Abstract: A bioreactor includes a container (1) composed of at least one side wall (11), a bottom wall (12) and an opening (13) closed by a cap (14), such to identify an inner chamber. An intermediate wall (2) is inside the inner chamber, to divide the inner chamber in an upper chamber (31) and a lower chamber (32). The intermediate wall (2) has at least one hole (21). The intermediate wall (2) has at least one region resting on the bottom wall and/or the side wall and provides at the hole (21) at least one housing seat (26) for a membrane (22).

Abstract: Provided are a blood bag system and a blood treatment method capable of securely and efficiently obtaining a medium specific gravity blood component having a sufficiently low content rate of a light specific gravity blood component. In a blood bag system (10) used for a blood treatment method, in a transfer completed state in which whole blood in a first bag (12) is centrifuged to transfer blood plasma to a second bag (14) through a first transfer tube (24) and transfer red cell concentrates to a third bag (16) through a second transfer tube (26), a buffy coat is left in the first bag (12). In the transfer completed state, when a platelet added solution is transferred from a fourth bag (18) to the first bag (12) on which a centrifugal force acts through a third transfer tube (28), blood plasma in the buffy coat is discharged from the first bag (12).

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological fluids are disclosed. The systems and methods use a reusable hardware unit and a disposable fluid processing circuit that mounts onto the reusable hardware unit. The system and method, under the direction of a pre-programmed controller allow for automatically, opening one or more flow paths to effect addition of one or both parts of an additive solution to a biological fluid component.

Abstract: A switchgear cabinet is equipped with a pressure relief channel for discharging a fluid stream. A diffuser is arranged in the pressure relief channel. The diffuser has a mechanically stabilizing base plate with multiple first openings, which are covered by a meshwork with multiple second openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a high-performance graphite sheet by imidizing a polyamic acid resulting from a reaction of dianhydride monomer(s) and diamine monomer(s) to obtain a polyimide film; and carbonizing and/or graphitizing the polyimide film to obtain a high-performance graphite sheet, where the polyimide film contains 2 or more fillers having different average particle diameters, and the thermal conductivity of the graphite sheet is at least 1,400 W/m·K. Further, the present invention provides a graphite sheet obtained by the above method.

Abstract: A pressurizing device includes: a mounting base; an upper mold which pressurizes the target object mounted on the mounting base from above; a heating lower mold which is a lower mold heated in advance by a heater, and which heats the target object under pressure by sandwiching the mounting base with the upper mold; a cooling lower mold which is a lower mold cooled in advance by a cooler, and which cools the target object under pressure by sandwiching the mounting base with the upper mold; and a control device which switches the lower mold that contributes to the pressurization of the target object to the heating lower mold or the cooling lower mold in accordance with the status of progress of the pressurization process for the target object.

Abstract: A filtration cassette including a multilaminate array of sheets including filter sheets alternating with permeate sheet members and retentate sheet members, and a cross-flow filter device comprising a multiplicity of stacked filtration cassettes of such type. The improvements associated with the filtration cassettes described herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of: reinforced inlet(s) providing for longevity and improved cleanability of the cassettes; spacer permeate screens to limit throughput restriction; stainless steel or otherwise stiffened permeate sheets to prevent movement and increase flux; and stainless steel permeate sheets that can be used with ultrasonic transmission to minimize fouling of the filter sheets and extend cleaning cycles. Advantageously, the filtration cassettes are more resistant to higher temperatures than the filtration cassettes of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to separation methods and systems for converting high concentrations of animal wastes into useful products, wherein the separation of the desired useful products is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to the separate desired useful energy and/or products from both viscous and non-viscous medium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning filters, such as membrane filters. More particularly, a method and system are disclosed for retaining a plurality of small particulates, preferably in the shape of beads, which contact sludge or other despots on the membrane filters to remove unwanted debris that would otherwise form on the cleaning filters. In various embodiments, the plurality of small particulates are retained in a permeable enclosure formed of wedgewire.

Abstract: Membrane modules for hydrogen separation and fuel processors and fuel cell systems including the same are disclosed herein. The membrane modules include a plurality of membrane packs. Each membrane pack includes a first hydrogen-selective membrane, a second hydrogen-selective membrane, and a fluid-permeable support structure positioned between the first hydrogen-selective membrane and the second hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane modules also include a permeate-side frame member and a mixed gas-side frame member, and a thickness of the permeate-side frame member may be less than a thickness of the mixed gas-side frame member. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a screen structure that includes two fine mesh screens. The two fine mesh screens may include a plain weave fine mesh screen and/or a Dutch weave fine mesh screen. The fine mesh screens may be selected to provide at most 100 micrometers of undulation in the hydrogen-selective membranes.

Abstract: Assembly for treating fluids, comprising a support (12) having a first and second oppositely arranged surfaces (121) for backing support of a semi permeable membrane (11), a first fluid conveying compartments (124) interposed between the first and second surfaces, a plurality of first fluid passages (126) extending from the first surface (121) and being in fluid communication with the first compartments (124), and a first duct attached to the support (12) and in fluid communication with the first compartments. The assembly comprises a second compartment (125) arranged for conveying fluid and different from the first compartment, and a second duct attached to the support (12) and configured to be in fluid communication with the second compartment (125).

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting at least one blood component contained in a primary bag of a system of bags, said system of bags comprising at least one bag of solution containing an additive solution for said blood component and at least one collecting satellite bag configured to collect said blood component to which said additive solution has been added, said bags being connected to one another by tubes, said apparatus comprising an extraction device configured to extract the blood component by compressing the primary bag, and a control device configured to transfer said extracted component or of said extracted component and of the additive solution, to the collecting satellite bag by the intermediary of tubes, further comprising: an agitation device, and a drive system, said system being designed to enable the uniform mixing of the extracted blood component and of the additive solution in said collecting satellite bag.

Abstract: A cross-flow filtration device comprises a retentate plate, a permeate plate, and a membrane sandwiched between the retentate plate and the permeate plate. The retentate plate comprises at least one feed channel extending from a distribution manifold, and at least one drain channel extending from a collection manifold, and a feed channel is fluidly connected to a drain channel via through-holes extending from a first side of the retentate plate, from a feed channel, to an opposing second side of the retentate plate, and through-holes extending from the second side of the retentate plate to the first side of the retentate plate, into a drain channel. One or more of the through-holes extending from the feed channel have a chamfered inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to separation methods and systems for converting high concentrations of animal wastes into useful products, wherein the separation of the desired useful products is conducted with a cross-flow filtration system having the ability to the separate desired useful energy and/or products from both viscous and non-viscous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for filtering a suspension, and the method of operation thereof, wherein between a stationary head piece and a movable end piece, the filter device has a pack of a recess plate and an adjacent recess plate, the filter device has a suspension pipe for piping for piping a first stream of the suspension from the head piece into the pack, wherein connecting to the end piece, and a supply pipe for piping a second stream of the suspension into the suspension pipe, forming a filter chamber, the recess plate and/or the adjacent recess plate has a recess, from the suspension pipe, the recess plate has a suspension duct for piping the suspension into the filter chamber, and wherein between the recess plate and the adjacent recess plate, the filter device has at least one filter cloth for filtering a solid content out of the suspension.

Abstract: A pressure filter includes a hydraulic device, a pressing device, and two filter plates. A guide beam is fixed to the hydraulic device and the pressing device. The hydraulic device has a piston rod movably mounted on the guide beam. The piston rod is connected to a push plate. The filter plates are mounted on the guide beam. The push plate and the pressing device are disposed at two sides of the set of the filter plates. The pressing device has a first feed inlet. The push plate has a second feed inlet. Each filter plate has a material through hole. Two adjacent filter plates are connected end to end. The material through hole forms a material channel. The first and second feed inlets both communicate with the material channel. The feed speed is greatly increased and the filter effect is also improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining high purity stem cells from tissue, comprising: providing an impurity-containing cell mass obtained from a tissue; providing a filter device which comprises a cylinder structure, wherein the cylinder structure comprise an inlet and an outlet below and a content configured inside the cylinder structure between the inlet and the outlet; culturing the impurity-free cell mass on a polymeric film, wherein target stem cells of the impurity-free cell mass conjugate into a spheroid cell population; collecting the spheroid cell population from the polymeric film to obtain high purity target stem cells. According to the method of the present invention, stem cells can be rapidly and easily obtained from tissue. Only a small amount of tissue sample is required and the stem cells obtained can be readily used in clinical applications such as autotransplantation without the requirement of in vitro amplification.

Abstract: A horizontal filter press is disclosed. The horizontal filter press comprises a support bracket, a head bracket, two sidebars spanning a distance between said support bracket and said head bracket, and a plurality of double filter plates. Each double filter plate comprises a first individual filter plate having a first filter chamber, one or more first filtrate ports, at least one first feed eye port, and at least one first handle; and a second individual filter plate having a second filter chamber, one or more second filtrate ports, at least one second feed eye port, and at least one second handle. The first and second individual filter plates are initially separate components, but are subsequently mechanically joined together to form said at least one double filter plate. In some embodiments a spacer bar is provided between the first and second individual filter plates.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance with a tub is provided. The tub defines a filter medium and a supply conduit within the tub. The supply conduit of the tub extends from the filter medium to a spray assembly such that the supply conduit of the tub directs filtered water from the filter medium to the spray assembly during operation of a pump. A related method for forming a unitary tub for a dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation membrane comprising—an elongated substrate having fluid permeability and a separation layer formed at the surface of said substrate—wherein the aforementioned separation layer comprises a predetermined thickness section having a predetermined thickness and thin sections each positioned on the outside of both edges in the widthwise direction of said predetermined thickness portion and having a thinner thickness than the aforementioned predetermined thickness, and there is a separation-layer-lacking section, at which only the aforementioned substrate is present and the aforementioned separation layer is absent, between the outside edges in the widthwise direction of each of said thin sections and the outer edges in the widthwise direction of the aforementioned substrate. The separation membrane can be produced by using coating bar having a protrusion on both the left and right ends of the surface that contacts a macromolecule solution for forming the separation layer.

Abstract: A filter plate for a filter press, having a main body and a diaphragm, on the periphery of which there is formed a fastening element, by means of which the diaphragm is fastened non-detachably to the main body, wherein an indentation is formed in the main body, said indentation at least partially accommodating the fastening element of the diaphragm, there being a welded connection between a fastening surface formed by the indentation and a fastening surface formed by the fastening element of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.

Abstract: A mechanical filtering process for dehydrating muds includes the step of introducing a mass of mud to be dehydrated between mechanical filtering porous plates and the step of applying a compression force on the mass of mud by the porous plates, thus causing a liquid fraction to be removed from the mass of mud, the liquid fraction being filtered through the porous plates while the solid fraction remains between the plates. The compression force is combined with a twisting moment on the mass of mud by the porous plates, which causes the additional removal of a residual liquid fraction from the mass of mud.

Abstract: A screen filter for wastewater applications includes a chain tensioner assembly configured to provide a tensioning force for a screen filter chain. The chain tensioner assembly includes a slide plate configured to move axially with respect to the screen filter chain, and a shaft mount attached to the slide plate and configured to mount a shaft. The chain tensioner assembly additionally includes an abutment member attached to the slide plate. The chain tensioner assembly further includes a spring adjuster having at least one spring and configured to contact the abutment member to provide a bias force to the slide plate.

Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filtering a suspension in a filter device comprising a sequence of steps, including piping the suspension into the filter chamber between the filter cloths, directing the suspension through the filter cloths, discharging a liquid fraction of the suspension through the first duct and the second duct out of the filter chamber and through the first outlet of the first recess plate and the second outlet of the second recess plate as a filtrate, and piping a drying gas from the head piece into the filter chamber through the first duct and discharging the same through the second duct. The invention further relates to such a recess plate that is designed for packing a plurality of specimens of the recess plate into a pack between a stationary head piece and a moveable end piece of a filter device.

Abstract: A mechanical plate shifter system for moving filter plates in a filter press during a process of plate separation for filter cake removal comprises: a pusher to automatically engage with a single filter plate at the end of a stack or at the edge of a gap in the stack for moving the plate forward and then automatically disengaging when the plate reaches an end plate/dummy plate or another filter plate previously pushed. The filter plates are configured with handles for engaging with the pusher. The pusher is attached to a continuous drive belt and is configured with a pivoting structure including: a head with a receiving notch for a handle of a filter plate; and a counterweight for the head. The pusher and belt are configured relative to the filter plate stack to allow for filter plates to be engaged/disengaged by the receiving notch.

Abstract: A scraper device discharges a filter cake on a filter plate of a pressure filter, which includes fixed bracket and movable carriage parts, and hoist rack and scraper parts. The fixed bracket part has transverse and vertical bracket beams. The movable carriage part has a movable carriage base, bottom and upper transverse beams, and an upright column. The hoist rack part, mounted in the movable carriage, includes upper and bottom transverse beams of the hoist rack, which are connected by an upright column of the hoist rack. A hoist slide plate connects with a connection plate of the hoist rack, and the hoist slide plate is movably connected to a chain. Scrapers are placed at both sides of the filter plate, and position limiters are placed in the movable carriage part and the hoist rack part. The position limiters are connected to clamping and unclamping proximity switches.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a filter press (10, 60), comprising a supporting frame, constituted of at least one longitudinal rail or guide (11, 61) supported at its opposite ends by a fixed headpiece (12, 62) on one side and by a foot (13, 63) on the other side, a movable headpiece (15, 65) supported by said at least one guide (11, 61), a plurality of filtering plates (14, 64) arranged side by side between said fixed headpiece (12, 62) and said movable headpiece (15, 65), pneumatic elements or cushions (20, 70) for pressing and a compression plate (21, 71), wherein said movable headpiece (15, 65) comprises threaded cylindrical holes, supported on relative endless screws (19, 69) the ends of which are rotationally mounted on supports integral with the relative guides (11, 61).

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration device comprising a manifold (3) providing fluid connection and mechanical connection comprising a clamping plate (4) movably mounted relative to the manifold (3) and adapted to compress at least one cassette (2) against the manifold (3), means for driving and guiding the clamping plate comprising a rod (6) extending between the manifold (3) and the plate (4), an actuator provided with a body and a member moveable relative to the body, which member is adapted to move through a predetermined travel between an extended position and a retracted position, the body being carried by the manifold (3), and the member carrying the rod (6) and driving the plate (4) via the rod (6) to a clamped position in which the member is in an intermediate retracted position in which it has moved through a shorter travel than the predetermined travel relative to its extended position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration device comprising a manifold (3) providing fluid connection and mechanical connection comprising a clamping plate (4) movably mounted relative to the manifold (3) and adapted to compress at least one cassette (2) against the manifold (3), means for driving and guiding the clamping plate comprising a rod (6) extending between the manifold (3) and the plate (4), an actuator provided with a body and a member moveable relative to the body, which member is adapted to move through a predetermined travel between an extended position and a retracted position, the body being carried by the manifold (3), and the member carrying the rod (6) and driving the plate (4) via the rod (6) to a clamped position in which the member is in an intermediate retracted position in which it has moved through a shorter travel than the predetermined travel relative to its extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast-in and fast-out efficient filter press and rapid feeding method having rapid feeding and rapid discharging functions, comprising a filter press, wherein the upper ends of multiple cloth filter plates or diaphragm filter plates in a cloth filter plate group or diaphragm filter plate group in the filter press are provided with feeding ports, and the lower parts are provided with discharging ports; a vertical lifting feeding assembly is positioned above the feeding ports in the cloth filter plastic group or side of the feeding assembly are respectively and correspondingly matched with the feeding ports of the multiple cloth filter plates or diaphragm filter plates in a cloth filter plate group or diaphragm filter plate group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for reducing friction between two plates (4, 5) of a filtration unit, said plates being rotated relative to one another by being subjected to axial pressing forces, said plates being supported by the longitudinal end of a drum (1) secured to a rotary shaft (3) mounted on a bearing (6) and having internal collectors (11), and the opposite end of a casing (2) which is rotatably locked and supported by said shaft, respectively, characterised in that it includes at least one pulling system (8) engaging with the casing (2) by exerting a force intended to at least partially compensates for the axial forces pressing the plate (5) against the plate (4), in order to reduce friction while ensuring that tight mutual contact is maintained.

Abstract: A filter plate for a filter press, having a main body and a diaphragm, on the periphery of which there is formed a fastening element, by means of which the diaphragm is fastened non-detachably to the main body, wherein an indentation is formed in the main body, said indentation at least partially accommodating the fastening element of the diaphragm, there being a welded connection between a fastening surface formed by the indentation and a fastening surface formed by the fastening element of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a multiplicity of chambers to form a filter cake, each of the chambers being between adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths, wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chambers; and releasing dried filter cake from the chambers; wherein the pumping comprises pumping the mixture through a multiplicity of side feed ports and into each of the chambers through a multiplicity of delivery slots, and wherein the openings of the delivery slots into each of the chambers is above the height of the side feed ports. A filter press system is described which includes filter plates and chambers with the aforementioned configuration of side feed ports and delivery slots.

Abstract: A filter plate (1) with at least one filling shoe (2, 2?) having a drive (4, 7, 18). A process for filtering a suspension, which is fed through at least one filling shoe (2, 2?) into at least one filter chamber formed between a filter plate and a counterplate of a filter device, where a filter cake forms on a filter cloth (8) on the filter plate (1), where the filter device is opened, and where the at least one filling shoe (2, 2?) is lifted subsequently off the filter cloth (8) by means of the drive (4, 7, 18) and the filter cloth (8) is conveyed onwards. By using a drive to move the filling shoe, the time at which the filling shoe is lifted off the filter cloth can be selected such that the filling shoe suffers no damage and the filter cloth conveyed further onwards.

Abstract: A filtering and condensing apparatus of a suction type includes: a sludge tank for containing sludge to be filtered and condensed; a plurality of filtering plates aligned with each other so as to be disposed to be adjacent to each other in the sludge tank; a means for constantly applying a tension force to each of the filtering plates, which means is disposed to be over a periphery of each filtering plate. A filtering cloth of each filtering plate is divided in the lateral direction by a plurality of vertically extending seams to form multiple divided zones, in each of which zone a filtering chamber is formed. A weight member is attached to a lower portion of each filtering plate using a U-shaped body.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A membrane plate, a filter plate, and a filter press. The membrane plate is outfitted with a filter element on top of the membrane on both side surfaces, and the membrane plate has retaining elements at a distance from the margin on which the filter elements are removably secured. The filter plate also has retaining elements at a distance from the margin on which the filter elements are removably secured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid/liquid separation apparatus including an extruder press combined with a solid/fluid separation module for separating fluid from a mass of solids compressed by the extruder at elevated pressures. The extruder includes two or more extruder screws with flighting intercalated at least along a part of the extruder barrel. The separation module forms a continuation of the barrel, receives the pressurized mass and at least a portion of the twin screws, and includes a filter pack consisting of a filter plate and a backer plate. The filter plate has a throughgoing filter slot extending away from a core opening and into the filter plate for directing fluid away from the core opening. The backer plate has a core opening shaped and sized equal to the barrel and defines a passage for guiding fluid collected in the filter slot to an exterior of the filter pack.

Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).

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: A flat sheet membrane module is provided and includes a pair of laterally spaced membrane compartments formed therein for receiving and holding two sets of flat sheet membranes. A utility compartment is disposed between the membrane compartments and includes an air conduit for directing air downwardly through the module to air dispersers forming a part of the module or to a separate lower disposed module. Optionally, a permeate conduit may be provided in the utility compartment for channeling permeate from a lower disposed module. A support structure is disposed in each membrane compartment for receiving and holding a set of flat sheet membranes. The support structure includes a pair of plates that sandwich a set of flat sheet membranes together such that the flat sheet membranes of the set are disposed in a side-by-side relationship between the two end plates.

Abstract: A filter press includes a press frame containing side beams (2) to support filter plates (17) movably along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2). The filter plates (17) are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) and connected to one another. A pressure plate (4) can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) by a pushing or pulling device, and which presses the filter plates of the sliding carriage (3) against one another during the filtration process. The pushing or pulling device is mounted on a sliding carriage (3) that can be moved on the side beams (2) along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) by a drive unit mounted on the sliding carriage (3).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for making and using a filter cloth assembly are described. A filter cloth assembly can have a liquid permeable filtering media attached to a connector ring. The liquid permeable filtering media separates at least one solid from at least one liquid in a slurry. The filtering media has a feed hole formed therein to allows passage of a slurry through the filtering media. The connector ring includes a flange having an upper flange section and a lower flange section. The lower flange section receives an edge of the feed hole to connect the filtering media to the connector ring such that the face of the filtering media is substantially flush with the upper flange section.

Abstract: Filter and replaceable filter leaf apparatus are provided. The filter includes a housing defining a cavity having fluid inlet and outlet ports and a lid member with a manifold coupled to the outlet port and being adapted to conduct a fluid flow between the outlet port and a plurality of attachment areas. Replaceable filter leafs are selectively movable through an opening into the housing cavity and attachable with the manifold at the plurality of attachment areas. The replaceable filter leafs include a filter envelope consisting of a filter panel, a nozzle member on the filter panel and defining a passageway adjacent an opening in the filter envelope for conducting fluids therethrough. The nozzle member is selectively attachable onto the manifold of the polishing filter apparatus at any one of the plurality of attachment areas.

Abstract: A membrane element 36 includes filtration membranes 45 on the flat part of the membrane element 36. Spacing members 60 keep spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 when the membrane elements 36 are arranged with the filtration membranes 45 opposed to each other. The spacing members 60 each have spacer sections 61a and 61b that keep the spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 in the direction of a membrane surface cleaning stream that flows along the surface of the filtration membrane 45.