Abstract: A device for isolating periphery circulating tumor cells or rare cells includes a metal filter having depressions that can capture periphery circulating tumor cells or rare cells that are in a body fluid, and pores that are formed at the depressions and that can pass therethrough body fluid cells other than periphery circulating tumor cells or rare cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to filter media having one or more pre-filter layers disposed upstream a main filtration layer. The main filtration layer may include synthetic polymer fibers (e.g., continuous meltblown fibers). A coating (e.g., binder resin) may be suitably applied to at least a portion of the main filtration layer (e.g., saturated, impregnated) and/or other layers of the filter media (e.g., pre-filter layer(s), scrim, etc.), or portions thereof. In some embodiments, the coating has a cure temperature that is comparatively less than a shrinkage temperature of the synthetic polymer fibers of the filtration layer(s). In some embodiments, the coating may coat a 5 cm×5 cm area, or a majority area, of the outer surface of the second layer. In some embodiments, the second layer has a pressure drop of less than about 80 kPa, a mean flow pore size of between about 0.

Abstract: Surface modified filter media, including surface modified filter media having enhanced performance characteristics, are provided. In some embodiments, a filter media may comprise two or more layers designed to enhance fluid separation efficiency. One or more of the layers may have at least a portion of a surface that is modified to alter and/or enhance the wettability of the surface with respect to a particular fluid. In certain embodiments involving a filter media including more than one surface modified layer, at least one surface modified layer may have a greater air permeability and/or mean flow pore size than that of another surface modified layer. Such a configuration of layers may result in the media having enhanced fluid separation properties compared to filter media that do not include such modified layers or configuration of layers, all other factors being equal. The filter media may be well-suited for a variety of applications, including filtering fuel, air, and lube oil.

Abstract: Provided are: an oil separator with which oil-separation efficiency can be improved by reliably capturing oil once separated, and inhibiting the re-entrainment of the oil; and a compressor provided with the oil separator. This oil separator (1) is provided with a cylindrical separation cylinder (2), and is configured such that oil included in a gas flowing in from a gas inflow port (5) provided along an inner circumferential surface (4) of the separation cylinder (2) in a tangential direction is centrifugally separated, and the separated oil is discharged from one end side of the separation cylinder (2), while the gas is discharged from another end side of the separation cylinder (2). The oil separator (1) has, provided to the inner circumferential surface (4) of the separation cylinder (2) therein, an opening (9) which communicates with the gas inflow port (5), and a plurality of oil-capturing openings (10) which protrude toward and are open at an inner circumferential side.

Abstract: A contaminant separator for a nitrogen generation system includes a swirl vane chamber defined by a chamber wall, the swirl vane chamber configured to receive an air bleed flow. Also included is a vane located within the swirl vane chamber, the vane configured to direct contaminants heavier than air radially outwardly toward the chamber wall. Further included is an ejector defined by an ejector wall, the ejector located downstream of the swirl vane chamber and radially inwardly of the chamber wall. Yet further included is a housing surrounding the ejector and the chamber wall. Also included is a contaminant separating path, the contaminant separating path extending from an inlet comprising an annular gap defined by the chamber wall and the ejector wall, the contaminant separating path extending to an outlet defined by the housing and the ejector wall.

Abstract: A system and method for removing retentate from filters is disclosed, which utilizes pressurized and/or vacuum fluid through localized application. The disclosure describes a cleaning system and sequence of steps for carrying out the cleaning process, whereby, a fluid is directed to flow through a localized region of the filter media, thereby dislodging and removing accumulated retentate from the filter. In addition, the localized application of fluid flow allows for localized monitoring of the cleanliness of the filter with a high degree of spatial resolution. This filter retentate removal system and method is broadly applicable to a wide range of systems and processes ranging to engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.

Abstract: A sterilizing grade filter including at least two non-sterile nanofiber membranes positioned in a stacked configuration is provided. The nanofiber membranes have a bubble point from about 10 psi to about 50 psi, a thickness less than about 300 microns, and a mass/area less than about 20 g/m2. The non-sterile nanofiber membranes are separated from each other by a distance d, which may be less than about 100 microns. The membranes may be adhered together produce a composite stacked filtration material. Methods of producing a sterilizing grade filter are also provided.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. A stabilizer frame formed of a non-metallic material may be imbedded in the filter pad. The stabilizer frame may be configured to provide support to the filter pad to maintain the filter pad in a generally flat configuration. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the filter pad may be comprised of at least first and second fibrous mats that are coupled together. In this embodiment, the stabilizer frame may be disposed between and coupled with the first and second fibrous mats.

Abstract: A filtration media that may be mounted in a frame and placed in a central heating, cooling and/or ventilation system. The media has symmetrical characteristics such that, when mounted in the frame, the resulting filter may be mounted with either one major surface of the filtration media receiving the air flow or the opposite major surface receiving the air flow. Regardless of how the filter is oriented, the performance of the filter is the same due to the symmetrical characteristics of the filtration media mounted therein.

Abstract: A media pack for including in a filter cartridge of an air filter arrangement, is provided. A variety of configurations for the media pack are described and shown, an example shown being trapezoidal. Filter cartridges including such media packs, air cleaner assemblies and equipment systems are described. Also methods of use assembly are described.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of nanoporous carbons derived from partially or fully demetalized metal carbides in personal protection equipment for the reversible absorption/adsorption of both broad and specific targeted gases. These materials have been specifically processed to provide enhanced effective loadings against specific harmful volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a product gas are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one separation bed to separate adsorbable components from a gas source, a valving means to selectively direct gas from the gas source to the at least one separation bed, at least one sensing device associated with the at least one separation bed to sense the progress of an adsorption zone within the separation bed, and a controller. The controller includes logic to read the output of the at least one sensing device and control the gas separation process based on the progress of the adsorption zone.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation and recovery system includes: an adsorption reactor, which adsorbs, by an adsorbent, carbon dioxide contained in a to-be-treated gas, discharges the to-be-treated gas from which the carbon dioxide has been removed, and discharges the adsorbent that has adsorbed the carbon dioxide; a desorption reactor, which receives the adsorbent discharged from the adsorption reactor, condenses desorbing steam on the adsorbent to cause carbon dioxide to desorb from the adsorbent, and then discharges the adsorbent; and an adsorbent dryer, which receives the adsorbent discharged from the desorption reactor, dries the adsorbent until a water content ratio thereof becomes a predetermined value greater than or equal to a water content ratio limit by causing, with use of a drying gas, condensation water contained in the adsorbent to evaporate as steam, and then discharges the adsorbent.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture apparatus according to an embodiment includes an absorber and a stripper. The liquid level of the absorbing liquid within the absorber is measured by an absorber level gauge. A regulating liquid that contains water and is used to control the proportion of water contained in the absorbing liquid is stored in a regulating liquid tank. The flow rate of the regulating liquid to be supplied from the regulating liquid tank to the absorber or the stripper is controlled by a regulating liquid control valve. A controller controls the opening degree of the regulating liquid control valve based on the liquid level of the absorbing liquid measured by the absorber level gauge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide or mercaptans, or mixtures thereof. The gas stream can be a sour natural gas stream, a landfill gas or an industrial gas stream. The process comprises contacting the gas stream at effective absorption conditions including an absorption temperature less than about 300° C. with a solid absorbent effective to absorb the hydrogen sulfide, or mercaptans or mixtures thereof to provide a purified gas stream. Method is useful for treating gas streams having up to 90 vol-% hydrogen sulfide, or treating highly pure hydrogen streams. The invention is useful as a guard bed for fuel cells and sensitive laboratory instruments. The invention can also be employed to treat steam reformer product hydrogen streams without the need for further compression of the product hydrogen streams.

Abstract: There is provided an acidic gas absorbing agent that is large in absorption amount and high in absorption rate of an acidic gas per unit volume and can prevent the diffusion of ingredients of the absorbing agent. The acidic gas absorbing agent includes an amino acid salt of formula 1 or formula 2 and an amine compound of formula 3. wherein COOMe represents a carboxylate group; Me represents an alkali metal. R1 and R2 represent an C1-4 alkylene chain; R3 represents a cycloalkyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an C1-4 alkyl group; and R5 represents a hydroxyalkyl group.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved column operation in offshore environments by using a co-current contactor system in floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) systems.

Abstract: An air separation module includes a plurality of fibers located within a casing. A fiber membrane defines an exterior of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane also forms an interior passage along a length of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane is configured to permeate a gas through the fiber membrane. At least one perforated canister is placed between the plurality of fibers. The at least one perforated canister is configured to collect a permeated gas from the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane separation process for energy-efficient generation of oxygen from fresh air. In the process, mixed conducting membranes in vacuum operation are used, the fresh air is discharged as waste air after separation of the oxygen, at least 85% of the thermal energy required for heating the fresh air is acquired by utilizing the waste heat of the waste air and/or of the obtained oxygen, the rest of the heating of the fresh air being realized through external energy supply, and a ratio of fresh air to generated oxygen in normal operation is adjusted to a range of from 6:1 to 25:1.

Abstract: An acidic gas separation laminate includes a composite film formed of a porous support which is formed by laminating a porous film and an auxiliary support film and an acidic gas separation facilitated transport film which is disposed on the porous film side of the porous support; a permeating gas channel member which is laminated so as to face the auxiliary support film of the porous support and in which acidic gas permeated and passed through the acidic gas separation facilitated transport film flows; and a film protection unit in which an adhesive becomes impregnated into the porous film at an impregnation rate of 10% or greater in the lamination direction of the porous support and the impregnation rate of the adhesive in the auxiliary support film is smaller than the impregnation rate of the adhesive in the porous film.

Abstract: A method for disposing of excess sulfur dioxide in a flue gas from thermal oxidation of an acid gas stream including hydrogen sulfide recovered from a rich amine solution of an amine plant servicing at least one well head, includes cooling the flue gas to about 300 to about 650 degrees Fahrenheit, injecting a dry sorbent into the flue gas after the step of cooling the flue gas, reacting the dry sorbent after the step of injection, with the sulfur dioxide of the flue gas for sufficient time for formation of reaction byproduct and treated gas, and separating the reaction byproduct from the treated gas. Examples of the dry sorbent include calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and trona, as well as magnesium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, and combinations.

Abstract: Methods related generally to the removal of atmospheric pollutants from the gas phase, are provided, as well as related apparatus, processes and uses thereof. A single-stage air scrubbing apparatus is provided that includes at least one reaction vessel, at least one introduction duct, and a turbulence component, wherein a residence time is sufficient to allow the conversion of at least one atmospheric pollution compound to at least one other compound, molecule or atom. In some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric pollution compound comprises nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide or a combination thereof. Additionally, methods of removing atmospheric pollution compounds from a waste gas stream are disclosed that include introducing a waste gas stream and at least one additional gas stream, mist stream, liquid stream or combination thereof into a single-stage air scrubbing apparatus at a flow rate sufficient to allow for conversion of the at least one atmospheric pollution compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-regenerative integrated device for the synergetic oxidation of low-concentration gas and ventilation gas in a coal mine. The integrated device comprises a metal shell (5). A honeycomb ceramic oxidation bed (13) is arranged within the metal shell (5) and divided into a regenerative section (40) and an oxidation section (41) by a heat exchange chamber (14). A first cavity between the regenerative section (40) and the inner wall of the metal shell (5) is divided into a first inlet chamber (6) and an exhaust chamber (8) by an inlet partition plate (7), a second cavity between the oxidation section (41) and the inner wall of the metal shell (5) is divided into a second inlet chamber (22) and a mixing chamber (20) by a partition plate (21) for averaging gas, and a plurality of gas nozzles (28) are provided on the partition plate (21) for averaging gas.

Abstract: Cu/mordenite catalysts were found to be highly active for the SCR of NO with NH3 and exhibited high resistance to alkali poisoning. Redox and acidic properties of Cu/mordenite were well preserved after poisoning with potassium unlike that of vanadium catalysts. Fe-mordenite catalysts also revealed much higher alkali resistivity than that of commercial V2O5/WO3—TiO2 (VWT) SCR catalyst which is currently used for NOx abatement in stationary installations. Unique support properties like high surface area and surface acidity, which are not available in the commercial VWT catalyst, seem to be essential requirements for the high alkali resistance. Mordenite-type zeolite based catalysts could therefore be attractive alternatives to conventional SCR catalysts for biomass fired power plant flue gas treatment.

Abstract: Concentration control in filtration systems and associated methods are generally described. Streams originating from upstream filters and having similar concentrations of a target minor component and/or similar osmotic pressures can be mixed and subsequently filtered within additional filters. Certain embodiments comprise recycling an output stream produced by a filter to a filter feed stream, wherein the output stream and the filter feed stream have similar concentrations of a target minor component and/or similar osmotic pressures. Such strategic mixing and/or recycling can reduce the amount of energy and/or the amount of filtration medium surface area required to achieve a desired concentration of the target minor component in a final product stream.

Abstract: Flow control in multi-step filtration systems and associated methods are generally described. Certain embodiments are related to methods in which a single filter is used to perform multiple, separate filtration steps. In some cases, a diluted permeate from a first filtration step can be recycled back through the filter, as part of a separate filtration step, to produce a second retentate and a second permeate. Subsequent filtration steps can also be performed. Systems configured to perform multiple, separate filtration steps using a single filter are also described.

Abstract: Filtration systems in which the ratios of minor components in mixtures can be balanced, and associated methods, are generally described. Certain embodiments are related to methods in which a portion of a retentate stream produced by filtering an initial liquid feed during a first filtration step is mixed with the permeate produced by filtering the permeate from the first filtration step. In some cases, the amount of the first retentate that is mixed with the second permeate is selected such that the ratios of the minor components within the final retentate and permeate streams produced by the filtration system are similar to the ratio of the minor components within the initial liquid. By maintaining similar ratios of minor components, according to certain embodiments, the flavor profile of the initial liquid mixture can be substantially maintained in the concentrated and diluted streams produced by the filtration system.

Abstract: An acidic gas separation laminate including: a porous support formed by laminating a porous film and an auxiliary support film; an acidic gas separation facilitated transport film; a permeating gas channel member; a sealing unit which is formed by impregnating the porous film, the auxiliary support film, and the gas channel member with an adhesive in the lamination direction thereof along the peripheral edge at a width of 5 mm or greater such that the permeation rate becomes 60% or greater; and a stress buffer unit which is adjacent to the sealing unit, has a permeation rate of the adhesive of less than 60% at least in the porous film, and is formed by impregnating at least the gas channel member with the adhesive.

Abstract: There is provided a high-quality spiral-type acidic gas separation module which is obtained by winding a laminate including an acidic gas separation layer that has a facilitated transport film and which has no defects in the facilitated transport film, in which the average value of the fiber diameter of a supply gas channel member is in a range of 100 ?m to 900 ?m, and the area ratio of concave portions inscribed in a hemisphere having a diameter greater than or equal to three-quarters of the fiber diameter of the supply gas channel member is 50% or less with respect to a surface of an auxiliary support film of a porous support that is on the side opposite to the facilitated transport film.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of ceramic hollow fiber membranes in a spinning process by using a spinning mass, comprising the steps: providing a spinning mass formulation; providing a secondary phase; adding the secondary phase to the spinning mass formulation; manufacturing the ceramic hollow fiber membranes in a spinning process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a partially freestanding two-dimensional crystal film (16, 16?), the method comprising providing a substrate (10) carrying a catalyst layer (14) for forming the two-dimensional crystal layer on a first surface; forming the two-dimensional crystal film on the catalyst layer; covering at least the two-dimensional crystal film with a protective layer (18); etching a cavity (24) in a second surface of the substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, said cavity terminating on the catalyst layer; etching the exposed part of the catalyst layer from the cavity; and removing the protective layer, thereby obtaining a two-dimensional crystal film that is freestanding over said cavity. A device manufactured in this manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are filter media for liquid filters and a method of manufacturing the same, in which a thin filter layer is formed and the content of nanofibers weighs light, by laminating a low weight nanofiber web on a porous nonwoven fabric, and thus a less differential pressure is applied before and after filtering, to thereby increase a pass flow rate. The filter medium includes: a porous support that plays a strength support role; and a nanofiber web that is laminated on one side of the porous support and is made of nanofibers of a polymer material, in which the nanofiber web comprises fine pores of a three-dimensional structure, through which a liquid to be treated passes, wherein content of the nanofibers is less than 5 gsm.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to composite filtration membranes for use in, for example, water purification and concentrating a solute, and methods for making and using same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are a functional membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, in which the functional membrane has a structure that is formed by accumulating nanofibers that are formed by electrospinning a spinning solution that is produced by mixing a dopamine monomer or polymer, a solvent and a polymer material.

Abstract: A hollow-fiber membrane is presented. The hollow fiber membrane, includes a copolymer including sulfone structural units having a formula (I) and zwitterion-functionalized structural units having a formula (II). Method of making the hollow-fiber membrane is also presented.

Abstract: Provided herein are blends of polymers which are suitable for preparation of hollow fiber membranes. The polymer blends comprise a blend of a first polymer comprising a sulfone polymer having zwitterionic functionality and a second polymer comprising a sulfone polymer.

Abstract: Provided herein are certain sulfone polymers having zwitterionic functionality and blends thereof which are suitable for preparation of flat sheet membranes. The polymer blends comprise a blend of a first polymer comprising a sulfone polymer having zwitterionic functionality and a second polymer comprising a sulfone polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a gas and liquid comprising a mixing cylinder; a micromembrane and a sump. The gas is pressurized and introduced to the micromembrane for transfer to the liquid.

Abstract: An adhesive-air infuser comprises a hollow body through which adhesive and air flow. The air is directed into the hollow body at an upstream end of the hollow body through an air nozzle positioned within the hollow body, and the adhesive is directed into the hollow body at the upstream end of the hollow body such that the adhesive flows around at least a portion of the air nozzle as the adhesive flows through the hollow body. The adhesive and air are directed by adhesive supply pressure and air supply pressure to flow through the hollow body toward an output port. In various embodiments, adhesive and air flow along a tortuous path that causes the air to mix into the adhesive to form an adhesive-air solution having a density less than the adhesive supplied to the upstream end of the hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for introducing a gas into a contained media such as a pond or lake. Water is removed from the media, gas introduced, and then the water removed to the contained media.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus which includes a tank, a liquid inlet and a fluid dispensing system which includes a dispensing fluid conduit having a helical portion at least substantially vertically oriented within the interior volume of the tank. The beverage dispensing apparatus also includes a fluid circulating system that includes at least one fluid circulation conduit having an inlet portion positioned proximate the bottom portion of the tank and at least one outlet. A fluid cycling device is also included in the beverage dispensing apparatus and is configured to move fluid from the bottom portion of the tank to the fluid circulation conduit. The at least one outlet is configured to produce a fluid flow tangential to the orientation of the dispensing fluid conduit configuration. Evaporator coils extend around a perimeter of the tank's exterior sidewall surface and are configured to chill the fluid within the tank.

Abstract: A lab stirrer comprises a housing, a stirring shaft rotatably supported about an axis in the housing and a drive to drive the stirring shaft to make a rotary movement about the axis. A blocking device is provided to block the stirring shaft against a rotation about the shaft axis.

Abstract: A mixing paddle is described comprising a first section (2) adapted for mixing a paint, and a second section (3) having at least one removing edge (4), wherein the removing edge (4) has a geometry complementary to a horizontal cross section (5, 6) of the first section (2), and wherein the second section (3) is detachably attached, and a corresponding method for removing excess paint from a mixing paddle is described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A carriage reciprocates on a frame. A pulley system is also located on the frame and a power cord is routed through the pulley system. A moveable pulley in the pulley system moves in the opposite direction of the reciprocating carriage. The apparatus further comprises a well with an inlet manifold and a drain and a fixed but removable cup-receiving holder. Overall, the apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

Abstract: An anti-segregation mixer for a bed of material, the anti-segregation mixer comprising: an elongate and substantially cylindrical shell having an inner surface; and a plurality of independent lifting means provided within the shell, wherein the plurality of lifting means each comprise a vane with a leading end and a trailing end, and are arranged with respect to the cylindrical shell such that the vane is spaced apart from the inner surface and the entire lifting means may pass through the bed of material.

Abstract: The invention describes an ultrasonic device primarily intended for sonication of liquid and multiphase-media (gas-liquid, solid-liquid) through flexural vibration of tuned blades. The ultrasonic system comprises a source of alternating electrical field, an electro-acoustic transducer connected to the source of alternating electrical field, a booster connected to the electro-acoustic transducer with a cross section distal to the electro-acoustic transducer smaller than a cross section proximal to the electro-acoustic transducer, and at least one tuned blade coupled to the booster, wherein the at least one blade couple flexural vibrations to the liquid or multiphasic media. The system allows the treatment of larger volumes of fluid media compared with conventional longitudinally resonant ultrasonic devices characterized by small radiating surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixer and applicator device for mixing and applying a compound obtained by means of mixing two products which comprises: a casing (1) which internally houses a movable push rod (13), where the casing allows housing a container (2) which is fixed to the casing by fixing means (9), driving means for driving the movable push rod, fitting and fixing means for fitting and fixing the driving means, rotation blocking or release means for blocking or releasing the rotation of the casing, where the fitting and fixing means comprise press fit means and guides which are secured at one end on the fitting and pressing means (5) and on the other hand on the casing (1). As a result of this device it is possible, using the same device, to prepare a compound by means of mixing a base product and a catalyst and to further be able to dispense it without having to perform any disassembly or adaptation whatsoever in the container or in the means used for the mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

Abstract: Provided are dispersions which comprise more than about up to 55 percent by weight or more of an organic peroxide which is normally solid in an anhydrous liquid phase such as dibutyl maleate or dioctyl adipate, with about 5% by weight or more fumed silica to provide a thixotropic, storage stable organic peroxide paste. Addition of about 5 weight % or more of fumed silica was found to result in the formation of a shear thinning anhydrous dispersion of organic peroxide which was storage stable.