Abstract: A support member for use in a coil dialyzer to support an elongated, tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The member is embossed and has generally angularly-extending parallel ribs on both sides of the web. The ribs are arranged so that on each side there are high ribs and low ribs positioned between said high ribs. The ribs are arranged in a pattern whereby the lower ribs are at least of two different heights so that on each side of the support membrane there are ribs of at least three different heights.

Abstract: A device for separating low density materials such as gas bubbles from a liquid is disclosed which comprises a chamber defined by an inner wall which in turn defines generally circular, transverse cross-sections about a longitudinal axis. The liquid inlet port extends through the inner wall in a position to pass liquid into the chambers circumferentially about the inner wall for swirling flow within the chamber. Accordingly, lower density components of the fluid, such as bubbles, migrate away from the inner wall toward the center of the swirling flow. An outlet port extends through the inner wall, and is spaced from the inlet port, to collect fluid which is free from the low density materials.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing a membrane strip for leaks due to pin holes are disclosed. A detector fluid is applied to one face of the strip while bringing a detection medium into proximity with the other face thereof, and producing a pressure difference between the opposite faces of the strip in a sense to cause flow of the detector fluid through any open pin holes in the strip, and accordingly into contact with the detection medium. In accordance with this invention, a membrane-compatible liquid is applied to the membrane strip prior to testing for pin holes, so that the liquid is retained in the pin holes by capillary attraction. Accordingly, the flow of detector fluid through pin holes which are less than a predetermined size is prevented. The predetermined size may be controlled by the magnitude of pressure difference between opposite faces and the nature of the membrane-compatible liquid. As a result, the presence only of holes larger than the predetermined size is detected.