Abstract: A device for processing donated blood comprises a porous medium interposed between the collection bag and a satellite bag into which a component separated by centrifugation can be expressed, the filter element preferably having a CWST of about 70 to about 115 dynes/cm. The porous medium blocks red blood cells, but allows platelets to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies decrease the leucocyte content of a biological fluid in an extracorporeal circuit. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter are also disclosed. The removal medium used in these assemblies and methods may be pleated structures which have been subjected to gas plasma treatment, improving the amount of leucocytes removed and increasing the amount of platelets which pass through the medium.

Abstract: A method and device for separating a continuous phase from at least one dispersed phase, with the phases having different densities. A mixture of the phases to be separated is supplied into a device including at least one cylindrical chamber vertically disposed and at least one static helically-shaped member is accommodated in the chamber. At least one face of the helically-shaped member is formed by a helicoidal surface. A maximum free path of a dispersed phase particle in a radial direction prior to colliding with the helically-shaped member is less than one quarter of a peripheral diameter of the member and, preferably, less than one tenth of an internal diameter of the chamber. The method and apparatus are capable of separating an aqueous phase from an organic phase such as, a petroleum fluid, with the mixture to be separated also possibly including a gaseous phase and a solid phase.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for transforming a sterile pyrogen-free liquid into a substitution liquid using an exchanger. The method includes the steps of flowing first and second liquids over opposite sides of a semipermeable membrane, the first liquid being sterile and pyrogen-free. Both liquids contain at least some electrolytes of blood including at least a buffer agent or a precursor of a buffer agent. At least some of the electrolytes have different concentrations in the two liquids. When purifying blood by hemodiafiltration, this method has the particular advantage that, rather than discarding the second liquid, it can be used for hemodiafiltration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automated collection and transfer of particles from a liquid suspension to a glass slide for visual examination. A solution which contains particles, for example cells, is drawn through a filter element so that particles too large to pass through the filter element collect against a first surface of the filter element. A transfer fluid, such as alcohol, is applied from a second surface of the filter element to the first surface, to transfer cells from the filter element to a glass slide positioned adjacent the filter element. An alternative transfer mechanism applies a selected pneumatic signal to the filter element for transferring collected cells to the viewing slide. The apparatus includes a device for dispersing the liquid suspension of particles prior to the collection process and particles collect against the filter element with a spatial distribution advantageous for visual examination. The transfer operation maintains this spatial distribution.

Abstract: In the process for the purification of diemthyl terephthalate (DMT) by recrystallization from methanolic solution, the mother liquor containing the impurities, substantially the isomers DMI, DMO and aldehydes, is separated off and passed to a workup tank. The moist crystals are dried by melting with the evaporation of methanol. The mother liquor is then separated off by filtration, and the moist crystals obtained from the separation are washed before melting. The washing liquid is recycled together with a portion of the separated mother liquor into the recrystallization tank.

Abstract: A method and device for separating materials suspended or dissolved in a liquid. The device includes a cross-beam (1), supported by masts (2) in which are fixed spraying heads (3) supplied by by-pass lines (13) from a conduit (4), sucking from a vat (5) through a filter (6) and a motor pump (7) and discharging into the vat (5) through a powered valve (8). The method includes the fine spraying of the fluid in an air flow in order to obtain the fine spraying of the quasi-instantaneous vaporization of liquid elements causing the precipitation by gravity of solid elements resulting from crystallization of dissolved materials or from the separation of suspended materials.