Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree.C. to about 50.degree.C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree.C. to 50.degree.C.

Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Microporous membranes having supporting structures are disclosed. A microporous filtration membrane made of a polymeric material has an integral support, both the support and the membrane having substantially identical chemical composition. Preferred supported membranes of the present invention are made of polyvinylidene fluoride. At least part of the support is bonded to the surrounding microporous membrane to provide rigidity and chemical inertness. Methods of forming the supported microporous membranes are described, including a method that results in microporous membranes having unique structural and functional characteristics.

Abstract: A filter system particularly useful with small sample volumes includes first and second housing sections with a flow channel extending therebetween. A membrane filter forms one boundary of the flow channel. A pair of reservoirs, one for feed and the other for permeate collection, are integrally formed with the first housing section. A fluid communication path is established from the first section to the second section and then through means of a deformable chamber to the flow channel. The deformable chamber is adjacent to a rigid surface that is integral with one of the housing sections and in this manner is adapted to pump fluid through the system when interfacing with a pump.