Abstract: An electrodeionization-based process for purifying water to remove ionic species is disclosed. Ionic removal is accomplished by supplying an electrical current between an anode and a cathode of an electrodeionization module in the range of about 1.5 to 15 times a “theoretical minimum current”. The current is supplied by a power source capable of automatically increasing or decreasing voltage in response to a change in the electrical impedance of the electrodeionization module to maintain constant current. Conduct of the process on pretreated water yields deionized water of good quality, while maintaining conditions that promote the longevity of the electrodeionization module.

Abstract: A disposable separation module is disclosed which is capable of connecting to a fluid processing system in a quick-connect fashion. The module includes a housing containing a separation element with a plurality of fluid connectors on one end of the housing which are parallel to and exclusive of each other. This arrangement provides for essentially simultaneous engagement and fluid tight sealing of the fluid connectors to corresponding mating connectors on the fluid processing system. A retention mechanism is included which retains the entire module in fluid tight engagement by a single action without producing relative motion between the mating connectors.

Abstract: A membrane filtration module is disclosed for use in fluid processing systems in which all active connections between the module and the fluid processing system are located only on one end of the module. A central flow conduit within the module directs all of the flow of liquid from one of the connections to the opposite end. In this manner, dead volume is essentially eliminated as the flow pattern causes the liquid to sweep all the volume within the module while still providing for easy installation and replacement by virtue of having all of the active connections on only one end.

Abstract: A solid component of a solid composition admixed with an aqueous medium is recovered by clarification and extraction in a common apparatus. An organic solvent for the solid component is admixed with the solid composition in the presence of the aqueous medium and the organic solvent is clarified in the apparatus by filtration with a filter which is not degraded by the organic solvent.

Abstract: A proportioning process and apparatus is provided for forming a liquid composition by admixture of a plurality of liquid components. The apparatus includes a main chamber, a subchamber positioned within the main chamber and conduits for introducing the liquid components sequentially into the subchamber which then overflow into the main chamber. The main chamber and subchamber are provided with outlets so that the liquid therein can be admixed to form the liquid composition. A pressure sensor in the subchamber is provided to measure the head pressure of each component in the subchamber and the main chamber which, because the dimensions of the subchamber and main chamber are known, can be used to measure the volumes of the liquid components to be admixed. A level sensor is provided at the top of the main chamber to be used as a calibration point and for overflow detection.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device comprising hollow fibers or thin channels through which ultrafiltration of blood plasma is effected is operated under conditions of tangential flow and low conversion. A recirculation stream of high molecular weight fraction of the liquid stream is fed to the device and a permeate stream from the device is recovered. The optimum module aspect ratio is designed and the corresponding maximum shear rate of incoming liquid is specified and controlled so as to provide maximum separation efficiency (selectivity and flux) allowing for separation between species of similar size or molecular weight. Shear rate is controlled by controlling the recirculation stream flow rate. The ratio of the transmembrane pressure at the channel outlet to the transmembrane pressure at the channel inlet resulting from the optimal design and operation is also specified.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for separating whole blood from a patient into a cellular component and a plasma component and for separating the plasma component into a high molecular weight plasma fraction and a low molecular weight plasma fraction and wherein anticoagulant is added to the whole blood and a physiologically acceptable liquid diluent is added to the plasma component. The rate of addition of the diluent is governed by the following equation: ##EQU1## called Equation 1.