Abstract: A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for removing oil from a oil-containing liquid comprising oil and gas comprising: a source of oil-containing liquid; and a membrane contactor system in fluid communication with the source of oil-containing liquid, the membrane contactor system comprising one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface coalesces oil and removes gas from the oil-containing liquid, and the oil and gas are collected on the second surface from the oil-containing liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods condition a filter assembly. Purging liquid is passed through the filter assembly to remove contaminants from the pores and voids of the filter medium and from the upstream and downstream sides of the filter medium.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning a separation membrane module in which filtration is performed through a separation membrane after mixing and stirring raw water containing particles having hardness higher than that of the separation membrane with an inorganic flocculant, (a) water on a membrane primary side in the separation membrane module is discharged outside the system after completion of the filtration; then (b) the membrane primary side in the separation membrane module is filled with water containing a chelating agent for a certain period of time; subsequently (c) the water containing the chelating agent on the membrane primary side in the separation membrane module is discharged outside the system; and then (d) backwashing discharge water in the separation membrane module is discharged while performing backwashing in which backwashing water is transferred from a membrane secondary side to the membrane primary side of the separation membrane module.

Abstract: A water desalination system including at least one reverse osmosis desalination unit, including at least one reverse osmosis membrane and having a saline water inlet at a feed side of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane and a permeate outlet at a permeate side of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane, and an intermittent cleaning control subsystem operative to provide intermittent cleaning of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane by at least one of narrowing or closing the permeate outlet, thereby causing an increase of pressure of the permeate at the permeate side of the at least one reverse osmosis and reducing the feed pressure, without significantly increasing the permeate pressure, thereby causing permeate to flow from the permeate side to the feed side of a membrane and flushing foulants to a location outside of the desalination unit.

Abstract: A method of assessing biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a lumen containing a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between the gas and liquid phases, the method comprising the steps of charging the lumen with an inert gas, closing the lumen to establish an initial elevated pressure in the lumen, measuring the rate of change of pressure within the lumen, and correlating the rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) with biofilm thickness. The step of correlating dP/dt with biofilm thickness involves correlating dP/dt with the rate of diffusion of the inert gas (dn/dt), correlating dn/dt with an overall mass transfer coefficient (K), correlating K with the mass transfer coefficient of the biofilm (ICB), and correlating k? with the biofilm thickness.

Abstract: A porous membrane with the membrane wall constructed of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein when the membrane wall is divided into 3 sections in the film thickness direction to form region “a” containing one wall surface A of the membrane wall, region “c” containing the other wall surface C and region “b” between region “a” and region “c”, the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Ca in region “a” is greater than the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Cc in region “c”, and the mean pore size of the wall surface C is larger than the mean pore size of the wall surface A.

Abstract: The present application provides an apparatus for removal of an ionic contaminant from a liquid comprising a branched polymer, a filtration membrane, and a filter casing. The application also provides a method of removing an ionic contaminant from a liquid, the method comprising directing ion-contaminated liquid into and draining treated liquid from an apparatus as described in the instant specification.

Abstract: A high-pressure pump P1 that increases the pressure of raw water, a high-pressure reverse osmosis device including a high-pressure reverse osmosis membrane for concentrating a salt content in high-pressure feed water, a first drain valve mounted on a permeated water line for supplying the permeated water downstream and temporarily draining permeated water of an initial start-up from a discharge line, a low-pressure pump that is mounted on a permeated water line provided downstream of the first drain valve and reduces the pressure of the permeated water, a low-pressure reverse osmosis device including a low-pressure reverse osmosis membrane for concentrating a salt content in low-pressure feed water, and a second drain valve mounted on a discharge line at the concentrated water side of the low-pressure reverse osmosis device that temporarily discharges the low-pressure feed water of the initial start-up supplied to the low-pressure reverse osmosis device.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a versatile multi-use high water recovery process that integrates the use of water purification membranes including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration with ion exchange water softening resins in a number of configurations that optimize operation and achieve maximum membrane permeate recoveries while eliminating the use of fresh water, sodium chloride and other chemicals needed to regenerate the IX resin. The invention provides process mobility and flexibility that enable selection of optimum process configurations and features to address variability in the Influent Water quality.

Abstract: An aerator device, a filter system including an aerator device, and a method of aerating a filter using an aerator device. An aerator device includes a housing having an interior cavity; a first plate in the interior cavity and defining a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion thereof, the first plate being spaced apart from a top wall of the housing to define a first opening through which the first cavity portion and the second cavity portion are in communication; and a second plate defining a first chamber and a second chamber of the second cavity portion, the first chamber and the second chamber being in communication with each other below a lower end of the second plate, the housing having an inlet opening in communication with the first cavity portion, and an outlet opening through the top wall and in communication with the second chamber.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for reverse osmosis treatment of water, including seawater and brackish water. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may include, for example, ultrafiltration followed by biofoulant removal, both of which precede reverse osmosis. In preferred embodiments the system is run at a low flux. For example, a flux of 6-8 GFD may be used with seawater. Additional embodiments may provide the above process in conjunction with a reverse-osmosis membrane cleaning system. The membrane cleaning system is a “clean in place” system that includes use of the natural pressure differential in the reverse osmosis system to remove biofoulants and their precursors.

Abstract: A water desalination system including at least one reverse osmosis desalination unit, including at least one reverse osmosis membrane and having a saline water inlet at a feed side of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane and a permeate outlet at a permeate side of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane, and an intermittent cleaning control subsystem operative to provide intermittent cleaning of the at least one reverse osmosis membrane by at least one of narrowing or closing the permeate outlet, thereby causing an increase of pressure of the permeate at the permeate side of the at least one reverse osmosis and reducing the feed pressure, without significantly increasing the permeate pressure, thereby causing permeate to flow from the permeate side to the feed side of a membrane and flushing foulants to a location outside of the desalination unit.

Abstract: A non-blocking filtration system wherein the suspension filtered continuously scrubs the filter, keeping it free of deposits of solid deposits while the filtrate is removed in a variety of biological and chemical applications, substantially reducing the cost of unit operations.

Abstract: A system is provided for treating contaminated water. The system includes a bioreactor having an outlet for treated water and a filter coupled to receive treated water from the outlet of the bioreactor. The filter is configured to operate in an anoxic mode. The filter has: (a) a vessel configured to receive the treated water, (b) a membrane associated with the vessel and positioned to extract permeate from the received water, (c) a fluid outlet positioned to direct fluid toward the membrane to inhibit film build up on the membrane, (d) a fluid recirculator positioned to recirculate fluid between the vessel and the fluid outlet, and (e) an oxidant supply positioned to introduce an oxidant into the vessel, the oxidant supply being adjustable to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the received water in the vessel within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.

Abstract: A membrane with rejection properties for mono and divalent-salts, BOD and COD good resistance to cleaning chemicals and maintaining high permeability for water. A polymeric coating prepared from polydopamine or hydroquinone or catechol or mixtures thereof, is deposited. In another embodiment, coating process steps and conditions are taught to achieve thickness control to tune the rejection properties of the membranes.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing fouling in a catalytic bed-based deoxygenation unit include a filtration system having a plurality of selectively permeable membranes arranged to contact a raw seawater feed and provide a membrane permeate. The membrane permeate is comprised of a portion of the raw seawater feed from which contaminants, such as dissolved inorganic salts and organic constituents, have been removed by passing through the selectively permeable membranes. The system and process also include a catalyst bed-based deoxygenation unit that receives the membrane permeate. The filtration system may be a nanofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis membrane system.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning a membrane module including at least one of a microfiltration membrane and an ultrafiltration membrane through which raw water is membrane-filtered to obtain membrane filtrate, a chemical diffusion step is provided in which chemical-containing water is fed to a feed side of the membrane module and diffused from the feed side of the membrane module to a filtrated side of the membrane module is performed, and subsequently a backwashing step is provided in which the membrane module is backwashed by allowing the membrane filtrate to flow from the filtrated side to the feed side of the membrane module is performed, in which, in the chemical diffusion step, an execution time of the chemical diffusion step is controlled based on a concentration of the chemical diffused to the filtrated side of the membrane module.

Abstract: There is provided a method for cleaning a ceramic filter which can shorten an operation time required to clean the ceramic filter. The method for cleaning the ceramic filter includes: reducing a pressure of a space on a secondary side of the uncleaned ceramic filter, while supplying a cleaning medium to a space on a primary side of the uncleaned ceramic filter, thereby passing the cleaning medium through the ceramic uncleaned filter, so that the uncleaned ceramic filter is cleaned.

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable membrane, preferably a hollow fiber membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a pressurized gas at a variable pressure to permeate remaining present in the system when filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing pores of the permeable membrane during a backwashing process. Also provided are methods of filtering solids from a liquid suspension using alternating liquid backwash pressures.

Abstract: A backwashing method incorporating a membrane filtration apparatus in which a ceramic filtration membrane including a substrate layer 11b having an extremely large number of filtration pores and a separating layer 11a having filtration pores smaller than those of the substrate layer is accommodated in a casing. Air controlled to a pressure p1 is supplied to the secondary side of the filtration membrane so as to drain the filtrated water in the membrane filtration apparatus gradually toward the primary side. After that, air pressure is increased to p3 so as to push the water in the filtration membrane toward the primary side together with the air, thereby peeling off any fouling substances. Unlike in conventional cases, a large amount of backwashing drain water is at no time drained at any one time, and thus, without reducing the effectiveness of backwashing, a backwashing drain pipe can be designed to have a small diameter.

Abstract: A circulation pump and an electrochemical ozone generator are integrated into the permeate return line of an RO system, and the permeate return line is connected in flow direction behind the circulation pump and the ozone generator by a recirculation line to the permeate supply line, which can form a closed circuit where the ozonized permeate circulates until all organic contaminants have been killed or decomposed by the ozone in that part of the line system. Valves are integrated, respectively, into the recirculation line and the permeate return line downstream of the branch of the recirculation line. During normal operation of the RO system, the recirculation line valve is connected for feeding connected dialysis devices while the permeate return line valve is open, so excessive permeate that was not taken by the dialysis devices can flow into the supply tank. Alternatively, the permeate can be discharged into an outlet.

Abstract: A dialysis unit includes both an inlet for guiding dialysis fluid in a direction of flow to a dialyser membrane and an outlet for discharging dialysate from the dialyser membrane. A heat pump configured to exchange thermal energy between a heat reservoir and the dialysis fluid in the inlet is coupled to the inlet.

Abstract: A water filtration device comprising a water pump for providing water, a first carbon filter that receives water from the water pump, a first ball valve having a first opening connected to the first carbon filter, a first ultrafiltration membrane that receives water from the first carbon filter after it passes through the first opening, a second ball valve having a second opening and connected downstream from the first ultrafiltration membrane, a second ultrafiltration membrane that receives water from the first carbon filter through the second opening, said second ultrafiltration membrane being positioned downstream said first carbon filter, wherein water can flow simultaneously through the first ultrafiltration membrane and the second ultrafiltration membrane from the first carbon filter, a second carbon filter connected downstream from the first and second ultrafiltration membranes that receives and filters water from the first and second ultrafiltration membranes, resulting in producing purified water.

Abstract: A filtration system include a vessel and a filter element, a first port through which a feed stream can enter the vessel, a second port through which a reject stream can exit the vessel, and a third port through which a permeate can exit the vessel, and a valve system that can be configured to alternately pass the feed stream into the vessel through the first and second ports.

Abstract: A forward osmosis device, method of manufacturing the forward osmosis device and method of using a solution produced using the forward osmosis device utilizes a forward osmosis membrane element positioned within a housing of the device between an input chamber and an output chamber to draw liquid from the input chamber to the output chamber via an osmotic process. The forward osmosis membrane element includes a layer of purifying additives on the forward osmosis membrane element to remove contaminants in the liquid as the liquid is to drawn through the forward osmosis membrane element. In an embodiment, the forward osmosis device is a forward osmosis intravenous (IV) bag.

Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods for reduction and/or removal of one or more contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, chromium, phosphorous, phosphorous compounds, nitrogen, nitrogen compounds) from a feed composition (e.g., a fluid). Apparatus, systems, and methods, in some embodiments, may be operable to decontaminate a fluid with comparatively little or no contaminant containing waste fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mechanical axial vibration in membrane separation treatment processes. The apparatus includes a separation membrane element having an axial dimension, a membrane support structure having the element therein, and means for vibrating the membrane element (hydrodynamically or using motors) in the axial dimension.

Abstract: The cross-linked polyphosphonate composition for the removal of metal ions from wastewater is a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the formula: The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte is made by cyclocopolymerizing diallylaminomethylphosphonic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (a cross-linker) to form a cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid (CPZA). The CPZA is then treated with a base, such as sodium hydroxide, to form a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the above formula. The composition may be used to remove heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Pb2+, from wastewater.

Abstract: A method of cleaning permeable, hollow membranes in an arrangement of the type wherein a pressure differential is applied across the walls of the permeable, hollow membranes immersed in a liquid suspension, the liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the porous hollow membrane to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane walls. The method of cleaning comprises the steps of applying a cleaning solution to one side of the membrane wall; applying a pressure differential across the membrane wall to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the one side of the membrane wall to the other side of the membrane wall and applying a reverse pressure differential across the membrane wall to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the other side of the membrane wall back to the one side of the membrane wall.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for separating oil from water and particulate contaminants from a oil/water/solid mixture, comprising: a solid removal system for removing small, medium and large solids from a oil/water/solid mixture to form a oil and water stream and a membrane contactor system for separating the oil from the water in the oil and water stream.

Abstract: A novel method of producing concentrated streams or otherwise useful hypersaline brines from a source of non-potable or otherwise impaired water is provided. The method comprises feeding the source water into the feed side of a membrane distillation unit while simultaneously feeding a distillate stream through the receiving side of the distillation unit. The feed and receiving sides are separated by a hydrophobic, microporous membrane that allows water vapor to flux through the membrane to the receiving side. As the membrane becomes clogged with particulates, the unit can be subjected to stream flow reversal and/or temperature gradient reversal in order to remove those particulates and restore previous vapor flux levels, after which previous operations can be resumed.

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 instantaneous 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: In a membrane separation apparatus, a cleaning effect for membrane elements by scrubbing is improved. In the membrane separation apparatus 14 including a separation membrane 5 (membrane element) dipped in treated liquid in a treatment bath 15, and air diffusing means 2 for diffusing air bubbles 6 for cleaning the separation membrane 5, an air bubbles staying plate 3 is provided between the air diffusing means 2 and the separation membrane 5. The air bubbles staying plate 3 is configured to allow air bubbles 6 diffused from the air diffusing device 2 to stay, by which air bubbles 6 gather each other to form air bubbles 6 having large diameters. By causing air bubbles having large diameters to act on the separation membrane 5, air bubbles 6 can be allowed to act whole the separation membrane 5.

Abstract: A chlorine based biofouling control subsystem is utilized to facilitate shipboard water management systems such as ballast water management that employ filters. The biofouling control system can serve as a subsystem to promote antifouling and reduce the filter clogging due to biofouling, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the ballast water treatment management system. An antifouling agent of the biofouling control system breaks up the dense colonies of marine organisms being filtered or treated by the main water management systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning method for a submerged membrane element used in a membrane bioreactor treatment in which organic wastewater containing 1 mg/L or more of manganese is subjected a biological treatment in a bioreactor treatment tank and then subjected to solid-liquid separation by a membrane filtration device provided in the bioreactor treatment tank, in which after a first liquid containing an oxidizing agent is injected from a secondary side of the submerged membrane element to a primary side thereof and maintained for a certain period of time, the first liquid containing an oxidizing agent is suction-discharged from the secondary side to the outside of the system, and then a second liquid containing an acid is injected from the secondary side of the submerged membrane element to the primary side thereof and maintained for a certain period of time, followed by conducting suction filtration operation.

Abstract: System and method for replacing a resist filter in such a manner as to reduce filter-induced wafer defects are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filtration system connected to a dispenser, the filtration system comprising a filter; and a switch connected to the filter for selectively connecting the filtration system to throughput one of a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracorporeal blood treatment devices and methods and devices for conserving extracorporeal blood treatment devices. In accordance with the present invention, an antifreeze agent in introduced only into that part of the dialysis liquid system of the blood treatment device that includes the volume lying upstream of a sterile filter with which sterile substituate is recovered from the dialysis liquid. Accordingly, that part of the dialysis liquid system that includes the volume lying downstream of the sterile filter is not filled with an antifreeze agent. The present invention makes it possible, after removal of the sterile filter, to easily and safely separate a substituate segment from the rest of the dialysis liquid system and drain off liquid located in the substituate segment.

Abstract: A negatively charged microporous filtration medium having a high charge density comprising a porous substrate and a polymerized cross-linked polymeric coating located on the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. The coating may be formed from a reactant solution comprising negatively charged cross-linkable polymerizeable acrylamidoalkyl monomers and acrylamido cross-linking agents which are polymerized in situ on the substrate. The negatively charged microporous filtration medium are suitable for use as prefiltration membranes for selectively removing protein aggregates from a protein solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removal of mercury from a solution by ultrafiltration with filtration membranes having a pore size of less than or equal to 0.25 ?m, for removing mercury from mercury-containing solutions, including alkali metal hydroxide solutions or alkali metal alkoxide solutions.

Abstract: Devices and related methods for arresting and retaining molecules from solution upon the surface of a perforated graphene membrane with plural apertures selected to allow passage of the solutions' solvent while simultaneously arresting desired molecules upon the surface of the membrane. The method continues with arranging the perforated graphene membranes in a sequence of successively smaller plural aperture diameters to arrest and retain successively smaller molecules in series. The dislodging devices include electromagnetic, electromechanical and electrostatic configurations.

Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibers (211), with the fibers being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibers around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibers are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning filters, such as membrane filters. More particularly, a method and system are disclosed for retaining a plurality of small particulates, preferably in the shape of beads, which contact sludge or other despots on the membrane filters to remove unwanted debris that would otherwise form on the cleaning filters. In various embodiments, the plurality of small particulates are retained in a permeable enclosure formed of wedgewire.

Abstract: A biological sample filtering system for filtering biological liquid samples includes: a sample-mounting box; a plurality of column units disposed in sample wells in the sample-mounting box; a filtrate-collecting container; a control valve connected to the sample-mounting box and the filtrate-collecting container; and a vacuum pump connected to the filtrate-collecting container for generating a vacuum in the box chamber that permits a liquid in the biological liquid samples to be flushed from the column units into the filtrate-collecting container.