Abstract: An apparatus for air freshening in an interior occupancy space. The apparatus has a reservoir containing a volatile composition for air freshening and/or malodor removal and a composite membrane in fluid communication with the volatile composition. The composite membrane has a first side facing the reservoir and a second side opposite the first side. At least one of the first side and the second side has a diffusion regulating coating, the diffusion regulating coating including a hydrophobic/oleophobic material having at least one fluoro-alkyl group. The volatile composition includes at least 20% of perfume raw materials by weight of the composition, the at least 20% of perfume raw materials having an average vapor pressure equal to or greater than 0.01 torr at 25 degrees Celsius. The apparatus has an average vapor release rate from 0.2 mg/hr*cm2 to 5 mg/hr*cm2 at an air flow rate of 5 m/s and a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A filtration system includes at least one spiral wound first filter section in fluid communication with at least one spiral wound second filter section. The first and second filter sections include: (i) a filtration membrane; (ii) a feed spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a feed flow channel; and (iii) a permeate spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a permeate flow channel. A thickness of the feed flow channel in the first filter section is different than a thickness of the feed flow channel in the second filter section, and/or an effective volume of the first filter section is different than an effective volume of the second filter section. A method of filtering a feed flow is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a microporous membrane includes: (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition including: (a) an acrylic polymer prepared from a mixture of vinyl monomers including: (i) a (meth)acrylic acid monomer and (ii) a silane-functional acrylic monomer; and (b) a base, where the acrylic polymer is in contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the filler and the acrylic polymer. A treated microporous membrane and an aqueous treatment composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition of a silane-functional polyamine compound having at least one alkoxy silane group, such that the silane-functional polyamine compound is in intimate contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane-functional polyamine compound. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: A treated vapor permeable microporous membrane includes: a microporous membrane having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The membrane includes a thermoplastic organic polymer having a polyolefin. The membrane defines a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout the membrane. The treated membrane further includes finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the membrane and a first hydrophobic/oleophobic material over at least a portion of the first side. A method of preparing the treated vapor permeable microporous membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for air freshening in an interior occupancy space. The apparatus has a reservoir containing a volatile composition for air freshening and/or malodor removal and a composite membrane in fluid communication with the volatile composition. The composite membrane has a first side facing the reservoir and a second side opposite the first side. At least one of the first side and the second side has a diffusion regulating coating, the diffusion regulating coating including a hydrophobic/oleophobic material having at least one fluoro-alkyl group. The volatile composition includes at least 20% of perfume raw materials by weight of the composition, the at least 20% of perfume raw materials having an average vapor pressure equal to or greater than 0.01 torr at 25 degrees Celsius. The apparatus has an average vapor release rate from 0.2 mg/hr*cm2 to 5 mg/hr*cm2 at an air flow rate of 5 m/s and a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a microporous membrane includes: (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition including: (a) an acrylic polymer prepared from a mixture of vinyl monomers including: (i) a (meth)acrylic acid monomer and (ii) a silane-functional acrylic monomer; and (b) a base, where the acrylic polymer is in contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the filler and the acrylic polymer. A treated microporous membrane and an aqueous treatment composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting the membrane with a first treatment composition comprising an epoxy-silane which is in intimate contact with the inorganic filler; (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a first reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane groups of the epoxy-silane compound; (3) contacting the membrane of (2) with a second treatment composition comprising polyalkylene polyamine, an amine functional polysaccharide and/or an amino silane; and (4) subjecting the membrane of (3) to conditions sufficient to effect a second reaction. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting the membrane with a first treatment composition comprising an epoxy-silane which is in intimate contact with the inorganic filler; (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a first reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane groups of the epoxy-silane compound; (3) contacting the membrane of (2) with a second treatment composition comprising polyalkylene polyamine, an amine functional polysaccharide and/or an amino silane; and (4) subjecting the membrane of (3) to conditions sufficient to effect a second reaction. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: A treated vapor permeable microporous membrane includes: a microporous membrane having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The membrane includes a thermoplastic organic polymer having a polyolefin. The membrane defines a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout the membrane. The treated membrane further includes finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the membrane and a first hydrophobic/oleophobic material over at least a portion of the first side. A method of preparing the treated vapor permeable microporous membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting the membrane with a first treatment composition comprising an epoxy-silane which is in intimate contact with the inorganic filler; (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a first reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane groups of the epoxy-silane compound; (3) contacting the membrane of (2) with a second treatment composition comprising polyalkylene polyamine, an amine functional polysaccharide and/or an amino silane; and (4) subjecting the membrane of (3) to conditions sufficient to effect a second reaction. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting the membrane with a first treatment composition comprising an epoxy-silane which is in intimate contact with the inorganic filler; (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a first reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane groups of the epoxy-silane compound; (3) contacting the membrane of (2) with a second treatment composition comprising polyalkylene polyamine, an amine functional polysaccharide and/or an amino silane; and (4) subjecting the membrane of (3) to conditions sufficient to effect a second reaction. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition of a silane-functional polyamine compound having at least one alkoxy silane group, such that the silane-functional polyamine compound is in intimate contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane-functional polyamine compound. Treated membranes also are provided.

Abstract: A filtration system includes at least one spiral wound first filter section in fluid communication with at least one spiral wound second filter section. The first and second filter sections include: (i) a filtration membrane; (ii) a feed spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a feed flow channel; and (iii) a permeate spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a permeate flow channel. A thickness of the feed flow channel in the first filter section is different than a thickness of the feed flow channel in the second filter section, and/or an effective volume of the first filter section is different than an effective volume of the second filter section. A method of filtering a feed flow is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating a hydrocarbon-containing waste stream to form a hydrocarbon-containing retentate and an aqueous permeate which is substantially free of hydrocarbon. The method includes passing the hydrocarbon-containing waste stream through a microporous membrane to yield the hydrocarbon-containing retentate and the aqueous permeate. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has pores with a volume average diameter less than 1.0 micron, and at least 50 percent of the pores have a mean diameter of less than 0.35 micron.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating a hydrocarbon-containing waste stream to form a hydrocarbon-containing retentate and an aqueous permeate which is substantially free of hydrocarbon. The method includes passing the hydrocarbon-containing waste stream through a microporous membrane to yield the hydrocarbon-containing retentate and the aqueous permeate. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has pores with a volume average diameter less than 1.0 micron, and at least 50 percent of the pores have a mean diameter of less than 0.35 micron.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separation medium comprising rotary dried or spray dried precipitated silica. The silica has a pore surface area P wherein log10 P>2.2, and the ratio of BET to CTAB is at least 1.0 measured prior to any surface modification of the silica. The present invention is further directed to a method of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream, comprising contacting the stream with the separation medium described above.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes comprising a microporous material. The microporous material comprises: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said coated microporous material substrate, (c) at least 20 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the coated microporous material, and (d) at least one coating composition applied to at least one surface of the membrane to adjust the surface energy of the membrane.