Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Abstract: A filter assembly for separating and collecting a layer of particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid containing the particulate matter (e.g., a biological fluid specimen). The filter assembly has a holder and contiguous inner and outer fluid pervious media. The outer fluid pervious medium is attached to the sidewall of the holder. The inner fluid pervious medium is of low fluidic impedance relative to the outer fluid pervious medium. The filter assembly is designed for use in a separation housing that defines two flow paths between inlet and outlet, one directly through the filter and the other around the periphery of the filter. The inlet portion of the housing has a central inlet in a radially sloped surface that faces the filter collection site. A movable suction head is adapted to cooperate with the housing and the filter assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus system and methods for treatment of virus-infected or pathogen-loaded human blood components separated from normal components comprising a separation apparatus and treatment apparatus system that inactivate pathogens in an extracorporeal body fluid system.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution channel (such as a tube) to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is conducted into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filtration cassettes, and, more particularly to methods of fabricating cross-flow filtration cassettes. Cassettes of the invention are characterized, in part, by a series of sealing channels which selectively seal the filtrate and retentate ports to prevent undesired flow. The sealing channels have formed barriers on either side thereof which create side-walls for precisely controlling the flow of the sealant during the cassette formation. Filtration cassettes of the present invention can be manufactured from conventional membrane and flow screen components and can utilize both injection molding and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding fabrication processes.

Abstract: A process for filtering a fluid is provided. The process includes providing a filtration cell having a filter membrane, a base configured to receive filtrate passing through the membrane, and a flow channel open to the filter membrane. A flow of the fluid is provided through the flow channel substantially tangent to the filter membrane in a first direction and a second direction substantially opposing the first direction, whereby the fluid reciprocally flows across the filter membrane. Filtrate passing through the membrane is collected. A system for filtering a fluid is also provided.

Abstract: The invention features integrated membrane assemblies for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The assemblies include two or more flat sheet membrane elements and at least one common manifold connected to the interior regions of the membrane elements.

Abstract: A fluid path control element which when stacked alternatively with a fluid porous sheet can be formed into a filtration module. The fluid path control element comprises a porous membrane having sealed to a portion of its periphery a thermoplastic element that extends into an opening either through the membrane or in an opening through the thermoplastic element. The portion of the thermoplastic element that extends into the opening can be heat sealed with a second thermoplastic element to prevent fluid flow between the opening and the membrane.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed. One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58). A filter trap chamber (62) is disposed on each side of each filter trap gap (58). Therefore, fluid will flow into one filter trap chamber (62), through a filter trap gap (58), and into another filter trap chamber (62), whether the flow is introduced into the filter module (34) through the first flow ports (74) or the second flow ports (50).

Abstract: An apparatus containing crosslinked polymer for binding phosphate anions is provided, the polymer comprises a polyvalent cation attached to the polymer through at least one covalently bound anionic functional group, and wherein the anionic group is selected from a group consisting of sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphonate and mixtures thereof and wherein the cation is selected from a group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, barium, strontium, zirconium, vanadium, scandium, lanthanum, yttrium, cerium, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, chromium, zinc and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste oil comprises the steps of (a) supplying a stream of the waste oil to a dehydrator to dehydrate the waste oil and obtain a stream of dehydrated waste oil; (b) supplying the stream of dehydrated waste oil to a fractionated distillation column having a lower tray, an upper tray and a middle tray therebetween, wherein the lower tray is operated at a temperature of 370 to 390° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 50 to 100 mmHg, the middle tray is operated at a temperature of 265 to 280° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 35 to 45 mmHg and the upper tray is operated at a temperature of 100 to 110° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg; (c) withdrawing from the distillation column a bottom product comprising a bituminous material; (d) withdrawing a first side stream from the distillation column between the first and second trays, the first side stream comprising a heavy oil having a viscosity of 130 to 180 cSt at 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow membrane (11) comprising two support layers arranged one above the other forming a space between them and a plurality of capillary tubes arranged between the support layers forming capillary channels for the flow of a first fluid, the space between the capillary tubes forming an internal cavity for the circulation of a second fluid around the capillary tubes, and the whole assembly being made of an organic polymer. These membranes (11) can be assembled into modules for the treatment of a fluid with intermediate porous panels (13).

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring unit [10] for monitoring the condition of a semi-permeable membrane [24] in a water purification system, and particularly the condition of spiral membrane in a reverse osmosis water purification system. The monitoring unit [10] comprises a flow chamber [12] that includes an inlet for permitting ingress of a feed fluid into the flow chamber [12], and a feed fluid outlet [22] for permitting at least partial through-flow of the feed fluid through the flow chamber [12] such that cross-flow conditions apply in the flow chamber [12]. The semi-permeable membrane [24] is at least partly supported in the flow chamber [12]. The monitoring unit [10] further comprises at least one fluid outlet [18] arranged in fluid communication with the flow chamber [12] for permitting egress of fluid from the monitoring unit [10] after having passed through the membrane [24]; and an inspection window [20] for permitting visual inspection of the semi-permeable membrane [24].

Abstract: A nanofeature particulate trap comprising a plurality of densely packed nanofeatures, such as nanotubes, and a particulate detector incorporating the nanofeature particulate trap are provided. A method of producing a nanotrap structure alone or integrated with a particulate detector is also provided.

Abstract: An internal filter includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. Fluid passages are formed by etching grooves into the surfaces(s) of the upper and/or lower substrates and/or in one or more intermediate layers. The filter pores extending between the fluid passages are formed by etching second grooves that fluidly connect the fluid passages. Two or more sets of the one or two intermediate layers can be implemented to provide additional filter passages and/or pores. Each set can be connected to a separate fluid source and/or a separate microfluidic device. In another internal filter, the inlet and outlet passages and the filter pores are formed on the same upper or lower substrate. The inlet and outlet passages are partially formed in a first step. In a second step, the inlet and outlet passages are completed at the same time that the filter pores are formed.

Abstract: The invention is a multichamber microdialysis device with a multitude of sample chambers in close side by side arrangement (similar to a microtiter plate) for receiving liquid samples, and at least one dialysate chamber for receiving a dialysate liquid. The sample chambers are surrounded by circumferential sidewalls and are in liquid exchange contact to a neighboring dialysis chamber via an exchange opening covered by a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane is fixed liquid-tight to the walls of the sample chamber, so that a diffusion exchange between the sample chamber and the correspondingly neighboring dialysate chamber is only possible via the membrane. Consequently, only molecules with a molecular weight below the molecular cut-off of the semipermeable membrane can diffuse from the sample chamber to the dialysate chamber or from the dialysate chamber to the sample chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, that includes a frame, in connection with which is arranged a primary space for water to be filtered, secondary space for filtered water and a filter. The filter is arranged to filter water, that is driven by gravity from the primary space existing in the frame to the secondary space, wherein the filtering influence of the filter is based essentially on a thin filtering film made of plastic based material. Essentially underneath the primary space is arranged an accessory space for the filtering means, that is in connection with the primary space and that has an essentially smaller cross-section than the same, in order to keep the filter surrounded by unclean water in the auxiliary space of the primary space, being limited from the secondary space, totally separate from the secondary space.

Abstract: A separation device, such as a filter or separation line apparatus, and method of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides counter flow cascade separation systems useful to separate solute/solute pairs present in a solvent. The separation systems include a series of interconnected stages with each stage comprising a combination of a diafilter preferentially permeable for one solute and an ultrafilter that accepts a permeate flow from the diafilter. The ultrafilter is permeable to solvent. Solute/solute pairs are preferentially separated by the diafilter into permeate and retentate flows and excess solvent is removed from the permeate flow by the ultrafilter and recycled back into the system. Stages are combined to form a counter flow cascade separation system capable of operation approaching an ideal counter flow cascade.

Abstract: A well (50) comprising a side wall (10), a sealing ring (40), a rib arrangement (5), and a filter (20), for use in processing a fluid, e.g., by microtitration or microfiltration, is disclosed.

Abstract: In a filtration device (1) comprising a pressure-resistant housing (2) with a liquid inlet opening (3) and an outlet opening (4) for filtered matter, into which a collecting channel (12) terminates, at least one filter element (8–11) designed as flat membrane is connected to the collecting channel (12) in a pressure-tight manner. This device provides a high liquid throughput at the same time having a compact construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: Advanced submerged membrane systems are provided. Said submerged membrane systems have multiple membrane modules comprising of strips of flat sheet membrane, bundles of self-support hollow fiber membranes braided together for reinforcement, tubular membranes, and braid supported hollow fiber membranes. Said submerged membrane systems have alternating relay, or two-way floating switch or computer to control filtration and back flush/pulse cleaning. Said submerged membrane systems have an oscillating motor, and aerator which can generate liquid vortex (whirlpool) flow around membrane to keep membrane from fouling. The present invention provides advanced submerge membrane systems at very low cost for drinking water production, wastewater treatment and membrane bioreactors for biotech, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-resolution membrane-based method for removing a virus from a manufactured protein-containing solution, the method being particularly characterized by its capacity to be performed quickly (i.e., as measured by flux) and efficiently (i.e., as measured by log reduction value, LRV). Towards such results, the present invention employs a plurality (i.e., greater than 2) of interfacially-contiguous asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes, the foremost of which is oriented with its “tight side” facing downstream. The present invention also provides a filtration capsule, useful in the conduct of the method, comprising a pleated tube formed of three interfacially-contiguous asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction system including an outer chamber and an inner chamber. The outer chamber is adapted to contain one of a feed solution and a liquid extractant and defines a containment region. The inner chamber is adapted to contain the other of the feed solution and the liquid extractant within a lower portion of the inner chamber. The inner chamber is defined by a microporous membrane sleeve that internally maintains a frame. Upon final assembly, at least the lower portion of the inner chamber is positioned within the containment region of the outer chamber such that the microporous membrane sleeve establishes an extraction interface between contents of the inner and outer chambers. In one embodiment, the flow region of the microporous membrane sleeve is immersed within a feed solution otherwise contained within the outer chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filtration cassettes, and, more particularly to methods of fabricating cross-flow filtration cassettes. Cassettes of the invention are characterized, in part, by an internal porting (e.g., manifolding) feature which eliminates the need for a separate step to seal individual components prior to assembly of the filtration cassette. Filtration cassettes of the present invention can be manufactured from conventional membrane and flow screen components and can utilize both injection molding and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding fabrication processes.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjunction with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the collection of biological materials from air. Collection and separation devices utilize a novel membrane structure formed from a functionalized inorganic mesoporous membrane supported by porous substrate.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads and volumes. The present invention also encompasses the composite structures as well as sample preparation devices containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus system and methods for treatment of virus-infected or pathogen-loaded human blood components separated from normal components comprising a separation apparatus and treatment apparatus system that inactivate pathogens in an extracorporeal body fluid system.

Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for performing high-throughput preparation and screening of salts and polymorphs of drug candidates. The invention is directed towards enhancing the pre-formulation discovery process used for drug development. In particular, processes that determine suitable salts and processes that discover substantially every polymorph that can form from a particular drug candidate are provided. The processes are performed using several apparatuses that are specifically configured to carry-out various steps in a high-throughput characterization process. One such apparatus is configured for synthesizing a plurality of library members based on, for example, a library model generated by a computer system. Another apparatus may filter the synthesized solution to provide a substantially pure mixture that can be subjected to salt or polymorph testing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: Filtration cells capable of direct sampling of a fluid from a container and which may be used for microfiltration of both small and large microvolumes of a fluid to be filtered are provided. Also a process for directly transferring a fluid to be filtered from a container to a filtration cell is described. The filtration cells have one or more reservoirs and are in communication with fluid in a container to be filtered through a piercing instrument connected to a base and support for a reservoir that receives the fluid to be filtered after it passed across a filter membrane. The filtration cell may then be pressurized and vented to allow fluid to be filtered to reciprocally and tangentially pass across a filter membrane between either a container having a fluid to be filtered and a single reservoir for small volume filtrations or between two reservoirs after pressurizing a fluid to be filtered into the reservoirs from a container using a piercing instrument.

Abstract: An improved wide passage cross-flow filtration cassette is disclosed that incorporates an open mesh matrix retentate spacer that is dimensioned and oriented so as to improve flux and cause turbulence in the flow of fluids through the cassette.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite membrane (1) consisting of a flat support body (2) comprising relative big through flow holes (3) and on which at least one separating layer is applied as a membrane layer (4) having a given number of pores and pore sizes. In order to regulate the temperature of the support body, said support body (2) is connected to a device (5) that can be regulated by a regulating device (S) with the purpose of supplying a predetermined energy to the support body (2) and/or diverting energy from the support body (2). The membrane layer (4) is applied on the support body (2) in a heat-conductive manner so that any change in the temperature of the support body provokes a change in the temperature of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads and volumes. The present invention also encompasses the composite structures as well as sample preparation devices containing the same.

Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, such that the module has first and second membrane elements arranged with one end pointing toward a distribution space and the other end pointing toward a collection space. Each of the membrane elements have a cavity formed by a membrane wall. The first membrane elements have their ends embedded in sealing compounds such that their cavities open into the distribution space and collection space. The second membrane elements are also embedded in the sealing compound at the end pointing toward the collection space. The cavities of the second membrane elements open into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space. The fluid to be treated flows through the first membrane elements in cross-flow mode. In the process, part of the fluid passes through the membrane wall as a permeate, which then passes through the second membrane elements in dead-end mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple well filter plate and method of producing same, the multiple well filter plate comprising a molded plate and a filter sealed via an adhesive, the method particularly adapted for producing multiple well filter plate having substantial well densities and small volume sample wells.

Abstract: A multistage immersion type membrane separator in which an air diffuser is disposed under a filtration part immersed in a treatment tank, characterized in that: the filtration part has plural plate-like membrane cartridges arranged in a vertically parallel multistage fashion at spaced intervals for forming a crossflow passage of a predetermined width; and that the air diffuser has a diffuser tube disposed sidewardly that is communicated at its basal end to an air supply source and has at its lower side part plural blowholes, a flushing pipe that is communicated at its basal end to the tip of the diffuser tube and has at its tip an opening serving as an outlet above the diffuser tube, and a flushing valve disposed in the flushing pipe.

Abstract: A device for concentrating and/or purifying macromolecules in liquids is disclosed wherein the concentration/purification is accomplished by a membrane separating concentration and filtration chambers, the membrane and chambers being compressively held in fluid-tight relationship by sliding engagement with a sleeve-like housing. A method for assembling such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads' and volumes.