Abstract: The inventive process scheme and its various embodiments described herein will comprise filtering a selenium containing water by reverse osmosis or nanofiltration to produce a primary permeate stream at least meeting the water stream effluent discharge requirements of the location and a concentrate stream containing the removed selenium and other species, a RO or NF concentrate treatment specific to the case which will treat and reduce the selenium content of the concentrate, optionally in conjunction with a sulfate removal process, and result in a highly concentrated sludge or other output, and a selenium depleted aqueous overflow stream, a portion of which will be combined with the primary permeate stream so that the selenium content of the combined stream does not exceed the local requirement, and the reminder of the selenium depleted aqueous overflow stream will be returned to be combined with the selenium containing water entering the inlet of the primary reverse osmosis treatment.

Abstract: A method for producing of ultra-clean and high-purity electronic acetic acid is disclosed. The method including following steps: Step 1, industrial acetic acid is fast distilled; Step 2, filtering the fraction by membrane of 0.05˜0.3 ?m aperture; Step 3, rectification; Step 4, membrane filtration again. Due to the adoption of the technical scheme above, the ultra-clean and high-purity electronic grade acetic acid which purity is 99.8% is produced. The content of single metal ion is lower than 1 ppb and the content of particulates which is ?0.5 ?m is lower than 5 pcs/ml. The method of the invention will help to reduce energy consumption, to simplify the operation, and to achieve the high security.

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: 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 present invention relates to a method for separating and recovering a purified alkali metal salt from an aqueous alkali metal salt solution, the method including a treatment step of removing a purification-inhibiting substance from an aqueous alkali metal salt solution with a separation membrane having a glucose removal ratio and an isopropyl alcohol removal ratio simultaneously satisfying the following expressions (I) and (II) when each of a 1000 ppm aqueous glucose solution having a temperature of 25° C. and pH of 6.5 and a 1000 ppm aqueous isopropyl alcohol solution having a temperature of 25° C. and pH of 6.5 is permeated through the separation membrane at an operating pressure of 0.75 MPa: Glucose removal ratio?90% . . . (I), Glucose removal ratio—Isopropyl alcohol removal ratio?30% . . . (II).

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: 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: Membranes are made from polymers and heat treated so that they have at least two zones with pores of different sizes. Pores with a smaller size have a lower molecular weight cut off than pores with a larger size. Zones with pores of different sizes may also be made by coating portions of membranes with polymer coatings. Membranes with pores of different sizes may be used in dialyzers for hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, and other hemodialysis procedures. The membranes may also be used in other separation processes.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: Process and facility for treating an aqueous solution containing substantial concentrations of a variety of contaminants, including solids, semi-solids, colloids, complexes, oligomers, polyvalents, organics and monovalents, and which tend to form gels and scale precipitates when their concentration levels are increased during treatment of the aqueous solution, the process comprising the steps of: a) feeding the aqueous solution to an ultrafiltration (UF) plant and recovering therefrom an UF permeate reduced in such suspended solids, semi-solids and colloids; b) feeding the UF permeate obtained from step (a) to a nanofiltration (NF) plant and recovering therefrom an NF permeate reduced in such complexes, oligomers, polyvalents and organics; and feeding the NF permeate obtained from step (b) to a first reverse osmosis (RO) plant and recovering therefrom an RO permeate reduced in such monovalents. The process and facility may be used for treating process water from wet process phosphate acid production.

Abstract: Carbon Dioxide capture processes utilizing ammonia, or ammonia in water as the capture fluid for carbon dioxide generate concentrated solutions of ammonium carbonate species in water, which are subsequently decomposed to capture the carbon dioxide and recycle the ammonia. Forward osmosis processes utilize ammonium carbonate species as draw solutions to pull water from saline solutions such as seawater in the ammonium carbonate solution. The ammonium carbonate solution is then heated to decompose the ammonium carbonate to ammonia and CO2 which are both reused, while a portion of the aqueous stream is recovered as pure water. Combination of carbon capture process with an integrated forward osmosis process provide great economies over standalone operations. Furthermore, the very high concentrations of ammonium carbonate provide a further opportunity to include osmotic power recovery cycles with the integrated forward osmosis and carbon capture process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications.

Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Hierarchical porous membranes suitable for use in oil/water separation processes are provided. The membranes described herein are particularly well suited for separating trace amounts of water (e.g., no greater than 3 wt % water content, no greater than 1 wt % water content, or 50-1000 ppm water) from oil. The membranes have a wide range of applications, including deep seep oil exploration, oil purification, and oil spill cleanup.

Abstract: The method for separating water by a separation membrane is a method for separating water from an aqueous organic acid solution by the separation membrane, and the separation membrane consists of polycrystalline membrane of mordenite (the chemical composition of the frame: AlnSi40-nO96, 2?n?, further, a major component of exchangeable cations present in ion exchange sites of the mordenite is protons (H+). The separation membrane for dehydrating an aqueous organic acid solution exhibits unexpectedly remarkable water permeability and has excellent acid resistance, without damaging water separation selectivity. The method for separating water using this separation membrane enables, for example, realizing the process of dehydrating acetic acid by the separation membrane, and a great energy saving. There are provided the above-described separation membrane for dehydrating an aqueous organic acid solution, and the method for manufacturing it.

Abstract: Hemofiltration systems and methods to treat an Inflammatory Mediator Related Disease in a patients, including chronic and acute diseases, may include a hemofilter and an adsorptive device. The systems and methods may further include one or more therapeutic agents administered to the patient. The hemofilter removes ultrafiltrate from a blood stream extracted from the patient to create a filtered blood stream and an ultrafiltrate stream. The adsorptive device may include one or more adsorbent materials and may be used to adsorb inflammatory mediators from the ultrafiltrate stream received from the hemofilter to create a post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream. The post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream may be selectively combined with the filtered blood stream and together with the filtered blood stream may be returned to the mammal. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a water purifier, containing: a diluting unit configured to bring targeted water for purification into contact with an aqueous solution containing a volatile solute and a polymer via a semi-permeable membrane so as to separate water from the targeted water by the semi-permeable membrane, and configured to dilute the aqueous solution with the separated water; a separating unit configured to separate the volatile solute and the polymer from the diluted aqueous solution obtained by the diluting unit so as to obtain purified water; and a dissolving unit configured to return the separated volatile solute by the separating unit to the aqueous solution containing the polymer, and to allow the separated volatile solute to dissolve in the aqueous solution containing the polymer.

Abstract: Hydrophobic, asymmetric membranes are formed integrally from elastomeric polymers. The membranes have a dense, discriminating layer and a thick, porous support layer and require no other support. The membranes of the invention provide an economic advantage over prior art composite membranes used for separating target organics from a mixture. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to separate two or more organic components wherein discrimination is made on the basis of molecular size.

Abstract: A system adapted to condition an initial water feed stream into a treated water stream and to discharge the treated water stream. The initial water feed stream includes at least one of: a plurality of particles; an oil; a volatile organic compound; a hydrogen sulfide; a non-volatile compound; a heavy metal; and, a dissolved ion. The system includes a particle and oil removal subsystem adapted to treat the initial water feed stream to remove the plurality of particles and the oil to form a first partial treated water stream, a chemical oxygen demand reduction subsystem adapted to treat the first partial treated water stream to remove the volatile organic compound, the hydrogen sulfide and/or the non-volatile organic compound to form a second partial treated water stream, and a heavy metal and dissolved ion removal subsystem adapted to treat the second partial treated water stream to remove the heavy metal and the dissolved ion to form a treated water stream.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous membrane, the method comprising: casting a polymer solution, in which a polymer is dissolved in a mixture of a good solvent, a poor solvent and a non-solvent, over a support, so as to form a casted polymer solution; drying the casted polymer solution, so as to form a cast film; and subjecting the cast film to a phase separation, wherein the porous membrane is produced under a condition where a temperature of a casted surface is lower than a temperature of the polymer solution, and each of a temperature change of the polymer solution and a temperature change of the casted surface is kept within ±3.0° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

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: Water and fuel contaminating material may be removed from a stream operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the contaminated oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membrane and housing a flow of air for disposition outside the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

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 method for reducing the number of leukocytes in blood through treating the blood in an arrangement of a plurality of fibers based on organic polymers, whereby the blood is channeled along the fibers and whereby the reduction in leukocytes from the blood occurs essentially through adsorption on the fibers, characterized in that the plurality of fibers based on organic polymers is fixed in a housing with an inlet arrangement and an outlet arrangement, and that the blood is channeled via the inlet arrangement into the housing, flows through the housing with the plurality of fibers made from organic polymers, and exits the housing via the outlet arrangement, that the arrangement of the fibers shows a high degree of order, that the blood flows along the external surface of the fibers, and that the fibers cause a generation of the complement activation product C5a in a concentration of at least 10 ?g per m2 of fiber surface.

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: Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture.

Abstract: A device for the tangential filtration of a fluid to be processed and intended to be divided into a filtrate and a retentate includes, in an outer case, a series of filtration elements of tubular form lying parallel to each other, at least one output for the filtrate, communicating with the filtrate collection receptacle, a first communication chamber in which are fitted the separation resources, communicating with respectively a first series and a second series of filtration elements forming the go and return circuits of a circulation loop for the fluid to be processed, where the separation resources include a turbine of a circulation pump. The input for the fluid to be processed opens into the first communication chamber of the outer case between the turbine of the circulation pump and the filtration elements of the series forming the return circuit of the circulation loop.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for converting seawater to drinking water at room temperature include using the processes of osmosis, vacuum stripping, nanofiltration, ion exchange, and breakpoint chlorination, to provide a low-cost alternative to prior seawater conversion methods.

Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The novel non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.

Abstract: A method for treating water including intaking a first amount of water into a plurality of treatment blocks, treating the first amount of water, outputting aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks, separating the aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks into aqueous permeate streams and concentrate reject streams, monitoring each of the aqueous permeate streams, controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of treatment blocks based on predefined water-characteristic tolerances that fall within a predetermined concentration range based on the different qualities of the aqueous permeate streams, combining the aqueous permeate streams of at least two of the plurality of treatment blocks based on the identified characteristics and the predefined water-characteristic tolerances, and outputting the product water stream and the at least one concentrate reject stream.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: The invention provides the combined use of UF and MVR for the treatment of industrial process fluid wastewater that contains recoverable material. The recoverable material desirably has a molecular diameter of less than about 5 to 6 nm and a boiling point of less than about 200 ° C. In one embodiment, the recoverable material may then be utilized in the preparation of another industrial process fluid. In another embodiment, the recoverable material is isolated and retained for later use. The invention thereby provides aqueous industrial process fluid which contains water; one or more of an emulsifier, oil, amine, biocide, thickener, lubricant, dispersant, antioxidant, corrosion inhibitor, alkaline compound, surfactant, and carrier; and one or more chemical compounds recovered from aqueous industrial process fluid wastewater treated with UF and MVR.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for filtering a protein in a liquid mixture in a manner that does not substantially damage or otherwise limit the recovery of the protein in the filtration filtrate. The method generally includes passing a liquid mixture containing a protein (e.g., an aqueous vWF mixture) through a filter while applying a counter pressure to the liquid mixture filtrate to accurately reduce and control the pressure differential across the filter. The disclosed method has the advantage that relatively high filtration flow rates can be achieved at relatively low pressure differentials, in contrast to high pressure differentials, which actually reduce the filtration flow rate of protein liquid mixtures. Further, the method can recover substantially all of the protein that is initially present in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane.

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

Abstract: A method for yielding concentrated ethanol from an ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of a water solution of saccharide generated by a saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme is provided. Water is separated from the ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of the water solution of saccharide generated by the saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme with pervaporation method using a water separation membrane. Condensate prepared by condensing ethanol vapor existing in a space above a liquid level of the ethanol water solution is collected.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of fabricating a membrane made of a nanostructured material and its use.

Abstract: A serviceable device for filtering lubricating oil includes an inlet and an outlet, a first filtering element and an absorption filtering element. The absorption filtering element is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant present in the lubricating oil when in contact with the absorption filtering element. A flow path for the lubricating oil is from the inlet, through the first filtering element, and out the outlet. The flow path further includes lubricating oil contact with the absorption filtering element.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.

Abstract: A method of purifying a surfactant for use in a pharmaceutical formulation, which comprises mixing the surfactant with a solvent and bringing said mixture into contact with a semi-permeable membrane so as to allow impurities present in the surfactant and having a molecular weight lower than the molecular weight cut-off of the membrane to pass through the membrane, whilst retaining the purified surfactant.

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.