Abstract: Multiple bundle fluid separation apparatus having at least two hollow fiber membrane bundles arranged in end-to-end linear series encased in a shell or casing. The bundles are in communication with a core tube and are connected serially in such fashion that one end of one bundle is connected to one end of its adjacent bundle. There is also present an auxiliary permeate tube to convey permeate to a permeate exit port. The casing has appropriate ports for feed inlet, and retentate and permeate outlets.

Abstract: Process for the dehydration of gases using composite permeable membranes, preferably hollow fiber composite membranes comprised of a porous support coated with an ultrathin layer of a defined sulfonated polysulfone or sulfonated polyether ketone. The processes also contemplate the use of a sweep or purge gas on the water-enriched permeate side of the composite membrane to increase the efficiency of the dehydration process.

Abstract: A fluid separation device comprising an annular hollow fibers bundle in a shell having four ports, a fluid entrance port, a sweep fluid entrance port, a nonpermeate exit port and a sweep fluid-permeate exit port, wherein said bundle is encased in an essentially nonpermeable film barrier.

Abstract: Composite semi-permeable membranes comprised of an extremely thin layer of a sulfonated polysulfone polymer coated on a porous support are useful in processes for the selective permeation of ammonia from a mixture of gases containing the ammonia component in admixture with other gaseous components.

Abstract: Composite membranes are prepared by depositing a separation layer on an asymmetric support layer. The separation layer has a selectivity equal to or greater than that of the material of the asymmetric support layer for a desired gas separation. The support layer is desirable produced in non-asymmetric form, and exposed to an elevated temperature approaching the glass transition temperature of the support layer material under non-swelling conditions to modify the structure thereof to create asymmetry therein, before or after the deposition of the separation layer, and to increase its compaction resistance and collapse pressure. Such desirable properties are conveniently achieved on a repeatable basis, enhancing the uniformity and reliability of the treated support layer and of composite membranes produced therefrom, for use in gas separation operations.

Abstract: Process for the dehydration of gases using composite permeable membranes, preferably hollow fiber composite membranes comprised of a porous support coated with an ultrathin layer of a defined sulfonated polysulfone or sulfonated polyether ketone. The processes also contemplate the use of a sweep or purge gas on the water-enriched permeate side of the composite membrane to increase the efficiency of the dehydration process.

Abstract: Sulfonated hexafluoro bis-A-polysulfone membranes of polymers and copolymers having the repeat unit of the structure; ##STR1## in the polymer molecule that exhibit improved permeation and separation characteristics and processes for the use thereof for separation of a component from a fluid mixture of said component in admixture with other components.

Abstract: Composite membranes are prepared by depositing a separation layer on an asymmetric support layer. The separation layer has a selectivity equal to or greater than that of the material of the asymmetric support layer for a desired gas separation. The support layer is desirably produced in non-asymmetric form, and exposed to an elevated temperature approaching the glass transition temperature of the support layer material under non-swelling conditions to modify the structure thereof to create asymmetry therein, before or after the deposition of the separation layer, and to increase its compaction resistance and collapse pressure. Such desirable properties are conveniently achieved on a repeatable basis, enhancing the uniformity and reliability of the treated support layer and of composite membranes produced therefrom, for use in gas separation operations.

Abstract: Feed gas is introduced into the bores of a helically wound hollow fiber membrane cartridge containing hollow fibers of essentially uniform active lengths. Permeate gas flow is maintained countercurrent to the feed and raffinate gas entrance and exit axis, respectively, while the directional flow axis of permeate withdrawal can be at a substantial angle to the helically wound hollow fiber membrane surface. Complete radial mixing of the permeate stream on the outer, permeate side and essentially no axial mixing on either the permeate or the raffinate side of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge are maintained.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the long term performance of gas separation membranes. The permeable membranes are heated at a moderate temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to 140.degree. C. Use of this method enables restoration and reclamation of permeable membranes that have suffered degradation in performance in gas separation processes.

Abstract: Composite membranes having advantageous combinations of selectivity and permeability are prepared by the coating of a separation layer on a porous support layer containing a controlled amount of liquid in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the liquid present in the fully wet support layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite hollow fiber membrane by coating a porous hollow fiber substrate with a dilute solution of a membrane-forming composition containing a membrane-forming material and a solvent therefor by contacting the porous hollow fiber substrate with the composition, partially evaporating some of the solvent from the coated porous hollow fiber substrate, contacting the partially dried coating porous hollow fiber substrate with a coagulant and recovering the composite hollow fiber membrane. Also included are the composite hollow fiber membranes so produced and their use as permeable membranes for separating at least one fluid from at least one other fluid in a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A method for producing hollow fiber permeable devices having an essentially leak-free seal between the hollow fibers and the tubesheet that consists of heating the tubesheet containing the hollow fibers potted therein at a temperature essentially equal to or greater than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material or the softening point of the thermoset material of the hollow fiber for a period of time sufficient to essentially densify the hollow fibers in the potted portion of the tubesheet and whereby a major portion of the interior diameter of the bores of the hollow fibers embedded in the tubesheet is enlarged; and the fiber permeable devices themselves.

Abstract: Composite membranes are post-treated by contact with a volatile solvent, with or without minute amounts of additives, followed by solvent evaporation, to repair defects in the thin separation layer thereof.

Abstract: Novel chlorosulfonated polyarylethersulfones derived by controlled treatment with chlorosulfonic acid of difficultly sulfonatable polyarylethersulfone of recurring units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 represent phenylene or phenylene substituted with non-deactivating groups where Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 may be the same or different are described with the method of their preparation. The partially sulfonated-sulfochlorinated polyarylethersulfones may be subsequently converted to cation-exchange materials or ion-exchange materials with mixed cation and anion exchange sites.