Apparatus For Selective Diffusion Of Gases (e.g., Semipermeable Membrane, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/4)
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Patent number: 8568517Abstract: A gas separation device comprising a porous support structure comprising polymeric hollow fibers, and an inorganic mesoporous membrane disposed on the porous support structure is disclosed. The inorganic mesoporous membrane is uniform and free of defects. Further, the inorganic mesoporous membrane comprises a network of interconnected three-dimensional pores that interconnect with the porous support structure. The gas permeances of the inorganic mesoporous membrane is substantially higher than the gas permeances of the polymeric hollow fibers. A method of fabricating the gas separation device is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventors: Sankar Nair, Kwang-Suk Jang, Christopher Jones, William Koros, Justin Johnson
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Patent number: 8568518Abstract: A method of making a crystalline silicoaluminophosphate-34 (SAPO-34) membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous support having a pore size distribution such that a small proportion of its pores are larger than 10 microns, seeding the porous support with SAPO-34 seed crystals by capillary suspension infiltration to give a seeded support, and growing a SAPO-34 membrane layer on the surface of the seeded support.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Benedictus Clemens Bonekamp, Hendrik Jan Marsman, Johannis Pieter Overbeek, Paul Jason Williams
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Patent number: 8568510Abstract: A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy-efficient manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, IncInventors: Johannes G Wijmans, Richard W Baker, Timothy C Merkel
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Patent number: 8568503Abstract: It is an object to provide a vent filer that can reduce contaminants diffusing through the vent filter into the inside of a housing, and has high diffusion efficiency and low pressure loss. The vent filter has an adhesive layer 1 having a through-hole 1a at least in one area; a flow path member 2 provided with a flow path 2a in communication with the through-hole 1a; and an air-permeable membrane 3 covering the flow path member 2 and part of the adhesive layer 1, wherein the peripheral portion 3a of the air-permeable membrane 3 is fixed to the adhesive layer 1 and the flow path member 2 is held within a hollow portion formed between the adhesive layer 1 and the air-permeable membrane 3.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Sasaki, Yusuke Yahara
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Patent number: 8562847Abstract: In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Yagi, Takanori Maeda, Yoshinori Oota, Yasuhiro Uchida
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Publication number: 20130270188Abstract: Two-dimensional material based filters, their method of manufacture, and their use are disclosed. The filters may include at least one active layer disposed on a porous substrate. The at least one active layer may include intrinsic and/or intentional formed pores. In some embodiments, the flow resistance of the porous substrate may be selected to limit flow through defects and intrinsic pores in the at least one active layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
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Patent number: 8557023Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a gas flow for introduction thereof into a mass spectrometer, wherein the gas flow contains one or more analytes and has helium as carrier gas. According to the invention, a selective separating device is provided for separating off a part of the carrier gas from the gas flow (10), to form a residual gas flow (11) and a separated carrier gas flow (12). A higher fraction of the analyte is present therein than in the gas flow and in the separated carrier gas flow there is a lower fraction of the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbHInventor: Reinhold Pesch
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Patent number: 8551770Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: University of MiamiInventors: Christopher A. Fraker, Juan Dominguez-Bendala, Ricordi Camillo, Luca Inverardi
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Publication number: 20130255483Abstract: A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Edgar S. SANDERS, JR., Sarang Gadre, Michael D. Bennett, Ian R. Roman, David J. Hassee, Indrasts Mondal
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Publication number: 20130255490Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, cured manufactured article comprising the crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, semipermeable membrane comprising the crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, method of using the semipermeable membrane to separate an acid gas from a separable gas mixture comprising the acid gas and a permeation-resistant gas, and method of preparing the cured manufactured article from a curable manufactured article comprising a shaped reactive silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Scott T. Matteucci, William J. Harris, Pushkala Krishnamurthy
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Patent number: 8545606Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating molecular sieve particles for use in a mixed matrix membrane useful in, for example, gas separations. Membranes employing treated molecular sieve particles may exhibit enhanced permeabilities and selectivities in regard to, for example, the separation of carbon dioxide and methane.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: William John Koros, Jason Keith Ward
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Patent number: 8545607Abstract: A pleatable, high efficiency composite gas filtration media is provided. The media includes an essentially boron free chopped strand glass backer layer and media layer comprising a synthetic material. The composite media exhibits excellent pleatability, low boron out gassing, and low organic out gassing, with filtration performance comparable to existing commercial membrane composites.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Lydall, Inc.Inventors: William H. Cambo, Ming T. Huang
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Publication number: 20130247761Abstract: A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour I'Etude et Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Edgar S. SANDERS, JR., Sarang GADRE, Michael D. BENNETT, Ian C. ROMAN, David J. HASSE, Indrasis MONDAL
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Patent number: 8540806Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Oridion Medical (1987) Ltd.Inventors: Amos Ophir, Eyal Cohen, David Dishon, Joshua Lewis Colman
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Patent number: 8540800Abstract: The present invention discloses microporous UZM-5 zeolite membranes, methods for making the same, and methods of separating gases, vapors, and liquids using the same. The small-pore microporous UZM-5 zeolite membrane is prepared by two different methods, including in-situ crystallization of one or more layers of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a seed layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals supported on a porous membrane support. The membranes in the form of disks, tubes, or hollow fibers have superior thermal and chemical stability, good erosion resistance, high CO2 plasticization resistance, and significantly improved selectivity over polymer membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Jaime G. Moscoso, Stephen T. Wilson
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Publication number: 20130239804Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas separation process that utilizes ejector recycle with a membrane separation step in combination with a second separation step. The second separation step may be a second membrane separation step, or may involve a different type of separation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventor: Livia Serbanescu-Martin
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Publication number: 20130243660Abstract: A separation membrane including an alloy, the alloy including at least one Group 5 element, and at least one selected from Pt and Ir.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kwang Hee KIM, Hyeon Cheol PARK, Byung Ki RYU, Jae Ho LEE
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Publication number: 20130239812Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for the design and manufacture of hydrogen generation apparatuses and systems. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. Some methods described herein pressing together a first end plate, one or more intermediate plates, and a second end plate using a press to form a hydrogen purifier module, and placing a plurality of clips around the hydrogen purifier module to hold the first end plate, the one or more intermediate plates, and the second end plate together.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: AZUR ENERGY, LLCInventor: David Edlund
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Publication number: 20130240438Abstract: Blends comprising a sulfonated block copolymer and particulate carbon are useful materials for membranes, films and coatings in applications which require high dimensional stability, high water vapor transport, high conductivity, and low flammability. The sulfonated block copolymer comprises at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups based on the number of monomer units of the B block.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: Carl Lesley Willis, Kuitian Tan
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Blood storage bag system and depletion devices with oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion capabilities
Patent number: 8535421Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Tatsuro Yoshida, Paul J. Vernucci -
Patent number: 8535413Abstract: An apparatus and process is taught for the formation of ethanol from a fermentation medium in the absence of an ethanol concentration distillation step.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Paul Bryan, Oluwasijibomi Okeowo
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Publication number: 20130233169Abstract: A gas concentrating system is provided. The system includes, for example, a gas separation system having at least one separation space, at least one sensor connected to the separation space and providing at least one output signal indicative of the progress of gas separation, at least one pump system associated with gas separation system; and a controller. The controller includes, for example, logic reading the sensor output signal and logic controlling at least one parameter of the pump system based on the sensor output signal. The parameter of the pump system can be any parameter affecting the characteristics or operation of the pump system. Examples are disclosed but are not intended to be limiting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: William J. Daniels, JR.
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Publication number: 20130228529Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration membranes comprising a microporous material, said microporous material comprising: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said microporous material substrate, wherein the weight ratio of filler to polyolefin is greater than 4:1; and (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material. The present invention is also directed to methods of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream such as a liquid or gaseous stream, comprising passing the fluid stream through the microfiltration membrane described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Raphael O. Kollah, Justin J. Martin, Timothy A. Okel, Daniel E. Rardon, Christine Gardner, Shantilal M. Mohnot
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Publication number: 20130220126Abstract: A plasma spray method for the manufacture of an ion conducting membrane, in particular of a hydrogen ion conducting membrane or of an oxygen ion conducting membrane is suggested. In which method the membrane is deposited as a layer (11) on a substrate (10) in a process chamber, wherein a starting material (P) is sprayed onto a surface of the substrate (10) by means of a process gas (G) in the form of a process beam (2). The starting material is injected into a plasma at a low process pressure which is at most 10000 Pa and is partially or completely melted there. In accordance with the invention the substrate (10) has pores (30) which are connected amongst one another so that the substrate (10) is gas permeable and a portion of an overall pore area of an overall area of the coating surface (31, 131) amounts to at least 30%, in particular to at least 40%.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicants: Sulzer Metco AG, Forschungszentrum Julich GmbHInventors: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH, Sulzer Metco AG
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Publication number: 20130220118Abstract: A non-cryogenic system for gas separation includes an absorbent system for removing condensable hydrocarbons from a feed gas. The feed gas is then directed into a gas-separation membrane. The absorbent system includes a liquid absorbent having an affinity for hydrocarbons. The liquid absorbent can be, for example, compressor oil or mineral oil. A chiller and a carbon bed may optionally be positioned between the absorbent system and the membrane. The absorbent is periodically regenerated by reducing the pressure or increasing the temperature of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: GENERON IGS, INC.Inventor: Generon IGS, Inc.
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Patent number: 8518150Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: RasircInventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
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Publication number: 20130213227Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas. It comprises a membrane unit (12), and an electrode unit (24). The membrane unit (12) comprises a porous substrate (20), a dense membrane (14) and at least one electrode (18), wherein the porous substrate (20) is directed towards the electrode unit (24), and wherein the electrode unit (24) comprises at least one electrode comprising at least one rotatable electrode wing (26) being at least partially electrically conductive. An arrangement according to the invention allows to separate oxygen with improved efficiency and improved convenience with respect to maintenance and noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Rainer Hilbig, Mareike Klee, Wilhelmus Cornelis Keur
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Publication number: 20130216938Abstract: The material according to the invention is based on a material having the composition Ln6WO12 with a defect fluorite structure in which the cations, at least partially, have been substituted in a defined manner in the A and/or B position. It has the following composition: Ln1-xAx)6(W1-yBy)zO12-? where Ln=an element from the group (La, Pr, Nd, Sm), A=at least one element from the group (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er, Yb, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Th, In, Pb), B=at least one element from the group (Mo, Re, U, Cr, Nb), 0?x?0.7 and 0?y?0.5, wherein, however, either x or y>0, 1.00?z?1.25 and 0???0.3. The mixed proton-electron conducting material exhibits an improved mixed conductivity, good chemical stability as well as good sintering properties, and can be used in particular as a material for a hydrogen-separating membrane or as a electrolyte at higher temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA, FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBHInventors: Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg, Mariya Ivanova, Hans Peter Buchkremer, Detlev Stoever, Jose Manuel Serra Alfaro, Sonia Escolastico
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Publication number: 20130213223Abstract: A system adapted to separate a natural gas feed stream into a sweetened gas stream, at least one liquid waste stream and at least one gaseous waste stream, and to discharge, recover or destroy the at least one liquid waste stream and the at least one gaseous waste stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventor: Richard Paul Posa
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Patent number: 8512441Abstract: A process for recovering a gaseous component comprising at least one fluorine-containing compound from a mixture of gaseous compounds. The process includes, in a separation zone (12), bringing a mixture of gaseous constituents, including at least one fluorine-containing constituent, into contact with a gas permeable separating medium (16) comprising a polymeric compound, so that a first gaseous component comprising at least one fluorine-containing constituent is separated from a second gaseous component comprising the balance of the gaseous constituents. The first gaseous component is withdrawn from the separation zone as a permeate (34) or a retentate, while the second gaseous component is withdrawn from the separation zone as the retentate (26), when the first gaseous component is withdrawn as the permeate, and as the permeate, when the first gaseous component is withdrawn as the retentate.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignees: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited, North-West UniversityInventors: Johannes Theodorus Nel, Izak Jacobus Van Der Walt, Alfred Teo Grunenberg, Odolphus Simon Leo Bruinsma, Marco Le Roux, Henning Manfred Krieg, Sanette Marx
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Patent number: 8512442Abstract: A composite membrane for separating a gas from a mixed gas stream includes a fibrous non-woven substrate including consolidated synthetic thermoplastic fibers, and coextensively disposed on a surface of the fibrous non-woven substrate a continuous polysulfide rubber film adhered thereto. A method of separating a gas component from a mixed gas stream includes 1) contacting a surface of the above-described composite membrane with the mixed gas stream under conditions such that a product gas enriched in the gas component diffuses through the composite membrane; and 2) collecting the product gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Aaron Oken
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Patent number: 8512443Abstract: Hydrogen can be recovered in a refinery network using a combination of a cycling adsorber unit and a membrane separation unit. A membrane separation unit can be used to generate at least a portion of the purge hydrogen stream for the cycling adsorber unit. This can reduce the portion of the hydrogen product stream from the cycling adsorber unit required for regeneration of the adsorbent.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Narasimhan Sundaram, John W. Viets
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Patent number: 8512428Abstract: An object is to provide a vent filter in which a vent film is less likely to be broken when cut and a measure to shrinkage is taken while the characteristics and functions both inherent to the vent film are being kept. The vent filter includes a frame-shaped adhesive layer 2 and a vent film 3 attached to the adhesive layer 2, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the vent film 3 is positioned at an outer side than an outer peripheral portion of the frame-shaped adhesive layer 2.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Japan Gore-Tex Inc.Inventors: Takuya Ueki, Takayuki Saeki, Shuichi Sayama
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Publication number: 20130206002Abstract: A separation membrane including an alloy wherein the alloy includes at least one Group 5 element and at least one Group 14 element, wherein the at least one Group 5 element and the at least one Group 14 element of the alloy define a body centered cubic structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Patent number: 8506676Abstract: A waste heat recovery system is provided. The waste heat recovery system includes a gas separation apparatus that includes a chamber and at least one membrane positioned within the chamber. The gas separation apparatus is configured to produce a retentate that includes at least a combustible gas and a permeate that includes at least a waste gas, wherein the waste gas includes at least a noncombustible gas. Moreover, the waste heat recovery system includes a burner that is coupled to the gas separation apparatus, wherein the burner is configured to receive the permeate and to combust the permeate such that heat is generated from the permeate. Further, a heat recovery steam generator is coupled to the burner and configured to recover heat generated by the burner.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert Warren Taylor
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Patent number: 8506677Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for carbon dioxide separation. The system includes a conducting membrane having two phases. The first phase is a solid oxide porous substrate. The second phase is molten carbonate. The second phase is positioned within the solid oxide porous substrate of the first phase. The system also includes a H2 and CO2 gas input stream separated from a CH4 gas input stream by the conducting membrane. The CO2 is removed from the H2 and CO2 gas input stream as it contacts the membrane resulting in a H2 gas output stream from the H2 and CO2 gas input stream and a CO and H2 gas output stream from the CH4 gas input stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventor: Kevin Huang
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Publication number: 20130199370Abstract: A steam permselective membrane containing a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer is provided. The steam permselective membrane may further contain at least one alkali metal compound selected from the group consisting of a cesium compound, a potassium compound and a rubidium compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: RENAISSANCE ENERGY RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Okada, Eiji Kamio, Nobuaki Hanai, Miwako Obama
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Patent number: 8500848Abstract: The present disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial membrane water vapor rejection into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently expelled through a membrane vapor rejection unit to ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp
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Patent number: 8500870Abstract: Methods of producing corrosion-inhibiting aluminum foil products suitable for culinary use involve metallurgical sequestration of aluminum radicals by applying a copper-containing barrier metal layer to a substrate aluminum foil, followed by application of a biocompatible, lipid-based sealant layer to seal any gaps in the barrier layer and provide a non-stick coating. The sealant, which has a vegetable cooking oil, or oil mixture, as its primary ingredient, may also function as a natural antimicrobial and/or anti-fungal agent. Various sealant additives may increase the thermal stability of the oil base, enhance the antimicrobial properties thereof, and increase shelf life. Aluminum foil products include a coated aluminum foil with a copper-containing barrier layer applied to an aluminum substrate layer, with a sealant layer applied to the barrier layer. The coated foil may be wound in a coil around a hollow tube which contains a desiccant.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventor: Marc S. Werblud
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Patent number: 8500872Abstract: The invention is a ceramic tube made of two parts. A first part of the tube is made of a sensitive material for facilitating oxygen separation in the membrane. The second part is made of a different material that does not react with CO2 and/or H2O. Accordingly, by means of this Invention, there is provided a ceramic tube that is stabilized and does not deteriorate upon exposure to CO2 and/or H2O at temperatures below the operating temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.Inventor: Ilan Riess
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Publication number: 20130192460Abstract: Technologies are generally described for perforated graphene monolayers and membranes containing perforated graphene monolayers. An example membrane may include a graphene monolayer having a plurality of discrete pores that may be chemically perforated into the graphene monolayer. The discrete pores may be of substantially uniform pore size. The pore size may be characterized by one or more carbon vacancy defects in the graphene monolayer. The graphene monolayer may have substantially uniform pore sizes throughout. In some examples, the membrane may include a permeable substrate that contacts the graphene monolayer and which may support the graphene monolayer. Such perforated graphene monolayers, and membranes comprising such perforated graphene monolayers may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Empire Technology Development, LLCInventors: Seth A. Miller, Gary L. Duerksen
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Publication number: 20130197664Abstract: Espun material may function as a filtration medium or be put to other uses. The espun material may comprise espun poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (espun PTFE). One or more layers of the espun material may be included. The properties of the espun material can be tailored. For example, a gradient fabric may include espun PTFE. The gradient fabric may include two or more layers of espun PTFE.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: ZEUS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.
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Patent number: 8496732Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Charles H. Culp, David E. Claridge
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Patent number: 8496736Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply device which supplies hydrogen by selectively permitting permeation of hydrogen contained in a hydrogen containing gas (G1). This device includes: a first metal layer (2) which dissociates hydrogen molecules into hydrogen ions by a catalytic reaction and has hydrogen permeability; a second metal layer (3) which creates hydrogen molecules by bonding hydrogen ions to each other using electrons and has hydrogen permeability; a hydrogen permeation layer (1) which is interposed between the first metal layer (2) and the second metal layer (3) and permits permeation of the hydrogen ions from the first metal layer (2) to the second metal layer (3) by the application of a voltage; and a voltage application (7) for applying the voltage to the hydrogen permeation layer (1) by setting the first metal layer (2) as an anode and setting the second metal layer (3) as a cathode.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: IHI Corporation, Tamagawa K-12 & UniversityInventors: Junya Nishino, Katsumi Takahashi, Hiroyuki Obara
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Publication number: 20130186269Abstract: A vapor particle separator including a temperature controlled chamber for desorbing vapors from the particulates of an exhaust gas and a separation chamber including a micro porous membrane. The micro porous membrane provides an interface between at least one particle passageway and at least one vapor passageway through the separation chamber. The particle passageway extends from an entrance to the separation chamber to a particle exit from the separation chamber. The vapor passageway extends from the micro-porous membrane to a vapor exit from the separation chamber that is separate from the particle exit from the separation chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Meng-Dawn Cheng, Steve L. Allman
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Publication number: 20130186275Abstract: An autonomous filter device and a method for improving the filter life and performance is disclosed. The filter element is equipped with one or more sensors, adapted to measure one or more characteristics. In response to the measured characteristic, the control logic within the filter element is able to determine an appropriate response. For example, the control logic may determine that a sudden, but temporary, blockage has occurred in the filter membrane. In response, the control logic may initiate a specific response designed to alleviate the blockage. The control logic will then determine the success of the response, based monitoring any change in the fluid characteristics. Based thereon, the control logic may alert the operator that the filter element must be replaced. Alternatively, if the response was successful in correcting the blockage, the control logic need not notify the operator, as the filter element is back to normal operating operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: EMD MILLIPORE CORPORATIONInventor: EMD Millipore Corporation
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Patent number: 8486179Abstract: The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Mayumi Kiyono, Paul Jason Williams, William John Koros
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Publication number: 20130178145Abstract: A scrubber configuration for controlling carbon dioxide levels in a shipping container containing respiring produce is disclosed. The scrubber is made up of a curtain which includes a gas-selective membrane having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1:1, said curtain being positioned close to and parallel with the rear wall of said container which includes a door, said curtain forming an air-tight seal dividing the interior of the container into a plenum chamber between said membrane and the (rear wall) door, and the remainder of the container in which the produce is placed. The structure also includes an air intake means for conveying fresh air from outside the container into the plenum chamber; and an air output means for conveying air from the plenum chamber to the outside of the container. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: Chiquita LLCInventors: Carlos Gomez, Richard F. Macleod, Cesar Carpio
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Publication number: 20130174737Abstract: A membrane for a method for filtration of gas effluents from an industrial installation including a wall having an internal surface and an external surface, the wall having pores of variable dimensions in the radial direction and in the longitudinal direction of the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
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Publication number: 20130167722Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus that includes a porous rotor positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding an interior space, wherein the porous rotor includes sintered metal or ceramic; an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the porous rotor are separated by an annular space; and a motor configured for rotating the porous rotor about the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: H R D CorporationInventor: H R D Corporation