Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration module having at least one membrane layer and a spacer layer, wherein the spacer includes: a polymeric matrix; and a biocide physically embedded into or attached to the polymeric matrix. Moreover, the invention provides a method for reducing the concentration of bacteria in water, by contacting water with the filtration module.

Abstract: The invention provides modified polysulfones substituted in one or more of the phenyl rings by functional groups and membranes composed of the modified polysulfones. Also provided are methods for the preparation of monodispersed nanoporous polymeric membranes. The membranes are useful for reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration, particularly for purification of water.

Abstract: The invention provides modified polysulfones substituted in one or more of the phenyl rings by functional groups and membranes composed of the modified polysulfones. Also provided are methods for the preparation of monodispersed nanoporous polymeric membranes. The membranes are useful for reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration, particularly for purification of water.

Abstract: Aqueous fluid polluted with phosphate contaminants is mixed with or passed through an adsorbent material selected from: (i) particles of oxides or hydroxides of transition metals, aluminum oxides or hydroxides, TiO2, or mixtures thereof, or (ii) particles of activated carbon, activated alumina, aluminum oxide, activated TiO2, TiO2, mineral clay, zeolite, or an ion exchanger loaded with nanoparticles of oxides or hydroxides of transition metals, aluminum oxides or hydroxides or TiO2, or mixtures thereof, to yield aqueous fluid purified from phosphate. The adsorbent material is further regenerated by increasing the pH of the adsorbent sludge, concentrated phosphate solution or a phosphate crystal slurry is recovered as well.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a fluid, particularly water, contaminated with organic compounds, organisms, toxic substances, hazardous substances, ammonia, or mixtures thereof, by adsorption with an adsorbent material and regeneration of the purified adsorbent material. The contaminants may be first adsorbed onto the adsorbent material, which is then regenerated by treatment with nanoparticles of at least one transition metal oxide catalyst and at least one oxidant; or the contaminants are adsorbed onto particles of the adsorbent material loaded with at least one transition metal oxide, which is then regenerated by treatment with an oxidant; or the contaminated fluid is treated with an oxidant first and then with particles of the adsorbent material loaded with at least one transition metal oxide. The adsorbed contaminants are converted into environmentally compatible products.

Abstract: Spray drying system for drying a liquid feed which is made up of a solution or suspension of particles in a fluid medium. The system enables the spray drying of wet material and converting the material into powder by evaporation of a liquid medium at reduced pressure or at a vacuum. The system includes a heating chamber and an evacuation device, communicating with the interior of the heating chamber. This provision enables creation of reduced pressure within the chamber, accompanied by evaporation of the fluid medium at temperatures lower than needed for evaporation at normal pressure, and evacuation of the moisture vapor generated during evaporation.