supply filtered water from the filtered water tank to the module thereby backwashing the filtration membrane, and washing drainage treatment line including which treats backwashing drainage generated by backwashing of the filtration membrane, and returns the water to the raw water tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for radiolabeling, particularly methods and apparatus for large scale in-line radiolabeling of products, such as proteins and antibodies.

Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.

Abstract: A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.

Abstract: An apparatus for osmotic power generation and desalination of seawater using a salinity difference is provided.

Abstract: An above ground water clarifier is described. The clarifier includes a spray system for receiving water from an external system and disposing the water onto a filter tray rack. A first recovery chamber is positioned below the filter tray rack for receiving filtered water that is gravity fed through the filter tray rack. A second recovery chamber is positioned adjacent to and fluidly connected with the first recovery chamber. The first and second recovery chambers are formed to filter out solids and/or oils before passing the water to a sump chamber and/or the sewer. The sump chamber includes a plurality of tiered pumps for pumping the water back to the external system.

Abstract: A pressure vessel having a cell with a locking pin, and a cap and associated methods and systems. The locking pin may be configured to engage the cap when the pressure vessel is pressurized to prevent rotation of the cap without depression of the cap.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid removal process in a filter and a positive metal ion removal process in a positive metal ion-exchange resin column are performed sequentially through an etching acid waste liquid disposal circulation flow channel, the solid removal process is performed on an upstream side of the positive metal ion removal process, furthermore after the positive metal ion removal process, a negative metal ion removal process removing at least B using a chelate forming fiber or a chelate forming resin is performed on a downstream side of the etching acid waste liquid disposal circulation flow channel, thereby an etching acid waste liquid is recycled sequentially through the etching acid waste liquid disposal circulation flow channel.

Abstract: Plant comprising a homogenization tank (100) equipped with a stirrer (120) and with a pumping unit (140), a connecting pipe (300) leaving the pumping unit (140) comprising an injector of reagents (310) and a static mixer (320), a second chamber (200) surmounted by a mixing tank (210) into which the connecting pipe (300, 320) opens tangentially and comprising a flocculation pan (220) above the sludge pit (230) and surmounted by a filtration chamber (240), a pipe (270) leading down to the bottom (222) of the flocculation pan (220) and a bypass pipe (160).

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: A filter system for removing contaminants from oil based industrial liquids and the like includes a support tube with a permeable sidewall through which the industrial liquid flows in an inside out direction. A multilayer coalescence media surrounds the support tube, and includes at least one layer of a non-woven fibrous material that is partially wettable by the dispersed water in the industrial liquid, and commences coalescence of the same to form small primary water droplets, and at least one sheet of a precisely woven monofilament fabric stacked on the downstream side of the non-woven material. The woven fabric is substantially wettable by the dispersed water, and has a fixed open mesh with uniformly sized and spaced apart pore openings which continue to coalesce the primary water droplets into large water drops which fall from the filter for collection along the bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.

Abstract: A practical treatment apparatus for ship ballast water, which can kill aquatic organisms contained in the ballast water, is provided by being easily incorporated in an existing ballast-water system piping in a ship.

Abstract: A multi-chamber basin is sized to collect excess waste water exceeding the processing capacity of a sewage system. In order to disinfect the waste water exceeding the basin capacity, disinfectant is added at a point in the system after the first basin. After the rain event is over and there is excess sewage treatment capacity, the sewage treatment in the multi-chamber basin is returned to the sewage system. By not disinfecting the waste water in the first basin chamber, the overall disinfectant usage can be minimized.

Abstract: Included is a high-pressure pump P1 that increases the pressure of raw water 11 to a predetermined high pressure, a high-pressure reverse osmosis device 13 including a high-pressure reverse osmosis membrane 13a for concentrating a salt content in high-pressure feed water 12 whose pressure is increased, a first drain valve 21 that is mounted on a permeated water line L2 for supplying the permeated water 14 downstream and temporarily drains permeated water 14 of an initial start-up from a discharge line L6, a low-pressure pump P2 that is mounted on a permeated water line L3 provided downstream of the first drain valve 21 and reduces the pressure of the permeated water 14 to a predetermined low pressure, a low-pressure reverse osmosis device 16 including a low-pressure reverse osmosis membrane 16a for concentrating a salt content in low-pressure feed water 15 whose pressure is reduced by the low-pressure pump P2, and a second drain valve 22 that is mounted on a discharge line L5 at the concentrated water side of

Abstract: A water recovery method and apparatus which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle. The apparatus uses liquid-contactor to transfer water vapor from the vehicle exhaust to the liquid desiccant. The desiccant is then transferred to a reverse osmosis system which separates the liquid desiccant into potable water and a concentrated desiccant.