Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a multi-stage membrane system for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. In this multi-stage membrane system, high selectivity and high permeance or at least high selectivity polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes are applied for a pre-membrane or both the pre-membrane and the secondary membrane. A primary membrane can be from conventional glassy polymers. This multi-stage membrane system can reduce inter-stage compression cost, increase product recovery and product purity for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. It can also save the cost compared to the system using all the high cost polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising a semi-permeable membrane capable of being contacted with a water source; a superabsorbent polymer capable of absorbing water across said semi-permeable membrane; a pressure application surface capable of transmitting pressure to the gel; and a permeable membrane through which absorbed water is capable of being released from the gel upon application of pressure thereto from said pressure application surface, wherein said permeable membrane is isolated in use from the water source by an isolation means

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a dual stage filtration apparatus includes a cartridge having a first end and an opposing second end and a first filtration stage including a first bundle of first semi-permeable filtering elements and a second filtration stage including a second bundle of second semi-permeable filtering elements. The cartridge has a fluid inlet port for receiving raw unfiltered fluid into the first filtration stage and a fluid outlet port for discharging purified fluid after it has passed through the first and second filtration stages. The apparatus has an intrastage space that receives fluid that has been filtered in the first filtration stage prior to being filtered again in the second filtration stage, and the fluid inlet port is in fluid communication only with the first filtration stage, while the fluid outlet port is in fluid communication only with the second filtration stage.

Abstract: Method and devices for filtering liquid are provided that rely on pressure difference to filter liquid. In one embodiment, a device for filtering liquid includes a feed chamber, a permeate chamber, and a porous membrane that is at least partially hydrophobic and has one or more pores configured to be permeable to vapor. A pressure of a liquid substance in the feed chamber is increased such that vapor of the liquid substance is transported from the feed chamber to the permeate chamber. The resistance of flow in a hydrophilic layer of the membrane can be controlled to make the membrane defect-tolerant. In another embodiment, a second porous membrane is further included and the second porous membrane is spaced apart from the first porous membrane. Various methods for filtering liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Zirconium phosphate particles are synthesized by providing a solution of zirconium oxychloride in an aqueous solvent, adding at least one oxygen-containing additive to the solution, the oxygen-containing additive being selected to form a complex with zirconium ions in the solution of zirconium oxychloride and thereby reduce hydration of the zirconium ions, and combining this solution with phosphoric acid or a phosphoric acid salt to obtain zirconium phosphate particles by sol gel precipitation.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: An in-vitro blood plasma lipids filtering method includes the following steps: separating out the blood plasma from the blood collection; flushing a filtering device with saline solution; controlling the pressure of the separated blood plasma; passing the blood plasma to the filtering device for filtering out lipids; controlling the temperature of the filtered blood plasma; and feeding the blood plasma back to the blood. The method is clearly effective and accurate, quick response indication, securer and safer, more tolerant, and the treatment time is short.

Abstract: A wafer-shaped hollow fiber module adapted for in-line use in a piping system. The piping system may include two standard bolted flange connections, and at least one wafer-shaped hollow fiber module sealed between the two standard bolted flange connections. The wafer shaped hollow fiber module includes: a cylindrical housing having an open end and a closed end having a first sealing surface and an inlet port; at least one side port through the cylindrical housing; an end cap united to the open end having a second sealing surface and an outlet port.

Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes a tube having an opening portion at a sidewall thereof; liquid extracting members that selectively transmit the liquid in the tube and located at both ends of the tube; a gas extracting membrane that selectively transmits the gas and covers the opening portion; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the tube; chambers that surround an outer side of the liquid extracting member; and outlets that guide the liquid in the chambers to the outside by being connected to the chamber.

Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes: a housing having an open hole; a gas extracting membrane that covers the open hole and transmits only the gas; a liquid extracting member that defines a first chamber that contacts the gas extracting membrane and a second chamber that does not contact the gas extracting membrane, and selectively transmits the liquid in the first chamber to the second chamber; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the housing; and an outlet that is connected to the second chamber and guides the liquid in the second chamber to the outside.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved multi-state reverse osmosis system with dual water inlets for improving filtration efficiency. More specifically, the system includes a pressure vessel with a series of semi permeable membranes. A seawater inlet is included at both a first end of the vessel and at an intermediate location. By re-supplying seawater at the intermediate location, a minimum seawater pressure is maintained throughout the entire length of the vessel. This, in turn, results in increased filtration efficiency.

Abstract: A Reactor (1) for solid phase synthesis comprises a vessel (2), a plurality of filters (3) arranged in the vessel (2) and a plurality of filtrate outlets (4) for evacuating the filtrate out of the filters (3). Each filter (3) is connected to one filtrate outlet (4). The reactor (1) comprises means (3, 4) for delivering a gas into the vessel (2) in a region of the vessel (2) near to the bottom (24) of the vessel (2) and beside the filters (3).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described.

Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a seal disposed within the outer case, thereby dividing the interior region into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through the first chamber and the second chamber, where at least a portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes have first segments located within the first chamber and second segments located within the second chamber, the first segments being configured to allow vapor transmission therethrough, and the second segments being configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission therethrough, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. An ultrafilter is described as well as a bioreactor system having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: An improved cross-flow filtration unit utilizing at least one two-ply membrane is disclosed that has a particular pore size relationship in the two membrane layers.

Abstract: A new ultrafiltration technique based on a multimembrane stack has been developed to fractionate solutes closer in size than conventionally possible. The technique is illustrated here by obtaining a pure protein product from a binary protein mixture. By employing membranes in series without any gaskets or spacers in-between, ultrafiltration is carried out to separate two proteins relatively close in molecular weight or size. Flat regenerated cellulose membranes, polyethersulfone membranes or the like, of at least substantially the same molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) are stacked together in the desired number, and ultrafiltration takes place. The membrane rejection of a protein is amplified with each additional membrane, ultimately resulting in a completely rejected species. Complete purification of the more permeable protein is achieved regardless of the physicochemical condition which may be optimal or suboptimal for selective separation by a single membrane.

Abstract: A media in the form of a multilayered semi porous composite membrane containing a strong positive electrical charge with a highly porous surface consisting of 60 to 90 percent void volume and pore size of about 2 micron capable of retaining negatively charged protozoa, bacteria, and virus as well as di-pole particulate matter as a result of the attraction of the positive charge. A housing is a portable adaptive housing containing and supporting the composite membrane. A low pressure stream of water is within the housing and passes through the media. A composite membrane is positioned within the adaptive housing in the path of the low pressure stream of water. The composite membrane is adapted to treat the low pressure stream of water under from 0.3 to 10 psig pressure delivering 5 to 30 ml/sec.

Abstract: A diesel fuel filter comprising an outer casing (2) which is provided at leas with an inlet conduit (40) for the diesel fuel to be filtered (A) and an outlet conduit (41) for the filtered diesel fuel (B), and houses internally at least one first filtering baffle (70) of high filtering efficiency which separates the interior of said casing (2) into two separate chambers, of which a first chamber (8) communicates with the outlet conduit (41) and a second chamber (9) communicates with the inlet conduit (40); the filter (1) also comprises a third chamber (10), which is separated from said first chamber (8) by at least one second filtering baffle (71) permeable to thickened paraffins, and is separated from said second chamber (9) by means (78) arranged to connect said second chamber (9) to said third chamber (10) when the temperature of the diesel fuel to be filtered (A) falls below a value responsible for the formation of thickened paraffins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a membrane filter, comprising the steps of: fixing a bundle of hydrophilic filter elements by at least a first end in a housing part to be called bottom element, such that the first end of the hydrophilic filter elements is open towards a first side of the housing part and the hydrophilic filter elements extend on the opposite side of the housing part; and subsequently providing for at least one watertight and air-permeable element, in particular a hydrophobic filter element.

Abstract: Membranes comprising functional polyarylether having structural units of formula II are useful for hemodialysis and hemofiltration: wherein X is selected from Br, NR4R5, OOCR6, OR7, NR4COR5, NR4CONR5R6, NR4COOR5R6 and combinations thereof; R1, R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence H, X, halo, cyano, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R4 and R5 are independently H, a C1-10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; R6 is H, a C2-10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R7 is OCH2CH2(OCH2CH2)nOH or OOCCH2(OCH2CH2)nCH3; Q is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; Z is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, SO, SO2, CO, phenylphospinyl oxide, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12aliphatic radical,

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, that is hydrophobic, a second sweeping-flow filter, that is hydrophobic, a common housing containing both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the sweeping-flow. This invention can thus be used to remove high concentrations of water, up to 5%, in hydrocarbons, while allowing a high flow rate by preventing blockage of the final filter by water.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration/hemofiltration cartridge is preferably formed of a single cartridge providing multi-stage hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration defined by a first hemodiafiltration stage having first filtering elements and a second hemofiltration stage having second filtering elements. Both stages are contained in a single cartridge. The cartridge can be used in a mid-dilution scheme, a pre-dilution scheme or a post-dilution scheme.

Abstract: The invention features integrated membrane assemblies for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The assemblies include two or more flat sheet membrane elements and at least one common manifold connected to the interior regions of the membrane elements.

Abstract: A fluid-gas separator includes a gas-permeable membrane arranged sufficiently adjacent to a fluid-permeable membrane to allow the separation of fluid and gas flowing therein independent of the orientation of the fluid-gas separator itself.

Abstract: The invention refers to a filter 1 with several rotating filter discs 3 mounted on a shaft 2 and which are provided with a porous filter medium. It is characterized by elastomer elements (8, 8?) being mounted on the shaft (2) as spacers between the individual filter discs (3). In addition, the invention refers to a filter disc 3 for a filter 1 of this kind.

Abstract: The bioreactor system of the present invention has two fluid-filled culture compartments in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The two culture compartments are in fluid communication with each other and each culture compartment is transversed by a filter that prevents the exit of the cells from the culture compartment. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for use as the first and/or second culture compartment.

Abstract: A filter for filtering intravenous fluid includes a base member having one or more vent holes and a fluid inlet chamber; a cap member having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid outlet chamber; hydrophilic filtration media captured between the base member and the cap member, separating the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; the filter having a flow path such that fluid passing into the filter housing through the inlet passes through the hydrophilic filtration media before passing out the outlet; one piece of hydrophobic vent media positioned over the vent hole and secured to the base member; and the base member having a center section and side sections forming the inlet chamber, the side sections extending from the center section towards the perimeter of the base member and being formed with sloped walls so as to encourage any air in the inlet chamber to flow towards the vent.

Abstract: The bioartificial reactor has a reactor vessel. A cell culture chamber in the reactor, in particular for liver cells, is divided off from a flow chamber for a nutritive medium and from a flow chamber for plasma and blood by semipermeable walls. At least one flow chamber is formed as a tube that is helically wound in the shape of a screw and that is made of semipermeable material.

Abstract: A scaled-up multi-coaxial fiber bioreactor, and variations of this bioreactor. The device is characterized by a hollow housing and an array of from about 20 to about 400 modules of hollow fibers, where each module includes at least three coaxial semipermeable hollow fibers. The innermost fiber provides a boundary for an innermost compartment which is connected to inlet and outlet ports. Arranged coaxially around the central hollow fiber are several other hollow fibers with their respective compartments, each compartment defined by a respective annular space between adjacent fibers and each including inlet and outlet ports. An outermost compartment for permitting integral aeration is the space between the outer side of the outermost fibers and the inner side of the housing, and has inlet and outlet ports. The hollow housing has inlet and outlet manifolds and flow distributors for each of the compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bioreactor is used as an extracorporeal liver.

Abstract: A filtration system includes an outer casing (210) that houses a plurality of elongated inner casings (220A–220F), which in turn house a plurality of filtration membranes. The outer casing, inner casing, and filtration membranes are disposed relative to one another to provide a three-flow channel system that provides additional feed fluid at one or more membrane couplings between membranes of the same inner casing. Ths arrangement defines a feed fluid flow path in which a feed fluid exiting from an upstream filter into a downstream filter is diluted by additional feed fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and an assembly for cross-flow filtration comprising filter cassettes. Said filter cassettes are cost-effective to produce as they have few connections and simple clamping plates and are characterized by a long service life and by being highly flexible in adapting their capacity to the desired cross-flow filtration performance. The inventive device (1) comprises a holder and at least one filtration segment (2) consisting of clamping plates with filter cassettes fitted in a sealed manner therebetween. The clamping plates, which are configured as end plates, separation plates, distribution plates and collection plates and the filter cassettes are positioned on the holder so that they can be moved towards one another.

Abstract: A barrier filter useful for aseptically discharging both gaseous and liquid fluids from a chemical process system is disclosed The barrier filter comprises, within a common enclosure, one or several filter membranes having singularly or collectively a mixture or hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The common enclosure of the barrier filter is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. All filter membranes are located within the fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A variety of membrane-based systems, into which such barrier filter is installed, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, having a filter medium that is hydrophobic, a second cross-flow filter, having a membrane that is hydrophobic, a common housing to contain both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the cross-flow. The hydrocarbon may then pass through the second membrane filter uncontaminated by water and be used as clean fuel.

Abstract: A dual-stage filtration cartridge is provided. The cartridge can be embodied as a mid-dilution hemodiafiltration cartridge or a redundant sterilization filtration cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The housing has a primary fluid inlet and outlet at the first end of the cartridge. The housing also defines first and second filtration stages with the first filtration stage including first filtering elements disposed between the first and second ends of the housing. Each stage has a separate inter-lumen fiber space, but shares a common extra-lumen space. The primary fluid inlet communicates with the first filtering elements at the first end so that fluid flows through the first filtering elements toward the second end. The second filtration stage includes second filtering elements disposed between the first and second ends of the housing with the fluid outlet communicating with the second filtering elements at the first end.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved cross-flow filter cassettes for the filtration of liquid media, which are used in cross-flow filtration devices of varying pump outputs and can be fitted with non-reinforced membranes. The cassettes comprise at least one retentate separator in which the inlets to the open perforations designed to form one type of channel, for example for retentate discharge, are larger than the inlets to the open perforations designed to form another type of channel, for example for fluid feed. In comparison with known cross-flow filter cassettes, the cross-flow filter cassettes of the invention allow retentate flows required to achieve equal filtration output at equal pressure differential on the retentate side at least 1.8 times lower. This significantly reduces the energy input required for pumping to conduct cross-flow filtration.

Abstract: A apparatus for assaying glycated proteins and other analytes in biological samples such as blood, in which a sample is presented to the apparatus, includes an inlet port between moveable between first and second inlets, such that the inlet can be brought into liquid communication with each inlet in turn. The inlet port accommodates a filter or binder. The apparatus also includes a microprocessor operable via a key pad, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector, a display and driver, and an A to D converter, and is operatively connected to a power source.

Abstract: Membrane module and process for its manufacture, wherein the membrane module contains at least two groups of hollow-fiber membranes, the groups arranged in layers and capable of being fed independently by fluids. The membrane module has a housing shell comprising a channel-shaped housing middle section, open at the top, and adjoining end pieces, also open at the top and with a number of arms corresponding to the number of groups. The groups of hollow-fiber membranes are inserted as layers over one another such that they are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing middle section and substantially parallel to each other. The ends of hollow-fiber membranes of different groups are arranged in respectively different arms of the end pieces and embedded with a sealing compound such that at least one end of the hollow-fiber membranes is open.

Abstract: An electro-regenerating type apparatus for producing deionized water, which comprises an electrodialyzer having cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes alternately arranged between an anode compartment provided with an anode and a cathode compartment provided with a cathode, demineralizing compartments compartmentalized with the anion exchange membranes on the anode side and compartmentalized with the cation exchange membranes on the cathode side, and concentrating compartments compartmentalized with the cation exchange membranes on the anode side and compartmentalized with the anion exchange membranes on the cathode side, the electrodialyzer having ion exchangers accommodated in the demineralizing compartments, wherein a porous anion exchanger layer having a porosity of from 20 to 95%, a maximum pore size of from 0.01 to 500 &mgr;m and a thickness of at least five times the maximum pore size and from 10 &mgr;m to 10 mm, is provided on the anode side of each anion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved separation device in which a plate unit containing the filter comprises a separate abutment ring and a cassette which can be easily connected thereto, said cassette comprising at least one filter together with, if required, a frame belonging thereto so as to support the filter. If the filter consists of a flexible membrane, this is fitted into a special frame. However, if the filter is a rigid self-supporting filter of a porous material, for example, a ceramic filter or the like, a separate frame is not needed to support the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing potable water from an aqueous feed such as seawater utilizing a pressure vessel designed for operation in the range of about 250 psig to about 350 psig having reverse osmosis (RO) separation elements disposed upstream of at least one nanofiltrate separation element. The supply of seawater at such pressure creates no permeate flow through the RO membranes, so the seawater flushes the feed side of the RO elements on its way to the NF element where very substantial permeate flux occurs, producing a NF permeate substantially depleted in divalent ions and optionally moderately depleted in monovalent ions. The NF permeate is collected in a holding tank having liquid level switches, and when a desired level is reached, a control system causes the pump to draw suction from the holding tank while shutting off feed from the seawater source.