Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus which controls dialysis conditions. The hemodialysis treatment is carried out under dialysis conditions determined by defining the course of the chronological target blood indication level as a target control line, measuring the blood indication level at each measurement point (controlling point) in the chronological course, calculating the dialysis conditions using the measured blood indication level and the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point) of the measurement point in the hemodialysis apparatus carrying out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions using blood volume (BV level) or blood volume change as an indication level (hereinafter blood indication level), to attain the target blood indication level at the next measurement point. This apparatus has a simple control mechanism and has little risk of misoperation or out-of-control. An operator can easily handle it and the control can be quickly and precisely carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dialysis apparatus, which can be used, e.g., for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration. Numerous alarms occur during treatments creating additional workloads for the operator. The present method of controlling the apparatus allows an automatic switch from a first control mode to another, thus allowing the treatment to continue without operator influence.

Abstract: Sieve valves for use in micorfluidic device are provided. The valves are useful for impeding the flow of particles, such as chromatography beads or cells, in a microfluidic channel while allowing liquid solution to pass through the valve. The valves find particular use in making microfluidic chromatography modules.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by measuring or calculating the blood volume or its volume change as a blood indication level, and by controlling dialysis conditions according to said target blood indication level, wherein the chronological course of said blood indication level is defined as a target control line, and the primary blood volume (BV0) can be calculated as blood indication level. In the former part of the dialysis operation, the water removal is controlled so that the circulating blood volume in the body approach to the standard blood volume (BV st) with the use of said target control line. After the water removal of the former part of the dialysis operation, when the circulating blood volume in the body attains the standard blood volume (BV st), the latter part of the dialysis operation is started. In said latter part of the dialysis operation, the water removal operation is performed by substantively maintaining said standard blood volume (BV st).

Abstract: A water purification device includes a fluid pump, a diaphragm unit having a diaphragm, which separates a primary side from a secondary side, and a consumer having a pressure requirement. The fluid pump is connected with the primary side and the consumer is connected with the secondary side. In order to supply the consumer with water under a high pressure, the fluid pump supplies the pressure (P2) for the consumer through the diaphragm. A pressure control valve is arranged upstream of the diaphragm unit to control the pressure on the primary side in dependence of the pressure on the secondary side.

Abstract: An activated sludge system for the purification of wastewater includes a membrane reactor comprising: (i) an array of pairs of vertical membranes (14) parallel to each other, (5) the membranes being spaced apart from each other and being permeate to liquid but substantially impermeable to solid particles, (ii) liquid flow channels between the membranes (14) of each pair, (iii) a liquid-collecting channels communicating with the liquid-flow channels for receiving liquid which has permeated through the membranes (14), and (iv) gaseous fluid sparging ducts (5) allocated to and co-planar with the respective pairs of membranes (14) and extending substantially horizontally for introducing gaseous fluid into a mixture of the liquid and the solid particles about the array, so that the gaseous fluid rises through the gaps (8) among the outer major surfaces of the membranes (14), each of the ducts 5 having therealong only one row of sparge holes (6), those holes (6) being downwardty directed for emitting the gaseous fl

Abstract: A cross flow filtration apparatus for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis has pressure vessels with a plurality of filter cartridges in each vessel. A feed port is provided at an intermediate position on the side of the vessel, and two permeate flows or branches exit opposite ends of the vessel, and the first branch has a characteristically high “upstream” flux and quality, while the second is of lesser flux and/or quality. The system provides a high degree of moduarity, enhancing flux or yield at a reduced driving pressure or overall pressure drop. Centered or off-center port, and a stop or valve in the permeate stream may apportion flows between the two outlets. Staged systems may employ a first stage bypass to achieve a target quality with increased yield. A flow divider or adaptor permits the cartridges to fit and seal in the vessel and an installation tool or sleeve may facilitate installation or replacement of cartridges having a directional perimeter seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying water whereby: the water to be purified is pressurized (13); a pressurized flow of said water is directed onto at least one selective permeability membrane to divide (11) the flow of pressurized water into a permeate flow and a retentate flow; the permeate flow is electrodeionized (12) to produce a flow of purified water consisting of the electrodeionized permeate flow; the flowrate of the retentate flow (19) is reduced; a substantially constant predetermined pressure (21) is maintained on the selective permeability membrane(s); and a substantially constant predetermined permeate flowrate is maintained. It also relates to a tangential filtration module suitable for the above kind of system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine in which a blood circuit (3) is equipped with an inlet line leading to a filtration unit (2) and with an outlet line (3b) from the filtration unit; a fluid circuit comprises an inlet line (4a) leading to the filtration unit and an outlet line (4b) from the filtration unit so as to allow a fluid taken from a primary container (5) to circulate within the filtration unit, thus enabling the treatment of the patient's blood. There is further an infusion line (6) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit, which is supplied by an auxiliary fluid container (7). The inlet line of the fluid circuit is equipped with at least an infusion branch (8) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit so as to enable the intensive therapy machine to manage therapies with large exchange of fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane filtration system (1) including: a filtering membrane portion (3) for removing impurities in feed water; a drain line (16) for draining a part of concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an exterior of a system; a concentrate return line (17) for returning a remainder of the concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an upstream side of the filtering membrane portion (3); a return flow rate adjusting portion (28) for concentrate provided in the concentrate return line (17); and a control portion (30) controlling the return flow rate adjusting portion (28) based on a drain flow rate of the concentrate or a flow rate of product water from the filtering membrane portion (3). With this construction, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in a feed pump (7) for feeding water to the filtering membrane portion (3) and to prevent clogging in the filtering membrane in the filtering membrane portion (3).

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system 110 includes a membrane chamber 112 having a feed line. The chamber 112 generates a permeate stream 114 and a brine stream 116 from the feed line 118. A feed pump 120 pressurizes the feed line 118. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the permeate stream 214. A booster device 172 has a turbine 176 in fluid communication with the brine stream 116 and a pump 174 in fluid communication with the feed line 118. A motor 178 is coupled to the turbine device 176 and a variable frequency drive 182 is attached to the turbine device 176 operating in response to the first flow signal. A second flow meter 218 generates a second flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the brine stream 116 and a variable size nozzle 240 operates an opening in response to the second flow meter.

Abstract: Provided is a process and apparatus for separating a multi-component feed stream wherein a porous separator is used to effectively create, via permeation and phase change, at least three fractions of differing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing contaminants from water which includes the steps of first providing a water feed exposed to at least one hydrocarbon or chemical process. This water feed is set in-line with a reverse osmosis system which includes an inlet, at least one reverse osmosis membrane, a permeate outlet, and a reject outlet. Then, pressure is applied to the water feed, or where the pressure of the water feed is higher than desired, the pressure is controlled or reduced. The pressure of the water feed serves to force the water feed through the reverse osmosis system. The reverse osmosis system then separates the water feed into a permeate and reject which includes at least one of the contaminants. The permeate is then directed to the permeate outlet and the reject is directed to the reject outlet.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions, wherein the hemodialysis treatment is carried out under dialysis conditions determined by defining the course of said chronological target blood indication level as a target control line, measuring the blood indication level at each measurement point (controlling point) in said chronological course, calculating the dialysis conditions with the use of said measured blood indication level and the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point) of said measurement point (controlling point) in the hemodialysis apparatus carrying out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions with the use of blood volume (BV level) or blood volume change as an indication level (hereinafter also referred to as blood indication level), to attain the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point).

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element (22), enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. These features are preferably combined to optimize the performance and cost per unit volume of water produced. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump (20), an RO element (22) with a housing, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve (24). The DPA valve (24), in combination with offsetting fluid pressures on the two pump heads (28, 30), generate energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump (20) create a pulse wave in the RO element (22) that improves permeate quality and throughput.

Abstract: A device and method for an extracorporeal blood treatment is described. The device comprising at least one exchanger equipped with at least one first inlet for the blood to be treated, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, an input line for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet of the exchanger, a blood output line (or venous line) connected to the first outlet of the exchanger, at least one treatment unit comprising at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet, the second outlet of the exchanger being in fluid communication with the first inlet of the treatment unit, where the first outlet from the treatment unit is in fluid communication with the input line and the second outlet of the treatment unit is in fluid communication with a first waste liquid discharge line.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed. These include methods such as supplying a dialysis machine including a touch screen interface to a machine user and supplying to the machine user accessory devices to be used with the dialysis machine in operation.

Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element, enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump, an RO element, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve. The DPA valve, in combination with connecting the two pump heads to reduce required pump pressures, generates energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump create a pulse wave in the RO element that improves permeate quality and throughput. A control system preferably monitors system parameters to optimize the reciprocating pump speed and amplitude in order to obtain maximum throughput and permeate quality from any given RO element configuration. Also a highly compact, portable RO system comprising a piston and a DPA valve.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes means for measuring or calculating a blood volume or a blood volume change as a blood index level, a hemodialysis means, and a controlling means that controls hemodialysis conditions of the hemodialysis means according to the blood index level. The controlling means controls the hemodialysis means so that hemodialysis operation is carried out without performing water removal at the time of the initiation of the hemodialysis operation until the blood volume stabilizes. The hemodialysis operation is carried out by performing water removal after the blood volume is stabilized by the hemodialysis operation without performing water removal, and that is a constitution so that it is possible to calculate the primary blood volume (BV0) of each patient according to the following formula (I), from % ?BV of hemodialysis operation which has been carried out before the blood volume is stabilized, and the increased blood volume circulating outside the body.

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

Abstract: A pressure exchange device is provided that utilizes an integral high pressure boost pump that is in fluid communication with a pressure exchange unit. An optional low pressure boost pump unit may also be provided. The pressure exchange unit comprises a rotating rotor assembly inside a housing to transfer the pressure of a fluid from one high pressure fluid to another low pressure fluid.

Abstract: A pressure exchange device is provided that utilizes a rotor assembly inside a housing to transfer the pressure of a fluid from one high pressure fluid to another low pressure fluid. The housing may comprise a pressurized fluid contained therein to provide a sealing force to reduce fluid leakage between the spinning rotors and the housing. The sealing force and wear characteristics may be controlled to reduce leakage and wear of the pressure exchange device. The rotor assembly may be driven in either direction and the high pressure ports may be switched with the low pressure ports if desired.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is provided with a dialysate circuit, a blood circuit and a filter having a dialysate compartment connected to the dialysate circuit, a blood compartment connected to the blood circuit, and a semi-permeable membrane to separate the dialysate compartment from the blood compartment. A method for filling and washing the filter includes the recirculation of a physiological saline in the dialysate circuit and the transfer of the physiological saline from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit through the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for calculating a hemodialysis parameter, especially blood access flow rate, using multiple dialysance values. The dialysance values may be calculated based upon either sodium or urea concentrations. One dialysance value can be determined for conditions in which a patient's arterial line withdraws blood from an upstream location in a patient's fistula and treated blood is returned by a venous line to a downstream location in a patient's fistula. The second dialysance value can be determined when the lines have been reconfigured so that the arterial line withdraws blood from a downstream portion of a patient's fistula and the venous line returns treated blood to an upstream portion of a patient's fistula.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing deionized water is provided. Water is supplied to a first conduit. A plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels are connected to the first conduit. A filtering experimental vessel is connected to the first conduit, the filtering experimental vessel is separated from the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels. A second conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting the deionized water. A third conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting concentrated ion water. The plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel concurrently or independently separates the supplying water into the deionized water and the concentrated ion water.

Abstract: An infusion control device controls infusion of a liquid in an extracorporeal blood circuit having an arterial pipe connected to an inlet of a blood compartment of a filter and a venous pipe connected to an outlet of the blood compartment. The arterial pipe is also connected to a pre-dilution pipe of an infusion circuit, and the venous pipe is also connected to a post-dilution pipe of said infusion circuit. The infusion control device regulates and distributes an infusion flow rate in the arterial and venous pipes based on a monitoring of quantities that are directly correlated with the operating conditions of the filter.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce water that will meet the specifications of the United States Pharmacopeia Inc. for Purified Water and Water for Injection, and water for dialysis as circumscribed by the American Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The system has no storage tanks where stagnant water will be fouled by biofilm colonizing the tank surface. Water is circulated throughout the purification system and drawn as required, on demand. The water is purified and used immediately or recycled and repurified to ensure quality. Sanitation of the purification system, maintaining microbiological purity and cleaning is done by controlling the pH so that it is normally acidic by maintaining a high carbon dioxide concentration in solution, the carbon dioxide being allowed to pass into the permeate from a reverse osmosis membrane assembly used to purify the water.

Abstract: A method of setting up a dialysis treatment in a dialysis machine (1) provided with a device (6) for setting up the dialysis treatment, possessing a microprocessor (11), a data input (12, 13) and a screen (13), comprises the steps of: supplying a group of functions (U(t, P); C(t, P)) of a quantity (U; C) that is characteristic of the dialysis treatment as a function of time (t) and of a parameter (P) correlated with intermediate values (U1, C1) of each function (U(t; P); C(t; P)) of the group; selecting a subset of the group of functions (U(t, P); C(t; P)) imposing boundary conditions (U0, TWL, DT; C0, Cf, DT; C0, CS, DT) that are characteristic of a particular therapy; assigning values to the parameter (P) and displaying the curves corresponding to the functions (U(t, P); C(t, P)) of the subset and to the respective values assigned to parameter (P); and selecting one of the functions ((U(t, P); C(t, P)) of the subset on the basis of the images of the curves.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus includes a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a pre-set water-remove rate, an autonomic-nerve-activity-related-information obtaining device which obtains autonomic-nerve-activity-related information that is related to an activity of an autonomic nerve of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target water-remove rate based on the autonomic-nerve-activity-related information obtained by the autonomic-nerve-activity related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus includes a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate during a dialysis operation, a blood-pressure-change-related-information obtaining device which obtains a plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information each of which is related to a change of a blood pressure of the patient during the dialysis operation, and a water-remove-rate control device which controls the water-remove rate of the dialyzer, based on the plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information, according to a predetermined control manner.

Abstract: A multifunctional pure water maker includes a main body and a reverse osmosis module. The main body includes a base portion and a column extending from the base portion. A water container is removably placed on the base portion. A control cap is pivotally attached to the column and includes a compartment in an underside thereof. An outlet pipe is mounted in the control cap and has an end communicated with the reverse osmosis module. Water purified by the reverse osmosis module flows through the other end of the outlet pipe into the water container when the control cap is in a closed position covering an opening of the water container. A limit switch is mounted in the control cap such that the reverse osmosis module is activated to proceed with production of pure water when the control cap is moved to the closed position and that the reverse osmosis module is deactivated when the control cap is moved to an open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of purifying feedwater to remove impurities including suspended solids therefrom, the method suitable for using in-line water pressure to permeate water through hollow fiber membranes and to backflush the membranes to remove solids collected or deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method of setting up a dialysis treatment in a dialysis machine may include the steps of determining conditions of a dialysis treatment adapted to a specific patient, determining a first function (U(t)) of a first quantity (U) characterizing the dialysis treatment as a function of time (t), and determining a second function (C(t)) of a second quantity (C) characterizing the dialysis treatment. The first function (U(t)) satisfying the conditions of the dialysis treatment and corresponding to a curve having a defined shape. The second function (C(t)) is correlated with the first function (U(t)) by constants (M, N) determined experimentally and the second function (U(t)) corresponding to a curve having a shape of the same kind as the shape as the first curve.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A one-piece manifold for a reverse osmosis system includes a filter configured to receive water from a water port and a membrane configured to receive filtered water via a first conduit. The membrane is also configured to send permeate water to a reverse osmosis tank. The manifold also includes a flow restrictor configured to receive concentrate water from the membrane via a second conduit and to pass the concentrate water to a drain port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for adjusting the composition of a dispersions comprising particulate matter and a fluid medium which comprises separating the dispersion into a plurality of fractions. The present invention particularly relates to a novel apparatus comprising a filter membrane adapted for use in accordance with the process of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a process for adjusting the composition of a plurality of dispersions and a novel apparatus for use in this process.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for blood purification by means of hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration, wherein to the blood in the extra-corporeal circuit of the hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration device a substitution solution is added upstream as well as downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. A purification effect remaining constant with a high purification performance is achieved in that one or several of the operational and/or blood parameters are controlled and that the control is carried out using at least one of the infusion rates of the substitution solutions supplied upstream or downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. The present invention also refers to a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration apparatus for the performance of the inventive method.

Abstract: An extra-corporeal blood purification device includes a blood filter, and elements for measuring at least one parameter affected by filter resistance to liquid flow, elements for determining at least a threshold value of the parameter, elements for comparing the parameter with the threshold value, exchange control elements for calculating the distribution between the respective flow rates through connecting ducts, capable of reducing the difference between the value of the measured parameter and the threshold value.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing the safety of an extracorporeal blood treatment machine are based on monitoring transmembrane pressure. The transmembrane pressure measured by a measuring device during the treatment is compared with an upper limit transmembrane pressure L1 and a lower limit transmembrane pressure L2 which define a monitoring window. If the transmembrane pressure is outside this monitoring window, an alarm is triggered by an alarm device. The monitoring window is shifted as a function of the ultrafiltration rate. To determine the window limits, the transmembrane pressure is established after a change in the ultrafiltration rate is calculated. Thereafter, the window limits are determined on the basis of the expected transmembrane pressure.

Abstract: A multifunctional pure water maker includes a main body and a reverse osmosis module. The main body includes a base portion and a column extending from the base portion. A water container is removably placed on the base portion. A control cap is pivotally attached to the column and includes a compartment in an underside thereof. An outlet pipe is mounted in the control cap and has an end communicated with the reverse osmosis module. Water purified by the reverse osmosis module flows through the other end of the outlet pipe into the water container when the control cap is in a closed position covering an opening of the water container. A limit switch is mounted in the control cap such that the reverse osmosis module is activated to proceed with production of pure water when the control cap is moved to the closed position and that the reverse osmosis module is deactivated when the control cap is moved to an open position.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate, an arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device which obtains arteriosclerosis-related information that is related to a degree of arteriosclerosis of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target value of the water-remove rate based on the arteriosclerosis-related information obtained by the arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.

Abstract: A device for the extracorporeal treatment of blood comprising at least one exchanger (1) comprising a semi-permeable membrane (6) dividing said exchanger into a first chamber (7) and a second chamber (8), at least one first inlet (2) for blood to be treated being in fluid communication with the first chamber (7) of the exchanger, a first fluid outlet (4) being in fluid communication with the first chamber (7) of the exchanger and a second fluid outlet (5) being in fluid communication with the second chamber (8) of the exchanger, an input line (10) for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet (2) of the exchanger (1), a blood output line (11) connected to the first outlet (4) of the exchanger (1), at least one treatment unit (21) comprising a semi-permeable membrane (26) dividing the treatment unit (21) into a first chamber (27) and a second chamber (28), at least one first fluid inlet (22) being in fluid communication with the second chamber (28) of the treatment unit (21) and at least one first fluid

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying water whereby:

Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element (22), enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. These features are preferably combined to optimize the performance and cost per unit volume of water produced. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump (20), an RO element (22) with a housing, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve (24). The DPA valve (24), in combination with offsetting fluid pressures on the two pump heads (28, 30), generate energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump (20) create a pulse wave in the RO element (22) that improves permeate quality and throughput.

Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element, enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump, an RO element, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve. The DPA valve, in combination with connecting the two pump heads to reduce required pump pressures, generates energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump create a pulse wave in the RO element that improves permeate quality and throughput. A control system preferably monitors system parameters to optimize the reciprocating pump speed and amplitude in order to obtain maximum throughput and permeate quality from any given RO element configuration.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a reverse osmosis filter apparatus in communication with a pressure conversion apparatus. The reverse osmosis filter is connected to a high pressure pump that provides feed water at a high pressure to the reverse osmosis filter. The pressure conversion apparatus is in communication with a low pressure water supply and the reverse osmosis filter apparatus. The pressure conversion apparatus receives low pressure water from the low pressure water supply and high pressure brine from the reverse osmosis filter apparatus. The pressure conversion apparatus is structured to convert the low pressure water contained in the pressure conversion apparatus to high pressure water without separately generating forces on the low pressure water. Methods of filtering water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system (10) and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system (10) continuously monitors the flow rates of drained fluid, blood, and infusate. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted to remove a preselected amount of fluid from the blood in a preselected time period. A supervisory controller (160) can monitor patient parameters, such as heart rate (120) and blood pressure (130), and adjust the pumping rates accordingly. The supervisory controller (160) uses fuzzy logic to make expert decisions, based upon a set of supervisory rules, to control each pumping rate to achieve a desired flow rate and to respond to fault conditions. An adaptive controller (162) corrects temporal variations in the flow rate based upon an adaptive law and a control law.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water purification device with a fluid pump, a diaphragm unit having a diaphragm, which separates a primary side from a secondary side, and a consumer having a pressure requirement, the fluid pump being connected with the primary side and the consumer being connected with the secondary side. It is endeavoured to supply the consumer with water under a high pressure. For this purpose, the fluid pump supplies the pressure (P2) for the consumer through the diaphragm.