Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable membrane can include a porous polymeric structure containing a blend of PVDF and hydroxyalkylcellulose. The membrane may be used for ultrafiltration. A method of making a hydrophilic semipermeable membrane can include providing a blend containing PVDF and hydroxyalkylcellulose, forming the blend into a porous polymeric structure, and purifying the porous polymeric structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for removing a first chemical from a web of filtration membrane material using a vacuum roller or other vacuum pressure application device. Embodiments of the method involve applying vacuum pressure to a surface of the membrane web, immersing said membrane web in a flushing chemical and removing the membrane web from the flushing chemical. Embodiments of the system may include one or more vacuum rollers, positioning rollers and a flushing chemical in which a portion of the membrane web may be immersed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter element in which an undesired fluid flow path through the filter element is blocked. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing such a filter element. In embodiments of the invention, the filter element may be a spiral wound filter element with a filter membrane. The desired flow path through the filter membrane may be through the lateral surface of the filter membrane, while an undesirable flow path may begin at a point on the cross-sectional face of the filter membrane. To prevent fluid from entering the filter membrane through the cross-sectional face, the pores of the filter membrane near the cross-sectional area may be sealed, for example, by filling the pores with a substance, such as a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter element in which an undesired fluid flow path through the filter element is blocked. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing such a filter element. In embodiments of the invention, the filter element may be a spiral wound filter element with a filter membrane. The desired flow path through the filter membrane may be through the lateral surface of the filter membrane, while an undesirable flow path may begin at a point on the cross-sectional face of the filter membrane. To prevent fluid from entering the filter membrane through the cross-sectional face, the pores of the filter membrane near the cross-sectional area may be sealed, for example, by filling the pores with a substance, such as a polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting defects in a porous material web or dense film applies differential pressure across the material web or film. The pores and defects in the material web or the defects in the dense film may be filled with a liquid. In embodiments of the invention, differential pressure may be applied using a vacuum roller or other vacuum pressure application device. When the differential pressure applied to the material web exceeds the bubble point pressure of a defect, the liquid within that defect may be removed. An image, such as a thermal or photographic image, of the material web is captured after the differential pressure has been applied across the material web or film. Removal of the liquid from a defect is indicated in the image, allowing defects to be detected.

Abstract: A process using acrylate monomers and ultraviolet light permits modification of porous polymeric materials without the use of a free radical initiator is described as is the material so modified. The modified polymeric material exhibits new properties such as wetability and advantageous flow characteristics that are useful in filtration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for removing a first chemical from a web of filtration membrane material using a vacuum roller or other vacuum pressure application device. Embodiments of the method involve applying vacuum pressure to a surface of the membrane web, immersing said membrane web in a flushing chemical and removing the membrane web from the flushing chemical. Embodiments of the system may include one or more vacuum rollers, positioning rollers and a flushing chemical in which a portion of the membrane web may be immersed.