Abstract: A pretreatment device 10 for analysis of dissolved ions, which comprises: a sample solution flow channel 11 through which a sample solution containing dissolved ions flows; an acceptor solution flow channel 13 which is arranged adjacent to the sample solution flow channel 11 so as to intercalate a dialysis membrane 12 between the acceptor solution flow channel 13 and the sample solution flow channel 11; a pair of electrodes 14a, 14b which are so arranged as to intercalate the sample solution flow channel 11 and the acceptor solution flow channel 13 therebetween, wherein one of the pair of electrodes 14a, 14b is provided on the sample solution flow channel 11, and the other one of the pair of electrodes 14a, 14b is provided on the acceptor solution flow channel 13; a direct current power source 5 which enables the generation of a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes 14a, 14b; and an electrode separator 15 provided between the dialysis membrane 12 and an inside surface of the electrode prov

Abstract: A device for electro membrane extraction has a syringe holder adapted to hold a syringe having an acceptor solution, and a sample vial holder adapted to hold a sample vial having a vial cap, where the vial cap includes an inside funnel to be equipped with a prewetted hollow fiber membrane having a tube like shape sealed at the end opposite the funnel and forming a lumen, and steering guides for at least two electrodes, a first electrode to be immersed in a donor solution placed in the sample vial, a second electrode to be immersed, through the funnel in the vial cap, into the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane, and a positioning device for sliding the first electrode in and out of the donor solution in the sample vial and for sliding the second electrode in and out of the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for producing high purity crystalline carbamide. The method comprises the crystallization and drying of carbamide, wherein an aqueous carbamide solution is preheated from +30° C. to +130° C., and thereafter the solution is purified by electrodialysis at a voltage in the range of 400 V-600 V. The technical result is the production of high-purity crystalline carbamide that can be used as an additive in the food industry and as a reagent in laboratory analyses.

Abstract: An effluent produced in oxidation of a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a bromide and/or iodide is deionized by electrodialysis to an inorganic salt concentration of less than 0.4%, whereby the N-oxyl compound in the effluent is concentrated and recovered. The N-oxyl compound thus recovered can be reused in oxidation of a cellulosic material. Preferably, the effluent is subjected to reduction treatment and ion exchange resin treatment prior to the electrodialysis.

Abstract: A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacity electrodes confined in insulated containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dewatering a slurry comprising microfibrillated cellulose wherein the process comprises the following steps of, providing a slurry comprising microfibrillated cellulose and liquid, subjecting the slurry to an electric field inducing the liquid of the slurry to flow and separating the liquid from the microfibrillated cellulose. The invention also relates to microfibrillated cellulose dewatered according to the process.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method and an apparatus for removing metals in waste water, such as thallium contained in waste water generated by rinsing waste containing chlorine, ash obtained by burning garbage, fly ash, etc. and reduces the concentration of metals in the waste water to a discharge standard, and the present invention provides a method for removing metals comprising applying direct-current electricity by an electrolyzer 5 to waste water S5, which contains metal aggregate, discharged via a reaction tank 1, a settler 2, and a reaction tank 4, and thereby the waste water S5 is electrolyzed together with depositing metals dissolve in the waste water S5 as metal oxides, separating the waste water containing deposited metal oxides in a precision filtration apparatus 6 into suspended solid MP and waste water S7, and removing a small amount of metals dissolve in the waste water S7 after removing the suspended solid MP in an ion exchange unit 7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an amino acid having at least one secondary or tertiary amino group and three or more carboxyl groups or its salt with less than an equivalent of alkaline metal based on the number of carboxyl groups, said process comprising reducing alkali metal ions from an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt of an amino acid having at least one secondary or tertiary amino group and three or more carboxyl groups and acidifying the amino carboxylate starting material by first performing a chemical acidification step using an organic or inorganic acid to get a compound in which at least one of the groups is protonated, and in a subsequent step further acidifying the amino carboxylate starting material and reducing alkali metal ions from an aqueous solution of the partially acidified alkali metal salt of the amino acid having at least one secondary or tertiary amino group and three or more carboxyl groups by electrodialysis, wherein the electrodialysis is performed

Abstract: An electrodialysis apparatus includes a sample chamber including first and second dialysis membranes and filled with a sample between the first dialysis membrane and the second dialysis membrane, an anode chamber including an anode and filled with a first chamber solution between the anode and the first dialysis membrane, and a cathode chamber including a cathode and filled with a second chamber solution between the cathode and the second dialysis membrane. In particular, when a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, ionic materials of the sample move to the anode and cathode chambers.

Abstract: A method of producing succinic acid (SA) includes providing fermentation derived diammonium succinate (DAS) containing solution, converting the DAS containing solution to a solution containing a half-acid, half-salt of succinic acid (MXS) by reactive evaporation, crystallizing MXS from the MXS containing solution by cooling and/or evaporative crystallization, converting MXS to SA by biopolar membrane electrodialysis, anion exchange, cation exchange, or a combination thereof, and crystallizing SA from SA the containing solution generated during conversion of the MXS to SA by cooling and/or evaporative crystallization.

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to a method and a system for the removal of heat stable amine salts from an amine absorbent used in a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture process, the method comprising: withdrawing amine absorbent containing heat stable amine salts from the CO2 capture process; subjecting the withdrawn amine absorbent containing heat stable amine salts to a residual CO2 removal step; subjecting the amine absorbent from the residual CO2 removal step to a separation step to separate heat stable amine salts from the amine absorbent; and returning the amine absorbent having a reduced concentration of heat stable amine salts to the CO2 capture process.

Abstract: Method for improving selectivity and productivity during purification of charged macromolecules and particles by electrofiltration by means of membranes in the electric filed. The ratio between the electric field and the permeate flow through the membrane is kept constant.

Abstract: An effluent produced in oxidation of a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a bromide and/or iodide is deionized by electrodialysis to an inorganic salt concentration of less than 0.4%, whereby the N-oxyl compound in the effluent is concentrated and recovered. The N-oxyl compound thus recovered can be reused in oxidation of a cellulosic material. Preferably, the effluent is subjected to reduction treatment and ion exchange resin treatment prior to the electrodialysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises: —feeding of the aqueous stream containing organic by-products of the reaction to a distillation or stripping column; —collection from the column of a distillate enriched in alcohols having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and other possible volatile compounds; feeding of the aqueous stream containing the acids leaving the bottom of the distillation column to an electrodialysis cell and the production of two outgoing streams: —an aqueous stream (i) enriched in organic acids having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; —a purified aqueous stream (ii) with a low acid content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for capturing charged molecules of interest traveling in an electrolyte flow stream through an electrically non-conductive channel, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode individually separated from said channel, but in electrical contact with said flow stream, by a conductive ion selective semi-permeable membrane. Said membrane interferes with the normal migration of ions towards its respective electrode, generating at least two zones of different electric field. Balance between hydrodynamic and electrical forces captures certain ions into the flow stream. it also relates to a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.

Abstract: A process for a stream of substances containing at least one valuable substance including (A) amino acids, (B) carboxylic acids, and (C) inorganic salts includes: (1) treating the stream by nanofiltration to obtain a retentate enriched with valuable substance (A); (2) treating the permeate of step (1) by electrodialysis in order to obtain a concentrate enriched with valuable substance (C); (3) treating the diluate of step (2) using a system (3) of two stages (4) and (5) which are directly or indirectly interconnected, wherein (4) one treatment is performed by reverse osmosis and (5) one treatment is performed by electrodialysis, whereby a concentrate enriched with valuable substance (B) is obtained, (6) at least a portion of the retentate of step (4) is directly or indirectly supplied to step (5) and (7) at least a portion of the diluate of step (5) is directly or indirectly supplied to step (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrially useful process for the recovery of sucrose and/or non-sucrose components. The process comprises (i) providing a solution of sugar beet and/or sugar cane origin selected from molasses, sugar juices and liquors, wherein said sugar juices are non-nanofiltered during the process; (ii) subjecting said solution to electrodialysis for removing therefrom inorganic and organic anions and cations and organic acids; (iii) subjecting the electrodialyzed solution to a chromatographic separation for obtaining sucrose and non-sucrose components in separate fractions; and (iv) recovering a product selected from sucrose and non-sucrose components from at least one of said fractions. The invention also relates to the use of electrodialysis for improving the efficiency of chromatographic separation in the industrial recovery of sucrose and/or non-sucrose components.

Abstract: Method for improving selectivity and productivity during purification of charged macromolecules and particles by electrofiltration by means of membranes in the electric filed. The ratio between the electric field and the permeate flow through the membrane is kept constant.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of separating multivalent ions and lactate ions from a fermentation broth comprising a multivalent ion lactate salt by using an electrodialysis or electrolysis apparatus, comprising the steps of introducing the broth wherein the multivalent ion concentration is at least 0.1 mole/l, the lactate ion concentration is less than 300 g/l, and less than 10 mole % of the lactate ion are other negatively charged ions, into a first compartment of the electrodialysis or electrolysis apparatus, which compartment is limited by an anion-selective or non-selective membrane and a cathode, and wherein the multivalent ion is converted to obtain a residual stream comprising the hydroxide of the multivalent ion, and the lactate ion is transported through the anion-selective or non-selective membrane into a second compartment limited by the anion-selective or non-selective membrane and an anode, after which the lactate ion is neutralized to lactic acid.

Abstract: Devices with electrokinetic elements are disclosed as well as their method of microfabrication for use in micro-scale analysis, mixture separation and reaction. The devices consist of solid hydrophilic-matrix films that have been microfabricated into a variety of micro-scale structures. These structures include hydrophilic-matrix conductors for electrokinetic species transport and separation. They also include hydrophilic-matrix cladding containing chemical species adjacent to either an open conduit or a hydrophilic matrix conductor. Also described are other integrated microstructures consisting of hydrophilic-matrix materials such as micro-reaction zones for retaining chemical species for on-chip chemical reactions and integrated detection structures for on-chip species detection. In general, a hydrophilic matrix on a substrate functions as a conductor that is covered by an electrically insulating, preferably water permeable material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the processes of: receipt of biological materials, cell selection, sample purification, sample concentration, buffer exchange, complexity reduction and/or diagnosis and analysis. In one embodiment, one or more sample chambers adapted to receive a buffer solution are formed adjacent to a spacer region which may include a trap or other affinity material, electrophoretic motion of the materials to be prepared being effected through operation of electrodes. In another aspect of this invention, a transporter or dipstick serves to collect and permit transport of materials, such as nucleic acids, most preferably DNA and/or RNA.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel solution isoelectric focusing device and method that can reproducibly fractionate charged molecules into well-defined pools. This approach can be applied to mixtures of charged molecules, such as eukaryotic proteome samples where reproducible resolution and quantitation of greater than 10,000 protein components is feasible.

Abstract: The claims describe methods for isolating functionally active Factor VIII using a membrane-based separation system containing a separation membrane to create a first and second interstitial volume between at least two restriction membranes. One or more stabilizing agents are added to the sample and/or an interstitial volume. A solvent in the first interstitial volume maintains FVIII in a desired charge state. Applying a potential between the first and second interstitial volumes separates FVIII on one side of the separation membrane from unwanted molecules on the other side of the separation membrane. These methods may also be used as a substitute for one or more steps in a conventional purification scheme for the separation of native or recombinant FVIII.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the separation of molecules, particularly micromolecules having a molecular mass of less than 5000 Dalton.

Abstract: A first process involves the partial electrodialysis of a dialkali metal salt of an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid to produce the approximate monoalkali metal salt and the alkali metal hydroxide. The monoalkali metal salt is then treated with an acid such as a bisulfate to recover the aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid. The resulting inorganic salt such as sodium sulfate may then be electrolyzed to sodium bisulfate and NaOH. A second process involves the electrodialysis at elevated temperatures of a (di)alkali metal salt of p-hydroxybenzoic acid produce free p-hydroxybenzoic acid and the alkali metal hydroxide. These are efficient and economical methods for recovering the acid and alkali metal hydroxide values, as well as the parent organic compound, from these dialkali metal salts.

Abstract: An amino acid-N,N-diacetic acid (AADA) or its salt with an equivalent or less of an alkali metal is produced by reducing, through electrodialysis, alkali metal ions from an aqueous solution of the alkali metal salt of an AADA. By this configuration, an AADA salt can be produced in a much higher yield than conventional equivalents without requiring a regeneration operation of a resin as in the use of an ion exchange resin or without requiring crystallization-separation of crystals of the AADA salt as in the addition of an organic solvent.

Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus and a process for recycling used engine coolant employs a combination of filtration, dissolved air floatation, centrifugation (hydrocyclone separation), semi-permeable nano filtration, reverse osmosis, and continuous deionization for separating ethylene glycol, with or without propylene glycol, and water from used engine coolant. The engine coolant is pre-filtered through a series of filters. The filters remove particulate contaminates. This filtered fluid is then subjected to dissolved air floatation and/or centrifugation to remove organic petroleum contaminants. Then, it is pressurized prior to being passed through semi-permeable nano filtration. The nano filtration separates the feed stream into a ultra filtration solution and a concentrated waste solution. The concentrate solution is returned to a centrifuged coolant tank for continuous circulation through the nano filtration device.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous production of dicarboxylic acids and diamines from a) polymers based on polyamides of dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives with diamines, orb) compositions containing essentially such polymers, by splitting these polymers into their monomeric constituents, comprises treating these polymers or compounds with a base in alcoholic medium, and subsequently converting the resulting dicarboxylate salts electrochemically into the corresponding dicarboxylic acids and bases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the processes of: receipt of biological materials, cell selection, sample purification, sample concentration, buffer exchange, complexity reduction and/or diagnosis and analysis. In one embodiment, one or more sample chambers adapted to receive a buffer solution are formed adjacent to a spacer region which may include a trap or other affinity material, electrophoretic motion of the materials to be prepared being effected through operation of electrodes. In another aspect of this invention, a transporter or dipstick serves to collect and permit transport of materials, such as nucleic acids, most preferably DNA and/or RNA.

Abstract: A process for recovering guanidine salts from diluted and contaminated aqueous solutions is described, wherein the corresponding aqueous solution (diluate) is subjected to electrodialysis and the guanidine salt is concentrated on the concentrate side. The corresponding guanidine salt can thus largely be separated from all contaminants while a relatively highly concentrated product is simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: A first process involves the partial electrodialysis of a dialkali metal salt of an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid to produce the approximate monoalkali metal salt and the alkali metal hydroxide. The monoalkali metal salt is then treated with an acid such as a bisulfate to recover the aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid. The resulting inorganic salt such as sodium sulfate may then be electrolyzed to sodium bisulfate and NaOH. A second process involves the electrodialysis at elevated temperatures of a (di)alkali metal salt of p-hydroxybenzoic acid produce free p-hydroxybenzoic acid and the alkali metal hydroxide. These are efficient and economical methods for recovering the acid and alkali metal hydroxide values, as well as the parent organic compound, from these dialkali metal salts.

Abstract: Improved electrodialysis (ED) stacks are disclosed having one or more components selected from the group:a) cation exchange membranes having ion exchange groups predominantly sulfonic acid groups and a minor amount of weakly acidic and/or weakly basic groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent cations and simultaneously therewith, cation exchange granules selective to monovalent cations as packing in the dilute compartments;b) anion exchange membranes having as ion exchange groups only quaternary ammonium and/or quaternary phosphonium groups and substantially no primary, secondary and/or tertiary amine and/or phosphine groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent anions simultaneously therewith, anion exchange granules selective to monovalent anions as packing in the dilute compartments;c) as packing in the dilute compartment, anion exchange granules which are selective to monovalent anions, or cation exchange granules which are selective to monovalent cations, or cation exchange granules

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for inducing the mono-directional transport of ions across a conducting polymer membrane which separates electrolyte solutions, by creating a potential gradient across the conducting polymer membrane.

Abstract: An electric current is passed through a mixed solution containing a saccharide(s) and an organogermanium compound, in a compartment whose anode side is defined by an anion exchange membrane and whose cathode side is defined by a cation exchange membrane, to separate and remove said organogermanium compound. In the present invention, an organogermanium compound can be very effectively separated and recovered from a mixed solution containing a saccharide(s) and said organogermanium compound. The present invention is particularly effective for separation and recovery of an organogermanium compound from a reaction mixture obtained when a compound having an aldose structure is isomerized into a compound having a ketose structure in the presence of said organogermanium compound.

Abstract: In a process for an electrochemical treatment of cellulose waste lye, mass transport takes place through a diaphragm or membrane between a cathode chamber and an anode chamber, and optionally through a middle chamber. Cationogenic components are removed from cellulose waste lye containing lignin sulfonates and being located in at least one of the chambers. Lignin sulfonic acids are produced from the waste lye. In an installation for an electrochemical treatment of cellulose waste lye, at least one diaphragm divides at least one reaction vessel into at least one cathode chamber and at least one anode chamber. At least one cathode electrode is disposed in the at least one cathode chamber, and at least one anode electrode is disposed in the at least one anode chamber. The at least one cathode electrode is formed of iron or aluminum and the at least one anode electrode is formed of special steel, in particular V4A steel.

Abstract: A method for recovering salt from a process stream containing organic contaminants is provided, comprising directing the waste stream to a desalting electrodialysis unit so as to create a concentrated and purified salt permeate and an organic contaminants containing stream, and contacting said concentrated salt permeate to a water-splitting electrodialysis unit so as to convert the salt to its corresponding base and acid.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus is disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode and cathode in contact with a packed bed of particulate ion exchange material which establishes an infinite number of transfer sites in the electrolyte to significantly increase the mobility of the ionic species to be oxidized or reduced toward the anode or cathode, respectively. The ion exchange material is cationic for oxidation and anionic for reduction, or a combination of both for special circumstances. Preferably, the ion exchange material is treated to convert a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the capacity of the reactor to oxidize or reduce the species to be treated. Exemplary applications for the disclosed electrolytic process and apparatus are the conversion of halides to halous acids in dilute solutions.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing organic and inorganic hydroxides or alkoxides, or ammonia or organic amines from the corresponding salts in an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode and an electrolyte solution, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and an intermediate compartment containing a liquid wherein said intermediate compartment is separated from the catholyte compartment by an anion selective membrane and from the anolyte compartment by a cation selective membrane, said process comprising the steps of:(A) charging to the catholyte compartment, a mixture comprising an organic or inorganic salt or an amine salt, and a liquid selected from water or organic liquids provided that sufficient water is present in the catholyte mixture to form the desired hydroxide or amine, or sufficient alcohol is present in the catholyte mixture to form the desired alkoxide;(B) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce the desired hydroxide, alkoxide or am