Abstract: In a method and a system for purification of contaminated oil, the contaminated oil and a liquid separation aid are provided in a mixing tank and then mixed into a mixture. Thereafter, the mixture is filtered.

Abstract: A method for treating phosphate-containing wastewater, such as phosphogypsum pond water. The method includes the steps of: (a) adding a first cation to the wastewater to precipitate fluorosilicate from the wastewater; (b) adding a second cation to the wastewater to precipitate fluoride from the wastewater; (c) raising the pH of the wastewater to precipitate the second cation from the wastewater; (d) removing residual silica from the wastewater; and (e) precipitating phosphate from the wastewater. The precipitated fluorosilicate may be sodium fluorosilicate. The precipitated phosphate may be struvite.

Abstract: A hollow-fiber membrane according to an aspect of the present disclosure contains a polytetrafluoroethylene or a modified polytetrafluoroethylene as a main component and has an average outer diameter of 1 mm or less and an average inner diameter of 0.5 mm or less. In a measurement of a heat of fusion of the polytetrafluoroethylene or the modified polytetrafluoroethylene with a differential scanning calorimeter, when the polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene is subjected to a first step of heating from room temperature to 365° C., a second step of cooling from 365° C. to 350° C., maintaining the temperature, subsequently cooling from 350° C. to 330° C., and further cooling from 330° C. to 305° C., and a third step of cooling from 305° C. to 245° C. at a rate of ?50° C./min and subsequently heating from 245° C. to 365° C. at a rate of 10° C./min, a heat of fusion from 296° C. to 343° C. in the third step is 30.0 J/g or more and 45.0 J/g or less.

Abstract: A system and method for removing and destroying PFAS from residual waste streams generated during the processing of landfill liquids prior to disposal are provided. The presently disclosed system and method can concentrate PFAS from landfill liquids into a residual waste stream so that the target compounds can be selectively removed for subsequent destruction.

Abstract: Polymer blends comprising an ortho-functionalized polyimide homo or copolymer and a polybenzimidazole homo or copolymer, wherein the ortho-functionalized polyimide thermally rearranges to a polymer comprising a phenylene heterocyclic group, such as, polybenzoxazole, polybenzothiazole, polybenzimidazole and/or other heterocyclic structure upon heating. Also disclosed are method of forming a polymer blend comprising dissolving an ortho-functionalized polyimide homo or copolymer and a polybenzimidazole homo or copolymer in a solvent, and optional compatibilizer, to form a polymer solution; contacting a support with the polymer solution; and evaporating the solvent to provide a thin layer comprising the polymer blend on the support. Further, methods of heat treating these polymer blends to thermally rearrange the disclosed polyimides are disclosed, as are the polymer blends prepared thereby. Methods of using these polymer blends to separate gases are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for self-assembled polymer materials having at least one of macro, meso, or micro pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extraction of organic compounds from mixtures of said compounds with water, using a nanoporous carbon membrane. The invention can be used in any field where it is desired to separate an organic compound of interest from water, such as the drying of alcohols or alkanes.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of methods for preparing polymer films, and of such polymer films. The method involves phase separation and requires only aqueous solution, eliminating the need for organic solvents. The aqueous phase separation involves contacting a polymer solution comprising a trigger-responsive polymer with an aqueous coagulation solution in which the trigger-responsive polymer is not soluble.

Abstract: A portable, multi-step apparatus and method for producing potable water in remote locations.

Abstract: This specification describes a method for lowering the content of monovalent ions in a final concentrate of a nanofiltration system relative to a brine and a corresponding nanofiltration system. The nanofiltration system comprises at least three stages of nanofiltration, wherein the concentrate from each segment flows into the next segment. A feed stream is sent into one stage to generate a concentrate stream, and a first portion of the concentrate stream is recirculated to the one stage. The pH of the feed stream is controlled in a range of 2-7. The temperature of the feed stream is in a range of 20-60° C. The feed stream includes the recirculated concentrate stream and at least part of a concentrate generated from an upstream stage. The method and the system described herein can reduce the concentration of monovalent ions in the final concentrate during a nanofiltration separation process.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning a portable filter assembly including an elongated housing and a mouthpiece assembled with an outlet end port of the housing, the mouthpiece is disassembled from a female threaded portion of the outlet end port. A male threaded end connection of a cleaning fluid source is assembled to the female threaded portion of the outlet end port. A pressurized cleaning fluid is supplied from the cleaning fluid source to the outlet end port and through a filter element disposed in a fluid passage of the housing to expel the cleaning fluid and trapped contaminants from an inlet end port of the housing.

Abstract: Dairy products are produced by subjecting a starting dairy material to nanofiltration to remove monovalent ions to produce an ion-depleted dairy permeate; passing the ion-depleted dairy permeate through an ion exchange column and subsequently with a sodium-containing eluting solution to produce sodium phosphate and sodium citrate derived from the starting material; concentrating the sodium phosphate and sodium citrate; and combining the concentrated sodium phosphate and sodium citrate with dairy components. The dairy product contains an amount of the concentrated sodium phosphate and sodium citrate sufficient to cause fat in the dairy product to be emulsified and protein in the dairy product to be hydrated. In addition or alternatively, a dairy by-product stream may be subjected to ion exchange to remove calcium therefrom; concentrated, and combined with dairy materials naturally containing phosphate and citrate in order to adjust the citrate+phosphate-to-calcium ratio to reach an emulsified dairy product.

Abstract: A manual clot aspiration and filtration system enables a method of removing a clot without general anesthesia and the expense of an operating room. An aspiration and filtration system for bodily fluid utilizes a syringe coupled with a filter unit to draw bodily fluid through the filter unit to collect debris on the filter. A flow valve may then be turned and the plunger depressed to force the filtered fluid back into the body. The filter may be configured to capture particles such as blood clots and plaque. The filter unit has a cover that can be removed for inspection and/or removal of the collected debris. When the cover is replaced, trapped air may be removed by turning the flow-valve to a purge direction and pressing the plunger into the syringe to force fluid back toward the filter unit to purge the trapped air through the purge valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-b-PEO) block copolymer nanoporous membranes, methods of making a PS-b-PEO block copolymer nanoporous membrane, methods of using PS-b-PEO block copolymer nanoporous membranes, and the like.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided with a unitary, single-piece structure that can be formed via 3D printing, for example. The heat exchanger includes a main body defining a first fluid inlet port, a first fluid outlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and a second fluid outlet port, wherein each of these fluid ports are integrally formed with the main body. A plurality of plates are stacked and integrally formed with the body. First fluid channels are defined by gaps in the material of the main body and are in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet port. Second fluid channels are defined by gaps in the material of the main body and are in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet port. The first fluid channels and the second fluid channels are interposed between the plates in alternating fashion along the stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of wastewater (S1) formed during the production of starches, in particular of chemically modified starches, and which contains dissolved salts and organic compounds, in which process it is proposed that the wastewater (S1) or pretreated wastewater (S1) containing substantially the dissolved salts and the organic compounds of the wastewater (S1) is subjected to a membrane separation process in which a separation of the wastewater (S1) supplied to the membrane separation process into a first volume flow (S3) with a higher concentration of dissolved salts in relation to the supplied wastewater (S1) and a second volume flow (S2) with a reduced concentration of dissolved salts in relation to the supplied wastewater (S1) is performed, wherein the first volume flow (S3) is subjected to thermal treatment for the separation of the dissolved salts and of a third volume flow (S9) which contains a fraction of the organic compounds of the wastewater (S1).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a porous membrane made of pentablock copolymer. The porous membrane includes an ABCBA block copolymer and has a number of pores. The A block is immiscible with each of the B block and the C block, the B block has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 90 degrees Celsius or greater, and the C block has a Tg of 25 degrees Celsius or less. The A block comprises a poly(alkylene oxide), a substituted epoxide, a polylactam, or a substituted carbonate; B block comprises a vinyl aromatic monomer or a polyalkylmethacrylate and C block comprises a polyacrylate, a polysiloxane or a polyisoprene. A method of making a porous membrane is also provided. The method includes forming a film or a hollow fiber from a solution including a solvent and solids containing an ABCBA block copolymer. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the solvent from the film or the hollow fiber and contacting the film or the hollow fiber with a nonsolvent.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module including a specialized end cap assembly including a connecting conduit defining a passageway extending radially inward from its outer periphery, and a differential pressure sensor connected to the passageway of the connecting conduit.

Abstract: An immersed hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by fixing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes by a potting agent, and a module supporting unit provided at one side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to support the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the module supporting unit having an air cleaning time delaying portion configured to delay or intermittently maintain an air cleaning time for air introduced therein and discharged out.

Abstract: The present system and method are useful for the removal of immune inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptors from the body fluid of cancer patients. In some embodiments, soluble TNF-Receptors 1 and 2 are selectively removed from plasma at 80% or more efficiency. In some embodiments, the system includes an immobilized capture ligand of a single chain TNF?. The system and method are useful for the treatment of different cancer types, stages and severity.

Abstract: In various aspects provided are purification media and containers for dispensing a purified liquid are provided herein where a high surface area-to-volume chemically interactive purification media positioned at the outlet of a container that purifies the liquid as it is dispensed and/or extracted.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices, and kits for the isolation of extracellular vesicles using silicon nanomembranes. A method for EV isolation includes the steps of collecting a biofluid sample, contacting the biofluid sample with a pre-filtration membrane, thereby forming a first filtrate and a first retentate, optionally, washing the first retentate of the pre-filtration membrane, contacting the first filtrate from the pre-filtration membrane with a capture membrane, thereb forming a second filtrate and a second retentate, optionally, washing the second retentate, and eluting the second retentate from the capture membrane or lysing the second retentate to recover the contents.

Abstract: Systems and methods used to control tangential flow filtration are provided, including control systems and methods for use with connected systems with upstream processing units, such as chromatography processing units, in fluid communication with a tangential flow filtration processing unit. Also included are control systems and methods for performing continuous concentration using single-pass tangential flow filtration with permeate flow control.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ultrafiltration and microfiltration polymeric flat sheet separation membranes is disclosed, the process comprising a unidirectional cooling step. Membranes prepared according to the process exhibit numerous advantages over ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes prepared via conventional processes. In particular, the membranes prepared by the present process exhibit remarkable pure water flux, superior mechanical properties and increased anti-fouling characteristics. Also disclosed are particular PVDF ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes having improved flux, mechanical and anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: A flow plate for a humidifier, and to such a humidifier having a plurality of flow plates and water exchange membranes are described. The flow plate has a flow field with a plurality of free-standing support elements, wherein the support elements extend, at least in sections, perpendicular to the flat surface plane of the flow plate. Gas to be humidified or gas giving off moisture flows on the flow field. In the humidifier, the flow plates are arranged in a stack, wherein a membrane composite having at least one water exchange membrane is arranged between each pair of adjacent flow plates in the stack. The support elements improve the performance of the humidifier and therefore the number of flow plates can be reduced, making a lower-weight and space-saving design possible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein methods for combating biofouling in a liquid, e.g. an aqueous medium by providing a surface coated with at least one laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer in said liquid medium. Particularly disclosed herein method and devices for treating water comprising passing a water stream through a membrane module equipped with at least one spacer coated with at least one layer of LIG, and optionally by applying an electric potential to the at least one LIG layer to achieve a bactericidal effect in the water stream. Specifically, disclosed herein a polymeric mesh suitable for use as a spacer in a membrane module in water treatment application, said mesh being at least partially coated with LIG.

Abstract: A composition comprising extracts containing oil palm phenolics in an amount effective for use in a method of reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and thus preventing obesity. The composition up regulates fatty acid beta oxidation and down regulates cholesterol biosynthesis in livers. The composition is useful for prevention of obesity associated diseases. The composition delays the onset of obesity and attenuates the inflammatory response of atherogenic diet, whereby the composition aids to suppress the inflammatory response thereby ameliorating artherosclerosis. The composition delays weight gain or obesity thereby preventing the effects of dyslipidemia.

Abstract: Provided is a an amphiphilic diblock copolymer including from 40 to 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the copolymer, of a hydrophilic block including a unit derived from an n-butyl acrylate monomer and a derived from a hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomer. The copolymer also includes from 40 to 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the copolymer, of a hydrophobic block including at least one unit derived from a methyl methacrylate monomer. Also provided is a polymeric membrane that includes the block copolymer and a hydrophobic polymeric matrix. This membrane is useful for treating an effluent, for example, water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas in/outlet-adapter system for a container/rack assembly for a diagnostic robot comprising: —a receptacle (15) comprising a gas-inlet wherein the receptacle (15) is attached to a container (12), —a nozzle (16) comprising a gas-outlet wherein the nozzle (16) is attached to a rack to supply the container (12) via the receptacle (15) with a gas at a defined pressure level, wherein the receptacle (12) —provides one opening (24) —which provides for a fluidic contact to the interior of the container (12) —and a second opening (25) —which provides for a gas leak-proof connection to the nozzle (16) on the rack when the receptacle (15) is placed over the nozzle (16), and wherein the nozzle (16) —provides one opening (26) —which provides for a fluidic contact to a tubing system of the rack—and a second opening (27) —which provides for a fluidic contact to the nozzle (16) when the receptacle (15) is placed to cover the nozzle (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified ceramic membranes for the treatment of water. The invention discloses a modified ceramic membrane, comprising: a ceramic membrane, and an outer surface of said ceramic membrane is grafted by a hydrophilic organosilane, wherein said organosilane is selected from the group consisting of: CH30(C2H40)x(CH2)ySi(OCH3)3, where x is >4 and y is >0; CH30(C2H40)x(CH2)ySi(OCH2CH3)3, where x is >4 and y is >0; (CH30)3Si(CH2)yO(C2H40)x(CH2)ySi(OCH3)3, N where x is >4 and y is >0; and (CH3CH20)3Si(CH2)yO(C2H40)x(CH2)ySi(OCH2CI-13)3, where x is >4 and y is >0.

Abstract: An inverted Y-tool is positioned in multiphase wellbore fluid flowing through a wellbore. The inverted Y-tool separates at least a portion of gas from the multiphase wellbore fluid and, after separating at least the portion of the gas from the multiphase wellbore fluid, directs the multiphase wellbore fluid to a downhole pump that pumps the wellbore fluid in an uphole direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered semipermeable membrane satisfying the conditions below. (A) The maximum peak intensity between 3700 and 2900 cm?1 is 0.08 or greater in the difference spectrum between an IR spectrum measured at 25° C. and 97% relative humidity and an IR spectrum measured at 25° C. and 3% relative humidity. (B) The peak top wavenumber between 3700 and 2900 cm?1 of the aforementioned difference spectrum is 3400 cm?1 to 3550 cm?1. (C) The N1s peak has a maximum value at 401 eV or greater in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in which X-rays are radiated to a coat layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to produce fibers with external corrugations, internal corrugations, or both. These fibers can be used, for example, in hollow fiber membrane modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving and evaluating stability of pumped protein solutions in cross-flow filtration applications. Inter alia, the present invention provides a peristaltic pump for cross-flow filtration having a pump head, wherein the pump head comprises a stepped occlusion plate and at least one pump roller, wherein a tubing is to be arranged between the stepped occlusion plate and the at least one pump roller, wherein the stepped occlusion plate has a specific configuration.

Abstract: Modified substrates are provided having nano- or microscale wells, tracks, channels, pores or perforations. Also provided are methods of making the same.

Abstract: Methods for determining whether certain compounds, in particular crystals, are present in a sample of a biological fluid that indicates an individual has a particular disease or condition, such as but not limited to gout, pseudogout or urinary tract stones. In some embodiments, the methods include the steps of digestion and filtration of a sample of synovial fluid in order to isolate, if present, monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), or calcium phosphate crystals from the sample, wherein the filtrate is analyzed with a Raman device to ascertain the presence and type of the crystals. Devices for performing steps of the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A control method is provided for a filter system, which includes at least one filter element (2). The method includes continuously recording a total energy consumption (EG) during a filtration cycle (22) of the filter system. The total energy consumption (EG) includes at least of the energy consumption (EB) for a physical cleaning (24) and the energy consumption (EP) for the subsequent production cycle (23) up to a predefined, in particular current point in time. The method further includes computing a relative energy consumption (Erel) by way of division of the recorded total energy consumption (EG) by a net permeate volume (QN) which has been produced during the filtration cycle (22) up to the predefined point in time and starting a physical cleaning (24) in dependence on the relative energy consumption or of a characteristic value derived from this.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multilayer article. The multilayer article includes a) a microfiltration membrane substrate; b) a first layer directly attached to the first major surface of the microfiltration membrane substrate; and c) a second layer directly attached to the first layer. The first layer includes a first polymeric binder and acid-sintered interconnected first silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The second layer includes acid-sintered interconnected second silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The present disclosure also provides a method for forming a multilayer article.

Abstract: The invention provides a water purification system or a water treatment system comprising carbon nanotubes, as well as methods for purifying or treating water using the systems of the invention.

Abstract: A filtration system has a filter unit and a holder module. The filter unit has an inlet side and an outlet side being opposite each other, and has at least one filter module. The holder module has at least one holder element and two tightening assemblies. The at least one holder element fixes the at least one filter module, and the tightening assemblies are respectively mounted at the inlet side and the outlet side of the filter unit. The quantities of the filter modules of the filter unit may be increased or decreased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the selective removal of nitrates from ground water using a hybrid nanofiltration (NF)—reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system. The process generates product water that is low in nitrate and can be used for drinking, irrigation and other purposes, as well as waste water that is relatively low in salinity and can be safely discarded to sewage systems and recycled, e.g., for irrigation purposes.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing a population of liposomes are provided. Aspects of the methods include applying a centrifugal force to a suspension of liposomes in a manner sufficient to pass the liposomes through a porous membrane to produce a population of liposomes. Aspects of the invention further include devices, systems and kits useful for performing the methods.

Abstract: A flow rate of blood through an implantable blood pump is determined based on a parameter related to the flow, such as a parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump. An amount of current supplied to the pump is used to determine each of a first flow rate value and second flow rate values. Each of the first and second flow rate values, in combination with the parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump, are used to calculate a flow rate of blood through the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained drug delivery system for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), comprising corticosteroid encapsulated nanoparticles incorporated into a thermoreversible hydrogel. The corticosteroid may be triamcinolone acetate (TA), dexamethasone, or loteprednol etabonate (LE). The proposed drug delivery system is nontoxic to ARPE-19 (retinal pigment epithelium) cells and significantly reduces VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) expression as compared to solutions of the coticosteroids. The present invention provides sustained delivery of the corticosteroid to the posterior segment of the eye, reducing the frequency of intraocular injections necessary to maintain therapeutic concentrations.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a water filtration and delivery system for a dialysis unit. The water nitration and delivery system including: a laminarizer, the laminizer producing a laminarizer flow; an ultrafiltration unit, the ultrafiltration unit being placed downstream and connected to the laminarizer, the ultrafiltration unit receiving the laminar flow from the laminarizer; and at least one carbon filter, the at least one carbon filter being placed downstream from the ultrafiltration unit, the at least one carbon filter receiving the laminar flow, wherein the laminar flow causes less stress on internal components of the ultrafiltration unit and the at least one carbon filter.

Abstract: A negative electrode electrolyte solution which contains titanium ions, a chelating agent, and a catechol-based compound having a catechol structure is used for a negative electrode of a flow battery in which an electrolyte solution is circulated so as to perform charge and discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified apparatus for wastewater recycling including a toilet tank device, a water amount control assembly, and a three-way pipe. The toilet tank device includes a filtering space provided with a filtering apparatus and a water level sensing apparatus and a device area provided with a pressurizing device, at least one filter, and a transfer pipe. The water amount control assembly includes a driving apparatus, a cleaning pipe group, and a wastewater transfer pipe group. When clean water is transferred to clean the filter, the clean water can be transferred through a combination of the cleaning pipe group and the pressurizing device with a water amount controlled by the driving apparatus, and wastewater passing through the filtering apparatus can be transferred through a combination of the wastewater transfer pipe group and the pressurizing device with a water output amount controlled by the driving apparatus.

Abstract: Liquid purification methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a frame to define an interior space, the frame having an inner surface in contact with air of the interior space; a barrier positioned between a body of liquid and the interior space; and an absorber suspended from the frame to transfer liquid from the body of liquid into the interior space via an opening in the barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting nucleic acid from a formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sample comprising a hollow body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a filter layer arranged within the hollow body, wherein the device is characterized in that the filter layer has an oil repellency of at least grade 5 according to the test method by AATCC-118 (1997). The invention further relates to a method for extracting nucleic acids from a formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sample, and a kit comprising the inventive device.