Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and systems comprising embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for storing and retrieving data. The RFID tags can be preferably embedded under a filtration device's protective outer shell. Information can be easily stored onto and retrieved from the embedded RFID tags. The ability to easily store and retrieve data from the embedded RFID devices facilitates the creation of loading maps, monitoring, addition, and replacement of fluid filtration devices.

Abstract: A porous multilayered hollow fiber for outer side pressed filtration is made of a multilayer comprising a supporting layer constituted of the thickness of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene tube, and a filtration layer provided on the outer surface of the supporting layer, wherein pores surrounded by fibrous frameworks in the filtration layer are smaller than those of the supporting layer, and the mean of the maximum fibril length (L) of the fibrous frameworks surrounding each pore in the outer surface of the filtration layer is designed to be small such that (X) and (Y) fall within the range on the XY plane, where (X) is a particle diameter of particles captured when the particle trapping ratio is equal to or more than 90% in the case where the filtration is done under an elevated pressure of 0.1 MPa, and (Y) is a value designated as RFL obtained by dividing (L) by (X).

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge module of hollow fiber membranes, which can be easily mounted on and dismounted from a module mounting frame, and allow a process for removal of the inter-membrane clogging to be performed in an effective and simple manner. The cartridge module is mainly characterized in that a water collecting header has an opened first collected water outlet, which is located at the upper portion of the front surface of the water collecting header and can be opened and closed; and a closed second collected water outlet, which is located at the lower portion of the front surface of the water collecting header and can be opened and closed. The inter-membrane clogging can be very simply removed by dismounting, turning upside down, and remounting the cartridge module.

Abstract: A filter system and method of filtering a feed liquid utilizing a combined plurality of filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge and a spiral passageway for imparting secondary flow currents, particularly Dean-Flow currents, to fluid flowing within the spiral passageways to prevent particulate build-up on filter surfaces so as to extend filter life and duration between replacement. The filter system can be operated within positive or negative pressure filtration processes. A dual-stage filtration process utilizing a cap filter and a cylindrical depth filter is also disclosed.

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 modification in the configuration of the blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems can provide highly a effective mechanism for removing air from the blood circuit of such systems. In embodiments, for example, the invention takes advantage of the slow flow rate that usually occurs where blood exits the microtubules into a header area of the filter to provide a settling area and, preferably, a air relief mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides tangential flow filtration devices and methods for enriching a heterogeneous mixture of blood constituents for leukocytes by removal of non-leukocyte blood constituents. In one particular embodiment the device can provide a composition enriched in monocytes. One embodiment includes a remover unit (1) having a crossflow chamber (3) separated by a microporous filter (5) from a filtrate chamber (4), the remover unit (1) also having a tangential flow inlet (6), a fluid outlet (7) for a fluid enriched in leukocytes and a filtrate outlet (8).

Abstract: A water purification module comprises a housing having a space longitudinally defined in the housing and extending to a top of the housing to define an opening. A purified water outlet path, a waste water outlet path and an intake path are respectively laterally defined in a lower end of the housing and respectively communicate with the space. A filter set is longitudinally received in the space form the opening. The filter set includes a hollow prior filter longitudinally received in the space, a hollow filter housing longitudinally received in the prior filter, and a hollow posterior filter longitudinally received in the filter housing. A cap is partially and complementally received in the opening for closing the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane separation method and a relevant equipment, in particular to a method and an equipment for membrane separation utilizing concentration polarization during membrane filtration process, especially, to a concentration process and equipment and a drawer special for drawing a concentration polarization layer. The direct removal of the concentration polarization layer from membrane surface not only decreases the adverse influence of concentration polarization on membrane separation but also obtains concentrated retention components, thereby significantly improving the ability to maintain membrane flux, solving the twinborn problems concerning concentration polarization and membrane fouling during the membrane separation process, and achieving a high-efficiency concentration for retention components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane pipe module, said module comprising a cylindrical housing containing a plurality of tubular membrane sections which extend in the axial direction and are interconnected at the ends thereof, forming longer tubular membrane sections. Said cylindrical housing comprises a heatable chamber, on one or both sides, comprising U-shaped connection pipes which are arranged therein and are guided through a separating wall between the chamber and the housing, with the two open ends thereof, and respectively connect two adjacent open tubular membrane sections, forming a membrane loop.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide: a hollow fiber bundle, a method of manufacturing the hollow fiber bundle, a cylindrical module of hollow fiber membrane, and an immersion type module of hollow fiber membrane wherein the hollow fibers are easy to apply scrubbing while maintaining specified intervals among the hollow fibers.

Abstract: The membrane module according to the invention is characterized in that it has concrete flanges. This membrane module is made by first sealing a bundle of ceramic fiber membranes at one end using a viscous sealant and then pressing it into a fluid mass of concrete in a mould. After the mass of concrete has hardened the process is repeated with the other end of the bundle. Finally the ends of the fiber membranes are opened by sawing off a slice of the flanges.

Abstract: This invention discloses dialysis devices, related housings, related membranes, related kits, and related methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a filter device for liquid filtration, the filter device being in fluid communication with a plurality of liquid pathways, at least one pathway of the plurality of liquid pathways having a smallest equivalent fluid flow diameter of the plurality of liquid pathways. The device comprises a filter membrane (108) and a filter core (109) comprising at least one cross hole (110) in fluid communication with the filter membrane, each cross hole having an equivalent fluid flow, diameter. The sum of the equivalent fluid flow diameters of the at least one cross holes does not exceed the smallest equivalent fluid flow diameter of the plurality of liquid pathways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter for operating while submerged, with a frame (1), which can be lowered into the liquid to be purified, and with modules (2) adjacently arranged in a row. The modules (2) each have a base element (3) with a permeate collecting chamber (4), tubes (5) for a fluid that are connected to both ends of the base element (3), and with hollow fiber membranes (6) that, with an open end, are embedded in the base element (3). The hollow fiber membranes (6) are closed at their other end and terminate inside the liquid to be purified without being fixed whereby being able to freely move. The tubes (5) are vertically oriented and, at the top, are connected to a collecting line. Fiber holding devices (7) for laterally guiding the hollow fiber membrane (6) are fastened to the tubes (5).

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus using a membrane module, which are capable of reducing fouling using a simple installation, without increasing costs. [Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and membrane treatment apparatus using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 centrally provided in the tank 2 for continuously performing filtration while raw water is being passed thereto; wherein raw water is introduced from the outside of the membrane treatment tank 2 toward the inside thereof along a direction tangent to a perimeter of the tank, to create a swirling flow in the tank 2.

Abstract: A cylindrical casing (12) is disclosed which is of glass reinforced plastic and has an end cap at each end thereof. In the drawing the illustrated end cap is designated 42.2. Each end cap has at least one opening (52) therein through which water can flow. The illustrated end cap 42.2 is held in place by a mounting ring (28) embedded in the wall of the casing and encircling the casing internally. An internal groove (32) extends circumferentially of the mounting ring (28). A first locking ring (34) having a peripherally extending external rib (36) is within the ring 28. The rib (36) is in the groove (32). A second locking ring (38) fits into the locking ring (34) to expand it outwardly and press the rib (36) into the groove (32). Stud holes (40) in the end cap (42.2) and in the locking ring (38), receive studs (44) which secure the locking ring (38) to the end cap (42.2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and systems comprising embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for storing and retrieving data. The RFID tags can be preferably embedded under a filtration device's protective outer shell. Information can be easily stored onto and retrieved from the embedded RFID tags. The ability to easily store and retrieve data from the embedded RFID devices facilitates the creation of loading maps, monitoring, addition, and replacement of fluid filtration devices.

Abstract: A media in the form of a multilayered semi porous composite membrane containing a strong positive electrical charge with a highly porous surface consisting of 60 to 90 percent void volume and pore size of about 2 micron capable of retaining negatively charged protozoa, bacteria, and virus as well as di-pole particulate matter as a result of the attraction of the positive charge. A housing is a portable adaptive housing containing and supporting the composite membrane. A low pressure stream of water is within the housing and passes through the media. A composite membrane is positioned within the adaptive housing in the path of the low pressure stream of water. The composite membrane is adapted to treat the low pressure stream of water under from 0.3 to 10 psig pressure delivering 5 to 30 ml/sec.

Abstract: The filter 1 of the present invention has at least two filter elements 2 contained in the casing 4, which are connected in series in such a state as interposing the first sealer 5 between them.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane module for separating material, especially by means of cross-flow filtration. Said membrane module comprises a housing (1) and at least one replaceable, self-supporting filter cartridge which is disposed therein and is provided with semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes (2) that are prefer-ably placed in a longitudinal direction and are embedded in a potting compound at the ends thereof. The inventive module is characterized in that both pottings (3, 4) are equipped with final caps, particularly with sleeve-shaped front rings (7, 8) while the filter cartridge encompasses a fixture (12, 13) for attaching the final caps or font rings to the pottings.

Abstract: Polymer fibers having a novel cross-sectional geometry are used as stationary phase materials for liquid chromatography separations. Fibers of 20 to 50 micrometer diameters have surface-channel structures extending their entire lengths. Bundles of fibers having this novel cross-sectional geometry are packed in columns. Different polymer compositions permit the “chemical tuning” of the separation process. Channeled fibers composed of polystyrene and polypropylene have been used to separate mixtures of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Pb-containing compounds and fatty acids. Use of channeled fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backing pressures.

Abstract: A bioreactor for bioartificial organs, comprising a closed and substantially tubular body inside which there is a containment cavity; an animal and/or human cell culture and support structure, accommodated in the cavity and suitable to be crossed by a fluid to be processed; a port for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the body upstream of the structure; a port for the outflow of the processed fluid, which is formed in the body downstream of the structure; a first chamber for collecting the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the cavity upstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the inflow port; a second chamber for collecting the processed fluid, which is formed in the cavity downstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the outflow port; a first bundle of hollow capillary fibers for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is accommodated in the cavity and is interposed between the first collect

Abstract: A filtration cartridge having a housing with an inlet and an outlet and a filtration membrane contained within the housing and located between the inlet and the outlet is described. The membrane is sealed in such a manner that all fluid must flow through the membrane between entering the inlet and leaving the outlet of the housing. The entire cartridge, housing, membrane and any other components are all formed of one or more perfluorinated thermoplastic resins. These resins preferably are PFA, MFA, FEP and blends thereof. The membrane may be in the form of hollow fibers, wound fibers such as in a depth filter, or a flat sheet which may be formed into various configurations such as spiral filters, pleated filters, spiral pleated filters, disks and the like. These cartridges provide an inert, high temperature and acid/oxidative chemical resistant filter having properties similar to that of PTFE resins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition comprising an associating polymer. The polymer coating is characterized as having hard and soft segments where the hard segment comprises TMPA, combined with HDPA. The membrane may utilize a porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the local hydraulic permeability, Lpi, of a sub-group of hollow fibres of a bundle of hollow fibres mounted in a tubular casing. The method comprises a step of placing the casing containing the bundle in a vertical position, the lateral opening of the casing being disposed toward the bottom, and sealing the lower end of the casing. A graduated, calibrated tube is applied in a vertical position over a portion of the upper cut surface of the bundle to form a sealed connection there between. A liquid is passed through the lateral opening of the casing at a defined flow rate, and the time required for the liquid to pass from a first graduation to a second graduation of the tube is measured.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing and filtering a partial volume of a particle-containing process fluid enclosed in a container, a combination of a container enclosing a process fluid and an assembly for continuously withdrawing and filtering a partial volume of a process fluid and a cross-flow filtering device are disclosed. The method, the assembly and the filtering device can be used in connection with biological process systems, in which the removal of sand, sludge, fibers and alike from partial volumes of the process fluid is necessary before additional filtration and subsequent sample analysis.

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 present invention includes an apparatus for separating particulates from a fluid in a suspension, comprising: a housing defining a frusto-conically shaped inner chamber with an inner wall, an inlet and a first outlet communicating with the chamber, and a second outlet; and a spinning assembly with a hollow interior mounted in the chamber, the assembly being shaped to define an annular gap with the chamber inner wall, the hollow interior communicating with the second outlet, and the hollow interior communicating with the annular gap for flow of fluid materials from the gap into the interior and out of the second outlet in response to rotation of the spinning assembly. The separator finds application in the preparation of waste products such as municipal sewage sludge for processes that produce useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, fertilizer, and carbon solids, in reliable purities and compositions, and with high energy efficiency.

Abstract: A mass transfer device having a fluid permeable core wound with many stands of a hollow fiber. A bulk fluid enters the interior of the core, passes through the side wall of the core, and along the outer surfaces of the hollow fibers. A baffle positioned in the center of the core so that the bulk fluid passes outwardly upstream of the baffle and inwardly through the core along the downstream of the block.

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: The present invention relates to a composite system comprising an electrode and a membrane, which can be used as a fuel cell element or an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter arrangement for the separation of blood into plasma and cellular components, comprising at least one filter element with an inlet line and an outlet chamber in a closed housing, separated by a fine pore membrane. The inlet chamber is connected to an inlet line for donor blood an dan outlet line for cellular components and the outlet chamber is connected to an outlet line for plasma. The arrangement further comprises a device for the production of a backpressure in the filter element, whereby the fine pore membrane is in the form of a U-shaped bundle of n=650 hollow fibers of the type Micro PES-TF 10 from Akzo Faser AG, the ends of which are fixed in an air-tight and germ-tight manner to an aperture plate which seals the open end region of the housing, which is open at just one end, in an air-tight and germ-tight manner.

Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.

Abstract: An immersion type membrane filter apparatus 200 is intended for obtaining filtrate by filtrating a fluid to be processed stored within a storage bath 150 and primarily includes a filtration membrane module 300 and an air bubbles supply device 500 disposed therebelow. The filtration membrane module 300 has numerous tubular membranes 310 having on the inner surfaces thereof the function of filtrating a fluid to be processed packed within a cylindrical housing vessel 301 having a discharge port 303 for filtrate. The tubular membranes 310 are held in an opened state at both the ends of the housing vessel 301. The filtration membrane module 300 is soaked in a fluid to be processed in such a way that the tubular membranes 310 are opened in the vertical direction. When air bubbles are supplied to the filtration membrane module 300 from an air bubbles supply device 500, the fluid to be processed flows through the tubular membranes 310 from the down side upwards to naturally circulate within the storage bath 150.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating oily wastewater, such as bilge water or ballast water, generated on a ship. The process uses a combination of a centrifugal separation step and a membrane separation step, such as an ultrafiltration step. The membrane separation step uses a dense, non-porous filtration membrane. The process is able to remove both emulsified oil and dissolved oil from the wastewater to low levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter comprising membranes made of hollow fibers in which the hollow fibers are arranged as a bundle in a tubular housing. The housing comprises an end cap on each of its ends, whereby the hollow fiber bundle is placed between the ends of the housing. The ends of the hollow fiber bundle each comprise a support ring that surrounds the same and are cast inside said support ring. The support rings are displaceably mounted in the housing in order to compensate for, among other things, axial contractions of the hollow fiber bundle occurring during heat sterilization.

Abstract: A filtration system and a method of cleaning a particle and/or colloidal fouled filtration membrane are provided. The filtration system includes at least one filtration membrane disposed in a casing, and at least one ultrasonic transducer in direct contact with a fluid to be filtered. Ultrasonic energy is emitted by the ultrasonic transducer in the direction of the filtration membrane. Dislodged particles cleaned by the ultrasonic energy from the filtration membrane are carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to the beginning of the treatment process. The ultrasonic transducer can be fixed or movable. The filtration system can use different filtration membrane configurations such as, but not limited to, tubular, flat sheet, hollow fiber and spiral wound membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating heavy isotopes of hydrogen from contaminated water. The apparatus includes a treatment chamber with an elongated hollow core fiber (HCF) extending within the chamber. A reservoir holds contaminated water mixed with beads formed of an exchange resin, the mixture of contaminated water and beads forming a flowable slurry. The slurry is continuously circulated through the hollow core fiber and the reservoir preferably by a pulsating peristaltic pump. The beads absorb a portion of the heavy isotopes from the slurry by exchange with waters of hydration of the beads while the hollow core fiber allows permeation of only light water from said slurry outwardly through the HCF wall as a permeate.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: Artificial liver devices and methods for using the devices to purify a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods include the use of living hepatocytes (23) which are either unattached or attached to inert carriers and suspended in a cell culture medium which circulates in the devices with the hepatocytes (23). Blood or plasma passes on one side (7?) of semi-permeable membranes, on the other side (7) of which is the cell culture medium and across which is a concentration and/or pressure gradient. Solutes diffusing across the membrane into the cell culture medium are metabolized by the hepatocytes (23) and/or captured by additional removal means (4). Those undesirable substances which do not diffuse out of the blood or plasma into the hepatocyte containing culture medium are captured by additional removal means (50).

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A centrifuge with controlled discharge of dense materials disclosed. A centrifuge includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve to form a containment zone therebetween. The fluid separation wall aligns and rotates parallel to an axis of rotation. A receptacle forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a void area. An opening extending through the fluid separation wall from the void area to the outer surface of the receptacle transports the more dense material to the containment zone. A valve ring forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a valve orifice. The valve ring aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation and slides along the fluid separation wall to move between open and closed positions. The valve orifice aligns with the opening such that the more dense material exits the fluid separation wall and moves into the containment zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular dynamic filtering device with rotary discs comprising membranes (41, 42, 51, 52) arranged on either side of fixed support plates (4, 5). The modular construction enables the filtering device to be universal and adaptable by the user to be used for different types of filtration from microfiltration to nanofiltration, and even reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A dialyzer including a substantially cylindrical case 2, a hollow fiber bundle 3 made of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes provided in the case 2, a blood flow path formed by lumens of the hollow fiber membranes, a dialysate flow path formed by a gap between the inner wall of the case 2 and the hollow fiber membranes, and a cylindrical elastic tube 4 inserted in the gap between the inner wall of the case 2 and the hollow fiber bundle 3.

Abstract: A medical filter (11) is constructed as a container with an interior volume in open fluid communication with a patient connection element (31) and a transport connection element (39). Filter support structure (13) mounted within the interior is structured as a thin, perforated member (14) carrying hydrophilic filter medium (17). A first flow path directs spent dialysate from the patient across the surface of the filter medium (17) to the transport connection (39). A second flow path directs fresh dialyalysate from the transport connection (39) through the filter medium (17) and the perforated support structure (13) to the patient connection (31).

Abstract: A process and system for extracting a solute from a solid material, such as oil from oil-bearing foodstuffs, utilize a substantially tubular membrane filter to separate a mass of the extracting medium and the foodstuffs into a miscella and foodstuffs of reduced oil content. In a batch or continuous process, after each extracting stage, the mass from the extraction vessel is conveyed to a membrane filter, which has pores along its cylindrical walls suitably sized to allow a miscella to pass as the permeate, while causing the foodstuffs of reduced oil content to be conveyed axially along the tubes and out of its ends as the retentate. In a continuous process, extractor cells, or stages, consisting of an extraction vessel, pump, and membrane filter, are used in sequential stages, preferably using a miscella from the subsequent stage as the extracting medium. In a batch process, miscella storage tanks may be used to store miscella from the final stage for use in the next batch.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.