Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water are provided. A feed water such as seawater can be fed to a filter such as a microporous or nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.

Abstract: The present invention provides counter flow cascade separation systems useful to separate solute/solute pairs present in a solvent. The separation systems include a series of interconnected stages with each stage comprising a diafilter preferentially permeable for one solute. Solute/solute pairs are preferentially separated by the diafilter into permeate and retentate flows. Stages are combined to form separation systems capable of operation approaching an ideal cascade.

Abstract: Water from underground and other sources of water are brackish and not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in water make it brackish. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration systems, filtration systems, crystallizers and hydrophobic membrane carrying filter are used to desalinate the brackish water. Solar energy and ceramic filters are used as add on to existing technology. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide a useful technology to eradicate water scarcity.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a fluid reservoir, a valve and a brine feed tank in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through an input. The brine feed tank has brine feed fluid therein. The system also includes a high pressure pump and a pressure vessel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through the high pressure pump. The pressure vessel comprises a permeate outlet. The brine feed tank is in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. During a permeate production cycle, the high pressure pump pumps additional fluid under high pressure from the fluid reservoir into the pressure vessel using a high pressure pump. The pressure vessel communicates brine fluid into the brine feed tank. The high pressure pump raises a pressure in the pressure vessel until an amount of permeate is produced from a permeate output of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A filtration unit (A) is immersed in raw water (W) that is held inside a reservoir tank, and includes a membrane module (5) that filters the introduced raw water (W). This filtration unit (A) includes a casing (3) which is in the shape of a box having a bottom and includes the membrane module (5) housed therein, and an activated carbon cartridge (4) inside which activated carbon is provided in cartridge form. Inside the casing (3) are provided an intake port that is used to introduce the raw water into the interior of the casing, and an opening/closing device that is installed on this intake port and controls a flow of the raw water into the interior of the casing, and the activated carbon cartridge (4) side and the membrane module (5) side are separated so as to allow the raw water (W) introduced into the interior of the casing 3 to circulate from the activated carbon cartridge (4) side to the membrane module (5) side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system including a raw water tank, a module which includes a filtration membrane, a feed pump, a filtered water tank, a backwash pump which flows filtered water backward from the filtered water tank to the module, a valve and a channel which switch the direction of the water flow between the forward and reverse directions, a controller which suspends the supply of raw water from the raw water tank to the module, switches the valve and channel to the reverse direction, makes the backwash pump to supply filtered water from the filtered water tank to the module thereby backwashing the filtration membrane, and washing drainage treatment line including which treats backwashing drainage generated by backwashing of the filtration membrane, and returns the water to the raw water tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.

Abstract: An electrically-driven separation apparatus can be used with a pressure-driven separation apparatus to provide potable water having a desired total dissolved solids (TDS).

Abstract: Prior water treatment equipments have several water clarifying process filters, water purifier and water reservoir separated from each other, occupying too much space to install under a water tank and resulting inconvenient installment. The water treatment equipments for home cannot be received in water tanks, and thus water clarifier and water purifier are disposed in the water tanks while the water reservoir is disposed separately. Water pipes are connected in between. Therefore, water clarifying processors, water reservoir and water purifier utilizing RO membrane may be integrated to eliminate unnecessary space in existing systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, kits, and methods for separating blood plasma from whole blood. In particular, the present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for separating a fixed volume of blood plasma from whole blood with minimal energy input.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: A water-cleaner includes a bowl, a tank, a tube, a filtering unit, at least one sleeve, a cover, an exhaust unit and a valve. The tank includes an aperture defined in a lower portion. The tank is located on the bowl. The tube includes apertures transversely defined therein. The tube is inserted in the tank. The filtering unit includes filtering bags stacked on one another and located around the tube. Each of the filtering unit includes an exit in communication with related ones of the apertures of the tube. The sleeve is located around the tank and movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the sleeve and the tank together define a space for containing raw water. The cover is located on the sleeve. The exhaust unit is arranged between the sleeve and the cover. The valve is located in the aperture of the tank.

Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a fluid storage device for storing a first fluid in a second fluid storage container fillable with a second fluid includes a first fluid storage container, a first fluid inlet coupled to the first fluid storage container, and a first fluid outlet coupled to the first fluid storage container. The first fluid storage container is flexible. The first fluid inlet is communicable in fluid receiving communication with a first fluid source. The first fluid in the first fluid storage container is caused to drain from the first fluid outlet based on at least one of a first fluid level, a first fluid storage container pressure, a second fluid storage container pressure, the second fluid storage container filling with the second fluid, the first fluid outlet being opened for first fluid egress, and a first fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the hollow fiber membrane module, and a water treatment method using the module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas, the module and the unit having excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed in such a manner that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.

Abstract: A method and components for heating and hydrating foods and beverages using an exothermic and pressure generating chemical reaction are described. The exothermic reaction can be initiated by water, spark, electrical impulse, squib, friction, or shock to heat non-potable water and force the water through a membrane filter, thereby producing heated, potable water.

Abstract: The scope of the invention is to apply an electric current or to use a kind of iontophoresis system with the hemodialysis cartridge and system (the proposed method is also applicable to peritoneal dialysis or other similar methods) to remove unwanted molecules from blood, plasma or serum or other body fluids and to increase the effectiveness of the process. This cartridge can be used for patients with uremia and cartridge fixed to the conventional hemodialysis machine and additionally the electric current applied to the electrodes placed in to the cartridge or electrode connectors placed to the conventional cartridge. When the system activated, the molecules in the blood or other body fluid migrates to the hemodialysis solution. Charged ions or uncharged molecules move together with electroosmotic flow. The sterilized electrodes preferably made by Ag/AgCl to prevent pH changing effect. Other apparatus can also be used for providing an electropotential gradient.

Abstract: A part washing apparatus includes a centrifugal filter and an ultra filter provided as a single base unit. A washing chamber is provided to enclose one or more industrial parts for cleaning with a washing solution, which is collected in a washer bath. The washing solution is then pumped through a centrifugal filter to remove contaminants from the washing solution and subsequently pumped through an ultra filter a filter configured to remove further contaminants from the washing solution.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: In treatment equipment of organic waste provided with a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by conducting the high temperature and high pressure treatment of the organic waste, a dehydration treatment apparatus to recover the dehydrated solid matter by conducting the dehydration treatment of the slurried material and a water treatment apparatus to conduct the purification treatment of a separated liquid separated by the dehydration treatment apparatus, the treatment equipment of organic waste is characterized by having a crusher to crush said organic waste before conducting the high pressure and temperature treatment and providing to said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus a steam blowing means to blow steam into the organic waste in said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus, wherein said high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus is formed as a continuous reaction tank to which the organic waste is continuously supplied and to wh

Abstract: A power recovery system is used for reducing the total energy consumption in a process such as an industrial treating process or a fluid refining process including the delivery of a fluid under a high pressure. The power recovery system includes a high-pressure pump for pressuring raw water, a reverse osmosis membrane cartridge for treating high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump with a reverse osmosis membrane to produce treated water, a positive-displacement piston pump for pressuring raw water under the pressure of concentrated water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane cartridge without being treated by the reverse osmosis membrane, and a power recovery pump turbine for boosting the pressurized raw water discharged from the positive-displacement piston pump and adding the boosted water to the high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump. The power recovery pump turbine is actuated by pressurized water generated in the power recovery system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.

Abstract: A water recovery method and apparatus which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle. The apparatus uses liquid-contactor to transfer water vapor from the vehicle exhaust to the liquid desiccant. The desiccant is then transferred to a reverse osmosis system which separates the liquid desiccant into potable water and a concentrated desiccant.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for liquid separation and water purification. The present invention includes a purification membrane having a polymer matrix purification membrane that has been treated with dopamine to form a polydopamine coated membrane with a high water flux and a high hydrophilicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions on ships using diesel engines equipped with a wet emissions reduction system. In particular, the invention relates to a large diesel internal combustion engines installed on a ship and fitted with a wet emissions reductions system that is supplied water by an onboard advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS).

Abstract: A dialysis device having a dialysis tube with a closed end and an open end, the open end is provided with a dialysis reservoir having a dialysis membrane.

Abstract: A semi-portable water purification system utilizing, a foot actuated or air compressor pumping unit, a reverse osmosis unit, optional post filter for removing odor and color, and other contaminants from a water source. The foot/compressor operated pumping units feed compressed air into a high-pressure tank which source water has been fed into to supply the necessary water pressure for the reverse osmosis membrane. The system further prolongs the efficiency of the source water by simply recycling it a number of times prior to disposal.

Abstract: A cartridge apparatus for water treatment includes a header having a permeate cavity, a plurality of support elements spaced apart from the header, and a plurality of subgroups of hollow fiber membranes, the membranes in each subgroup having first ends potted in the header, and second ends potted in a respective one of the plurality of support elements.

Abstract: A fuel filter having a filter housing including at least one filter element. A water collection chamber configured to collect water separated out of the fuel. An active carbon filter is disposed downstream of the water collection chamber and a water-soluble dividing device is disposed between the water collection chamber and the active carbon filter and is impermeable or insoluble to fuel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the, filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or separator for further treatment.

Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.

Abstract: An object is to provide a fresh water generating method that is capable of efficiently producing purified water, such as fresh water, from unpurified water, such as sea water. Provided is a fresh water generating method for generating fresh water by way of reverse osmosis membrane filtration, which includes mixing sea water with low salt concentration water having a salt concentration lower than sea water to produce mixed water, and subjecting the mixed water prepared by the mixing to reverse osmosis membrane filtration, thereby generating fresh water.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for production of natural dye from skin of fruits using submerged membrane water extractor system. The process uses an ultrafiltration submerged membrane and nanofiltration cross flow membrane. The product containing the natural dye flows through the membrane contains plentiful of pure natural dye. This process is the integrated by extractor and membrane (ultrafiltration and nanofiltration) technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to dialysis therapy, particularly continuous flow dialysis therapy, are provided. The present invention includes a single closed fluid path along which a minimal amount of therapy fluid including dialysate is fed into, continuously circulated and cleaned such that a therapeutic effective amount of solutes, excess water and the like can be removed from the patient connected to the closed fluid loop during treatment.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the hollow fiber membrane module, and a water treatment method using the module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas, the module and the unit having excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed in such a manner that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed, sterile system for filtering fluids, in particular whole blood. The system comprises a first collapsible container for receiving the fluid to be filtered and a second collapsible container for receiving the filtered fluid, both containers interconnected by a fluid line, in which a filter and a third container, for deaeration, are located. The first collapsible container contains a predetermined quantity of air, which is sufficient to ensure that no blood remains in the filter and the adjacent tube line sections when the whole blood is transferred from the first container into the second container. The air that is present in the second container, after the whole blood has been filtered, is transferred to the deaeration container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing of quality of liquid by treating a source liquid to enhance the concentration of low zeta potential crystals and produce a treated liquid having a higher concentration of low zeta potential crystals that that of the source liquid. The inventive system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals and a low zeta potential crystal generator for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential crystals, and at least one filtration device for substantially removing bacteria, viruses, cysts, and the like from the treated source liquid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a membrane filtration system includes a raw water tank, a first tank, a second tank, a nanofiltration membrane module comprises a nanofiltration membrane, and removes the solute from the raw water with a solute removal rate of 1% to 30%, a first pump for supplying the raw water from the raw water tank to the module to cause the raw water to permeate through the membrane and send the water that has permeated through the membrane as a primary water to the first tank, a RO module comprises a RO membrane that further removes the solute from the primary water, and a second pump for supplying the primary water from the first tank to the RO module to cause the primary water to permeate through the membrane and send the water that has permeated through the membrane as a secondary water to the second tank.

Abstract: Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source.

Abstract: A method and system for treating an aqueous stream in the production of hydrocarbon are provided. An osmotic operation is performed between the stream of produced water and a stream of draw fluid to transfer water from the produced water to the draw fluid, thereby diluting the draw fluid to form a stream of diluted draw fluid and concentrating the produced water to form a stream of concentrated produced water. The concentration of the produced water can facilitate the subsequent removal of contaminants therefrom, and, in some cases, the diluted draw fluid can be re-used, e.g., for injection into the well of the hydrocarbon production operation or as a fertilizing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water purification system comprising an ultrafiltration unit, a reverse osmosis unit, and a tank. The ultrafiltration unit is upstream of the tank on an operation conduit and the tank is upstream of the reverse osmosis unit on a reverse osmosis conduit. A backwash conduit is situation between said tank and said ultrafiltration unit.

Abstract: A membrane element is provided between a pair of water collecting cases. Water collecting spaces in which permeate having penetrated through the membrane element is collected are formed in the water collecting cases. The water collecting case of one membrane module and the water collecting case of the other membrane module are coupled via coupling portions. The coupling portions have flow holes. The water collecting space of the water collecting case of the one membrane module and the water collecting space of the water collecting case of the other membrane module communicate with each other via the flow holes of the coupling portions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water purification system comprising a tank section and a membranes section, wherein the tank section can be positioned with respect to the membranes section to accommodate the specific requirements of the location housing the water purification system.

Abstract: A batch reverse osmosis system in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and a method that includes a housing having an inlet valve in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The system also includes a pressure vessel having an elongated liner, a membrane disposed within a second end of the liner and having a membrane inlet, a membrane outlet disposed at the second end and a permeate outlet. The system includes a recirculation piston disposed within the first end that defines a fluid volume between the recirculation piston and the membrane adjacent to the membrane inlet. The housing and a plunger disposed within the housing define a chamber. The plunger is coupled to an actuator. The system includes a hollow pipe with a port that is coupled to the actuator. The hollow pipe communicates fluid between the chamber within the housing and the fluid volume within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A gas-scrubbed vertical cylindrical skein of “fibers” has their opposed terminal portions held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, and aerated with a cleansing gas supplied by a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brush for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The skein is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. The effectiveness is critically dependent upon the length of each fiber in the skein. That length is in the range from at least 0.1% more than the fixed distance between opposed faces of the skein's headers, but less than 5% greater than the fixed distance.