Abstract: A method of preparation for polyimine self-supported dynamic polymeric membranes (called “dynameric” membranes) is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dehydration method comprising the steps of providing a distilled process-target fluid to a water separation membrane device via a heat exchanger; separating the process-target fluid into a dehydrated product and water by using the water separation membrane device; detecting a temperature of any one of the water separation membrane device and the process-target fluid supplied to the water separation membrane device by using a temperature monitoring device; and controlling the temperature of the process-target fluid so that the temperature of the distilled process-target fluid being maintained at a temperature higher than the condensation temperature of the distillate by 5 to 10° C. by using a temperature adjustment device provided in the water separation membrane device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane module for pervaporation, in particular organophilic pervaporation, having a liquid-tight housing with at least one feed inlet, at least one retentate outlet and at least one permeate outlet that is or can be subjected to a negative pressure or vacuum, wherein a membrane pocket stack is arranged in a housing interior and has a plurality of membrane pockets and seals laid on one another, wherein mechanical pressure is or can be applied to the membrane pockets in the stacking direction by means of a pressure application device for the mutual sealing of the membrane pockets, so that the housing interior is divided up by the membrane pockets into a feed chamber on the outside of the membrane pockets and a permeate chamber in the interior of the membrane pockets. The invention further relates to a use of a membrane module according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high performance cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes and a process of using such membranes. The cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes have shown CO2 permeance higher than 80 GPU and CO2/CH4 selectivity higher than 20 at 50° C. under 6996 kPa of a feed gas with 10% CO2 and 90% CH4 for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: Membranes of the invention comprise a hybrid silica film on a organic polymer support. The silica comprises organic bridging groups bound to two or more silicon atoms, in particular at least 1 of said organic bridging groups per 10 silicon atoms. The membranes can be produced by dry chemistry processes, in particular plasma-enhanced vapour deposition of bridged silane precursors, or by wet chemistry involving hydrolysis of the bridged silane precursors. The membranes are inexpensive and efficient for separation of small molecules and filtration processes.

Abstract: New, improved, or modified membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, and/or methods of manufacture, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least selected embodiments, particular possibly preferred membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, and/or to particular possibly preferred membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, involving membrane contactors adapted for membrane distillation, for ammonia removal, or for both membrane distillation and for ammonia removal, as well as for other membrane contactor systems, methods or processes such as degassing, gasifying, separation, filtration, and/or the like.

Abstract: Portions of a feed liquid are passed through respective condensers and liquid-liquid heat exchangers. The feed liquid is then heated and injected into a first feed-liquid containment chamber, where vapor from the feed is passed through a first gas-permeable membrane and directed into a first condenser, where the vapor is cooled by the feed liquid passing through the first condenser and condenses as it cools to produce a first liquid permeate. The first liquid permeate is passed through the first liquid-liquid heat exchanger where the first liquid permeate is cooled by the feed liquid passing therethrough. After the vapor is removed from the feed liquid in the first feed-liquid containment chamber, the remaining feed liquid from the first feed-liquid containment chamber is injected into a second feed-liquid containment chamber, where the process is repeated.

Abstract: Methods for recovering energy and water from at least one energy-rich process water stream are provided. The methods optionally incorporate the use of filtration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, water softening, forward osmosis, and membrane distillation. The methods can be used to recover energy and water from blowdown or condensate from a water-containing industrial process, which in certain embodiments may be a boiler system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dehydration method comprising the steps of providing a distilled process-target fluid to a water separation membrane device via a heat exchanger; separating the process-target fluid into a dehydrated product and water by using the water separation membrane device; detecting a temperature of any one of the water separation membrane device and the process-target fluid supplied to the water separation membrane device by using a temperature monitoring device; and controlling the temperature of the process-target fluid so that the temperature of the distilled process-target fluid being maintained at a temperature higher than the condensation temperature of the distillate by 5 to 10° C. by using a temperature adjustment device provided in the water separation membrane device.

Abstract: A dryer for material to be dried (T), wherein an air supply channel (4) for supplying a drying gas to the drying region is provided, and at least one exhaust-gas opening (8) is provided for removing the drying gas, wherein the air supply channel (4) is surrounded at a distance by an outer wall (11), which has at least one supply opening (12) and at least one removal opening (13) for the cooling medium (K), wherein between the at least one supply opening (12) and the at least one removal opening (13) a flow section (14) for the cooling medium (K) is formed between the outer wall (11) and the air supply channel (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids.

Abstract: Mixed matrix pervaporation membranes are described which include i) a matrix phase comprising a polymeric material, and ii) a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) dispersed in the matrix phase. In membranes described, the thickness of the membrane is greater than 0.5 ?m. The membranes may in examples be used in a process for separating an organic compound from an aqueous liquid mixture. An example process includes contacting the liquid mixture on one side of a mixed matrix pervaporation membrane to cause the organic compound to permeate the mixed matrix membrane, and removing from the other side of the membrane a permeate composition comprising a portion of the organic compound which permeated the membrane. Example membranes described have relatively good selectivity for separation of the organic compound from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A method of preparation for Self-supporting dynamic polymer membranes (called “dynamer” membranes) of the polyimine type is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.

Abstract: A dehydrating system using multiple water separation membranes aims to prevent damage to the water separation membrane units and also to take appropriate measures against decrease in water permeation rate of the water separation membranes. Provided is a dehydrating system (100) for removing water from a target fluid, including at least two water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3) connected in series in a flow direction of the target fluid; two or more heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) respectively provided in front of the water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3), each of the heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) raising a temperature of the target fluid to a temperature which is lower than a boiling point of the target fluid but close to the boiling point.

Abstract: A zeolite membrane excellent in separation performance and having an acid resistance, and a separation membrane employing the zeolite membrane are provided. A zeolite membrane comprising a layer wherein at least two different types of zeolite crystals are present in mixed state, wherein at least two types of the above at least two different types of zeolite crystals are detectable by an X-ray pattern obtained by X-ray diffraction under the conditions that (A) the output of X-ray is 1.2 kW, (B) an X-ray bulb of copper (Cu) is employed, and (C) the wavelength of X-ray is 1.54058 A. As an alternative, the zeolite membrane comprising a first layer containing zeolite crystals and a second layer containing different type of zeolite crystals from the zeolite crystals of the first layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer constitute a laminate structure, and the thickness of the laminate structure is at most 20 pm.

Abstract: Embodiment methods and systems for the recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) are provided. Recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) includes performing a draw solute thermal separation method on a first solution stream produced by the ODMP, in which the thermal separation method creates a first vapor stream containing draw solute from the first solution stream and a first liquid stream which is substantially free from the draw solute or which has a lower draw solute concentration than the first solution stream, and directing heat from at least a portion of the first vapor stream to a draw solute thermal separation method performed on a second solution stream from the ODMP.

Abstract: A microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica of the invention has an average pore diameter of less than 0.6 nm, and comprises bridging organosilane moieties of the formula ?O1.5Si—CHR—SiO1.5? or ?O1.5Si—CH(CH3)—SiO1.5?. The membrane can be used in the separation of hydrogen from mixtures comprising hydrogen and CH4, CO2, CO, N2, and the like, and in the separation of water from alcohols having 1-3 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of an inorganic or organic acid.

Abstract: Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises feeding said aqueous stream to one or more pervaporation units obtaining an aqueous stream enriched in oxygenated organic compounds (retentate side) and an aqueous stream enriched in water (permeate side), feeding said aqueous stream enriched in oxygenated organic compounds to a saturator obtaining a gaseous stream leaving the saturator, feeding said gaseous stream to a synthesis gas production plant. Said process allows at least a part of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction to be used as process water in a synthesis gas production plant, subsequently sent to a Fischer-Tropsch plant for the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for producing a zeolite film is provided in which seed crystals thinly adhere to the surface of a support to form a thin and even zeolite film having fewer defects than conventional zeolite films. Also provided is a zeolite film obtained by the producing process. The process for producing the zeolite film comprises: a particle adhesion step of allowing a slurry, where zeolite particles which become seeds are dispersed, to flow down on the surface of a base material by the self-weight of the slurry, so that the zeolite particles adhere to the base material; and a film formation step of immersing the base material, to which the zeolite particles adhere, into a sol to carry out hydrothermal synthesis, thereby forming the zeolite film on the base material.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming polynorbornenes useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.

Abstract: A new process for ion exchange softening of water used in Once-Through Steam Generators (OTSGs) by recovering and using the salt content of the blowdown water from the OTSG to regenerate the softener resin is provided, thus eliminating the cost for commercial regenerant salt that would otherwise be needed. Further, the very high purity of the salt recovered in the blowdown inherently results in the production of softened water with hardness leakage levels that are an order of magnitude lower than can be attained using commercial salt, thus reducing scale deposit potential and improving operating efficiency and reliability of the OTSG.

Abstract: A method for recovering carbon dioxide from acidified seawater using a membrane contactor and passing seawater with a pH less than or equal to 6 over the outside of a hollow fiber membrane tube while applying vacuum or a hydrogen sweep gas to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tube, wherein up to 92% of the re-equilibrated [CO2]T is removed from the natural seawater.

Abstract: A vent assembly is described for use in an extracorporeal fluid unit. A vent structure adjacent to a micro-porous membrane forms the assembly. The vent structure is porous and changes color when the vent structure becomes wet, thereby providing a visual indication that the vent structure has been exposed to liquid.

Abstract: Method and devices for filtering liquid are provided that rely on pressure difference to filter liquid. In one embodiment, a device for filtering liquid includes a feed chamber, a permeate chamber, and a porous membrane that is at least partially hydrophobic and has one or more pores configured to be permeable to vapor. A pressure of a liquid substance in the feed chamber is increased such that vapor of the liquid substance is transported from the feed chamber to the permeate chamber. The resistance of flow in a hydrophilic layer of the membrane can be controlled to make the membrane defect-tolerant. In another embodiment, a second porous membrane is further included and the second porous membrane is spaced apart from the first porous membrane. Various methods for filtering liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming various polycycloalkyl polynorbornene polymers and copolymers which are useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy wherein a working liquid such as is evaporated to generate a stream of a working fluid. According to the invention, the stream of the working fluid is a stream of pressurized distillate produced by evaporation and condensation using a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) unit, said stream of pressurized distillate having a pressure of at least one bar, and a converter such as a turbine is used for generating mechanical energy from said stream of said pressurized distillate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique to fabricate thin-film composite perm-selective membranes by a transfer method. The composite membranes are useful in separating liquid, vapor or gaseous mixtures by selective permeation and reduce mass transfer resistance of the support layer. Selectivity and flux are improved by reduction of the mass transfer resistance of the support layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for dewatering mixture of ethanol and water. The method comprises steps for feeding mixture of ethanol and water (1) into an evaporator (2), evaporating said mixture of ethanol and water (1) and feeding a stream of vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) to a vapor recompression unit (4), pressurizing vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) in the vapor recompression unit (4) and feeding a stream of pressurized vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (5) to a membrane unit (6), and dividing said stream of pressurized mixture of ethanol and water (5) in to a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (8) and into a stream of dewatered mixture of ethanol and water (7).

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: In one embodiment, a membrane comprises: a nonporous, hydrophobic selective layer configured to be on a feed solution side of the membrane and polyethylene layer configured to be on a permeate side of the membrane, wherein the membrane is configured to selectively separate an organic component from an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the method for separating an organic component from an aqueous stream can comprise: contacting a nonporous, hydrophobic selective layer of a membrane with the aqueous stream comprising the organic component, creating a vacuum on the side of the membrane comprising the support layer, permeating the organic component through the membrane into an exit chamber, and removing the organic component permeate from the exit chamber.

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: The present invention includes: a water separation membrane device 2 that separates a process-target fluid into a dehydrated product and water; and a temperature monitoring device 3 for the water separation membrane device 2. The temperature monitoring device 3 detects a temperature. Further, a temperature adjustment device 4 is provided in a previous stage of the water separation membrane device 2. The temperature adjustment device 4 controls a temperature of the process-target fluid on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature adjustment device 3 to thereby optimize an amount of water permeation in a separation process in the water separation membrane device 2.

Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprising a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel and a heat exchanger between first liquid passing through the heat exchanger and second liquid passing through the heat exchanger, is provided. The first liquid is un-separated fuel passing through the heat exchanger before being supplied to the separating membrane. The second liquid is low-octane fuel remaining when the high-octane fuel components are separated from the un-separated fuel, passing through the heat exchanger after changing to an almost liquid phase.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for recovering ionic liquids used in the treatment of biomass for production of biofuels and other biomass-based products. Ionic liquid recovery and purification minimizes waste production and enhances process profitability.

Abstract: A method for producing of ultra-clean and High-purity electronic grade reagents is disclosed. The industrial grade reagents are chemically pretreated and filtered, and the colature is rectified. Heating the steam during the rectification to overheated steam, and filtering the overheated steam used the microporous membrane to remove the solid particulates. Condensing the overheated steam and the secondarily filter to remove the dust in the product. Due to the adoption of the technical scheme, the ultra-clean and High-purity isopropanol produced is in conformity with standard SEMI-C12 and the hydrochloric acid to standard SEMI-C8. And the method is applicable for the large-scale continuous production.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is taught for the formation of ethanol from a fermentation medium in the absence of an ethanol concentration distillation step.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream. The apparatus includes a membrane support, and a hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix disposed on the membrane support. The hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix includes an effective amount of polyvinyl alcohol and an effective amount of sodium alginate. The apparatus further includes a carrier agent bonded to the hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix using a cross-linking agent. The carrier agent exhibits a greater affinity for aromatics compared to aliphatics. The apparatus further includes a membrane housing configured to hold the membrane support. The membrane housing includes an inlet, a permeate outlet, and a retentate outlet, the inlet being operable to receive the aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream, the permeate outlet being operable to discharge a permeate stream, and the retentate outlet being operable to discharge a retentate stream.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

Abstract: A desalination system wherein a latent heat of condensation produced by the temperature gradient across a membrane distillation (MD) module is transferred directly to a latent heat of vaporization during desalination of a liquid flow stream. The desalination system comprises the MD module disposed within an object and configured to receive an input feed stream for desalination and produce an output flow stream of a product. The system also comprises a vapor compressor in fluidic communication with the MD module and configured to introduce a hot steam to a high temperature side of the MD module and extract a cool steam, having a temperature less than the hot steam, from a low temperature side of the MD module, thereby creating a temperature gradient across of the MD module. A desalination method is also presented.

Abstract: A method of removing water from fluid mixtures of the water with other compounds uses selective vapor permeation or pervaporation of the water, as the case may be, from the mixture through a membrane having an amorphous perfluoropolymer selectively permeable layer. The novel process can be applied in such exemplary embodiments as (a) removing water from mixtures of compounds that have relative volatility of about 1-1.1 or that form azeotropic mixtures with water, (b) the dehydration of hydrocarbon oil such as hydraulic fluid to concentrations of water less than about 50 ppm, (c) removing water byproduct of reversible chemical equilibrium reactions to favor high conversion of reactants to desirable products, (d) drying ethanol to less than 0.5 wt. % water as can be used in fuel for internal combustion engines, and (e) controlling the water content to optimum concentration in enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions carried out in organic media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for membrane separation that makes it possible to separate linear hydrocarbons from branched hydrocarbons. The membrane that is used comprises a dense selective layer that consists of a polymer whose chemical structure contains at least one bis-phenyl-9,9-fluorene group.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a hollow fibre membrane having a supporting layer and a separating layer, said process comprising: (a) extruding a spinning composition comprising a first polymer and a solvent for the first polymer through an inner annular orifice of a hollow-fibre die; (b) co-extruding a composition comprising an organic nucleophilic reagent and a mixtures of a solvent and a non-solvent for the first polymer, wherein the composition is either extruded through a central annular orifice of the hollow-fibre die or through an outer annular orifice of a hollow-fibre die; and (c) passing the hollow-fibre through a coagulation bath. The hollow fibre membrane according to the present invention can be used in gas separation processes, vapour separation processes and liquid filtration processes.

Abstract: Provided is a dehydrator that requires no excessively large apparatus structure and achieves cost-saving while maintaining suction efficiency at a desired level by use of suction means. A dehydrator 100 for separating water from a target liquid 13 includes at least two water separation membrane units 1a and 1b which are provided in series in a flow direction of the target liquid 13. The water separation membrane unit 1a on an upstream side out of the water separation membrane units 1a and 1b is connected to suction means 7 for sucking a gas phase containing water through one condenser 4, and the one condenser 4 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The gas phase sucked by the suction means 7 from the one condenser 4 is transferred to at least one downstream condenser 8 provided downstream of the one condenser 4, and the downstream condenser 8 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water.

Abstract: There is provided a method for transporting a fluid, in which even if the fluid is transported for a long period of time, dehydration after transportation is not needed, and the transported fluid can be used immediately after transportation. Specifically, there is provided a method for transporting a fluid, comprising steps of: dehydrating some of the transportation fluid during transportation by using a dehydration system comprising a separation membrane through which water permeates, and returning the dehydrated fluid to the transportation fluid so as to keep water content in the transportation fluid in a fixed range.

Abstract: A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water.

Abstract: Processes for removing water from organic compounds, especially polar compounds such as alcohols. The processes include a membrane-based dehydration step, using a membrane that has a dioxole-based polymer selective layer or the like and a hydrophilic selective layer, and can operate even when the stream to be treated has a high water content, such as 10 wt % or more. The processes are particularly useful for dehydrating ethanol.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane having a pore-free separating laye including a polymer mixture for separating simple alcohols and water fr their mixtures with other organic fluids by means of pervaporation or vapor permeation. In accordance with the invention, the polymer mixtu is composed of at least two polymer components which are taken from t group of polymer components which includes of the following polymer components: Polyvinyl alcohol, other polymers such as poly N-N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (poly DMAEMA), a copolymer of DMAEMA and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) or of DMAEMA and N-vinyl caprolactam (NVCL), a terpolymer of DMAE, NVP and NVCL or of vinyl acetate ethylene vinyl chloride or from vinyl chloride ethylene acrylic es or from vinyl acetate vinyl chloride acrylic ester. The invention further relates to the use and to a method for manufacturing a membrane in accordance with the invention.