Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the potassium concentration of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy using cation exchange materials that do not release sodium ions.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization apparatus may include at least one pair of porous electrodes and a spacer structure disposed between the at least one pair of electrodes. The at least one pair of porous electrodes may include an electrode material having a surface area for the electrostatic adsorption of feed ions. The spacer structure may include an electrically-insulating material with an ion exchange group on the surface thereof. The spacer structure provides a path for flowing a fluid therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses may be configured to minimize the fouling of the electrode chambers and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for creating natural gas including the anaerobic digestion of biomass to form biogas, and the electrodeionization of biogas to form natural gas and carbon dioxide using a resin-wafer deionization (RW-EDI) system. The method may be further modified to include a wastewater treatment system and can include a chemical conditioning/dewatering system after the anaerobic digestion system. The RW-EDI system, which includes a cathode and an anode, can either comprise at least one pair of wafers, each a basic and acidic wafer, or at least one wafer comprising of a basic portion and an acidic portion. A final embodiment of the RW-EDI system can include only one basic wafer for creating natural gas.

Abstract: A device for the electrodeionization of an aqueous electrolyte solution, comprises an electrodeionization module (1), an ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) and a connection piece (3, 10) which connects the electrodeionization module (1) and the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) such as to be able to guide a diluate produced from the electrolyte solution during operation of the device in the electrodeionization module (1) from the electrodeionization module (1) to the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203); wherein the connection piece (3, 10) is devoid of an adjustable pressure-maintaining valve. Via the pressure drop occurring in the ultrafiltration modules (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203), these devices build up a counter pressure behind the electrodeionization module (1) which is sufficient to ensure the packing density of the ion exchanger in the electrodeionization module (1).

Abstract: An ion-exchange membrane including a porous unstretched polyethylene sheet in which fine pores are piercing, the pores being filled with an ion-exchange resin. The ion-exchange membrane exhibits excellent concentration property.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus has a cathode and an anode, and has alternately formed therebetween concentrating chambers and desalination chambers by alternately arranging a plurality of anion exchange membranes and cation exchange membranes, each of the concentrating chambers being provided with a bipolar membrane to partition the interior of the concentrating chamber into a cathode side and an anode side, and each of the desalination chambers being divided into at least two layers including a first layer and a second layer, from an upstream side in a direction of flow of water to be treated, and being filled with an ion exchanger comprising an anion exchanger and a cation exchanger. The ion exchanger filling the first layer contains no less than 50 vol % of the cation exchanger, while the ion exchanger filling the second layer contains over 50 vol % to 80 vol % of the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ionic species removal system comprising one or more electrode stack(s), each electrode stack including two electrodes and cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes alternately arranged between the two electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of at least one of the electrode stack(s) is an electrode coated with an ion exchange coating. The ionic species removal system mitigates the scaling risk by employing an electrode coated with an ion exchange coating.

Abstract: A method for producing succinic acid is provided, which comprises circulating a fermentation broth containing succinate ion through an electrodeionization apparatus. The apparatus comprises an anode; a cathode; a stacked ion-exchange assembly comprising a one or more oriented ion-exchange units between the anode and the cathode. Each ion-exchange unit comprises a porous ion-exchange resin wafer including an inlet and an outlet together are adapted to circulate a liquid reaction stream containing a carboxylate anion from a fermentor through the resin wafer; a flow-distributing gasket for circulating a product stream through a product reservoir; an anion exchange membrane for transporting at least a portion of the carboxylate anion to the product stream; and a bipolar ion-exchange membrane to direct protons toward the cathode and into the product stream and to direct hydroxyl ions toward the anode and into the reaction stream in the resin wafer of an adjacent ion-exchange unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorptive ball for recovering precious metals and resources, a method for manufacturing the adsorptive bale, a flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) module capable of recovering precious metals by using the adsorptive ball, and a flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) apparatus having the flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) installed thereat.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for treating a fluid comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive and release fluid, and a fluid passageway connecting the orifices with a water-splitting ion exchange membrane is exposed to the fluid in the passageway. First and second electrodes are positioned about the membrane. The apparatus also comprises a controller to control and operate a power supply and valve system. The power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes at sufficiently high current density to result in bacteriostasis, deactivation, or a reduction in the microorganisms in the fluid. The controller can also operate a set of cells to deionize fluid and regenerate the cells.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices and methods for water treatment are disclosed. An electrodeionization device (100) may include one or more compartments (110) containing an ionselective media, such as boron-selective resin (170). Cyclic adsorption of target ions and regeneration of the media in-situ is used to treat process water, and may be driven by the promotion of various pH conditions within the electrochemical device.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The gas and aqueous fluid are introduced into each basic wafer via a porous gas distributor which disperses the gas as micro-sized bubbles laterally throughout the distributor before entering the wafer. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme or inorganic catalyst to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium.

Abstract: An electric deionized water production apparatus in which a direct current field is applied to a deionizing chamber packed with an ion-exchange material such that ions to be discharged are allowed to migrate in the direction identical or opposite to the direction of the water flow in the ion-exchange material, whereby ionic impurities adsorbed in the ion-exchange material are discharged from the system, the ion-exchange material being a mixture of a monolith-shaped organic porous ion-exchange material and ion-exchange resin particles. The electric deionized water production apparatus has a simple structure that can reduce material cost, process cost, and assembly cost, capable of accelerating migration of the adsorbed ionic impurities to facilitate discharge of the adsorbed ions and free from a deflected flow due to swelling or shrinkage accompanying an ion-exchanging reaction, and from poor contact with an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus includes an anode compartment provided with an anode and a cathode compartment spaced from the anode compartment and provided with a cathode, wherein the anode and cathode are configured for coupling to a DC power source to effect an electric potential difference between the anode and the cathode and thereby influence transport of ionic material in liquid media and ion exchange media by the influence of the electric potential difference. The electrodeionization apparatus also includes a feed inlet receiving a feed solution, a product water outlet and a plurality of anion exchange membranes and a plurality of cation exchange membranes alternately arranged between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: The present invention uses the principles of electrochemical ion absorption (charging) and ion desorption (discharge), and relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, a high-capacity energy storage system, and a water treatment method using the same, in which high-capacity electric energy is stored as electrode materials of a slurry phase and electrolytes simultaneously flow in a successive manner within a fine flow channel structure formed on an electrode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, an energy storage system, and a water treatment method, wherein electrode active materials consecutively flow in a slurry state whereby a high capacity is easily obtained without enlarging or stacking electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses are configured to produce purified liquids having an ion content at a level of parts-per-trillion or less, and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the claimed apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating scale formation during the purification and demineralization of water in an electrochemical deionization apparatus. In the apparatus and method, scale forming ions in a raw water feed are precipitated at a controlled location remote from the deionization chambers of the deionization apparatus. Concentrate water produced during the deionization process to produce demineralized product water is acidified and circulated through the deionization apparatus to prevent scale formation and build-up in the deionization apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric device for producing deionized water comprising: desalting chamber (4) defined by at least two ion-exchange membranes (1, 2) and filled with an ion exchanger; first concentration chamber (5a) positioned adjacent to one side of the desalting chamber with one of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; second concentration chamber (5b) positioned adjacent to the other side of the desalting chamber with another of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; and a pair of electrode chambers (6a, 6b) with one electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of first concentration chamber (5a) and the other electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of second concentration chamber (5b), wherein the electric device for producing deionized water is provided with: main body part (20) formed to include desalting chamber (4), concentration chambers (5a, 5b), and electrode chambers (6a, 6b); a pair of fixing plates (9a, 9b) disposed in such a way that main body part (20)

Abstract: An electrochemical treating device having low scale potential is disclosed. The device has a variety of configurations directed to the layering of the anionic exchange and cationic exchange. The treatment device can also comprise unevenly sized ion exchange resin beads and/or have at least one compartment that provides a dominating resistance that results in a uniform current distribution throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrodeionization stack for deionizing a feed solution. The electrodeionization stack includes a recirculating system adapted to flow an acidic anode effluent solution into a cathode compartment. The anode compartment, may have a three-layer ion exchange resin stack, the three-layer ion exchange resin stack being made up of a layer of cation exchange resin, a layer of anion exchange resin, and a mixed bed ion-exchange resin located between the cation and the anion exchange resins. The cathode compartment may have anion exchange resins adjacent the cathode and a mixed bed ion exchange resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses may be configured to minimize the fouling of the electrode chambers and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses may be configured to produce purified liquids for use in analytical techniques such as ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy, among others, and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the apparatus specifically claimed.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus for producing deionized water comprises a deionization treatment unit including deionization chamber D and a pair of concentration chambers C1 and C2 placed adjacent to deionization chamber D on opposite sides thereof and those concentration chambers are filled with anion exchangers. The deionization chamber D is partitioned by an ion exchange membrane into first small deionization chamber D-1 adjacent to concentration chamber C1 and second small deionization chamber D-2 adjacent to concentration chamber C2. First small deionization chamber D-1 is filled with an anion exchanger. Second small deionization chamber D-2 is filled with an anion exchanger and a cation exchanger in a sequence such that the ion exchanger, through which water that is to be treated finally passes, is the anion exchanger.

Abstract: A treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any undesirable species contained in water from a water source. The treatment system can be operated to reduce the likelihood of formation of any scale that can be generated during normal operation of an electrochemical device. The formation of scale in the treatment system, including its wetted components, may be inhibited by reversing or substituting the flowing liquid having hardness-causing species with another liquid having a low tendency to produce scale, such as a low LSI water. Various arrangements of components in the treatment system can be flushed by directing the valves and the pumps of the system to displace liquid having hardness-causing species with a liquid that has little or no tendency to form scale.

Abstract: Described herein are modified sulfonated block copolymers which comprise at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B, wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block comprises sulfonation susceptible monomer units and, based on the number of the sulfonation susceptible monomer units, from about 10 to about 100 mol % of a functional group of formula (I) —SO2—NR1R2??(I) or of a salt thereof, methods of making them as well as methods of using them, e.g., as membrane materials for electrically or osmotically driven applications.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus that includes a cation exchange chamber containing a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange chamber containing an anion exchange resin. A bipolar interface is located between the resin chambers and defines a zone of water disassociation. A cathode communicates with the cation exchange chamber through a cation exchange membrane. An anode communicates with the anion exchange chamber through an anion exchange membrane. Dilution or flushing water flows through cathode and anode chambers and conveys captured ions to a drain or other waste connection. A baffle may be used in some configurations to divide a resin chamber into an exhausted resin region and a regenerated resin region and causes incoming water to flow through the exhausted resin region first. The exhausted resin region is located near its associated electrode, thus improving the electrical efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: Method for the removal of ions and ionizable substances from a polar liquid (10) comprising at least one process wherein said polar liquid (10) is split into a first stream (F1) and a second stream (F2), Said first stream (F1) passing through an electrochemically regenerable ion-exchange material (2) located where an electric field between two electrodes (4, 5) is applied, said first stream (F1) flowing from one electrode (4) to the other electrode (5) so that the ions to be removed are migrating in the direction reverse to the first stream flow through said ion-exchange material (2), Said second stream (F2) rinsing said one electrode (4), and said material is regenerated by the ions which are formed at the other electrode (5). Device in particular for the implementation of said method.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymer composition formed by dissolving in an aprotic polar solvent at least one sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol % sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of sulfonation susceptible monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: A cartridge for an ion exchanging electrochemical cell, the cartridge comprising at least one spiral wound, textured, bipolar ion exchange membrane having (i) an anion exchange layer abutting a cation exchange layer with continuous contact between the anion exchange layer and the cation exchange layer; and (ii) an exposed textured surface having a pattern of texture features. A method of manufacturing a cartridge for an ion exchange electrochemical cell comprises winding the textured, bipolar ion exchange membrane into a spiral wound membrane.

Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii)12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 10 to 70 wt % solvent; (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) lithium and/or calcium salt. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an aqueous stream containing both anionic and cationic species is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Circulating water continuously through an essentially closed loop, the loop incorporating an ion adsorption unit which, in turn, comprises a water permeable layer of an ion adsorbing material. Feeding an aqueous solution containing the anionic and the cationic species to the essentially closed loop. Passing the circulating water, including the aqueous solution containing the ionic and the cationic species, through the ion adsorbing material in the ion adsorption unit in a continuous manner. While at the same time applying an electric potential across the thickness of the layer of ion adsorbing material and removing from the ion adsorption unit more concentrated aqueous solutions of the separate ionic species. Discharging each of the aqueous solutions from the ion adsorption unit.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided comprising an ion-concentrating compartment partially bounded by an anion permeable membrane and also partially bounded by a cation permeable membrane, and a first ion exchange material domain disposed within the ion-concentrating compartment, wherein the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous with at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface of one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, and is spaced apart from the other one of the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane. In the case where the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, having the at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface with which the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous, is an anion permeable membrane, the first ion exchange material domain is an anion exchange material predominant domain.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus includes an anode compartment provided with an anode and a cathode compartment spaced from the anode compartment and provided with a cathode, wherein the anode and cathode are configured for coupling to a DC power source to effect an electric potential difference between the anode and the cathode and thereby influence transport of ionic material in liquid media and ion exchange media by the influence of the electric potential difference. The electrodeionization apparatus also includes a feed inlet receiving a feed solution, a product water outlet and a plurality of anion exchange membranes and a plurality of cation exchange membranes alternately arranged between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a turn-back electrodeionization apparatus in which the central section of cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane constituting a dilute chamber is adhered along axial direction, and the dilute chamber is separated into an inner side dilute chamber unit and an outside dilute chamber unit, so that the dilute sequentially flows through the outside dilute chamber unit and inner side dilute chamber unit in a turn-back way.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided comprising an ion-concentrating compartment partially bounded by an anion permeable membrane and also partially bounded by a cation permeable membrane, and a first ion exchange material domain disposed within the ion-concentrating compartment, wherein the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous with at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface of one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, and is spaced apart from the other one of the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane. In the case where the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, having the at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface with which the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous, is an anion permeable membrane, the first ion exchange material domain is an anion exchange material predominant domain.

Abstract: We report an electro-deionization (EDI) device having split flow arrangement for the purification of second pass RO permeate water with high flow rate in which the feed water is fed through the center port and is diverted into each section of dilute chamber with equal flow rate, producing two product streams. The EDI device has concentrate chambers adjacent to dilute chambers in two sections of the stack, allowing independent flow through the separate sections. The split flow design reduces resin bed depth requirement for processing of second pass RO permeate water. This results in higher flow rate through the stack, elimination of the pressure drop limitation, and reduction of power consumption per unit volume of water.

Abstract: A treatment system and method for continuous deionization of a biologically derived feed stream includes a plurality of electrodialysis units (3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) arranged in stages along a treatment line, and stages are controlled such that the feed stream attains a certain quality before entering the next stage. The feed and concentrate streams move in generally opposite sense along the line, matching fluid characteristics of dilute and concentrate cells. The treatment line has two or more stages. Systems may have phased staging operations, and cell constructions may adapt the electrodialysis units for enhanced processing of difficult process fluids. A controller sets operating potentials in different electrical stages, and simple control parameters optimize ion removal and current efficiency without polarization of the fluid. The invention also includes phased staging of reversal operation, and cell constructions or fillings that adapt the treatment cells for enhanced processing.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying crude glycerin is provided in which a mixture is formed by blending glycerin, water, an organic solvent, and an acid. The acid being capable of reacting with soap impurities to form lipids that are soluble in the organic solvent and ionic salts that are soluble in the glycerin and water. Liquid-liquid extraction separates and partitions the organic solvents and lipids away from the glycerin, water, and ionic salts with the organic solvent and lipids being reclaimed for future use. Any residual trace amount of organic solvent that remains in the glycerin and water is separated and removed through the use of a clarifier system, with the formation of micro-bubbles arising from a diffuser facilitating the separation. Prior to collection of the purified glycerin product, the ionic salts are removed from the mixture through the use of an ionic exchange resin, electrodialysis, or electrodeionization, followed by the water being removed by evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided comprising an ion-concentrating compartment partially bounded by an anion permeable membrane and also partially bounded by a cation permeable membrane, and a first ion exchange material domain disposed within the ion-concentrating compartment, wherein the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous with at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface of one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, and is spaced apart from the other one of the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane. In the case where the one of the anion permeable membrane and the cation permeable membrane, having the at least a portion of an ion-concentrating compartment side surface with which the first ion exchange material domain is contiguous, is an anion permeable membrane, the first ion exchange material domain is an anion exchange material predominant domain.

Abstract: A bioreactor with an anode and a cathode, and a plurality of reaction chambers each having an inlet and an outlet and each including a porous solid ion exchange wafer having ion-exchange resins. Each of the reaction chambers is interleaved between a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane or between either a cation or an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar exchange membrane. A product chamber is separated from one of the reaction chambers by either a cation or an anion exchange membrane. Recirculation mechanism is provided for transporting material between the reaction chamber inlets and outlets. A method of producing organic acids, amino acids, or amines using the separative bioreactor is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suppressor using one ion-exchange tube which has an inner diameter close to that of a tube connected to a separation column and which is constituted by an ion-exchange membrane. The ion-exchange tube is folded or wound more than once in a plane into a sheet form to provide an ion-exchange tube sheet through which an eluate from a separation column flows. The ion-exchange tube sheet is accommodated in a container. The container provides a regenerant flow channel so that a regenerant is allowed to flow on both sides of the ion-exchange tube sheet.