Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a septic tank having a discharge in flow communication with one or more biofilter containers having filter media therein. Wastewater or effluent from the septic tank is allowed to trickle downwardly through the filter media and each container includes an outlet for discharging the wastewater to the environment or transferred to other treatment facilities.

Abstract: A method and device for the chemical conversion, filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and cysts, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of fluid treatment carbon, metal phosphates, metal oxides, reduced metals, metal silicates, metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal hydroxides, or combinations thereof. The material may be included in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: A plant comprising a water filtering device with a motor pump, the device for chemically treating the water, the pipes with the corresponding valves and with the openings for receiving the water from the swimming pool and for returning the cleaned and treated water to the swimming pool, and the corresponding accessories are all connected and installed on a base framework allowing to transport the whole ready-to-operate plant to a chosen site. All of the components making up this plant can be distributed in independent modules being apt to be fitted to each other. The assembly being made up of all of the components and accessories of the plant, both if they are installed on a single base framework as well as if they are distributed in modules, is of such dimensions as to be apt to be put in a conventional container facilitating its transportation.

Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: A filter unit for filtering aquarium water includes a packet having porous filter walls configured for mechanical filtration of aquarium water, a filter medium within the packet, between the filter walls, configured for chemical filtration of the aquarium water, and a block of reticular material juxtaposed with the packet, the block of reticular material being configured for biological filtration of the aquarium water. The packet and the block are secured within a frame to establish an integrated unit for placement within an aquarium water filtration system in which aquarium water is passed through the packet and the block, and the frame is selectively removed from the filtration system and opened for selective removal and replacement of the packet and the block independent of one another.

Abstract: A decorative aquatic pond as found in residential gardens or the like having: an impervious liner defining a pond and confining a quantity of water within the pond, a filtration system comprising: a secondary pool separated from the pond by a pervious wall, a skimmer basin located within the secondary pool adjacent the pervious wall and adapted to receive surface water into the basin from the pond, a catch net disposed within the skimmer basin, a cover affixed over a major portion of the catch basin, a bottom drain disposed along the bottom of the pool distal the pond, a quantity of filter rock filling the pond externally of the basin and overlying the cover and the perforated conduit, and a submersible pump housed within the basin and pumping water from the basin and the perforated conduit to a return path to the pond. Aquatic plants are rooted in the filter rock to aid in processing the water drawn through the rocks into the pump.

Abstract: Filters and filter materials for removing microorganisms from a fluid are provided along with processes for using the same. The filters include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, wherein the filter material is formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles having an activated coating with a lignosulfonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides ion exchangers for an electrical deionization apparatus that can be operated at low voltages by preventing voltage buildup in the electrical deionization apparatus, and an electrical deionization apparatus incorporating said ion exchangers. The present invention provides an ion exchanger for an electrical deionization apparatus, which is to be used as an ion exchanger placed in at least one of a deionization compartment and/or concentration compartment and, which at least partially has a plurality of different functional groups, or which has a graft chain having an ion exchange group on the backbone of an organic polymer substrate and further has a second graft chain on said graft chain, or which has a crosslinked graft chain having an ion exchange group on the backbone of an organic polymer substrate.

Abstract: A machining fluid treating device for a wire-cut electric discharge machine allows an operator to know the life of ion-exchange resin easily. Machining fluid is circulated to flow through ion-exchange resin, where, of the machining fluid, the flow rate L, the resistivity value R1 on the ion-exchange resin inlet side, and the resistivity value R2 on the ion-exchange resin outlet side are detected. The ion-exchange capacity C of the ion-exchange resin is evaluated using the expression C=(R2−R1)×L. Change in C, R1, R2 and L is displayed on a display screen. A linear expression, a polynomial expression or the like representing change in C is determined on the basis of accumulated data on change in C, and time (life) TE by which the ion-exchange capacity will reach a predetermined capacity limit LIMIT is predicted and displayed.

Abstract: A method, composition, and apparatus for removing contaminant species from an aqueous medium comprising: providing a material to which zirconium has been added, the material selected from one or more of zeolites, cation-exchangeable clay minerals, fly ash, mesostructured materials, activated carbons, cellulose acetate, and like porous and/or fibrous materials; and contacting the aqueous medium with the material to which zirconium has been added. The invention operates on all arsenic species in the form of arsenate, arsenite and organometallic arsenic, with no pretreatment necessary (e.g., oxidative conversion of arsenite to arsenate).

Abstract: A self-contained, portable water purification system, including (a) an ozone supply, (b) an ozone contact chamber mixing a contaminated or potentially contaminated water stream with ozone generated by such ozone supply, (c) an ozone destruction unit for destructing ozone contained in the water stream and converting said water stream into an oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream, and (d) a downstream biologically active carbon filter, for receiving such oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream and biologically destructing at least a portion of contaminants contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and apparatus for removal of one or more solutes from a supercritical process solution. Solute additives and contaminants are removed from supercritical processing solutions via a contaminant removal system that is either part of the process vessel itself or is part of a local recirculation loop in fluid communication with the process vessel. This invention provides supercritical processing methods and apparatus for the removal of additives and contaminants during circulation so that depressurization and substrate removal can occur without contamination. The removal in some cases, for example cleaning residue, can be done continuously during a process to improve its efficiency. Removal mechanisms may include separation, destruction, conversion of the contaminant to acceptable species, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material.

Abstract: Methods and a device for removing aldehydes from a waste stream are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device provides for and the method uses a chemical or an aminated surface having primary amine functionality resulting from the amination of a support material such as silica.

Abstract: An improved sorbent cartridge for use in preparing fluid samples by solid phase extraction for chemical analysis is provided that uses a pipette having a longitudinal axis and a tip having walls defining a uniformly tapered interior cavity extending along the axis and opening at a distal end of the tip. A porous barrier is placed in the tapered cavity at a predetermined location in the tip to define a sorbent volume between the barrier, the cavity walls and the opening at the distal end of the tip. The barrier allows processing fluids to pass through the barrier while retaining the sorbent. A slurry of sorbent material is drawn into the sorbent volume by a syringe in fluid communication with the pipette tip. The solvent is drawn through the barrier, filing the sorbent volume with sorbent material. A serum to be analyzed is similarly drawn into the sorbent through the opening in the distal end of the tip, by applying a suction to the tip.

Abstract: The SSF/x slow sand filter for use in treating drinking water for homes or rural villages with features providing simpler on-site assembly, preset maximum flow, easy monitoring of pressure head loss, protection of piping, and a harrowing system for cleaning. The filter employs a novel hydraulic scheme which places most pipe and plumbing within the filter vessel. The filter employs a novel device that combines flow control, pressure measurement, freeze protection, and anti-siphon features. This in combination with a relatively shallow supernatant level provides for consistent reliable operation, easy maintenance, and reasonably long filter runs as deemed very desirable in remote rural locations.

Abstract: In this neutralizing apparatus, aerobic microorganisms are propagated on a vinylidene chloride packing material 10 provided in a neutralization tank 3. The aerobic microorganisms produce nitric acid ions from organic alkaline wastewater introduced from a raw water tank 1 and thereby the organic alkaline wastewater is neutralized. Thus, various kinds of alkaline wastewater can be neutralized without using a mineral acid as a poison such as hydrochloric acid or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtration system including filter media that use diffusion as a method of particulate reduction that balances the contact time required for a desirable level of interception and filter performance. The filter system of the present invention includes a filter medium that removes particulate contaminants by diffusion, means for providing sufficient contact time for an influent to contact the filter medium such that the filter medium can intercept sub-micron particulates at an average flow rate below that of an on-demand or instantaneous flow rate; and a storage buffer for providing a filtered effluent at a rate independent of the average flow rate required to achieve adequate particulate reduction through the filter medium.

Abstract: A clarification apparatus for liquid, characterized in that it has a first filtration layer (3) and a second filtration layer (4) and, arranged between the layers, an absorbing agent (5) comprising basic magnesium sulfate and magnesium hydroxide, wherein a liquid to be treated containing fine particles is passed through the absorbing agent (5), to thereby aggregate the fine particles in the liquid to be treated, and then the resulting large particles are caught by the second filtration layer (4) and wherein a liquid to be treated containing a heavy metal ion is passed through the absorbing agent (5), to thereby react the metal ion with a hydroxyl ion of the absorbing agent and solidify the metal ion, followed by aggregation, and then the resulting large particles are caught by the second filtration layer (4); and an apparatus which further has an electrode device capable of generating an OH ion, wherein the electrically generated OH ions the OH radicals of the absorbing agent (5) and the heavy metal ions reac

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the separation of biological materials from one another. The device includes a separation column that is in flow communication with a collection chamber in a reservoir that includes a collection container and a lid. The separation column is mounted on the lid. The collection container includes a concentration zone at the bottom and the container is adapted for use in further separation steps including centrifuging. The device includes a connector that is in flow communication with the collection chamber and is adapted for connecting it to a source of vacuum to help induce flow of liquid through the separation column.

Abstract: One or more hollow fiber membranes having a coflow of filtrate to provide trans-membrane pressure (TMP) control. The membranes preferably are capable or forming a shear effect or Dean vortices at their inner surface. Optionally, the filtrate channel may contain one or more types of beads, either inert or formed of a capture resin such as affinity chromatography beads or ion exchange resins, for selectively capturing and retaining certain molecules from the filtrate of feedstream. The beads, in addition to the optional capture function, aid in the control of the TMP.

Abstract: A pellet composed of an aggregate of distinct beads of a chromatography media. The pellet is coherent and capable of being rapidly hydrated on addition of water to form a gel wherein said beads are swollen and substantially uniformly dispersed in the water phase.

Abstract: This invention provides an adsorbent having a high ability to adsorb endotoxin selectively and a method of adsorbing endotoxin. The adsorbent comprises a basic substance bonded to a base material by means of a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A microchip-based electrospray ionization device and column with affinity adsorbents is disclosed. The invention includes a microchip array and a capillary tube or alone or attached in combination. At least a portion of the device or column has immobilized affinity adsorbents. Methods for using the device are provided as well for affinity capture of biomolecules to meet the needs for the modern life sciences such as proteomics and drug discover.

Abstract: A casing having an inlet which receives oil-based contaminated bilge water is mounted on a boat or ship in aligning a generally U-configured pipe vertically, in which first and second open ends of the pipe are overlaid with one of a gravel or charcoal coarse material restrictive to the flow of oil-based contaminants, and with the second open pipe end coupled to the casing outlet, such that with a plurality of filter pads floating atop the overlying layer adapted to absorb oil-based contaminants, a continuous absorption of the contaminants occur as the bilge water circulates through the casing and is allowed to dwell therein while the filter pads absorb the oil-based contaminants floating atop the inputted bilge water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (50) are disclosed for accurately measuring low concentrations of boron in deionized water utilizing the chemical reaction of boric acid with a polyol by injecting very small plugs of concentrated polyol into streams of boron containing and non-boron containing water samples to produce an ionized acids product, and then measuring the conductivity difference (delta conductivity), corrected for interfering or extraneous factors which can effect conductivity, between such boron containing and non-boron containing samples using a conductivity and temperature detector (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for aeration in a filter system. The present invention provides an air injection adaptor for coupling between a filter tank and a valve controller.

Abstract: A water filter assembly allowing for uniform placement in refrigerators at the point of refrigerator manufacture, includes a self-contained unit, including a filter component, inlet and outlet connections, and water storage means all housed in one unit for placement, in its entirety, in the refrigerator during manufacture thereof with only a single point of inlet coupling to a refrigeration system of the refrigerator, the single point of coupling being to an internal refrigerator water supply. A method for uniform placement of a water filter assembly in refrigerators at the point of refrigerator manufacture is further included.

Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated.

Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: A filter for providing potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter mateial formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous, basic, and reduced-oxygen activated carbon filter particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filler having a high productivity suitable for preparative separation by simulated moving bed chromatography. That is, there is provided a filler for enantiomeric isomer separation by simulated moving bed chromatography, which has a porous carrier carrying a polysaccharide derivative thereon and has a TS coefficient in a range of 0.55 to 1.

Abstract: In an open capillary column, a stationary phase is formed on the inner wall of a capillary tube. This stationary phase comprises a number of pores on the surface of the capillary tube, and each of pore has an expanded hollow in the stationary phase. A manufacturing method of an open capillary column comprises the steps of giving alkaline treatment to an inner wall of an open capillary tube, applying one of oligo silica, oligo zirconia and oligo titania on the inner wall, filling the open capillary tube with alkaline solution to form one of a silica layer, a zirconia layer and titania layer, discharging the alkaline solution and heat-treating the capillary tube to form a base of a stationary phase. The open capillary column of the present invention comprises a stationary phase having a very large surface area. It is useful for a separation analysis field such as liquid chromatography and electrochromatography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanically stable, porous shaped activated carbon article having a first three-dimensional framework structure based on carbonized resin, a second three-dimensional inorganic framework structure comprising ceramic material and/or baked refractory material, and binding agent, as well as activated carbon particles, in which the first and second framework structures penetrate each other at least partially and the activated carbon particles are fixed to the framework structures. The invention also relates to a process for the production of such a shaped activated carbon article and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is described for use in a system to remove impurities from the air. The cartridge has a filter section which may provide tortuous air flow channels between an inlet and an outlet of the filter section. The filter section may be formed from a pair of adjoined sheets with at least one of the sheets having an internally directed raised pattern thereon. This raised pattern spaces the adjoined sheets. The adjoined sheets may be rolled-up into a spiral shape and are positioned in the cartridge with said sheets paralleling an air flow direction through said filter section. It is also contemplated that the raised pattern of the adjoined sheets provide linear air flow channels but ones which are less than three millimeters in height. Alternatively, the filter section may comprise an open pore sponge or foam. The cartridge may be provided with an inlet closure plate having openings therein so as to impart turbulence to incoming air.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: Method for Absorbing substances wherein adsorbent particles comprising superparamagnetic and/or low Curie Temperature transition metal-containing cores surrounded by a hydrous siliceous oxide coating can be formed by an aqueous process wherein the core is precipitated from an aqueous solution and a siliceous oxide coating is deposited thereon while complete drying of the core is avoided until after the siliceous oxide is deposited. The resulting siliceous adsorbents exhibit strong superparamagnetic and/or low Curie temperature magnetic properties with low transition metal leachability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating ions of metallic elements are provided. Preferred methods utilize a hydrophobic chelating extractant, such as an organophosphorus compound, adsorbed onto carbon or graphite fibers in the form of felt. Also described is a new thallium-201 generator that comprises a column containing an acidic organophosphorus extractant adsorbed on carbon or graphite fibers, and a yttrium-90 generator system comprised of two extraction columns designed to selectively absorb yttrium-90 at different pH, to enable the separation of yttrium-90 from strontium-90. The two columns are connected in series for stepwise separation. The yttrium-90 product is freed from residual strontium-90 and metal contaminants and can be eluted from the second column with dilute acid, acetate buffer, water or saline for labeling biological targeted molecules. The new generator system provides rapid and efficient separation of yttrium-90 and is amenable to both scale-up and automation.

Abstract: The above-mentioned problems can be solved by an adsorber for body fluid treatment packed with an adsorbent coated with a hydrophilic polymer, which includes an adsorbent packing part not filled with a filling liquid, particularly the above-mentioned adsorber for body fluid treatment, wherein the adsorbent contains two or more kinds of metal salt type cation-exchange resins that are different from each other.

Abstract: A water treatment product which is a particulate material having a specific surface area of at least 1.0 m2/g, or an artefact formed by bonding together such particulate material, and having an insoluble ferric iron coating. Perferably, the particulate material is an alumina-based material. The product is useful in the treatment of water to remove organic materials, cations or anions, and more particularly heavy metals, As, Se or F. Methods of making the water product are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass and the endpoint of the oxidative process detected by a sensor. Residual organics, if desired, and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment.

Abstract: A degassing device (10), a hydrogen dissolving device (12), and a palladium catalyst column (17) are provided in that order downstream of a high-purity water production device (1), and an impurity removal device (19) is connected to the exit side of treated water of the palladium catalyst column (17). The impurity removal device (19) removes impurity ions which are eluted into the water to be treated or impurity particulates which mix in with the water to be treated during the treatment in the palladium catalyst column (17). The impurity removal device (19) comprises an ion exchange device (20) and a membrane treatment device (21) such as a ultrafiltration membrane device, a reverse osmosis membrane device or the like. By providing an impurity removal device (19) in this manner, it is possible to remove impurities generated during hydrogen peroxide removal treatment by the palladium catalyst and to prevent degradation in quality of hydrogen-dissolved water.

Abstract: An electrolytic method is provided for purifying an aqueous stream, including at least one contaminant ion. In one embodiment, the eluent stream flows through a purifying flow channel, including ion exchange bed, an electric field is applied through the flowing eluent stream in the purifying flow channel, and the contaminant ion is removed from the eluent stream. In another embodiment, no electric field is applied and the ion exchange bed is periodically regenerated. Two beds may be used with one bed on line while the other bed is regenerated followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: Aluminim hydroxide fibers approximately 2 nanometers in diameter and with surface areas ranging from 200 to 650 m2/g have been fount to be highly electropositive. When dispersed in water they are able to attach to and retain electronegative particles. When combined into a composite filter with other fibers or particles they can filter bacteria and nano size particulates such as viruses and colloidal particles at high flux through the filter. Such filters can be used for purification and sterilization of water, biological, medical and pharmaceutical fluids, and as a collector/concentrator for detection and assay of mirobes and viruses. The alumina fibers are also capable of filtering sub-micron inorganic and metallic particles to produce ultra pure water. The fibers are suitable as a substrate for growth of cells. Macromolicules such as proteins may be separated from each other based on their electronegative charges.

Abstract: A hemo-and bio compatible beaded polymeric adsorbing material for purification of physiological fluids of organism has a plurality of beads each having a core with a hydrophobic core surface, and a hydrophilic, hemo-and biocompatible coating applied on the core surface of the core, so that the hemo-and biocompatible coating is applied non-continuously so as to leave on the core surface of the core such areas which are not covered with the hemo-and biocompatible coating and therefore remain hydrophobic, with the areas having a size which is substantially smaller than a size of an individual cell of the physiological fluid, so that when the physiological fluid passes through the material the individual cell of the physiological fluid can substantially be in contact only with the hemo-and biocompatible coating and can not contact the hydrophobic core surface of the core because the corresponding areas of the core surface which are exposed between parts of the hemo-and biocompatible hydrophilic coating have a sma

Abstract: A high rate, upflow filtration system is described in which a compressible, fibrous lump filtration media is compressed to adjust the porosity and collector size of the media in the bed and to provide a porosity gradient within the bed proceeding from more porous to less porous in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid so that filtration proceeds in a direction from a more porous to a less porous filter bed. Larger particles are removed by the more porous media and successively smaller particles are removed as the filter bed becomes less porous. The system is capable of reducing the turbidity of influent municipal wastewater from about 8 NTU to about 2 NTU at a wastewater flow rate of from about 820 to 1230 L/m2·min (20 to 30 gal/ft2·min), at a bed compression ratio of from about 15 to 40 percent, and at a backwash rate of from about 1 to 6 percent based on the total wastewater passing through the filter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying the cooling circuit of an alternator stator, characterized in that part of the water of the closed cooling circuit is derived upstream of the alternator towards the deionization circuit supplying the recovery tank, said deionization circuit comprising a mixed bed demineralization circuit and a treament circuit placed parallel to the demineralization circuit, and when the inflow rate into the deionization circuit is fixed at a value less than 10%, preferably less than about 20% of the nominal flow passing through the stator, the treatment circute consists in a cation-exchanging resin; when the inflow rate into the deionization circuit is fixed at a value higher than 10%, preferably higher than about 20% of the nominal flow passing through the stator, either the treatment circuit is interrupted, or the treatment circuit consists of a cation-exchanging resin or a mixed bed resin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for removing chlorine from chlorinated potable water. The device contains a chlorine adsorptive material selected from the group consisting of cellulose, activated carbon, or activated carbon with an enhanced adsorptive capacity for chlorine. A method for enhancing the adsorptive affinity of activated carbon for chlorine in potable water is also disclosed. By pretreating ordinary activated carbon with one of several agents, including potassium iodide, ammonium carbonate and ammonium sulfate, the activated carbon, which is minimally active for chlorine reduction, is rendered highly active and able to be applied in much smaller quantities than presently known in the art. Also disclosed is the use of activated carbon in zero-pressure-drop devices instead of filters requiring a pressure differential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new separation method and a device therefor, especially to a device and method for chromatographic chemical analysis. In the method according to the invention, the driving of the mobile phase fluid in, through and out the separation channel, said channel being defined by at least two channel elements, is mainly caused by a relative movement of at least one channel element compared to at least one of the other channel elements preferably the movement of the mobile phase fluid and the sample to be separated through the separation channel is sustained by relief elements, such as one or more protrusions, recesses, holes or irregular porous-like structures, which are arranged on at least one of the channel elements.

Abstract: A filter for removing microorganisms from a fluid is provided by the invention. The filter includes a substrate having a reactive surface, and a polymer covalently bonded to the reactive surface of the substrate. The polymer includes a plurality of cationic groups for attracting microorganisms. Faucet mounted filters and pour through filters containing the polymer coated substrate are provided. Also disclosed are methods for using and manufacturing filters for removing microorganisms from a fluid.