Abstract: A static screen used upstream of a membrane assembly within a water treatment system has a screening surface with a number of openings distributed over its area. Liquid flows through the screening surface to reach the membrane assembly. Various shapes of screening surfaces are described including three-dimensional bodies with openings at or near their lower ends. Methods for cleaning the screen are described including aeration, backwashing and lowering down the water level in an upstream section by partially or completely draining a tank. Various treatment systems or process designs incorporating the screen are described. Screen elements may be made in two or more parts comprising a supporting structure and a separation layer and may be mounted on a conduit or pan.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating and/or analyzing fluids of interest. According to principles of the present invention, fluid analysis is accomplished with microfluidic devices and may be reported in real-time or near real-time in a subterranean environment. In addition or alternative to oilfield applications, the principles of the present invention contemplate separation in a laboratory or other environment for biological sample separation and analytical chemistry applications. The present invention is capable of separating liquid-liquid mixtures or emulsions in a microfluidic device without fouling.

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: A reverse osmosis liquid filtering assembly includes a reverse osmosis membrane for receiving intake liquid and creating permeate and concentrate liquid and a tank having a first chamber for storing the permeate and a second chamber for receiving the concentrate liquid, the first and second chambers being operatively connected so that the concentrate liquid in the second chamber pressurizes the permeate in the first chamber. The embodiment may further include means for directing the concentrate liquid into the second chamber, wherein the means selectively directs the concentrate liquid into the second chamber only when the faucet is open. To relieve backpressure, a connection between the second chamber and drain may be provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of and an apparatus for continuously desalinating water by reverse osmosis, in particular desalinating sea water, wherein salt water is introduced under a first pressure by means of a delivery pump into a pressure compensating device, salt water is continuously introduced from the pressure compensating device at a second increased pressure into a membrane module and separated therein by means of a membrane into desalinated water and concentrated salt water, and the concentrated salt water discharged from the membrane module is continuously introduced under approximately the second pressure into the pressure compensating device and used there for acting with approximately the second pressure on the salt water introduced into the pressure compensating device and for introducing the salt water into the membrane module.

Abstract: A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes two reservoirs and a hydrophobic vent. The single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separation of milk and milk products, e.g., involving sequential separation of milk, clostrum, and whey components by cross-flow filtration. The apparatus and method in a preferred aspect employ cross-flow filtration, chromatography and fermentation to separate and fully utilize the components of milk, clostrum, and whey to generate numerous individual components, minimize waste, lower adverse environmental issues and provide enhanced economic benefits to dairy producers. A wide variety of consumer and nutraceutical products can be produced from the fractions and/or sub-fractions of milk products obtained from such separation. The invention further contemplates a methodology for selecting optimum membrane, device, and operating conditions to achieve a desired separation.

Abstract: Device for extracorporeal treatment of blood 1 intended to operate in a mode with a single needle 2, comprising: a treatment unit 3 having a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 5, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane 6, an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a single needle 2, an intake line 7 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, the first compartment 4, and a return line 8 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, a purge line 9 at the outlet of the second compartment 5, a closure means (10, 11) acting on at least the intake line 7 and the return line 8 in order to generate the alternate sequence of blood intake and return, at least a first chamber 12 which is in fluid communication with the extracorporeal blood circuit and defines a first additional blood volume, the first chamber 12 having a variable total content; the first chamber 4 being rigid and including at least one wall capable of being moved, t

Abstract: The valve spindle for a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system is housed in a filter head and attached to a mounting ring that also carries the replaceable RO cartridge. The RO spindle is locked in the head during normal operation, but can be easily removed, after removal of the cartridge, to permit spindle replacement or repair without disassembly of the head from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A water purification system comprising a thermal hydrolysis catalytic reactor, an adsorbent media bed and a reverse osmosis unit is provided. The water purification system may provide potable water from non-potable water, such as non-potable water contaminated with chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, radioactive agents and/or Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). Methods for providing potable water using the water purification system of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternative compact portable filtration device that can be used in remote locations and includes a single filtration cartridge that provides redundant filtration of the fluid (water). In particular, the device is a dual stage ultrafilter cartridge (apparatus) that is constructed and designed to provide a portable device that can be used in the field, such as during camping or military assignment, and offers two filtration stages (redundant filtration) within a single housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: An in situ desalination apparatus comprising a reverse osmosis unit (15) having a reverse osmosis medium, the reverse osmosis unit in use to be located within a body of water under ambient bio-physico-chemical conditions often different from those at the surface, the unit having an inlet (17) opening to one side of the reverse osmosis medium, in use the inlet to be located below the upper surface of a body of water, the unit having a concentrate outlet (25) opening to the one side of the reverse osmosis medium and opening into the exterior of the unit at a position spaced below the inlet to return concentrate into the water body, the unit having a permeate outlet (27) opening to the other side of the reverse osmosis medium, the permeate outlet communicating with a delivery line extending from the body of water, a pump (23) between body of water and the reverse osmosis unit and adapted to pressurize the water located at the one side of the reverse osmosis medium.

Abstract: A “polishing” water filter for the micro-filtration of fine particles comprises a porous ceramic substrate, having an average pore size in the range of about 0.2 to about 100 microns, which is coated with porous rice hull ash (RHA) particles that have an average particle size that is greater than the average pore size of the ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate preferably has an average pore size of about 30 microns; the RHA has an average particle size in the range of about 120 to about 150 microns and an average pore size in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 microns.

Abstract: A tankless reverse osmosis system which is capable of producing a permeate flow rate of at least 500 GPD when operating under home reverse osmosis conditions.

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 integrated treatment system using electrodialysis and pressure-driven membranes for deionizing and decontaminating liquids to a near-pure quality for use or reuse in industrial or municipal operations. The integrated system includes steps of pre-filtering contaminated feed liquids blending the filtered liquids in preparation for treating the mixed liquids in parallel or sequential treatment steps utilizing nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, proceeded by or followed by an integrated electrodialysis treatment. A control means selectively directs mixed liquids to each of the treatment units for treatment in parallel or in series depending on the conductivity and residual contaminants in the mixed liquids. In comparison with nanofiltration or reverse osmosis only systems, or electrodialysis only systems, the integrated system provides improved efficiencies for treatment, requires less energy to operate, and reduces maintenance and capital costs.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module using a sheet-form hollow fiber membrane having excellent cleaning properties in which the pressure resistance of a hollow fiber membrane anchor section does not deteriorate, even when the membrane area increases; a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the module; a membrane filtration device using the unit; and an operation method therefore are provided. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises sheet-form hollow fiber membranes and an anchoring member which anchors the sheet-form hollow fiber membranes in a roughly parallel manner while maintaining in an open state at least one end portion of the sheet-form hollow fiber membranes. The shape of an end face of a side of the anchoring member from which the hollow fiber membranes are exposed is roughly rectangular, and the shape of an end face of a side of the anchoring member toward which the hollow fiber membranes open is roughly circular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for cleaning and qualifying a dialysis filter, which can be used to monitor changes in the filter over the course of the use life thereof while guaranteeing a high degree of safety in relation to possible contamination by blood residues. The inventive machine (10) comprises three treatment stations (11) which are independent from one another and which are used to regenerate simultaneously three dialysis filters (100). Each of the stations (11) rinses a dirty filter using a cleaning liquid and each station comprises a cleaning unit consisting of two distinct liquid transfer circuits. Two drains (17a, 17b), which are connected at each end of the blood compartment of the filter (100), are used to drain the contaminated liquid and the blood residues directly into drain containers (18a, 18b). The different cycles of the machine are controlled by way of a keyboard (19), which is associated with a display screen (20), and are managed automatically by a computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating blood plasma, having a mixing unit in the form of a first injection having a first connecting tube and a first piston to provide a compartment for a mixture composed of plasma to be separated and the protein-precipitating agent; a separating unit composed of a filtering tube for separating and preserving a solid material after separation. The filtering tube includes a third connecting tube a filter and a third piston, the third connecting tube communicates with the fourth injection tube having a fourth piston for receiving a separated liquid; and a storage unit in the form of a fifth injection tube having a fifth connecting tube, a second connecting valve and a fifth piston.

Abstract: Water purification systems include a reverse osmosis unit, a treatment unit, and an electrodeionization unit. A reverse osmosis reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is treated in the treatment unit and provided to concentrating compartments of the electrodeionization unit.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: In a multi-ducted sink fitting assembly, a waste water connection to an assembly comprises a reverse osmosis waste water upright duct associated with the fitting; a dish water upright duct associated with the fitting to flow unclean dish water upwardly; and a discharge duct extending downwardly and associated with the fitting to receive flow from both the reverse osmosis waste water duct and the dish water duct.

Abstract: A method for filtering and recovering solids from potato process water that results in a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water is presented. In general, the method involves providing a plurality of vessels wherein a step in a manufacturing process takes place in each vessel and wherein at least one step in the manufacturing process produces a potato process water having solids. The potato process water is passed through at least one ultrafilter wherein each ultrafilter produces an ultrafilter (u/f) permeate stream and a u/f concentrate stream. The u/f concentrate stream is collected and reintroduced into at least one vessel in the manufacturing process producing a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water. The final characteristics of the product remain essentially unchanged.

Abstract: A method of producing multiple beverage products from a solution is presented. The method comprises providing the solution in a first container, with the solution having a concentration of a dissolved component. A portion of the solution is provided to a second container, and the portion of the solution in the second container is separated into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate has a lower concentration of the dissolved component and the retentate has a higher concentration of the dissolved component. The permeate is fed back into the first container to form a mixture of solution and permeate in the first container. A portion of the mixture is circulated with a portion of the retentate in the second container, forming a combination. The combination is then separated. The process may be repeated with the permeate from the combination separation being fed back to the first container, while the retentate from the separation of the combination is fed back into the second container.

Abstract: A filtering system comprising an inlet (11) for liquid to be filtered and an outlet (9) for filtered liquid, as well as filtering means, which system is characterized in that the filtering means, placed in series comprise: a first filter (2) comprising activated carbon with the capability to also remove particles that are larger than approximately 0.5 ?m; an ultrafiltration membrane (5) for the removal of particles that are larger than approximately 0.02 ?m; a post-treatment filter (14) of activated carbon, optionally provided with a microfiltration membrane (13), wherein the system also comprises a vessel (6) for filtered water located between the ultrafiltration membrane (5) and the post-treatment filter (14), with the option of using the filtered water from the vessel for back-flushing the ultrafiltration membrane (5).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a fluid, the apparatus comprising a tubular housing comprising an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a channel; a tubular filter medium disposed within the tubular housing and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the filter medium partitioning the channel into a first passageway between the first inlet port of the tubular housing and the second outlet port of the tubular housing, and a second passageway in communication with the first outlet port of the tubular housing; and a wire coil wound around the exterior surface of the tubular housing, the wire coil comprising a first lead and a second lead. In operation, the wire coil is connected to a direct current power supply to effect enhanced separation of magnetic particles from a flowing fluid stream.

Abstract: A carrying case (1) of a portable water cleaner includes a case main body (2) having an opening portion (2a) and forming a container (2b) that contains water, and a lid member (3) that opens/closes the opening portion (2a), and a filtration device (10) which purifies uncleaned water into drinking water is detachably and replaceably housed in the lid member. Further, a pump unit (25) which suctions the uncleaned water contained in the container (2b) and supplies the uncleaned water to the filtration device (10) is provided in the case main body (2).

Abstract: New industrial, commercial and/or household process and the apparatus to carry out that process. Used in water recycling and reuse treatments applied to laundering, dyeing and stamping processes in general, mainly in the textile segment. Today, residues generated by industrial plants must be disposed of in compliance with the national legislation, established by resolutions issued by the National Environment Council of each region and country. As a result, there are several processes for the treatment of residuary water and effluents in several categories. However, to date, there is no specific treatment for effluents of textile industrial plants and/or similar facilities, because each plant uses different chemical components together with their products, which requires different treatments. Consequently, general purpose effluent treatments are more commonly used, but are not always efficient in treating special cases of effluents containing specific residues.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.

Abstract: This invention provides animal powered mechanical device for water desalination. It has unique features of using animal power as prime mover to effect brackish water desalination. Animal energy in form of high-torque low-speed can be converted into low-torque high-speed through speed increaser (4) to energize the high-pressure pump (6), the outlet manifold (8) of the pump (6) being connected to a reverse osmosis membrane module (9). With this device animal power can be used for obtaining safe drinking water from backish ground water/seawater resource in villages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Water for Injection using reverse osmosis. Water for Injection can be produced by reverse osmosis and the reverse osmosis membrane can be kept in a constantly self-sanitizing condition. One way of obtaining a constantly self-sanitizing condition is to maintain the reverse osmosis membrane at an elevated temperature during production of Water for Injection.

Abstract: A structure improvement for a water purifier includes a streamlined main body combined by a pair of the symmetrically arranged half housings each of which has a large opening closed by a lid, a motor unit, a pipeline and a flat rectangular rack disposed inside the main body, a plurality of the membrane pipes and the filter element horizontally and superimposedly secured to two sides of the rack automatically connected to the pipeline and a water outlet. A bottom and a cup seat at front side, a socket aside several pipes and plurality of the air vents at rear side of the main body, an arcuate handle on the top, a sensor, an electric circuit card and a TDS (total dissolved solids) remover device inside the main body.

Abstract: A filtration system comprising a plurality of filters (14, 16, 18, 20). Each filter (14, 16, 18, 20) defines a respective filter flowpath extending adjacent a respective filtration medium (24) for tangential filtration by the filtration medium (24) of fluid passing through the filter flowpath.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A unitary mobile power generation and water management facility is presented. The unitary facility includes a multitude of basic service components mounted on a mobile platform. The unitary basic services facility may include interconnected units, such as: a water storage and distribution unit, a wastewater unit, and a power generation and distribution unit.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an integrated process and system for water treatment, in particular, an integrated process and system for water treatment in the beverage manufacture cycle. The water treatment process is directed to treating an influent water solution, a low sugar concentration solution, and a high sugar concentration solution. The water treatment system is directed to a system for treating an influent water solution, a system for treating a low sugar concentration solution, and system for treating a high sugar concentration solution.

Abstract: Assemblies for use in separation of a fluid feed. Assemblies typically include an elongated housing having a fluid feed stream inlet, a residual stream outlet and a permeate stream outlet. The housing contains at least one membrane separation element to form a membrane separation element linear string that at least in part defines a linear permeate passage tube. A permeate adapter is joined with an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The permeate adapter includes a receiving opening for receiving an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The adapter defines a permeate passageway extending therethrough and includes a plurality of permeate discharge openings disposed such as to place the receiving opening and the permeate discharge openings in fluid flow communication.

Abstract: A system for dispensing water comprises a water processing system comprising an input connected to receive water from a water supply system and an output configured to dispense a metered amount of processed water, the water processing system defining a closed path between the input and the output, a control system operatively coupled to the water processing system for controlling the dispensing of processed water from the output, and, a user interface operatively coupled to the control system for permitting a user to cause the output to dispense a desired amount of processed water. The user interface comprises control means for starting and stopping a flow of processed water from the output and logging means for debiting the amount of process water dispensed from the output from a user account.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a water-circulating sterilizer that uses no chlorine-base bactericidal agents, has no effect on the human body with no change of water quality, with no running cost and completely free from maintenance while effective sterilization is possible within shorter time. The invention provides a water-circulating sterilizer disposed in a pipeline of circulating water for sterilizing Legionella pneumophila surviving in circulating water, wherein plural sets of a first, second and third alloy plates are sequentially disposed from a water inflow port, the first alloy plate comprises an alloy containing at least copper and tin, the second alloy plate comprises an alloy containing at least silicon and titanium, and the third alloy plate comprises an alloy containing at least iron, molybdenum and manganese.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating blood plasma, having a mixing unit in the form of a first injection having a first connecting tube and a first piston to provide a compartment for a mixture composed of plasma to be separated and the protein-precipitating agent; a separating unit composed of a filtering tube for separating and preserving a solid material after separation. The filtering tube includes a third connecting tube a filter and a third piston, the third connecting tube communicates with the fourth injection tube having a fourth piston for receiving a separated liquid; and a storage unit in the form of a fifth injection tube having a fifth connecting tube, a second connecting valve and a fifth piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: A container for removing particulates and/or contaminants, including impure compounds and elements from fluid to be treated is provided. The container can include a compartment within which a volume of fluid to be treated may be received, a chamber into which a volume of treated fluid from the compartment may be accommodated, a cover for placement across an upper end of the container, so as to prevent fluid from within the chamber from spilling, and a porous matrix, positioned within the compartment and having a nanostructured adsorption material for trapping and retaining, within its pores, particles and contaminants in the fluid. A method for removing particulates and contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. These systems contact a fluid with an extraction solvent, which causes the lipids in the fluid to separate from the fluid or causes lipids in the lipid-containing organisms to separate from the lipid-containing organism, using at least one hollow fiber contactor. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a level below a particular threshold enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or be stored.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated 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 physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantenous 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 a concentrator for further treatment.