Abstract: A blade configuration for efficiently moving a fluid using a waving action. The blade configuration uses a flexible panel. A pocket depression is formed in the flexible panel. The pocket depression is closer to a rear edge than to a front edge. Consequently, the flexible panel has a first average slope from its front edge to the pocket depression and a second average slope from its rear edge to the pocket depression. The second average slope is greater than the first average slope. Due to the shape of the pocket depression and attachment to the framework, waving movement of the blade through the fluid causes vortices to be generated and shed in a manner causing the fluid which interacts with the flexible panel to flow mostly in the direction of the front edge of the flexible panel. This directs much of the displaced fluid out the front edge.

Abstract: A system has been found which monitors and measures the concentration of polymer dispersant in industrial water systems, such as open recirculating, cooling tower water. The system comprises a polymer concentration monitor which is an in-line analyzer, and which has the ability to measure more than one characteristic or component at a time. The polymer concentration monitor is comprised of a filter module and a detection module. The incoming water first passes through the filter module and then on to the detection module and then out of the system. According to one embodiment, the detection unit comprises a sample preparation unit, pumps, an optical measurement unit, a temperature measurement and control unit and an electronics unit. The optical measurement unit is comprised of a single or multiple photo optical components. The presence of more than one photo optical component provides the ability to perform more than one measurement at one time.

Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed that uses a combination of dead end filtration across opposing membranes with a sample take-off in the middle and cross-flow to prevent cake formation on these opposing filters. In one embodiment is a system that uses opposing filters with a central collection chamber that flips flow back and forth between the sides at a frequency that minimizes filter cake formation. In another embodiment, a combination flip-flip, cross flow system is disclosed. An additional embodiment discloses an actuator valve driven sampling system, in which valves collect the cross flow/counter flow filter cake samples as they are liberated from a filter surface and a quick through filter fluid pulse loosens the sample cake from the filter material. The invention increases effective operation time, allows for continuous filtration operation without interruption, and provides filtered samples that accurately represent the concentration of macromolecular species in industrial systems.