Abstract: Process for the separation of water from mixtures of water and mineral acids by contacting the mixtures against an organic polymeric membrane, and withdrawing at the other side of the membrane a mixture having a higher concentration of water.

Abstract: A tubular device for separating liquid-liquid systems, said device having at least one slot covered with a sheet structure permeable to only one of the liquids, a collecting means for the separated liquid and means for reinforcing the tubular device to prevent compression or collapse thereof.

Abstract: In a hemodialysis system including a dialyzer having a semi-permeable membrane, apparatus for accurately proportioning and mixing fluids comprising a double acting piston/cylinder unit of which the cylinder is divided into two chambers by the piston and the volume of the cylinder swept by the piston at one end of the piston is lesser than that at the other end. An inlet connection for first liquid is made to one chamber, a conduit connects the two chambers and includes a connection to a source of the second liquid. Valve means are associated with the conduits and are effective to cause a charge of first liquid to be delivered to the one chamber and thereafter to be transferred to the other chamber, drawing liquid from the source of the second liquid to make up for the difference in volume. Said valve means then cooperate to cause the mixed liquids to be discharged from the other chamber as said one chamber is again charged with said first liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous flow gravitational separator having inclined membrane baffles therein which separates solid particles and also foam from a suspension liquid. A rectangular membrane assembly with a plurality of parallel inclined flexible membranes is received in a cylindrical tank, thereby defining four vertically extending arc-shaped compartments or segments between the membrane assembly and the wall of the tank. The tank has a funnel shaped bottom solids outlet and oppositely located inflow and outflow segments are connected respectively to the liquid inlet and outlet. The liquid flow across the inclined compartments between the membranes is distributed evenly by vertical inflow and outflow distributor plates. The solid particles settle along the inclined membranes to a solids receiving segment, while the foam rises along the membranes to an oppositely located foam receiving segment.

Abstract: The use of an electrofilter as an extraction column and/or as an extraction column-filter combination is disclosed. Solvent-extractible solids positioned in an electrically activated electrofilter are subjected to solvent extraction. The solids positioned in the electrically activated electrofilter may be previously unextracted, partially extracted or completely extracted, or combinations thereof. When the process is completed, the solid material can be removed from the electrofilter by electrically deactivating the electrofilter and removing the solids therefrom by any suitable means, such as by means of a solvent wash. The process may be efficiently utilized for oilseed extraction.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device for forming a clamp of refuse or refuse-clarified sludge mixtures in reduced and prepared form for composting by thermal rotting by utilizing a pair of transversely spaced upstanding elongated perforated members defining a space therebetween for receiving refuse, and support means in the form of a pallet or pallets disposed between the upstanding members for receiving thereupon and supporting the received refuse.

Abstract: A compact dialysis unit having a dialysis membrane forming a partition between a liquid to be dialyzed and a dialysate, at least that surface of the membrane facing the liquid to be dialyzed having a selectively chemically active therapeutic substance fixed thereon and a selectively acting adsorbent in the dialysate circuit. Preferably, the dialysate circuit includes at least one dosimeter and a safety warning system.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system employs a tank for storing permeate under a pressure which is a portion of the pressure of feed water introduced into a pressure resistant container housing a semipermeable membrane cartridge. Control means such as an automatic valve, preferably of the double diaphragm type, in the line introducing feed water into the pressure resistant container closes to shut off feed water flow when the pressure in the permeate storage tank reaches a first predetermined value, less than the feed water pressure, and re-opens to re-establish feed water flow at a second predetermined pressure lower than the first or shut-off pressure. A constricted passageway device such as a venturi in the pipe or connection between a dispensing device such as a faucet and the permeate storage tank has its throat communicating with the sensing conduit for actuating the feed water control valve.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for regulated blood dialysis includes a dialyser having flow passages for blood and dialysate, respectfully, separated by semipermeable barriers for transferring liquid from the blood to the dialysate, the blood and dialysate being driven through their respective flow passages by individually associated peristaltic pumps mounted on a common shaft and having the same pumping capacity and being respectively disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the flow passage for dialysate through the dialyser. A tap outlet is provided between the pumps in communication with the passage. The liquid amount tapped off the tap outlet must therefore be equal to the amount of ultrafiltrate extracted from the blood, and thus the latter amount may readily be gauged and supervised.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling a fluid stream containing gas, liquid and solid particulate matter, which fluid stream issues from a conduit at a high velocity, such as from a geothermal well during the drilling, producing, testing or treating of the well. The fluid is passed first through an expansion conduit comprising a series of axially-aligned sections of increasing cross-sectional area and then through a vertical separator for particulate matter and noxious materials. Means is provided for injecting a treating material into either the conduit leading from the well to the expansion-conduit, the expansion conduit or the vertical separator.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis, particularly for water desalination, is achieved using semipermeable membranes which selectively permeate purified water from a feed solution pressurized by reciprocating piston or diaphragm pump. Pump action is assisted by returning pressurized concentrate fluid acting on reverse side of the pump piston or diaphragm. Directional valves controlling alternating admission and venting of concentrate fluid to and from pump cylinder are actuated mechanically by reversal of force applied to the piston rod. Mechanical dwell is provided in the piston or diaphragm motion during directional valve actuation. Pump may be operated by a manual lever or by a crank mechanism on a low speed rotary shaft. An optional differential surge absorber provides continuity of feed solution circulation past membrane surfaces during the return pump stroke, thus minimizing detrimental salt concentration build-up on the membranes.

Abstract: A wrapped coil-type permeation device wherein the support material has integrally formed therein thickened side strips and end areas suitable for creating a winding core upon which membrane and support material windings are layered and/or an outer covering or casing for the wound coil device. The support material end areas include interlocking portions and fluid ports.

Abstract: Closed cells in a flexible foam structure and preferably a polyethylene foam sheet are opened, suitably by needle punching, to increase the oil sorbency of the pad. One embodiment uses needle punching which does not pass all the way through the sheet, thus blocking passage of oil therethrough. Another embodiment employs unpunched strips for prevention of migration of the oil or for buoyancy purposes.

Abstract: A high sensitive and stable blood leak detector suitable for use with artificial kidneys. The detector has an optical portion comprising a measurement cell through which dialysis solution under test passes, an alternately energized pair of light-emitting diodes positioned on one side of the cell, and a photo sensitive detector positioned at the opposite side of the cell and close thereto. One light-emitting diode emits radiation at longer wavelengths, and the other at shorter wavelengths. Both the diodes are adjusted to produce photo detecting signals at the same level when no blood exists in the cell. The photo detecting signals at the photosensitive detector are detected and analyzed to give signals deflected in one direction in proportion to the degree of blood leak when it has occurred. When bubbles are detected, they give signals in the opposite direction, based on the fact that blood absorbs light mainly at shorter wavelengths while bubbles scatter light mainly at longer wavelengths.

Abstract: In a convoluted-membrane type diffusion device for blood, such as a blood oxygenator, in which the membrane is supported by a stiff, folded, integral backing having port means for fluid flow therethrough. The backing is provided with laterally positioned tabs on each edge thereof, the tabs being folded inwardly against inner portions of the backing and sealed thereto. This provides double thickness edge portions of the backing to provide spacing and a gasket seal at opposed edges of the stack of convoluted membrane layers. The backing may be coated with thermoplastic material, which may be used as an adhesive to hold the tabs in folded double thickness relation with the rest of the backing.

Abstract: The invention concerns hollow fibre apparatus for the fractionation of fluids which comprises,a mandrel towards the ends of which two sealing elements are situated which surround the said mandrel and by which the hollow fibres are held, the fibres extending from one sealing element to the other, at least one of these sealing elements being traversed by the hollow fibres so that open ends thereof are exposed at an outer side thereof and having an inner side opposite to the inner side of the other sealing element which is inclined at least in part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel, a casing which is arranged at least around the hollow fibres and the sealing elements and which defines, between its inner wall, the inner sides of the sealing elements and the mandrel, a chamber in which the hollow fibres are arranged,first inlet and/or outlet means for introducing and/or withdrawing fluid which is circulated inside the hollow fibres, and second inlet and outlet means for introducing and withdrawi

Abstract: A system for handling two liquid streams comprises an hydraulic circuit including a pair of receptacles each provided with movable partition means dividing it into first and second chambers. Rod means extending through a first chamber of each receptacle connects the partition means and is effective to cause reciprocation of one partition means to be repeated by the other so that as the first chamber of one receptacle is expanded, the first chamber of the other receptacle is contracted. A quantity of the first liquid is delivered alternately to the first and second chambers of one receptacle as those chambers expand. As those chambers contract first liquid is passed through conduit means from the first and second chambers of said one receptacle to the first and second chambers, respectively, of said other receptacle.

Abstract: Dialysis apparatus has dilution and concentration chambers arranged alternately, which chambers each are defined by ion exchange membranes and frames each disposed therebetween. Passages for introduction of air into the dilution and concentration chambers are provided at lower portions thereof. The air introduced through the passages into the dilution and concentration chambers rises upward between the ion exchange membranes and is exhausted from upper portions thereof out of the dialysis apparatus. By the introduction of the air, solutions in the dilution and concentration chambers are driven to flow upward. Condensed phosphates are added to liquid to be treated before dialysis of the liquid.

Abstract: Water, such as the effluent from cooling towers, boilers, waste streams of industrial plants, hydrometallurgical processes or other sources of water solutions containing sparingly soluble solids is efficiently separated into its aqueous and solid constituents by reverse osmosis and chemical treatments effective to achieve a zero discharge of effluent and a minimum volume of sludge or a recovery of valuable solids.

Abstract: A device for exchanging substances, in particular, an oxygenator or dialyzer, comprises a stack of semipermeable membranes each having a plurality of longitudinally oriented capillaries embedded therein which open at each end. A porous tissue mass is disposed between adjacent membranes and define transverse gas flow paths therethrough from one side of said stack to the opposite side. A non-porous member closes off the top and the bottom of the stack and each longitudinal end of the tissue mass between adjacent membranes. A connecting piece is arranged at each end of the stack to provide for a flow path, for example, for blood, into the capillaries of each membrane and a similar connecting piece is arranged at the opposite end for the off-flow of the blood. Connecting pieces are arranged at each side for the inflow of a gas, for example, oxygen, into the tissues and for the outflow of the gas on the opposite side of the stack.