Apparatus For Selective Diffusion Of Gases (e.g., Semipermeable Membrane, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/4)
  • Publication number: 20130055892
    Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: RASIRC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
  • Publication number: 20130055898
    Abstract: A housing (10) is provided with an opening (11) having a tapered surface (12). A vent member (2) to be attached to the opening (11) includes a support body (3) having a vent passage (30), a waterproof gas-permeable membrane (4), and a cover (5). The support body (3) has a base portion (31) to which the waterproof gas-permeable membrane (4) is bonded, and a stem portion (32) extending from the base portion (31) so as to be engaged with an inside surface of the housing (10). The stem portion (32) is fitted with a seal member (6), and this seal member (6) is pressed against the tapered surface (12) in the opening (11) by a pressing portion (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Youzou Yano
  • Publication number: 20130055897
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus that includes an integrated filter element. The apparatus is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Patent number: 8388744
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to gas separation membranes and, more specifically, to polyimide gas separation membranes. In an embodiment, a gas separation membrane includes a porous substrate, a substantially continuous polyimide membrane layer, and one or more layers of boehmite nanoparticles disposed between the porous substrate and the polyimide membrane layer to form a bond-coat layer. The bond-coat layer is configured to improve the adhesion of the polyimide membrane layer to the porous substrate, and the polyimide membrane layer has a thickness approximately 100 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kimberly Ann Polishchuk
  • Patent number: 8388742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to measure permeation of a gas through a membrane. The membrane is mounted on a flange with two sealing areas. The region between the sealing areas defines an annular space. The annular space is swept with a gas in order to carry away any of the permeating gas which may leak through the sealing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Geoffrey Nunes
  • Patent number: 8388743
    Abstract: One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabyshiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masataka Suzuki, Takashi Suefuji, Akio Muraishi, Katsuhiko Makino, Toshiyuki Iwasaki, Takashi Mani
  • Patent number: 8377170
    Abstract: A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Renaissance Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Okada, Masaaki Teramoto, Reza Yegani, Hideto Matsuyama, Keiko Shimada, Kaori Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8377179
    Abstract: To provide a moisture control module which has a function to reduce or increase moisture in a gas permitted to flow in a hollow fiber and which is substantially free from air leakage and easy to produce; a process for producing such a moisture control module; and an apparatus for producing such a moisture control module. A moisture control module comprising a tubular hollow fiber 1, a braid fiber 3 plaited into a braid to cover the exterior of the hollow fiber 1, and a pipe 5 inserted in an end of the hollow fiber 1, wherein as the hollow fiber 1 and the braid fiber 3 present in a region with a prescribed length from said end have been heated at a prescribed temperature from outside, the braid fiber 3 is fused, and at the same time, the hollow fiber 1 is fixed by heat shrinkage to the pipe 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: AGC Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Kamada
  • Patent number: 8377178
    Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang, Steve Swanson
  • Patent number: 8372783
    Abstract: Packaging using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film extends the shelf life and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the cut flowers, and therefore extends its shelf life and vase life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres inside packages using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based film, also leads to reduction in the respiration rate of the cut flowers. The reduction in the respiration rate prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, and yellowing, browning, reduction in production levels of ethylene. Thus the created atmosphere is able to extend shelf life, maintain high quality and preserve nutrients of cut flowers items by naturally regulating respiration of said flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Shubham Chandra, Bhavna Chandra
  • Patent number: 8372182
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130032760
    Abstract: A process for regulating the rate of permeation of oxygen through a nonporous ceramic membrane which conducts oxygen anions and contains alkaline earth metal ions. On at least one side of the nonporous ceramic membrane which conducts oxygen anions, carbon dioxide and/or a gaseous carbon dioxide precursor is added for a predetermined time, which enables an alteration of the oxygen permeability of the membrane material. This brings about reversible chemical formation of alkaline earth metal carbonates in the membrane and, as a result, alters the properties thereof for oxygen permeation. A membrane reactor equipped with a feed line for a moderator gas can be regulated in a simple manner. The membrane reactor can preferably be used for oxidation reactions and/or for removal of oxygen from gas mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Steffen Werth
  • Patent number: 8366804
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membranes including hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes with high permeances for air separations and a method of making these membranes. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes have O2 permeance higher than 300 GPU and O2/N2 selectivity higher than 3 at 60° C. under 308 kPa for O2/N2 separation. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes also have CO2 permeance higher than 1000 GPU and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 higher than 20 at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Chunqing Liu, Raisa Minkov, Syed A. Faheem, Travis C. Bowen, Jeffrey J. Chiou
  • Patent number: 8366805
    Abstract: Composite structures are described that have a porous anodic oxide layer such as, for example, a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. In one aspect, the present invention includes a composite gas separation module having a porous metal substrate; a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. A composite filter is described having a porous non-aluminum metal substrate; and a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer defines pores extending through the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. Methods for fabricating composite gas separation modules and composite filters and methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Yi Hua Ma, Ivan P. Mardilovich
  • Patent number: 8366811
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Oridion Medical (1987) Ltd.
    Inventors: Amos Ophir, Eyal Cohen, David Dishon, Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Publication number: 20130025457
    Abstract: The ventilation member of the present invention includes a waterproof gas permeable membrane (11), and a support body (12) having a through hole (13). One opening of the through hole (13) is closed by the gas permeable membrane (11). The support body (12) includes, at an edge of the opening closed by the gas permeable membrane (11), a first region and a second region facing each other with the opening located therebetween. A first angled protrusion (12a) in which a peak and a trough are arranged alternately along the edge of the opening is provided in the first region, and a second angled protrusion (12b) in which a peak and a trough are arranged alternately along the edge of the opening is provided in the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouji Furuuchi, Youzou Yano
  • Patent number: 8361197
    Abstract: There is provided a zeolite separation membrane-provided article having gaps or pores larger than pores inherent to zeolite crystals and controlled within an appropriate range and being capable of achieving both high permeability and high separability for components with small difference in adsorption properties or a component having a smaller molecular diameter than the diameter of the pores, a method for producing the same, a method for separating mixed fluids, and a device for separating mixed fluids. The zeolite separation membrane-provided article is provided with a zeolite membrane having an N2 gas permeation speed at room temperature of 1.0×10?6 mol·m?2·s?1·Pa?1 or more and a permeation speed ratio of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene/N2 at room temperature of 0.17 or more and being free from dyeing caused by the impregnation with Rhodamine B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kawai, Toshihiro Tomita, Nobuhiko Mori, Aya Satoh
  • Patent number: 8357228
    Abstract: A gas purification method of the present invention uses a carbon membrane having a molecular sieving action to purify at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydride gas, a hydrogen halide gas, and a halogen gas, each gas containing an impurity at 10 ppm or less. The present invention can be used for a recovery unit that recoveries a used gas to reuse it as an ultrapure semiconductor material gas, and a unit or equipment that produces or charges an ultrapure semiconductor material gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzuru Miyazawa, Yoshihiko Kobayashi, Kenji Haraya, Miki Yoshimune
  • Publication number: 20130014642
    Abstract: The gas separation membrane of the present invention provides a gas separation membrane that exhibits superior gas permeability and separation selectivity and plasticity to the extent that it can endure bending testing and has little pinholes and a method for producing the gas separation membrane. Through the gas separation membrane of the present invention, it is possible to provide a superior gas separation method, a gas separation membrane module, and a gas separation and purification apparatus including the gas separation membrane module. Through the gas separation membrane of the present invention, it is possible to provide a superior gas separation method, a gas separation membrane module, and a gas separation apparatus including the gas separation membrane module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Sano
  • Patent number: 8353977
    Abstract: A hydrogen separator exhibits excellent hydrogen separation performance and durability and prevents scattering of an iron-containing substance that causes defects of a selective hydrogen permeable metal membrane in a first passage by covering an iron-containing metal surface that is exposed in the first passage and forms at least part of the first passage and a member disposed in the first passage with an iron component scattering prevention film at least in an area positioned on an upstream side with respect to a downstream end of a permeable section of the selective hydrogen permeable metal membrane in a flow direction of a fluid that flows through the first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Noda
  • Publication number: 20130008311
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system treats a mixed gas containing at least hydrogen and monosilane discharged from a semiconductor fabrication equipment. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a pump unit which emits the mixed gas discharged from the semiconductor fabrication equipment, a compressor which compresses the mixed gas emitted by the pump unit and sends the mixed gas to a rear stage, a gas accommodation unit which collects and accommodates the compressed mixed gas, a flow rate control unit which controls a flow rate of the mixed gas supplied from the gas accommodation unit, and a membrane separation unit which causes the hydrogen to selectively permeate therethrough and separates the monosilane and the hydrogen from the mixed gas. Accordingly, the exhaust gas treatment system may be stably operated in a state where a change in pressure of the mixed gas discharged from the semiconductor fabrication equipment is alleviated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tai Ohuchi, Takashi Okabe, Tsuyoshi Asano
  • Publication number: 20130011301
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a vaporization region with packing material configured to transfer heat from a heated exhaust stream to a liquid-containing feed stream, and/or an insulation base adjacent a combustion region and configured to reduce external temperature of an enclosure. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a cooling block configured to maintain an igniter assembly in thermal communication with a feed stream conduit, an igniter assembly including a catalytic coating, and/or a fuel stream distribution assembly. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a heat conducting assembly configured to conduct heat from external heaters to an enclosure portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Edlund
  • Patent number: 8343257
    Abstract: The instant invention generally provides polymer pi-bond-philic filler composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and a pi-bond-philic filler, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer pi-bond-philic filler composite. The instant invention also generally provides a process of separating a pi-bond-philic gas from a separable gas mixture comprising the pi-bond-philic gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Matteucci, Shawn D. Feist, Peter N. Nickias, Leonardo C. Lopez, Michael S. Paquette, Jeffrey C. Munro
  • Patent number: 8337598
    Abstract: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Yates, Matthew C. McGuirl, Tihomir G. Tonev, Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey Chiou, Amber Arzadon
  • Patent number: 8337588
    Abstract: Supported zeolite Y membranes exhibiting exceptionally high CO2 selectivities when used in CO2/N2 gas separations are produced by a seeding/secondary (hypothermal) growth approach in which a structure directing agent such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide is included in the aqueous crystal-growing composition used for membrane formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Krenar Shqau, Jeremy C. White, Prabir K. Dutta, Hendrik Verweij
  • Patent number: 8337590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying a gas, in particular air, that comprises at least one chamber (5) with an inlet (5a) for the flow of gas to be treated and an outlet (5b) for the flow of treated gas, said chamber being limited by at least one membrane (6) having a water vapor perviousness that is significantly higher than the perviousness to other gases or vapors, a humidity absorbing material being provided or flowing against the membrane (6) on the side opposite the chamber. The device includes a stack of plates (P1, P2) provided with central openings (A, B); each chamber (5) is formed by a central opening (A) located between two parallel membranes (6) while the humidity absorbing material is provided against each membrane (6); each plate (P1) is sandwiched between two plates (P2, P3) including a housing (B, B1) for the humidity absorbing material; and a plurality of chambers (5) are stacked and connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: R + I Alliance
    Inventors: Ignacio Valor Herencia, Juan Manuel Juarez Galan
  • Patent number: 8337587
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas mixture that includes pretreating a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide, water vapor, and one or more light gases in a pretreating system to form a cooled gas mixture, fractionating the cooled gas mixture to recover a bottoms fraction comprising carbon dioxide and an overheads fraction comprising carbon dioxide and the light gases, passing the overheads fraction over a membrane selective to carbon dioxide to separate a carbon dioxide permeate from a residue gas comprising the light gases, recycling the carbon dioxide permeate to the pretreating system, and recovering at least a portion of the bottoms fraction as a purified carbon dioxide product stream is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Loren E. Gearhart, Sanjiv N. Patel, David Koch
  • Patent number: 8337586
    Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polyimide membrane is described. A monoesterified membrane is formed from a monoesterified polyimide polymer. The monoesterified membrane is subjected to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked membrane. The monoesterified membrane is incorporated with an organic titanate catalyst before or after formation of the monoesterified membrane. A crosslinked polyimide membrane made using the aforementioned method and a method of using the membrane to separate fluids in a fluid mixture, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Wind, Stephen J. Miller, Oluwasijibomi O. Okeowo
  • Patent number: 8337763
    Abstract: A system for removing unwanted contaminates from fluid using a scrubber, which comprises a housing, a reaction chamber having a liquid level, and an inlet connected to a source containing fluid to be scrubbed with a contamination concentration greater than zero ppb to saturation. An exit port connected to the housing used for evacuating scrubbed fluid and a sintered permeable membrane disposed across the reaction chamber, which provides a reaction zone in the plurality of pores when fluid to be scrubbed is introduced to the membrane on a first side while the membrane is immersed in the biodiesel or biomass and a cleaned fluid on a second side wherein the clean fluid initially has a drop in contamination concentration of at least 99 percent and gradually decreasing to 70 percent as additional fluid to be scrubbed is introduced to the plurality of pores without replacing the biodiesel or biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Vapor Point, LLC
    Inventors: Jefferey St. Amant, Kenneth R. Matheson, Keith Nathan
  • Patent number: 8328906
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Imona C. Omole, William J. Kronos
  • Patent number: 8328912
    Abstract: An air dryer having an internal orifice designed into an outlet end cap that eliminates the need for external valves or regulators to control the flow of air through the dryer. The internal orifice, which can be press-fit or threaded into the end cap, provides a consistent and stable outlet flow and dew point and eliminates the need for instruments to measure outlet flow and dew point. The orifice size can be easily changed for changing outlet flow and dew point. A protective tubular shroud is provided for shielding a membrane module of the dryer, and for routing sweep gas to a bottom vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Moore, William D. Howes, Karli M. Raymond, Paul E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120304862
    Abstract: Porous membrane contactors and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use are provided. In at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to flat panel hollow fiber or flat sheet membrane contactors and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use. In at least certain particular embodiments, the present invention is directed to hollow fiber array flat panel contactors, contactor systems, and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the contactor is adapted for placement in an air duct (such as an HVAC ductwork) and has a rectangular frame or housing enclosing at least one wound hollow fiber array or membrane bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Timothy D. Price, Amitava Sengupta, Paul A. Peterson, C. Glen Wensley
  • Patent number: 8323378
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying oxygen to meet a user demand in which oxygen is separated from air by an electrically driven oxygen separation device to supply oxygen to meet the user demand and to charge an adsorbent bed with all or part of the separated oxygen. When a user demand exists, oxygen can be supplied from both the electrically driven oxygen separation device and from oxygen desorbed from the adsorbent bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sadashiv Swami, Philip A. Barrett, Richard Martin Kelly
  • Patent number: 8323463
    Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gervase Maxwell Christie, Jamie Robyn Wilson, Bart Antonie van Hassel
  • Publication number: 20120297983
    Abstract: An emissions device for use with a container assembly with a vent opening is provided. The emissions device includes a housing configured to be mounted to the container. The housing includes a backing plate that has at least one opening. A membrane is supported by the backing plate and extends over the opening. The membrane is configured to allow passage of vapor and prevent passage of liquid. A filter is located within the housing such that vapor that passes from the at least one opening through the membrane then passes through the filter. At least one spring is positioned within the housing and is configured to compress the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20120297982
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for preparing crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The method includes the steps of providing an electrolyte solution in contact with a conductive surface, and applying a current or potential to the conductive surface in contact with the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution includes a protonated organic ligand, a metal ion, and a probase. Application of the reductive current or potential to the conductive surface produces the crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) deposited on the conductive surface. The MOFs produced by the method may be incorporated into a gas separation membrane, a purification filter, and/or a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mircea Dinca, Minyuan Li
  • Patent number: 8317906
    Abstract: A membrane contactor system for use in separating carbon dioxide from a gaseous stream in a continuous flow process comprising a housing defining a gas flow path and comprising a first outlet for the carbon dioxide and a second outlet for the purified gas; an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane positioned in the housing to allow the gaseous stream to flow across a side of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane, the membrane having a plurality of interconnecting pores configured to allow the carbon dioxide to diffuse therethrough; an oleophobic enhancement coating disposed on the surfaces to form a coated membrane; and an amine based sorbent liquid disposed on a side of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane opposite the gas, wherein the amine based sorbent liquid is configured to absorb the carbon dioxide from the gaseous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vishal Bansal
  • Patent number: 8317900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing membrane, in particular gas separation membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a selective separating layer. The following steps are carried out: a) a polymer solution is produced from at least one polymer and at least one polyglycol ether, b) the polymer solution is cast into a film, c) in a further step, the selective separating layer is produced from the film, preferably by drying. The invention, among other things, further relates to a membrane, in particular gas separation membrane, comprising a selective separating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum fur Material-und Kustenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, Grete Johannsen, Wilfredo Yave Rios, Anja Car
  • Patent number: 8313546
    Abstract: A fluid filter for preventing the introduction of fluid contaminants into an associated device is disclosed. The filter has a housing having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber forms an inlet port of the fluid filter and the outlet chamber forms an outlet port of the fluid filter. A number of serially connected intermediate chambers are coupled between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Each of the chambers contains an absorbent material for capturing the fluid contaminants and generally preventing their introduction into the associated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jay S. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 8313556
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for delivery of a target material and/or energy. The system includes a source configured to provide a mixture containing the target material and a non-target material, a delivery conduit coupled to the source to receive the mixture from the source, and an in-line extraction device concentric to the delivery conduit. The in-line extraction device is configured to selectively extract the target material and/or energy from the mixture in the delivery conduit and to delivery it to a downstream facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8313557
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions using a gas permeable membrane with multiple layers. At elevated pressures, gaseous CO2 and bound CO2 in the ionic form of bicarbonate and carbonate diffuse from the seawater or bicarbonate solution through the multiple layers of the membrane. Also disclosed is the related method of recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Ejiogu C. Ndubizu, Frederick Williams
  • Patent number: 8308854
    Abstract: A system for recycling helium carrier gas comprises: a bladder, the bladder interior fluidically configured so as to receive helium-bearing gas output from at least one of a split vent and a septum purge vent of a gas chromatograph; a compartment containing the bladder; a source of pressurized air or gas operable so as to supply pressurized air or gas into the compartment interior so as to compress the bladder containing the helium-bearing gas; a gas reservoir fluidically coupled to the bladder interior so as to receive the helium bearing gas from the compressed bladder interior; and at least one gas purification module configured so as to receive the helium-bearing gas from the gas reservoir and operable to remove contaminants from the helium-bearing gas, an output of the at least one gas purification module being fluidically coupled to a carrier gas inlet of the gas chromatograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Edward B. McCauley, Matt A. Lasater
  • Patent number: 8303691
    Abstract: A composite membrane comprising a discriminating layer and a porous support layer for the discriminating layer, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the discriminating layer comprises at least 60 wt % of oxyethylene groups and the porous support layer has a CO2 gas flux of 5 to 150×10?5 m3 (STP)/m2·s·kPa at a feed pressure of 2.07 kPa. The membranes are particularly useful for purifying waste gas streams e.g. by removing greenhouse gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Yujiro Itami
  • Publication number: 20120255899
    Abstract: According to example embodiments, a separation membrane includes a graphene on at least one surface of a polymer support. The graphene may include a plurality of grains defined by grain boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-young Choi, Ho-bum Park
  • Patent number: 8282708
    Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: RASIRC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
  • Patent number: 8282713
    Abstract: A filter media including a scrim, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) media substrate upon the scrim, and a layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane adhered to the PTFE media substrate on the scrim. The filter media is pleatable and has air permeability of approximately 3-10 cubic feet/min at a 0.5 inch H2O pressure drop and an original filtration efficiency greater than 99.0% when tested in an unused, unpleated condition with a 0.3 micron challenge aerosol at a flow rate of 10.5 feet/min and when tested after a cleanable dust performance test according to ASTM D6830.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Smithies, Karmin Lorraine Olson
  • Publication number: 20120247329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas, said method comprising the steps of: compressing and heating the oxygen containing gas in a plasma pump (16), guiding the heated and compressed oxygen containing gas to the primary side of a dense inorganic membrane (58), thereby heating the inorganic membrane by the oxygen containing gas to a temperature at which it is permeable for oxygen, and creating a pressure difference between the primary side and a secondary side of the inorganic membrane (58), wherein an oxygen flow through the inorganic membrane (58) is created, thereby separating the oxygen from the oxygen containing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Hilbig
  • Publication number: 20120247336
    Abstract: DDR nanocrystals were synthesized using hydrothermal secondary growth. The morphology of the nanoparticles can be manipulated by changing the ratio of silica to water, the synthesis temperature, and the mineralizing agents. Specifically, nanocrystals with morphology of hexagonal plates, octahedral, and diamond-like plates are disclosed. These nanoparticles can be used as seed coatings for DDR membrane growth on substrates, and for the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes, and for any other use where uniform, small DDR zeolite crystals are beneficial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhengzhi ZHOU, Sankar NAIR
  • Patent number: 8277932
    Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: W. S. Winston Ho
  • Patent number: 8276764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a polymer membrane, the polymer membrane being produced from a solution, in particular a casting solution, comprising at least one first polymer. The invention further relates to a polymer membrane. The process of the invention is distinguished by the fact that a water-soluble second polymer and/or oligomer that forms phases in the solution is part of the solution. The polymer membrane of the invention, preferably produced by the process of the invention, has an oil flow rate, in particular of a refined edible oil, of greater than 200 l/m2 h bar at 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum fur Material-und Kustenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Detlev Fritsch, Gisela Bengtson, Katrin Ebert, Joachim Koll, Petra Merten