Abstract: A system and a method for solvent purification is provided. The system includes a solvent storage tank and a filter coupled to the tank for filtering out moisture from the solvent. The method includes providing a tank to hold the solvent being purified, providing a filter coupled to the tank, and repeatedly providing solvent from the tank to the filter, and filtering the solvent to remove moisture and returning the filtered solvent to the tank.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a filter medium for filtering aqueous solutions, particularly water for human and animal consumption. The medium may be employed in a great variety of filters of various sizes and constructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components of a fluid mixture comprising the steps of providing a fluid, providing a sorbent structure (120), sorbing a first component of the fluid, desorbing the first component, and electrokinetically biasing the first component in a direction other than the vector of the fluid mixture.

Abstract: A method and a device for the treatment of water. The device has a housing comprising an inlet for receiving and an outlet for discharging a volume of water; a first filter media, positioned within the housing comprising an acidic cation exchange resin capable of exchanging at least a portion of metal cations in the volume of water with non-metal cations such that the volume of water exiting the first filter media is reduced in metal cation content; and a second filter media positioned within the housing comprising a weakly basic anion exchange resin capable of exchanging at least a portion of the basic anions in the volume of water, where the first filter media or the second filter media are optionally mixed with a particulate activated carbon. Methods of treating water using the device are disclosed and described.

Abstract: A potable liquid dispensing apparatus includes a housing configured to be coupled to a source of potable liquid. A filter is disposed within the housing for the passage of the potable liquid.

Abstract: A water filter for filtering raw water into potable water having a series of media layers in the following order: 1) sand to gravel or coarse silica; 2) zeolite; 3) activated carbon; 4) a second layer of sand to gravel or coarse silica; and 5) a second layer of zeolite is disclosed. Optionally, the filter further has a ceramic media layer, which may have a reactive coating such as calcium hypochloride. Further options include ferruginous latertic clay spheres (FLCS) or iron oxide brick particles, at least one grid, which may be charged, and/or at least one sand arch. The media layers are contained within at least one vessel. A water filtration system and methods for filtering raw water into potable water are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reduce the dead volume in a flow path with trap functions. A flow path switching valve 1 is provided, which includes a rotor, i.e., rotor 3, and a housing top 9 having four ports 7a-7d connected to external flow paths, wherein two ports used for a mobile phase for analyzing are an inlet port 7a and an outlet port 7b, and the other two ports used for a mobile phase for condensing are an inlet port 7c and an outlet port 7d. In the rotor 3, two circular arc-shaped rotor trenches 11a, 11b for communicating two ports are formed at positions corresponding to the ports 7a-7d. The rotor trench 11b is filled with an adsorbent.

Abstract: The automatic regenerable cold/hot water softener includes a water softening tank having ion exchange resin and a regenerating tank filled with regenerating substance of the ion exchange resin. The water softener controls the mode for receiving raw water and discharging soft water using one switching valve, a direct water mode for discharging raw water itself, a regeneration mode for regenerating ion exchange resin, and a intermittence mode for intermitting the inflow and outflow of the raw water and the soft water. The precise regeneration time is judged according to used amount of the soft water by a temperature sensor and a flow meter for sensing temperature and flux of supply raw water. The regeneration is automatically prosecuted by a control part having a microprocessor. The cold/hot water softener serves a user's convenience in that sudden change of temperature is prevented.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of use thereof, receivable by autosamplers for processing fluids contains suspended solids and solubles in, for example, solid phase extraction, include an inlet chamber in fluid communication with an outlet chamber through an integral fluid pathway. One or more autosampler needle(s) may inject the fluid into the inlet chamber, which contains a separation medium through which the injected fluid flows prior to flowing into the outlet chamber, from which fluid may be withdrawn by the autosampler needle(s). A pressure tight seal may be formed between the needle(s) and inlet chamber, and backflow is preventable from the outlet chamber to the inlet chamber. Numerous embodiments of the device are described, including well plate configurations and structures graspable by autosampler robotic devices and/or which may be held in autosampler trays.

Abstract: A method of purifying water in a nuclear installation includes an ion exchange mechanism in which the water is purified with an ion exchanger. Before being guided over the ion exchanger, the water is brought into contact with a catalyst in order to decompose hydrogen peroxide that is present in the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for drinking water, including six filtering bottles. The fifth filtering bottle is formed with ion exchange resins, and the sixth filtering bottle is formed with a ceramic filtering core. The arrangement of the original third and fourth filtering bottles of the prior art is transposed, and a device for preventing a magnet of the filter from rusting is provided. The filtering bottles are orderly in turns and connected by tubes, and the fourth filtering bottle is connected with the fifth and sixth filtering bottles by a three-way pipe. Water is poured into a first filtering bottle and discharged from the fifth or sixth filtering bottle.

Abstract: A method of and system for removing phosphorus from wastewater using a waste sludge that has a high affinity for phosphorus. In order for the waste sludge to be used in a flow-through contact reactor to remove the phosphorus from a wastewater stream, the waste sludge is pelletized. The waste sludge pellets are packed into one or more flow-through contact reactors. In the configuration described herein, phosphorus removal is maximized by flowing the wastewater through the reactor(s) in a “pulsed” manner, rather than continuously. Thus, wastewater is flowed through the reactor(s) for a period of time and stopped for a period of time. By giving the sludge absorbant a rest period, the absorption capacity of the sludge is increased significantly, thus decreasing the frequency of regeneration or replacement of the sludge. Sludge regeneration can be accomplished with a stripping step using an alkaline solution of pH 13, followed by rinsing with water.

Abstract: A water softener which uses ion exchange resins to soften water and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The water softener and the washing machine having the same include an ion exchange unit including ion exchange resins therein, the ion exchange unit including a first ion exchange unit and a second ion exchange unit which alternately perform softening of water and regeneration of the ion exchange resins. Since any one of the first ion exchange unit and the second ion exchange unit performs softening of water and the other one thereof performs regeneration of the ion exchange resins, it is possible to continuously supply soft water.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.

Abstract: A water softener is composed of a cabinet of a resin bed, a brine tank, and a brine valve. The improved water softener has an outer housing having sides, a bottom, and an open top. A wall is disposed within the housing forming a brine chamber and a resin bed chamber for housing ion-exchange resin beads. Cross-contamination of the resin beads by the brine is prevented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture and release microbe particles using amino-functionalized silica substrates are described. An example apparatus adapted to capture a microbe particle includes a silica substrate and a positively charged material to at least partially coat the silica substrate. The positive charged material includes an aminopropyl functional group.

Abstract: An adsorption apparatus and method of adsorption for treatment of wastewater is disclosed, and comprises an inlet for the wastewater connected to a metals trap which adsorbs metals and a second trap which filters organic materials from the wastewater, positioned between the inlet and the metals trap, wherein the second trap at least partially comprises either a phosphate or an activated carbon. The metals trap can be, for example, fish bone char. A method of manufacturing fish bone char is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipette tip or tube designed to perform biological or chemical sample preparation, purification or separation. The narrow end of the pipette tip is twisted in such a way that it forms a narrow spiral passage, which allows the retention of the chromatographic material in the pipette tip. The narrow spiral formed by twisting the capillary or the tube creates an opening that is large enough to permit the passage of fluids or smaller particles, but small enough to block the passage of solid materials or larger particles, The device described herein can be used for sample separation or purification using a vacuum, pressure, centrifugation, gravitation or other separation methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a simulated moving bed (SMB) separation device and process comprising a column, beds Ai of adsorbent separated by plates Pi with a single distribution and extraction network for fluids, in particular feed F, desorbant D, raffinate R and extract E, and a plurality of two-way valves for distribution of said fluids, said valves being limited in number and in particular with dimensions that are smaller than in the prior art. According to the invention, the column is divided into a plurality of sectors Sk with 2 superimposed plates, each sector Sk comprising an external principal bypass line Lk connected to each plate Pi of Sk via a large diameter plate valve Vi and an external secondary bypass line Mk comprising a small diameter valve VMk connected to the adjacent sector Sk?1.

Abstract: After passing alcoholic liquors 20 through an HSO3 type strongly basic anion exchange resin layer 14, or after adding an HSO3 salt to alcoholic liquors; the alcoholic liquors are passed through a mixed bed layer 18 containing of an H type strongly acidic cation exchange resin and a free base type weakly basic anion exchange resin, or the alcoholic liquors are successively passed through an H type strongly acidic cation exchange resin layer and a free base type weakly basic anion exchange resin layer. According to this way, it is possible to remove aldehydes and inorganic salts from alcoholic liquors such as brewed alcoholic liquors and distilled alcoholic liquors, while strongly retaining a peculiar fragrance or retaining a manneristic flavor.

Abstract: A filtering device for a gravity-flow liquid treatment system includes a first filter component that can be either exposed or adjacent to a substantially transparent region in at least a portion of a filter housing. The first filter component is capable of providing a visual indication of exposure to at least one contaminant. The contaminants for which the first filter component can indicate exposure include particles, inorganic, and organic contamination. Particle contamination is indicated by a change in color of the first filter component through particle collection. Inorganic and organic contaminants are indicated by reaction with at least one agent capable of undergoing a color-change reaction in response to at least one contaminant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water softener capable of producing soft water at various temperatures and facilitating the regeneration of an ion exchange resin thereof. The water softener includes a water softening tank in which an internal region containing therein the ion exchange resin is partitioned into a plurality of water softening regions which are individually assigned into a predetermined temperature; a regeneration tank integrated with the water softening tank into a single body and containing the regeneration material of the ion exchange resin; a cold/hot control valve to supply raw water to a selected one of the plurality of water softening regions according to the temperature of the raw water to rapidly supply the soft water at a desired temperature to a user; and a regeneration valve to facilitate the periodic regeneration of the ion exchange resin through a simple manual operation.

Abstract: A water purification system includes an activated carbon filter and a reverse-osmosis (RO) filter. The activated carbon filter is typically formed with a central aperture that receives an upper portion of a central tube. The RO filter, which is positioned downstream from the carbon filter, may be formed around a perforated section of the central tube. The system further includes a head that is structured to receive a sump that contains the carbon and RO filters, as well as the central tube. An inlet formed in the head enables unpurified feed water to flow into the carbon filter. A first channel, which is defined by an annular surface formed in the carbon filter and an outer surface of the central tube, enables water to flow into the RO filter. A channel within the central tube enables water to flow from the RO filter, through the perforated sections of the central tube, and into an outlet formed within the head.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for conditioning water in an environment for holding aquatic life. The systems include various chambers for processing water, such as a chamber containing a media capable of supporting aerobic bacteria; a chamber containing a media comprising sulfur which is capable of supporting thiobacilus denitrificans bacteria; a chamber containing one or more calcium sources; and chambers containing media for reducing contaminants.

Abstract: A system for treating storm water in situ within a storm water drainage system includes a process chamber and treatment material that is contained within the process chamber. Preferably, the treatment material is a material that is effective in removing heavy metals from storm water, such as zeolite. A first passageway is provided for admitting storm water from the storm water drainage system into the process chamber. A second passageway is provided for returning storm water from the process chamber back to the storm water drainage system. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting conventional storm water drainage systems so as to render them capable of effectively removing heavy metals from storm water passing therethrough.

Abstract: A water treatment device includes a case having an inlet fitting on an underside thereof and a plurality of cylinders overlapped and received in the case. Each cylinder has a tube received therein and four first ribs connected between the tube and an inner periphery of the cylinder so as to define four first partitions for respectively receiving four curved magnetic pieces therein. Three second ribs are located in each tube and define three second partitions in each tube and each second partition has a plurality of mineral particles received therein. A first one of the three second ribs has an upper notch defined in a top edge thereof and a second one of the three second ribs has a bottom notch defined in a bottom edge thereof. A plurality of holes are defined through an area of the closed end of each cylinder and the area is located between the first one of the three second ribs and a third one of the three second ribs.

Abstract: A method and test for field sample arsenic speciation in aqueous solutions, in particular, arsenic speciation in drinking water, is described. In particular, the method and test uses in series three columns wherein the first column removes interfering cations from water, the second column removes dimethylarsenate (DMA) from the water, and the third column removes As(V) (collectively H3AsO4/H2AsO4?/HAsO42?/AsO43?) and monomethylarsinate (MMA) while As(III) (collectively H3AsO3/H2AsO3?/HAsO32?/AsO33?) remains in the water effluent. The bound arsenic species are separately eluted from the columns in a laboratory and then each of the eluants and the effluent are tested for the arsenic species, preferably using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filter underdrain for supporting a filter media between at least two dividers forming at least one cell, which includes at least one porous plate for supporting the filter media for filtering a fluid, the porous plate spanning across at least one of the dividers; and a plurality of support members beneath the porous plate, the support members containing at least one port for draining the fluid after the fluid passes through the porous plate. The porous plates may be bound together by a lap joint and an end section may be included between at least two of the support members, the end section containing at least one pocket for holding the porous plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool filter that includes a filter body (1) being formed by a casing (2) with a top cover (3), and the cover (3) forms a water distributor (4), this latter being compartmented (6, 7, 8, 9 and 10), upperly open (11) and provided with lateral openings (12, 13, 14 and 15) for a selected water inflow and outflow, the distributor (4) being closed by a rotatable (24), compartmented (20, 21, 22 and 32) sealing subcover (19). The subcover (19) is apt to be stabilized in its different positions by means of peripheral projections (27) being apt to selectively fit into a socket (28) being integral with the cover (3) in the vicinity of its open top (11). A receiver (32) is inferiorly fitted to the casing (2) and is made up of a grid-like plate conforming to the periphery of the casing (2).

Abstract: Cartridges useful in regenerating or purifying dialysis solutions are described as well as methods to regenerate or purify spent dialysis solutions. Dialysis systems using the sorbent cartridges of the present invention are further described.

Abstract: Water is separated from an emulsion of water and oil by passing the emulsion through a bed of superabsorbent polymer granules which break the emulsion and absorb water from the mixture of water and oil. An apparatus for separating water from an emulsion of water and oil has at least one separation cell containing a bed of super absorbent polymer granules.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for separating chemicals using adsorption separation methods. The apparatus uses a plurality of adsorption units holding adsorbent, where the adsorption units are serially connected and are moved to shift the relative position of the feeds and drawoffs to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of minimizing head loss in a filter system including a plurality of drop pipes, a plurality of filter cells having a maximum influent level, and a distribution box having a maximum influent level, a base, and a plurality of distribution cells. The method includes positioning a first end of each of the plurality of drop pipes within one of the distribution cells such that the first end of the pipe is disposed within the distribution cell and defines a weir having a weir height. The method further includes positioning a second end of each of the pipes in fluid communication with one of the plurality of filter cells. The method also includes supporting the distribution box such that the maximum influent level of the filter cells is above the base of the distribution box and below the maximum influent level of the distribution box.

Abstract: A multiport rotary valve is described providing the interconnection of a plurality of conduits with a predetermined cycle. The valve uses a stack of plates defining channels and ports to form the fluid circuits.

Abstract: A filter system employing a modular filter and at least one high rate pre-treatment system for expeditiously and effectively filtering water. The modular filter includes a reservoir housing for containing fluid. A plurality of filter cells are disposed in the reservoir housing for filtering influent passed through the reservoir housing. Each of the plurality of filter cells has at least one layer of media. A moveable backwash assembly is provided for sequentially backwashing the plurality of filter cells. The backwashing procedure is performed on the modular filter system such that while one of the plurality of cells is being backwashed the remaining cells are filtering pre-treated influent processed by the pre-treatment system. The pre-treatment system preferably has a footprint considerably smaller than the footprint of the modular filter.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for separating chemicals using adsorption separation methods. The apparatus uses a plurality of adsorption units holding adsorbent, where the adsorption units positioned in a cylindrical spool, are serially connected and the spool is rotated to shift the relative position of the feeds and drawoffs to the apparatus.

Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular filter system and a method of repairing and/or replacing one or more components thereof. The modular filter system includes a traveling backwash hood assembly and a plurality of filter cells having media contained therein. The traveling backwash hood assembly includes a hood and a baffle assembly. Preferably, the hood has at least one opening formed therein and a cover plate operably associated with the at least one opening. The baffle assembly includes a plurality of baffles for directing the flow of fluid. The baffle assembly is detachably connected to the hood to permit the baffle assembly to be moved relative to the hood to permit an individual to readily gain access to the baffle assembly to repair or replace one or more components thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic backwash filter system that includes at least one influent port for introducing a fluid to the filter; a plurality of partitions forming a plurality of compartments for holding a filtering media for filtering the fluid; at least one porous plate for supporting the plurality of partitions; wherein each of the partitions is mounted atop a continuous portion of the porous plate; and at least one effluent port for draining the fluid away from the compartments. The filter may also include a filter media comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of sand, anthracite coal, and activated carbon.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed connected with a sample supply apparatus is constructed such that a sample liquid can be supplied continually to a simulated moving bed separation device without causing any problems due to a penetration of gas phase and admixture of the plurality of sample liquids. At this end, the sample supply apparatus is composed of a plurality of sample supply vessels each with a sample liquid passageway disposed thereto, a sample liquid-amount management vessel for storing a sample to be supplied from the sample supply vessels through the sample liquid passageways and the supplying sample liquid through the liquid-amount management vessel to the simulated moving bed chromatographic device. The apparatus also has a control for alternatingly opening and closing opening-closing devices in the sample supply vessels in response to liquid levels in the sample liquid-amount management vessel.

Abstract: An aquarium includes a pump disposed in a chamber of a container to circulate water and having a spindle. An air supplying device is coupled to the spindle of the pump and driven by the spindle of the pump, to pump air into the water contained in the chamber of the container. The pump may thus be used to pump or circulate the water in the aquarium, and to simultaneously supply air into the water contained in the aquarium. The air supplying device includes a valve housing having two check valve members disposed in a recess and a depression, and a membrane attached to the valve housing and forced by the pump to actuate the check valve members.

Abstract: The invention recites a filter including a plurality of filter cells, each filter cell including a bottom surface and at least one side surface and defining a maximum influent level. The filter also includes a distribution box including a base and at least one wall, the base and wall at least partially defining a distribution region therein. The distribution box is supported such that the base is at or below the filter cell maximum influent level. The filter further comprises a plurality of drop pipes, each pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end of each pipe is in fluid communication with the distribution region, and extends above the base of the distribution box. The second end of the pipe is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of filter beds.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at treating rainwater in a combined sewer system, while enabling removal of a majority of pollution substances even if a large amount of entering rainwater. The invention relates to a rainwater-treating apparatus in a combined sewer system, said apparatus comprising a plurality of upward flow type high-speed filter vessels each having a layer of a floating filter medium, a common treated water vessel which is located at upper faces of said high-speed filter vessels and is adapted to collect treated water from the high-speed filter vessels, a used wash water vessel which collects used wash water from said high-speed filter vessels, a rainwater inflow channel for distributing the entering rainwater into upper portions of the high speed filter vessels, and rainwater inflow portions for flowing downwardly the rainwater distributed from the rainwater inflow channel under the respective floating filter media of the filter vessels.

Abstract: A fluid-treating device containing a distributing device having a revolving disc in a stationary housing, and a motor for rotating the disc. Feed and discharge pipes are connected to an end wall of the housing and open onto the revolving disc. Stationary vessels are connected to the housing via connecting pipes. The revolving disc includes a plurality of passageways that open on the outer side of the disc. For a number of positions of the disc, the passageways are each connected to one of the connecting pipes, while feed and discharge pipes open via ring-like ducts into different passageways.

Abstract: A continuous water treatment system comprising at least two stationary cylindrical vessels, wherein each vessel contains an ion exchange resin, and each vessel has at each end a flat head and a fractal liquid distributor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid treating device, containing a distributing device (2) with a revolving disc (2) in a stationary housing (13), and a motor (15) for rotating the revolving disc (12). Feed and discharge pipes (3, 5, 6; 4, 7, 8) are connected to an end wall of the housing (13) and open onto the revolving disc (12). Stationary vessels (1) are connected to said housing (13) via connecting pipes (10, 11). In the revolving disc (12) are provided passageways (44-49) which open on the round outer side of the disc (12). For a number of positions of this disc (12), the passageways (44-49) are each connected to one of the above-mentioned connecting pipes (10, 11), while feed pipes (3, 5, 6) and discharge pipes (4, 7, 8) open via ring-like ducts (24, 29, 30, 50-52 and 37-38, 53-55) into different passageways (44-49).

Abstract: A fluid treatment system comprising at least two cylindrical vessels, wherein each vessel contains at least one treatment medium selected from ion exchange resins, polymeric adsorbents, inorganic adsorbents and activated carbon; each vessel has at each end a flat head and a fractal liquid transfer manifold; and the system comprises at least one membrane degasifier unit.

Abstract: Extracorporeal affinity adsorption treatments which are aimed at the substantial removal of two or more compounds that are etiological in the pathogenesis of diseases in man provide effective therapeutic intervention means for these diseases. The methods are particularly suitable for the treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer, degenerative and autoimmune diseases. Extracorporeal chelation and immunotherapy for atherosclerosis, extracorporeal chelation treatment with on-line regeneration or replacement of chelant, extracorporeal immunotherapy with antibody fragments, and extracorporeal immunoadsorption utilizing antibodies bound to Protein A are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bilge water filter for filtering bilge water discharged being drained from the bilge of a vessel includes a casing having first and second ends and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an inlet extending through the first end of the casing, and an outlet extending through the second end of the casing. The bilge water filter also includes a filter media disposed in the casing, between the inlet and the outlet, the filter media being adapted to absorb contaminants present in the bilge water while allowing substantially contaminant-free bilge water to be discharged from the outlet of the bilge water filter. The bilge water filter is adapted to be externally mounted to the outer surface of the hull of a vessel (i.e., to the outer surface of the hull) for draining bilge water from the vessel, capturing contaminants inside the filter and discharging contaminant-free bilge water from the outlet of the filter.

Abstract: A modular filter system having a mechanism for performing a filter to waste step on the last cell of a multi-cell system following backwashing. A method of operating a modular filter system in which a filter to waste step is performed on the last cell of a multi-cell system after backwashing.