Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation membrane includes a porous support, a separation active layer formed on the supporting layer, and a ultra hydrophilic layer formed on the separation active layer. The ultra-hydrophilic layer includes a complex metal oxide including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) and Al(III), and Si, and an organic compound containing a hydrophilic group making a physical or chemical bond with Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) or Al(III) among the complex metal oxide. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis separation membrane also is provided. A reverse osmosis membrane including a single coating layer and having an improved durability, chlorine-resistance and antifouling properties may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter pack formed by stacking rings, being used as a final element in multistage or single-stage filters. The filtration process is performed by consecutively separating the particles in suspension according to the thickness thereof in different areas.

Abstract: A cartridge having at least one layer containing sodium zirconium phosphate and at least one layer containing a combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide is described. Methods of using the cartridge for water purification are also described.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite filter media for use in a fuel stream wherein the composite media provides significantly improved resistance to water penetration as indicated by the FWWPP normalized for fuel IFT and a reduced resistance to flow of the fuel stream as indicated by the Ratio of Resistances.

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular filter-in-filter elements, namely an outer filter element and an inner filter element which may be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element. The disclosed filter cartridges may be structured for separating water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel as the fuel moves through the cartridge from outside to inside.

Abstract: A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

Abstract: Hydrophilic flat-sheet membrane based on a hydrophobic first polymer from the group consisting of aromatic sulfone polymers and a hydrophilic second polymer, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range between 30 and 200 ?m, a first and a second surface and a supporting layer having a three-dimensional sponge-like network structure, wherein the supporting layer has a first cover layer on the side thereof facing the first surface and a second cover layer on the side thereof facing the second surface, which cover layers are formed integrally with the supporting layer, and wherein the first and second surfaces have approximately oval or circular openings which penetrate the first and second cover layers, respectively, and are connected to the supporting layer, wherein the average diameter of the openings in the surfaces differ by a factor of less than 2, wherein the three-dimensional network structure of the supporting layer is made up of thick branches and a continuous pore system, and the predominant pro

Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements having at least first and second radially displaced sets (12,13) of fluid treatment elements and methods for making and using them are disclosed: A ribbon including a permeable fluid treatment medium may be spirally wound in a plurality of windings to form a fluid treatment element of either set. At least two and as many as fifty or more fluid treatment elements (14?, 14?) may be positioned along a hollow core assembly (11) in each set. Fluid may be directed to or from the interior of the core assembly through a fluid treatment element of the first set and a fluid treatment element of the second set. In each fluid treatment element, fluid flows generally edgewise through the permeable fluid treatment medium.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly is provided. The method comprises forming an inorganic membrane layer disposed on a substrate, and forming a plurality of macropores in the substrate at least in part using anodization. Further, a membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly comprises a filtering membrane that is coupled to an anodized substrate comprising a plurality of macropores.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole water-oil separation arrangement which includes a body having one or more portions thereof configured to have an affinity to a selected fluid. The body further will include one or more portions thereof that are configured to have an affinity to another fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to nano-filters and methods of forming same, and methods of filtration. The nano-filter includes a substrate and at least one nanowire structure located between an inlet and an outlet. The nanowire structure may include a plurality of vertically stacked horizontal nanowires.

Abstract: A new, facile, low cost and easy-to-operate method of forming and immobilizing metal nanoparticles on substrates is invented. The method comprises steps of chemical modification of the substrates with chemical linkers, chelation of the metal ions to the modified substrates, the washing of the unbound metal ions and in-situ reduction of the metal ions to produce metal nanoparticles on the substrates with/without the finishing treatment of the metal nanoparticles functionalized substrates with minimum particles aggregations. The metal nanoparticles functionalized substrates generated by the method have wide applications, for example, as anti-microbial agents. The metal nanoparticles are strongly bonded to the substrates, resulting in low metal leaching to the environment.

Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular filter-in-filter elements, namely an outer filter element and an inner filter element which may be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element. The disclosed filter cartridges may be structured for separating water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel as the fuel moves through the cartridge from outside to inside.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a filter stack including a plurality of porous ceramic plates that are axially spaced from one another to define plurality of axially spaced apart radial flow areas. In one example, the filter stack is mounted within a housing. In further examples, the plurality of porous ceramic plates alternate between a first set of porous ceramic plates that are nested with a second set of porous ceramic plates. In still further examples, at least one of the sides of the porous ceramic plates defines a plurality of radial flutes arranged in a radial array.

Abstract: A filter element is disclosed having at least one mat-type or sheet-type filter web (3), which forms by its outside (5) at least in part a filter jacket (7) that is closed on the peripheral side, wherein along the outside (5) of the filter jacket (7) a surface configuration or modification takes place in such a manner that structures (11) that are delimited from the remaining surface (9) of the filter web (3), are joined to the filter jacket (7) and are of presentable contour and/or thickness are created, wherein the structures (11) are generated by spray-fibre application and shaping, in such a manner that in time sequence, first the structures (11) and then the filter jacket (7), or in reverse order in time sequence, first the filter jacket (7) and then the structures (11), or that simultaneously both the filter jacket (7) and the structures (11) are formed in negative or positive shape on the filter jacket (7).

Abstract: A filter medium for removing particles from a fluid flow has a pre-filter layer and a fine-filter layer joined to each other in the flow direction. A first supporting layer is attached to the unfiltered side of the pre-filter layer and a second supporting layer is attached to the filtered side of the fine-filter layer in order to absorb the longitudinal and transverse forces in the event of tensile loading. The traverse force absorbing layer has a greater bending stiffness in a traverse direction while the longitudinal force absorbing layer has a greater bending stiffness in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A separation membrane for water treatment, comprising a porous layer that is obtained by a phase separation method using a solution containing a resin and at least one of either an N,N-disubstituted isobutylamide or an N-monosubstituted isobutylamide.

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 reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device for providing an easy and unique way to absorb fluids from raw, thawed, or cooked foods. The device features two outer layers that sandwich two middle layers and an absorbent gasket. The gasket is positioned between the two middle layers. Borders are disposed on each side edge of the device. The device may be used in combination with a holding system that includes a base and a serving tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrophilic membranes which are supplemented or treated with a non-ionic surfactant and processes for preparing such membranes. The membranes are particularly suitable for plasma separation or for haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration, but can also advantageously be used in other applications. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to the use of such membranes for plasma separation, plasma filtration, micro filtration, plasma therapy, haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration or cell filtration applications, respectively. The treated hydrophilic membranes show excellent biocompatibility, such as reduced platelet drop and decreased TAT levels.

Abstract: A flexible blood filter allowing smooth flow of a liquid and being excellent in separation resistance, pressure resistance and centrifugation resistance. The blood processing filter, comprising a first filter element for removing aggregates from blood, a second filter element for removing leukocytes provided in the downstream of the first filter element, and the third filter element having gas permeability of 3 to 40 cc/cm2/sec per thickness of 1 cm provided between the second filter element and the outlet port side container.

Abstract: A water separator and particulate filter with a first or outer stage configured to coalesce water from fluid such as fuel, and a second or inner stage configured to separate coalesced water from the fluid and also remove fine solid contaminants from the fluid. The coalescing stage includes a pleated cylinder of polymeric media. The pleated cylinder has pleat valleys and downstream pleat tips, and release sites defined at the downstream pleat tips. The separator stage includes a non-pleated cylinder of polymeric media surrounding and in contact with outer pleat tips of a multi-layer pleated cylinder.

Abstract: A stacked annular ring filtration device and process are disclosed that provide high quality filtration without the burdens of differing ring types, filter size, flushing, or plugging impediments inherent in the prior art. The device comprises a stacked series of identical annular rings encircling a vacant circular center. Each ring has a textured filtration surface side and a dual channeled conduit surface side. The rings are stacked in a common orientation wherein the textured filtration sides always press on the channel conduit surface side of the adjacent ring. Filtration ensues by pressured dirty fluid entering the channels communicating external to the ring stack, traversing across the textured filtration surface of the adjacent ring, and issuing filtrate into the channels communicating with the vacant center of the ring stack. The solids imbued textured filtration surfaces are flushed clean by opening the stack and flushing, after which the stack is reassembled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spiral wound type filter cartridge and more specifically, a spiral wound type filter cartridge in which activated carbon fiber is provided. The inside of spiral wound type filter cartridge is capable of serving as a carbon filter in a water purifier, thus eliminating the necessity of the use of any carbon filter for pre- or post-treatment in the process of purifying raw water, reducing an overall size of the water purifier and considerably reducing costs associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel nonwoven felt fabric, which is made of at least one low-melting-point short fiber and at least one high-melting-point short fiber of same type or different types, wherein the fabric is stiff enough to be self-sustaining and have the ability of shape maintenance. The felt fabric exhibits excellent pleatability, moldability and compressive strength. The invention also provides a method for producing the felt fabric, and a filter comprising the felt fabric used as the material of a filter medium of the filter, wherein the filter medium requires no support structure to stand alone and persistently retains its shape.

Abstract: A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spiral cross-flow filter. The spiral cross-flow filter includes a filter element having a continuous web of leaves formed by pleating a laminate filter element. The filter element may include a composite filter material including a first layer of a membrane material adjacent an outer shell, and a second layer of a permeate spacer material adjacent a permeate tube. The plurality of leaves wrap around the permeate tube in a uniform “spiral” configuration and may be separated by feed spacers.

Abstract: A filter cartridge unit including a first end plate, at least one second end plate, and a filter cartridge that is arranged between the end plates. The filter cartridge is connected, in a form-fitting and fluid-tight manner, to its adjacent end plates in a circumferential subarea of contact surfaces thereof using an adhesive.

Abstract: A polishing slurry for semiconductor planarization containing cerium oxide particles and water, wherein the content of the cerium oxide particles having a diameter of 3 ?m or more is 500 ppm or less (weight ratio) in a solid, preferably 100 ppm or less and it is more preferable that D99 (99% by volume of the whole particles in polishing slurry) of the cerium oxide particles is 1 ?m or less. The polishing slurry can reduce the generation of scratches, and can polish a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the wiring formation process of semiconductor device precisely at a high speed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating plasma from biological fluids such as blood and blood products are disclosed.

Abstract: Membrane elements that use multiple membrane leaves may have a limited total active membrane area due to an increased diameter at the ends of the element. Membrane leaves may comprise a permeate carrier positioned between one or more membrane sheets. Adhesive may be used to seal one or more edges of the membrane leaf. The membrane sheets, permeate carrier and the adhesive contribute to the thickness of the edges of the membrane leaf and the diameter at the ends of the element. A reduced thickness of the edges of the permeate carrier may reduce the diameter at the ends of an element. Another permeate carrier sheet may also be used that is distanced from at least one edge of the membrane sheet so the permeate carrier sheet does not contribute towards the increased diameter at the ends of the element.

Abstract: A support for a separation membrane includes a long-fiber nonwoven fabric composed of thermoplastic continuous filaments.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

Abstract: A liquid separation device is provided, and is capable of suppressing the lowering of filtration function due to an increase in flow channel resistance of permeated liquid which results in a separation membrane falling in a groove of a permeated liquid flow channel material along with accompanied breakage of the separation membrane surface. A permeated liquid flow channel material is disposed on the back side of a separation membrane composed of a sheet-like material having a linear groove and a linear crest alternately arrayed on one surface or both surfaces, wherein a groove width of the linear groove in the sheet-like material is 10 to 200 ?m, and a ratio of the groove width of the linear groove to the pitch of the linear groove is 0.45 or more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming oil and other liquid hydrocarbons and contaminates floating at the surface of a body of water or other suspending liquid. A rigid skimming surface such as a drum or disc is floatably supported on pontoons. The skimming surface is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the water surface. The skimming surface is covered with removably attached sorbent material which improves the efficiency of the oil recovery operation and which, when worn or soggy, can be removed and discarded without discarding the skimming surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are coalescing media for coalescing a mixture of two phases, namely a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The disclosed coalescing media has multiple layers with distinct porosities, where an interior layer of the coalescing media has a higher porosity than the layers immediately adjacent to the interior layer. The disclosed media may be utilized in coalescers, coalescing systems, or coalescing methods for removing the dispersed phase from the mixture.

Abstract: A filter device for a motor vehicle has a filter element with a porous ceramic support body provided with one or more passages for receiving a liquid to be filtered and filter membranes formed on inner walls of the passages. The liquid to be filtered passes through the filter membranes into the support body and exits from the support body through a circumferential surface of the support body. At least one compensation element is arranged at an end face of the support body. The compensation element is elastically deformable for providing an additional liquid volume that is generated when the liquid expands due to freezing.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.

Abstract: A filter comprises a stack of wafers (28). Each of the wafers has a through hole (6). Edges (7) of the holes together define an internal tube. An interface (32) between adjacent wafers defines filter channels. The filter channels comprises first coarse filter channels (20), second coarse filter channels (22) and fine filter channels (26). The first coarse filter channels are open towards an outer rim (5), extend in a direction from the outer rim and are closed towards the internal tube. The second coarse filter channels are arranged in an opposite manner. The fine filter channels connect the first and second coarse filter channels. The first and second coarse filter channels extend radially (R) and the fine filter channels extend tangentially (T). The first and second coarse filter channels are defined by recesses in a surface of a first wafer and the fine filter channels are defined by recesses, each one encircling the hole, in a surface of a second wafer.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane on a support, wherein the polymeric membrane includes a crosslinked polymer covalently bound to a molecular cage compound. An interfacial polymerization method for making the polymeric membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly and method are disclosed for the filtration of a liquid and the use thereof, wherein a supporting body is designed in a recess of a carrier and a filter membrane lies flat on the supporting body. The filter membrane and the supporting body are designed to be permeable to liquids and thus serve as filters, in particular for filtering tumor cells from blood. The carrier can having standard shapes of an object carrier for microscopy and the filtration residue on the filter membrane can be easily handled and examined in the microscope. As a result of the filter membrane lying level on the supporting body, the filtration residue can be particularly well examined microscopically.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filtering screen having a top surface and a bottom surface. A skeletal structure is attached to the filtering screen and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the filtering screen contacts the top surface of the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure forms a plurality of downward extending channels.

Abstract: A liquid separation membrane installation body includes a porous base material, and a liquid separation membrane provided on the porous base material, the liquid separation membrane is a porous membrane formed of a dispersant layered inorganic compound, and a membrane thickness of the liquid separation membrane is 0.1 to 1.5 ?m. The liquid separation membrane is preferably formed of a sheet-like dispersant layered inorganic compound which has a thickness of 0.1 to 100 nm, a major diameter of 0.01 to 5 ?m and an aspect ratio (the major diameter/the thickness) of 3 or more and which is formed into the membrane on the porous base material. There is disclosed the liquid separation membrane installation body capable of increasing a permeation flow rate of a liquid.

Abstract: Membranes for fluid separation are disclosed. These membranes have a matrix layer sandwiched between an active layer and a porous support layer. The matrix layer includes 1-D nanoparticles that are vertically aligned in a porous polymer matrix, and which substantially extend through the matrix layer. The active layer provides species-specific transport, while the support layer provides mechanical support. A matrix layer of this type has favorable surface morphology for forming the active layer. Furthermore, the pores that form in the matrix layer tend to be smaller and more evenly distributed as a result of the presence of aligned 1-D nanoparticles. Improved performance of separation membranes of this type is attributed to these effects.

Abstract: A thermally bonded filtration media that can be used in high temperature conditions in the absence of any loss of fiber through thermal effects or mechanical impact on the fiber components is disclosed. The filter media can be manufactured and used in a filter unit or structure, can be placed in a stream of removable fluid, and can remove a particulate load from the mobile stream at an increased temperature range. The combination of bi-component fiber, other filter media fiber, and other filtration additives provides an improved filtration media having unique properties in high temperature, high performance applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated or pleated flat material with a plurality of pleats or corrugations that run parallel to one another and successively define a pleat or corrugation peak and a pleat or corrugation valley, the peak and valley being connected to one another by way of a pleat or corrugation flank, wherein a fluid can flow through the flat material and the flat material has at least one deformable functional layer which rests on a supporting layer in the direction of throughflow of the fluid, said supporting layer comprising a supporting fabric, the functional layer allowing foreign substances to be removed from or delivered to the fluid. In order to develop the flat material in such a way that it has greater mechanical load-bearing capacity and lower resistance to throughflow, it is proposed according to the invention that the supporting fabric is deformable and comprises a twill weave.