Abstract: A process for making a fluid processing module is provided wherein a plurality of filtration elements is alternated with a fluid porous layer to form a stack. The filtration elements comprise a membrane sheet having a thermoplastic element bonded to a portion of an edge of the membrane. An opening is provided either through the membrane or through the thermoplastic element. A portion of the thermoplastic element extends into the opening and can be sealed to an adjacent positioned thermoplastic element to seal the porous sheet positioned between adjacently positioned membranes from fluid communication with the opening. Sealing can be effected by extending a heating element through the opening of the stack to effect simultaneous sealing of a plurality of thermoplastic elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an underdrain having an improved spout. The underdrain has particular utility in the construction of both single-well and microarray filtration devices. In a principal embodiment, the underdrain is characterized by its incorporation of a straight-walled, roughly-textured spout, the spout being provided with microhole(s) at a terminal end thereof for the discharge of fluid conducted through the underdrain. An array comprising several of such underdrains can be mated with a corresponding array of wells, with separation material (e.g., membrane material) provided therebetween. The resultant microarray filtration device can be used for conducting several fluid assays contemporaneously with, for example, good “pendant drop” control and low “cross-talk”.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid conductivity measuring cell having two cylindrical and coaxial electrodes mounted head-to-tail and axially overlapping on the same insulative body, the inner electrode, penetrating partly into the at least partly hollow outer electrode has a recess in which the two electrodes are accommodated to form two cylindrical spaces, one of which is an external space formed between the internal wall of the recess and the external wall of the outer electrode and the other being an internal space formed between the external wall of the inner electrode and the internal wall of the outer electrode, the external space establishing communication between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the cell, each discharging into the recess and being in fluid communication with the internal space that is surrounds, this internal space serving as a conductivity measuring area.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process that includes injecting a potting compound such as an epoxy through a hollow portion (2B) of the central mandrel (2) and onto the inner layer(s) of a multi-layered fiber bundle (3) and through the outside of the bundle and onto the outer layer(s) of the bundle. By potting through the central mandrel (2), the potting compound distributes evenly throughout the inner fibers of the bundle (3). The steps may be sequentially or simultaneously. Preferably it is done as a two-step process, with the first step being to apply the potting compound through the central mandrel (2) and onto the inner fibers first. The second step is to pot around the outer layer of the fiber bundle (3) to finish the process. The resultant product is also disclosed.