Abstract: A process for re-extracting trivalent iron and hexavalent molybdenum from an organic phase containing an organophosphoric compound.In a first step the organic phase is contacted with such a quantity of water that most of the iron and only a minor part of the molybdenum are re-extracted.In a second step the partially unloaded organic phase is contacted with such a quantity of water that most of the molybdenum contained therein is re-extracted.This two-step re-extraction process permits obtaining a high reextraction yield for both molybdenum and iron, while ensuring the production of a concentrated eluate.

Abstract: Method for rejuvenating a smoke filter which is adapted to remove solid particles from an internal combustion engine exhaust gas stream. The filter includes a bed which forms a multi-passage path along which an exhaust stream flows, and in which carbon particles are retained. A heating element incorporated into the filter bed periodically heats the flowing exhaust gas stream as well as the bed. Rejuvenation of the bed by burning off carbon is regulated in response to variations in the gas pressure, and in the bed temperature.

Abstract: A cell filter having a series of filtering cells and a distributor for collecting and adjusting the distribution of fluids passing through the cell filtering surface. Each cell has a planar filtering bed composed of a filtering cloth bearing on a rigid apertured support. Fluid passes through the cloth onto the cell bottom which slants toward a drain channel. The drain channel slants toward a discharge duct connected to a distributor. Guide members in the distributor fractionate, divide, and direct the fluid flowing towards the discharge duct into two parallel adjacent streams. The guide members are a series of baffle plates, located along the top length of the drain channel. The baffle plates are slanted, the plate farthest from the low end of the drain channel having the steepest slant.

Abstract: Ultrathin membranes for separating substances are obtained by exposing shaped articles comprising a water-soluble polymer or a mixture of a water-soluble polymer and water-insoluble polymer to a plasma of a gas selected from helium, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, a hydrocarbon having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an epoxide having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkylamine, or a mixture of these substances to crosslink the surface layer, and then washing the exposed articles with water to remove the unreacted portions. The membrane exhibits outstanding performance characteristics when used in the processes for separating or concentrating substances, such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and the like.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular casing contains a bundle of hollow fibers with closure members at both ends thereof. Each closure member comprises a cup-shaped member connected in sealing relation at its rim to the ends of the tubular casing. Each cup-shaped member also defines an extended cylindrical portion positioned remotely from the rim having an inner diameter less than the relatively enlarged, inner diameter portion, and the tubular casing carries a hollow, elongated member or potting boat during manufacture containing a curable liquid sealant, as a means for inserting the sealant into the ends of the tubular casing by centrifugation.

Abstract: A permselective membrane is obtained by fabricating and crosslinking a methylolated vinylphenol polymer having repeat units having the formula ##STR1## wherein p, q and r are respectively 1 or 2; x and y are respectively selected so as to give a ratio of methylol groups/hydroxy groups of from 0.01 to 2.0; m and n are respectively integers to provide 1.gtoreq.m/m+n.gtoreq.0.2; and X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --R, --Cl, --Br, --CO.sub.2 R, ##STR2## so as to copolymerize a vinyl monomer CH.sub.2 =CXY with a vinylphenol; and R, R' and R" represent hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a dialysis machine adapted for operation with a negative-pressure-type dialyzer. The machine includes a flow system having a negative pressure pump for drawing fresh dialysis solution through a dialyzer under a controllable negative pressure and for discharging spent dialysis solution to a drain.A flow reversing valve system is positioned in the flow system for cooperation with the dialyzer to selectively control the direction of dialysis solution flow within the dialyzer in either a first direction or a second reverse direction. The flow reversing valve system is operative in a first mode to control direction of flow to and from the dialyzer in a first direction and in a second mode to reverse the direction of flow.

Abstract: The artificial endocrine pancreas device comprises a container in which are provided one, or more, hollow fibres; in the container and on the outside of the fibres are placed pancreatic islet cells; each fibre has a porosity allowing substances of molecular weight less than 100,000 Daltons to pass through so that blood passing in the hollow fibres can pass nutrients to the cells and pick up hormones, but no antigen or antibody with a molecular weight above 100,000 Daltons can pass through.

Abstract: A fluid filtration apparatus including a filter packet enclosed by a container and comprised of a filtering element arranged on a hollow shaft through which filtrate is removed. The filtration apparatus also includes a seal arrangement to prevent filtrate from reentering into the space containing the fluid to be filtered. The seal and/or the part including the seal surface can be moved to form a gap to prevent damage of the seal during cleaning of the filtering elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for degassing water wherein water is introduced into a sealed receptacle in the interior of which is disposed a collapsed flexible bag while a vacuum is applied from a vacuum source to degas the introduced water, the bag interior being subsequently vented to the atmosphere and the degassed water removed from the receptacle interior, the bag being permitted to expand to compensate for the vacuum in the receptacle interior during such water removal.

Abstract: A method for preparing an improved filter medium of enhanced electrokinetic capture potential for contaminated liquids having suspended therein electro-negative particles of about 0.1 to 0.7 micron diameter. The method comprises forming a filter medium from a dispersion of negatively charged particulate material for filtration and a sufficient amount of fibers to form a matrix of self-bonding fibers. The surface of the particulate has been modified with a melamine formaldehyde cationic colloid.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing liquids such as water or the like by means of a reverse osmosis device has a main pump which provides an entrance pressure to the reverse osmosis device in connection with a throttle. In order to avoid any losses of energy, another pump is connected to the main pump. Via a rigid shaft, a turbine is connected to the other pump which turbine receives the high pressure located in the concentrate and releases it to the other pump.

Abstract: A smoke filter element adapted to remove solid particles from an internal combustion engine's exhaust gas stream includes a bed which forms a multi-passage path along which the carbon particles are retained. A heating system incorporated into the filter periodically heats the flowing exhaust stream, as well as the bed. Rejuvenation of the bed by burning off carbon is automatically prompted when filter pressure and temperature reach predetermined levels. Concurrently the engine throttle is adjusted to a preferred engine speed whereby ideal conditions for burning are established.

Abstract: A device for filtering a liquid, provided with a chamber for the circulation of liquid, divided into at least two compartments by a filtering-unit mounted across the liquid path. That device comprises, in an area where the air present in the liquid or separated therefrom has accumulated, a one-way valve for exhausting air, should any overpressure take place in that area. The valve is provided with an obturator integral with a float driven by the free level of the liquid. That obturator cooperates with two opposed valve-seats for closing a passage made in the wall of the filtration chamber.

Abstract: The stability of anthocyanin pigment extracts and food products containing anthocyanin extracts is enhanced by removal from the anthocyanin pigment extracts of nutrients which support yeast growth, constituents which react to produce off-flavor, and constituents which catalyze oxidation. These undesirable materials contained in anthocyanin extracts are removed by subjecting the extracts to ultrafiltration or dialysis to remove low molecular weight components from the extracts. The extracts are also subjected to ion exchange to remove additional of these undesirable constituents. Sufficient of these undesirable constituents can be removed from anthocyanin extracts so that, e.g., carbonated beverages containing the extracts may not support sufficient growth of yeasts to cause the beverages to become hazy and/or have an off-flavor, and so that when the extracts are used to prepare dry beverage powder mixtures after prolonged shelf storage, the mixtures may not obtain an off-flavor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of optimizing the usable content of geothermal fluids to make use of steam in the largely aqueous and heated fluid. These fluids contain non-condensable gases, such as H.sub.2 S and CO.sub.2, as well as small quantities of acid and B(OH).sub.3. The removal of the more troublesome and corrosive agents, H.sub.2 S and CO.sub.2, is expressed here by utilization of pH control in an evaporator or series of evaporators. At an acid or low pH (3 to 5) in the input side of an evaporator, the non-condensable gases are non-ionized and exert partial gas pressures, and in the input chamber they may be removed or separated from the condensable gases. In the condensate side of the evaporator where the pH is maintained in the alkaline range and preferably about 11, the H.sub.2 S and CO.sub.2 are ionized in solution as acids and acid salts and do not separate out as gases.

Abstract: A high volume filter for use in an I.V. or blood administration set. A double filter unit is formed by folding a length of filter material into two portions to form pocket members with tubular inlets placed in each. These components are then sealed into a length of plastic tubing with an additional tubular member to form a filter unit. In a preferred embodiment, the filter unit is formed integrally with a drip chamber.

Abstract: Artificial kidney apparatus comprising a blood circulation system including a dialyzer and a blood pump interposed in a blood circuit connectable with blood vessels of a patient, the blood circulation section being contained together with a drive motor for the blood pump and an electrical supply source thereof in a single casing to form a portable unit. The unit has connection openings for detachable connection with corresponding connection openings of a dialyzing liquid circuit of a dialyzing liquid circulation section. Respective valves are provided in the openings which are normally closed but which when the sections are coupled are opened to provide intercommunication. In a modification a portable container freely contains a blood circulation section and a dialyzing liquid circulation section. A dialyzing liquid supply section is contained within the portable container in the interior thereof not taken up by the blood circulation section and the dialyzing liquid circulation section.

Abstract: A demulsifier and method for use in oil-spill recovery and clean-up that rapidly and efficiently separates a water/crude oil emulsion into its water and crude oil phases. The demulsifier comprises various mixtures of two components A and B. A is comprised of at least one wetting agent formulated to displace one liquid from the surface of a bi-wetted solid disposed at a boundary of a water droplet and oil phase continuum with another liquid via a reduction of the liquid-solid interfacial tension; and B is comprised of at least one surfactant effective in displacing an indigenous emulsifying surfactant film by another surfactant that permits water droplet coalescence and separation from said oil phase continuum.

Abstract: The performance of axially-fed permeators containing a plurality of selectively permeable hollow fibers suitable for the selective permeation of at least one fluid in a fluid mixture containing at least one other component, wherein the hollow fibers are positioned in the permeator to form an elongated bundle of hollow fibers, is enhanced by the use of means to longitudinally compact the bundle.