Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.

Abstract: A gas removal device 1 includes a decompression chamber 2 with an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 through which a liquid to be degassed flows therein and thereout, and a degassing element 5 that is accommodated in the decompression chamber 2 while having one end connected to the inlet 11 and another end connected to the outlet 12, and that allows the liquid to be degassed entering into the inlet 11 to pass through the degassing element 5. The degassing element 5 includes a tube bundle 15 composed of a plurality of flexible gas-permeable tubes 151, and a tying member 16 tying the plurality of gas-permeable tubes 151 to form the tube bundle 15. The tube bundle 15 is bent in a shape of coil with multiple turns in such a manner that a portion tied by the tying member 16 is included in a bent portion BP.

Abstract: A device for use in a fluid system includes a fuel channel for receiving fuel having dissolved gas therein. A gas permeable membrane supported by a porous support, the gas permeable membrane in communication with the fuel channel. A gas-removal channel adjacent the gas permeable membrane for receiving the dissolved gas from the fuel through the gas permeable membrane and the porous support.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to de-gas a liquid includes a semi-permeable membrane having a first side on which the liquid is provided; and (i) a vaporizer configured to provide vapor of the liquid to a second side of the membrane; or (ii) a gas inlet configured to provide a gas to the second side of the membrane, the gas adapted to dissociate when dissolved in the liquid and an ion exchanger for the liquid downstream of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: The process consists of a combination of a low temperature CO2 condensation separation step followed by either a physical or chemical solvent scrubbing process. The first step results in the partial pressure of CO2 in the gaseous steam being reduced to a value near the triple point pressure of CO2. Typically, the partial pressure of CO2 is reduced to the range 5.5 bar to 7.0 bar. The second stage process then removes the remaining CO2.

Abstract: A dehydrating system is designed to maintain the availability of a plant having the dehydrating system using a water separation membrane by allowing a water separation membrane unit to be replaced while the plant is in operation. The dehydrating system comprises at least two water separation membrane units in use arranged parallel to the direction of flow of a fluid to be processed, is configured so that at least one spare water separation membrane unit can be installed parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid to be processed with respect to the at least two water separation membrane units, having monitoring devices for the product fluid to be taken out, and maintains the properties of the product fluid by operating the spare water separation membrane unit depending on the properties of the product fluid monitored by the monitoring devices.

Abstract: A method for extraction of gas from liquid provides for reliable and accurate extraction of gases dissolved in fluids and routing the extracted gas to an analytical instrument. An extraction module comprises one or more fluorosilicone membranes molded into the shape of a flattened disk. The membranes are retained in a housing in a spaced apart relationship. The membrane is permeable to target gas(es), but not to the fluid. Porous support members support the membranes and prevent damage to them and the housing defines separate fluid flow paths for the fluid and the gas extracted from it. Fluid is passed over the membrane in a first fluid phase; target compounds in the fluid diffuse across the membrane to a second fluid phase until equilibrium is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas front the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing a gas-containing cleaning water which contains a specific gas dissolved in water, which process comprises dissolving the specific gas into water under an increased pressure exceeding an atmospheric pressure to prepare a gas-containing water having a concentration of the gas exceeding solubility of the gas under an atmospheric pressure and, then, removing a portion of the dissolved gas by decreasing pressure on the gas-containing water; an apparatus for producing a gas-containing cleaning water which comprises an apparatus for dissolving a gas (14) in which a specific gas is dissolved into water under a pressure exceeding the atmospheric pressure and an apparatus for removing a portion of a dissolved gas (15) in which the pressure on the gas-containing water obtained from the apparatus for dissolving a gas is decreased to a pressure lower than the pressure under which the gas has been dissolved so that a portion of the dissolved gas is removed; and a cleaning apparatus using the gas-con

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device adapted to be operatively connected to an enclosure, the device including an air passage which, when the device is so connected to the enclosure, provides a fluid communication between the interior of the enclosure and atmosphere, the air passage containing a barrier wall comprising an air permeable membrane forming a micro-particulate filter.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe an optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane for separating components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The membranes of the present invention possess low soft segment glass transition temperatures and improved separation characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid supply apparatus including: a liquid supply path which supplies a liquid from an upstream side, which is a liquid supply source, to a downstream side in which the liquid is consumed; a defoaming chamber which is provided in the liquid supply path and defoams air bubbles included in the liquid; and a depressurization chamber which is provided at a position adjacent to the defoaming chamber with a partition interposed therebetween and is depressurized such that the pressure thereof becomes lower than the pressure of the defoaming chamber, wherein the partition allows permeation of gas by the depressurization of the depressurization chamber and restricts permeation of the liquid, and wherein the partition is configured by a partition wall having rigidity.

Abstract: There is described a composite material such as venting materials and vents containing said venting materials. The vents are air- or more generally gas-permeable venting composites that are oleophobic and liquid repellent.

Abstract: A gas extraction apparatus provides for reliable and accurate extraction of gases dissolved in fluids and routing the extracted gas to an analytical instrument. An extraction module comprises one or more fluorosilicone membranes molded into the shape of a flattened disk. The membranes are retained in a housing in a spaced apart relationship. The membrane is permeable to target gas(es), but not to the fluid. Porous support members support the membranes and prevent damage to them and the housing defines separate fluid flow paths for the fluid and the gas extracted from it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.

Abstract: A non-porous membrane suitable for use in removing dissolved oxygen in a fuel deoxygenator device in an aircraft is produced by solvent casting. A first membrane layer is deposited on a substrate. A second membrane layer is deposited on top of the first membrane layer. Subsequent membrane layers may be deposited on top of the second membrane layer as desired. The resulting non-porous membrane allows little or no leaking of fuel across the membrane.

Abstract: A degassing device (203) comprises a first chamber (21) having an inlet for a liquid, and a second chamber (22) having an opening (23) closed by a hydrophobic membrane (24) and an outlet (25) for discharging the liquid. The first chamber (21) has a downstream portion that partially extends within the second chamber (22) and communicates therewith by a passageway (28). The second chamber (22) has a downstream portion that extends below the passageway (28) and asymmetrically surrounds the downstream portion of the first chamber (21).

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.

Abstract: A separator for a hydraulic system is provided, including a substrate and a membrane. The substrate includes a substrate outer surface and a gas side expulsion area. The expulsion area is for expelling gas from the separator. The membrane is in communication with the substrate, and is for permeating gas to the substrate outer surface while substantially blocking ingression of fluid to the substrate. The substrate outer surface is for receiving gas. The substrate is for transporting gas from the substrate outer surface to the expulsion area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

Abstract: A degassing system for a housing of an accumulator includes a labyrinth bolt having a bolt wall in which a plurality of channels are provided, which extend from the bolt interior toward outlets which are arranged in an axial section of the bolt wall. The degassing system also includes a labyrinth corso having a corso wall which, in the installed state, runs around the axial section of the bolt wall such that a gap is formed in the axial section between the bolt wall and the corso wall. The degassing system further includes a gas permeable membrane, which is arranged on an upper face of the labyrinth bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophobic, integrally asymmetrical hollow-fiber membrane made of a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer, wherein the wall of said membrane has a microporous supporting layer having a sponge-like, open-pored, essentially isotropic pore structure without finger pores, said supporting layer extending across at least 90% of the wall thickness and having pores with an average diameter of less than 0.5 ?m. The hollow-fiber membrane is characterized in that it has a separating layer adjacent to the supporting layer on its outer surface and that it has an outer surface with a homogeneous, uniform structure without pores, a porosity in the range from 40 to 80 vol. %, a wall thickness from 25 to 100 ?m, a diameter of the lumen of the hollow-fiber membrane from 100 to 500 ?m, a permeability for nitrogen of at least 25 ml/(cm2·min·bar), and an elongation at break of at least 250%. The invention further relates to a method for producing hollow-fiber membranes of this type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to functional nanofibers, methods of making the functional nanofibers, and products such as filters and membranes comprising mats of the functional nanofibers.

Abstract: A method for controlling pervaporation through a membrane includes assessing the vapor pressure of each component material of a mobile phase disposed on a retentate side of the membrane, and maintaining a designed environment on a permeate side of the membrane. The environment maintained on the permeate side of the membrane contains partial pressures of selected component materials of the mobile phase at a level substantially equal to or greater than the respective vapor pressures thereof.

Abstract: A degassing apparatus (27) for degassing a liquid (240) comprises a vacuum chamber (200), a liquid conveyance member (210) disposed in the vacuum chamber (200) and adapted for transporting the liquid (240), and a pump (220) adapted to evacuate the vacuum chamber (200). The vacuum chamber (200) comprises a vent (270) adapted for venting the vacuum chamber (200).

Abstract: A particulate collection system, including a particulate matter analyzer and collecting filter, provides a method of analyzing and collecting samples from fluids, such as collecting particulate matter from air. A mass measuring unit and composition analyzing unit can be provided for either simultaneous or immediately consecutive measurements within a single instrument. The filter material can have an antistatic electricity characteristic and can be impregnated with reference material to enable calibration of the composition analyzing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: An air dehydration membrane module is provided with a sweep gas which is taken from the waste gas of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. No additional compressor is required, other than the compressor forming part of the PSA unit. In another embodiment, the sweep gas includes the combination of dried product gas, taken from the dehydration membrane module, and a supplemental gas, which may be ambient air, or permeate gas from an air separation membrane, or waste gas from a PSA unit. An air ejector combines the streams, without the use of an additional compression step, and the combined gas is used as a sweep stream for the dehydration module. The invention also includes the method of selecting an optimum point at which the sweep gas is injected into the module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor and a process suitable for extracting carbon dioxide from carbon dioxide-containing gas stream. The reactor is based on a two module system where absorption occurs in one module and desorption occurs in the other module. The absorption and desorption modules in the system include at least one gas-liquid membrane (GLM) module and at least one direct gas-liquid contact (DGLC) module. The carbon dioxide extraction may be catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing a fine liquid mist and injecting the said mist into a gas stream to capture and remove very fine particulate pollutants. The pressurized gas stream is passed into a droplet generator (20) into which the liquid is sprayed and atomised into a mist which captures particulates and then into a droplet separator (30) to produce a separated liquid/particulate mixture and a gas stream with a reduced concentration of particulates. The main application is the removal of fine particulates from vehicle exhaust streams. Optionally a degassing stage (90) is provided for the removal of residual gases and vapours. The preferred liquid to form the mist is water.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: A method for degassing a fluid includes providing a degassing system having a degassing module and a fluid pump apparatus having a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid pump apparatus is operated in a discontinuous mode involving one or more discrete pumping cycles having a first cycle time. The fluid pump apparatus is calibrated to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid reservoir during each of the pumping cycles, and the degassing module is adapted to operably move gas from the fluid to an extent sufficient to render the fluid volume to a desired degassed condition within a period of time that is not greater than the first cycle time.

Abstract: A fuel tank deaeration and aeration system, including a first main filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a fuel tank; and a second additional filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main filter device, and the additional filter device outlet is in fluid communication with an environment of a vehicle, and wherein a bypass valve controls a bypass, which bypasses the additional filter device.

Abstract: A device for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid comprises a housing having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas bubble outlet. The housing includes a spiral wall defining a spiral flow path for the liquid and a hydrophobic membrane above the spiral wall and between the spiral wall and the gas bubble outlet. The spiral wall forces inward liquid entering the housing through the inlet into a spiral flow along the spiral flow path, and causes an upward flow of the gas bubbles toward the hydrophobic membrane. A method for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, and use of such a degassing device in an extracorporeal circuit for degassing gas bubbles out of liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, are disclosed.

Abstract: Porous composites comprise a porous membrane having a structure defining a plurality of pores extending therethrough, nonporous discontinuous surface layer affixed to said porous membrane, in which the nonporous discontinuous surface layer forms regions of gas permeability, and regions of gas impermeability, and a coating disposed upon the porous composite which renders at least a portion of the porous composite oleophobic.

Abstract: An optimized deaeration membrane has a biocompatible coating composition. Methods for preparing the membrane and the use of the membrane in medical devices for separating air from liquid that are administered to a living subject, e. g., blood processing devices used in dialysis and the like, are also described.

Abstract: A nanoscale membrane exposed on opposite sides thereof and having an average thickness of less than about 100 nm, and a lateral length to thickness aspect ratio that is more than 10,000 to 1 is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making such membranes, and use thereof in a number of devices including fuel cells, sensor devices, electrospray devices, and supports for examining a sample under electron microscopy.

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.

Abstract: An integrated heating system for adding heat to a feed fuel within a module by way of an integrated heating element within the body or casing of the module. The heat may be selectively added to maintain a selected temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel stabilization unit that removes dissolved oxygen from liquid fuel to increase the temperature at which the liquid fuel can be elevated without substantial formation of insoluble products. At least a portion of the fuel with reduced amounts of dissolved oxygen is vaporized prior to entering a combustion device to improve mixing and combustor performance.

Abstract: A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank, a canister, a vapor pipe, a recovery pipe, an air pipe, a suction device, a vapor pipe valve, an air pipe valve, and a pressure regulator. The vapor pipe leads fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank to the canister for trapping the fuel vapor in the canister. The recovery pipe recoveries the fuel vapor desorbed from the canister into the fuel tank. The air pipe communicates the canister with the atmosphere. The suction device is disposed on the recovery pipe for desorbing the fuel vapor trapped in the canister. The pressure regulator is communicated with the air pipe between the air pipe valve and the canister in order to allow gas flow from the atmosphere toward the canister. During desorption of the fuel vapor due to the suction device, the vapor pipe valve and the air pipe valve are closed, and negative pressure is kept in the canister such that the fuel vapor is desorbed from the canister and fresh air is led into the canister via the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for a septic tank may include a top section and a bottom section being heavier than the top section. The top section may be adapted to be connected to a supply of fluid and the top section may include a central member having an aperture being angled downward. The aperture may be angled at an acute angle, and the acute angle may be substantially 35°. The fluid may be air, and the top section may include a plurality of apertures. The central member may be a cylinder, and the top section may include a top member being a cylinder. The top member may be connected to a supply line, and the top section may be detachably connected to the bottom section.