Abstract: Systems and methods convey the blood through a gap defined between an inner surface that is located about an axis and an outer surface that is concentric with the inner surface. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces carries a membrane that consists essentially of either a hemofiltration membrane or a hemodialysis membrane. The systems and methods cause relative movement between the inner and outer surfaces about the axis at a selected surface velocity, taking into account the size of the gap. The relative movement of the two surfaces creates movement of the blood within the gap, which creates vortical flow conditions that induce transport of cellular blood components from the membrane while plasma water and waste material are transported to the membrane for transport across the membrane. Shear-enhanced transport of waste materials and blood plasma water results.

Abstract: The rotary flat membrane separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of hollow rotary shafts; a plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts at regular intervals, the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on adjacent two of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts being alternately arranged side by side in equal intervals; and a plurality of collars, each of the plurality of collars being arranged between adjacent two of the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that a diameter of the collars is between 0.18-0.34 times a diameter of the rotary flat membrane disks. Thus, the effective membrane area can be as large as possible while preventing the vibration of the rotary flat membrane disks caused by the rotation.

Abstract: A pressure vessel designed to hold a plurality of cylindrical cartridges in the form of cross-flow semipermeable membrane filtration elements having central permeate tubes that are interconnected to form a composite permeate passageway that extends axially of the pressure vessel. Several constructions are shown for compensating for assembly clearance and potential pressure vessel growth and uniquely biasing the column of cartridges towards the downstream end of the pressure vessel to prevent axial shuttling movement that could cause wear and deterioration of seals which would result in leakage and deterioration of product while providing for absorption of shock potentially promulgated from the downstream end should feed pressure be suddenly lost.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a system for the cross flow filtration of fluid media using membranes. The system has in a first embodiment two shafts, only one of which is hollow, with each shaft running through an axis of its given disc. The disc of each shaft is positioned offset with respect to one another to have a region of overlap therebetween. The region of overlap serves to enhance the efficient operation of the system by reducing the degree of settling of retentate on the disc of the hollow shaft, because of the wiping or cleaning effect achieved upon rotation of each shaft by a drive system. In another embodiment, both shafts are hollow.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a filtering device comprising at least one filtering membrane, at least one counter surface opposite to the filtering membrane, and at least one gap-shaped liquid space formed between the filtering membrane and the counter surface. The present invention further refers to a filtering method, in which a liquid is introduced into a gap-shaped liquid space formed between a filtering membrane and a counter surface and is moved relative to the filtering membrane and/or the counter surface. To obtain an improved filtering method and an improved filtering device, it is suggested by the present invention that the filtering device comprises a disk at whose circular surface at least the filtering membrane or the counter surface is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force or faster rate than the second type of particle. A housing is provided having a generally cylindrical inner surface in which is mounted a rotor having a generally cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface of the rotor is spaced from the inner surface of the housing to define a suspension processing gap. A filter membrane is provided on the surface of the rotor or the housing that has pores with substantially precisely dimensioned shapes and sizes to correspond substantially to the shape of the first type of particle, thus allowing passage of the first type of particle and blocking passage of the second type of particle. A suspension is directed into the processing gap for either a selected residence time in contact with the filter membrane and/or at a selected force.

Abstract: A shear separation system or method uses shear lift forces and permeate drag forces to separate substances having a size less than a predetermined separation size from substances having a size greater than the separation size. The balance of the drag forces and lift forces affects a predetermined separation size in that the balance of forces reads the transmembrane passage of substances larger than the separation size yet allows substances smaller than the separation size to pass through the permeable membrane. The shear separation device, method and system can be employed to separate or concentrate from a process fluid substances larger or smaller than the predetermined separation size.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus in which a rotating filter element is concentrically mounted in a hollow conical of cylindrical chamber. The filter element consists of a support and a membrane mounted on the support. Fluid enters the chamber through an inlet port and concentrate leaves the chamber through an outlet port. Filtrate drains through the membrane and support to a channel in the centre of the filter element. Filtration relies upon cross-flow of the fluid across the surface of the rotating filter element. This reduces the tendency of solids in the fluid to block pores of the membrane, thereby maintaining high flux and minimising the requirement for cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a container (24) that surrounds at least one rapidly rotating membrane pack (32, FIG. 2) and stationary turbulators (36A, 36B ) slightly spaced from the membrane pack surfaces to leave thin gaps (40A, 40B ) between them, which obtains the advantages of both series-connected and parallel-connected systems. A feed conduit (82) connects the radially outer ends (110) of the gaps, to carry feed fluid into and out of each gap, with radially outward flow (94) near the pack surfaces, causing radially inward flow (102) near the surfaces of the turbulators. The turbulators have recesses that leave projections to promote fluid shear at the membrane surfaces. A motor shaft (314) supported on motor bearings, has a motor housing fixed to the container. The motor shaft extends into the container and holds the membrane pack to spin it, so only the motor bearings (316, 318) support all rotating parts.

Abstract: A vibratory separation system having a drive mechanism for imparting a vibratory motion to a membrane module to enhance filtration. The membrane module comprises one or more filter elements secured to one another, each having a permeable membrane. The vibratory motion imparted to the membrane module generates a dynamic flow boundary layer at the permeable membranes. This fluid shear boundary layer, in turn, generates lift, thereby inhibiting fouling of the membranes.

Abstract: This invention teaches a system and method to improve the renewal of water being filtered and to prevent the accumulation of solids within a cassette of multiple vertical skeins of hollow fibers used in membrane 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: The rotary flat membrane disk is constructed in which circular membranes are stretched at both sides of a disk. The disk and the membrane are bonded to each other over the entire periphery by a peripheral bonding part, and they are also bonded to each other by a plurality of partial bonding parts arranged inside the peripheral bonding part. The partial bonding parts are formed like dots of 10 mm in diameter, and are arranged at every 30 degrees on circles of 500 mm and 600 mm in diameter.

Abstract: The rotary flat membrane separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of hollow rotary shafts; a plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts at regular intervals, the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on adjacent two of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts being alternately arranged side by side in equal intervals; and a plurality of collars, each of the plurality of collars being arranged between adjacent two of the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that a diameter of the collars is between 0.18-0.34 times a diameter of the rotary flat membrane disks. Thus, the effective membrane area can be as large as possible while preventing the vibration of the rotary flat membrane disks caused by the rotation.