Abstract: A filter column module is disclosed, which has an upper column having a top opening, and a protruding bottom shell. The bottom shell has a plurality of apertures, and a diameter smaller than that of the upper column. A lower column has a support at the bottom and an opening that accommodates the protruding bottom shell of the upper column. The support partially contacts the protruding bottom shell of the upper column, and liquid or air can pass through the support. A filter is placed between the protruding bottom shell of the upper column and the support of the lower column.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 25, 2011
Assignee:
Industrial Technology Research Institute
Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. An infusion pump for delivering a fluid from a fluid source may be integrated in a microfluidic chip using a capping module having pumping components formed therein.
Abstract: Provided are filtration media, matrixes, and systems for liquid purification that utilize functional polymer particles. The functional polymer particles can comprise a cationic charge. Exemplary functional polymer particles comprise comprise [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) polymerized with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA).
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 19, 2008
Publication date:
January 13, 2011
Inventors:
Gokhan Kuruc, Marjorie Bucholz, Todd E. Arnold, Robert T. Fitzsimons, JR., Kannan Seshadri, Steven M. Heilmann, Andrew W. Rabins, Catherine A. Bothof
Abstract: The support element (4) is provided with a plurality of connectors (7), (8), (11) which receive corresponding counter-connectors of a blood treatment device. The support element is also predisposed to include a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with the blood treatment device in order to provide an integrated module for blood treatment. An assembly process of the integrated module for blood treatment is also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 13, 2007
Date of Patent:
January 11, 2011
Assignee:
Gambro Lundia AB
Inventors:
Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
Abstract: To provide a humidifying membrane module that is reduced in weight, size and cost by making a case in a single layer structure, the humidifying membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle constructed from plural hollow fiber membranes, a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first flow passage extending through hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, and a second flow passage extending through the outer surface sides of the hollow fiber membranes, the membrane bundle and the case are simultaneously integrated at both ends of the membrane bundle by using potting members sealing gaps between the membrane bundle and the case, an inlet and an outlet constructing the first flow passage are formed at the both ends of the case respectively, and an entrance and an exit constructing the second flow passage are formed in side surfaces near the both ends of the case respectively.
Abstract: Membrane separation processes and systems are disclosed that pass a portion of the feed (102) to the permeate side of the membrane (104) to reduce membrane surface area and thus provide economically attractive processes and systems for treating large volume refinery and chemical process streams.
Abstract: A membrane module (3) comprising a plurality of porous hollow membranes (8). The membranes (8) extend between and are fixed at each end in a header (5, 6). One header (6) has one or more of openings (12) formed therein. The openings (12) are in fluid communication with a source of gas and/or liquid (13, 14, 15). The other of the headers (5) is sealingly connected to and in fluid communication with a head-piece (9). The head-piece (9) is adapted to couple to an associated head-piece of a further module to form a rack of modules (17). A potting head (6) for use in mounting porous hollow membranes (8) is also disclosed comprising a preformed potting element (29). The potting element (29) includes one or more cavities (30) for receiving curate potting material which, in use, supports said membranes (8).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 19, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 4, 2011
Assignee:
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
Inventors:
Robert James McMahon, David John Cox, Fufang Zha, Roger William Phelps, Warren Thomas Johnson, Sargon Barkho
Abstract: A membrane has a permeate channel including a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and a lower fabric surface (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance, the permeate channel being interposed between two membrane layers (12, 13), wherein the membrane layers are linked at a multitude of points with the upper and lower fabric surfaces to form an integral structure with a high bonding strength suitable for backflush operations. A method provides an integrated permeate channel membrane, including the steps of: —Providing a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and lower surface fabric (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance; and—Applying a membrane layer to both the upper and the lower surface fabric.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 10, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 4, 2011
Assignee:
Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)
Inventors:
Wim Doyen, Herman Beckers, Walter Adriansens, Chris Dotremont
Abstract: A water treatment system including a reverse osmosis module and a control valve controlling communication between a water source and the module. A feedwater biased storage tank stores permeate and its pressurization by feedwater is controlled by a feedwater control valve. Flow of signal pressure to a signal pressure chamber of the feedwater control valve is restricted to reduce the rate at which a fluid generated force is applied. A check valve in parallel with the restriction allows relatively unrestricted flow out of the signal chamber when signal pressure is terminated. A tank pressurization control valve controls the operation of the feedwater control valve and controls the pressurization of a feedwater biasing chamber in the storage tank. Per-meate is stored in an accumulator for flushing the reverse osmosis module when the storage tank reaches a predetermined limit.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 12, 2008
Publication date:
December 30, 2010
Inventors:
Stuart Park, Stephen Goff, Steven Hoopes, Peter Halemba
Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a microfluidic transfer device. The device mitigates risk of cross contamination between working fluids and is amenable to high-volume, low-cost manufacturing techniques. The device may be configured for mass transfer, heat transfer, or both. For instance, certain disclosed embodiments incorporate semi-permeable membranes to transfer target substances from one fluid to another. Moreover, the device may incorporate both heat and mass transfer components.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 7, 2010
Publication date:
December 30, 2010
Inventors:
M. Kevin Drost, Goran Jovanovic, Richard Todd Miller, James R. Curtis, Bruce W. Johnson, Alana Warner-Tuhy, Eric K. Anderson, Julie S. Wrazel
Abstract: In a reverse osmosis desalination plant a number of membranes (34, 36, 38, 40) are arranged end-to-end in a cylindrical outer casing (42). Each membrane comprises a sleeve, a permeate pipe (56) passing centrally through the sleeve, a plurality of leaves of permeable material (54) wound around the pipe and contained within the sleeve and an apertured plate (10, 58) at each end of the sleeve. According to the invention the flow distributor plate (10) at the inlet end of each membrane is a flow distributor and has a plurality of bores (30.1, 30.2 etc) through it from a front face (12) to a rear face (14). The front face (12) has a recessed area (20) which is set back from the remainder (22) of the front face (12). The entrances to at least some of the bores (30.1, 30.2 etc) are within the recessed area (20).
Abstract: Provided are a pressure vessel for a membrane element in which the membrane element can be easily mounted, a membrane filtration apparatus equipped with the pressure vessel for a membrane element, and a method for manufacturing a membrane filtration apparatus. A rail (protrusion) 60 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the pressure vessel 40 in such a manner that a ridge line 61 extends along the insertion direction of the membrane element. Consequently, the membrane element 10 can be inserted into the pressure vessel 40 so as to be in a sliding contact onto the ridge line 61 of the rail 60 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the pressure vessel 40. Therefore, the frictional resistance can be reduced as compared with conventional ways, so that the membrane element 10 can be easily mounted onto the pressure vessel 40.
Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane cartridge used in a submerged membrane separator. A peripheral portion of a filtration membrane is joined to the surface of a filtration plate. A portion higher than the surface of the filtration plate corresponding to the peripheral edge of the filtration membrane is formed on the surface of the filtration plate further on the outer side than the peripheral edge of the filtration membrane.
Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition comprising an associating polymer. The polymer coating is characterized as having hard and soft segments where the hard segment comprises TMPA, combined with HDPA. The membrane may utilize a porous substrate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 7, 2007
Date of Patent:
November 30, 2010
Assignee:
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
Inventors:
Randall D. Partridge, Dennis G. Peiffer, David C. Dalrymple, Walter Weissman
Abstract: A dehydrating system is designed to maintain the availability of a plant having the dehydrating system using a water separation membrane by allowing a water separation membrane unit to be replaced while the plant is in operation. The dehydrating system comprises at least two water separation membrane units in use arranged parallel to the direction of flow of a fluid to be processed, is configured so that at least one spare water separation membrane unit can be installed parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid to be processed with respect to the at least two water separation membrane units, having monitoring devices for the product fluid to be taken out, and maintains the properties of the product fluid by operating the spare water separation membrane unit depending on the properties of the product fluid monitored by the monitoring devices.
Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing which receives feed water and a membrane element within the housing to filter the feed water. The membrane element includes a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet. The reverse osmosis system further includes a sensor that monitors the condition of the water that exits from the membrane element. The reverse osmosis system further includes a first set of indicators that are located remotely from the housing. The first set of indicators showing a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor. The reverse osmosis system further includes a second set of indicators that are located near the housing to show a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 11, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 9, 2010
Assignee:
GE Osmonics, Inc.
Inventors:
Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. A membrane element is within the housing. The reverse osmosis system further includes (i) a first connector that is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that is connected to the concentrate port. A key is inserted between each of the first, second and third connectors. The key is configured such that the key cannot be inserted between the first, second and third connectors unless each of the first, second and third connectors is properly connected to the respective inlet, permeate and concentrate ports. In some embodiments, the key is configured such that the key cannot be removed from between each of the first, second and third connectors when there is pressure at the inlet port.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 11, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 9, 2010
Assignee:
GE Osmonics, Inc.
Inventors:
Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 9, 2007
Date of Patent:
October 5, 2010
Assignees:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior, The Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado Seminary, Separation Systems Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Andrew Patrick Murphy, Balasingam Murugaverl, Robert Lee Riley
Abstract: A nanopump for pumping small volumes of electrolyte solution under the control of a voltage source is described. The device includes a chamber and a nanopore membrane which partitions the chamber into upstream and downstream regions. When a voltage potential is applied across the membrane, electroosmotic flow through the membrane channels produces a precise-volume flow between the two chamber regions. A method for precise-volume pumping employing the nanopump and a nanopump device for determining the lengths of nucleic acid fragments in an electrolyte solution of different-length fragments are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 12, 2006
Date of Patent:
September 21, 2010
Assignee:
The Ohio State University Research Foundation
Inventors:
Derek J. Hansford, Robbie J. Walczak, Anthony A. Boiarski
Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a pressure tank having a first end and a second end, the pressure tank has a first volume adjacent to the first end and a second volume adjacent to the second end and a third volume between the first volume and the second volume and a fluid passage fluidically coupling the second volume to the first volume. The reverse osmosis system also includes a plurality of membranes disposed within the third volume generating permeate and a permeate manifold receiving permeate from the membranes and fluidically communicating permeate out of the pressure tank. A feed line couples feed fluid into the pressure tank. A first pump pressurizes the feed line. A second pump is disposed within the tank and circulates brine fluid from the second volume through the fluid passage.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 17, 2010
Publication date:
September 16, 2010
Applicant:
FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction elements are described. A liquid-liquid extraction element includes a first layer pair and a second layer pair disposed adjacent the first layer pair forming a stack of layers. The first layer pair includes a first polymeric microporous membrane, and a first flow channel layer oriented in a first flow direction having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on first opposing sides of the extraction element. The second layer pair includes a second polymeric microporous membrane and a second flow channel layer oriented in a second flow direction different than the first flow direction and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on second opposing sides of the extraction element. The first microporous membrane is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. Methods of extracting a dissolved solute from a first liquid to a second liquid are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 30, 2005
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2010
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Gary W. Schukar, Dan L. Fanselow, Todd W. Johnson, Nicholas J. Isder, Bradley K. Fong, Michael D. Begich
Abstract: A device for isolating a component of a multi-component composition. The device includes a housing, a chamber, and a withdrawal port. The chamber is rotatably mounted within the housing. The chamber includes a chamber base and a sidewall. The side wall extends from the chamber base. At least a portion of the sidewall is defined by a filter that permits passage of a first component of the multi-component composition out of the chamber through the filter and to the housing base. The filter restricts passage of a second component of the multi-component composition through the filter. The withdrawal port extends from a position proximate to the housing base to an exterior of the device. The withdrawal port permits the withdrawal of the first component from the housing base to an exterior of the device.
Abstract: A single needle hemodiafiltration apparatus is provided. The single needle hemodiafiltration apparatus includes circuits for blood supply from a patient and blood return to a patient, a dialysis fluid supply system for supplying a dialysis fluid, and a system for controlling the blood flow and dialysis fluid flow in a separation device which is equipped to perform filtration and back-filtration operations. A controller is provided that controls, in a series of coordinated operations, the flow of blood from the patient into the separation device, the flow of filtration fluid and back filtration fluid, and the return of blood to the patient.
Abstract: A water purification unit to purify potentially contaminated water is provided. The water purification unit is in fluid communication with a water source and has a pump to draw water from the water source. The water is passed through at least a main filter to purify the water and dispensed through an outlet. Power is provided to the water purification unit by a battery bank and a non-grid power source.
Abstract: Devices, methods, and system that prevent clotting of blood during blood-processing procedures such as hemofiltration, hemodialysis, and hemodiafiltration are described. A filter with a cap has a housing that is shaped to receive a blood filter. The housing has an inlet for blood and may have an outlet for waste and ultrafiltrate. The cap is attached to the housing. The cap has an outlet for blood and a port adjacent the outlet for receiving dilution fluid. Methods of use during blood-processing procedures to provide immediate hemodilution to blood exiting entering and/or exiting a filter are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 16, 2008
Date of Patent:
August 17, 2010
Assignee:
NxStage Medical, Inc.
Inventors:
James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Martin Stillig
Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for the remineralization of process water in a desalination system. The method sequesters carbon dioxide gas (CO2) from seawater or concentrate (brine) of desalination process via a gas transfer membrane. The sequestered carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is thereafter used in the production of soluble calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2). The calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) adds hardness and alkalinity to the resulting process water.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 9, 2009
Date of Patent:
August 10, 2010
Assignee:
Doosan Hydro Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Young Chul Choi, Chunwoo Lee, Elvira Fernandez Sanchis
Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements (10) and methods for operating fluid treatment arrangements (10) may include fluid treatment assemblies (11) and manifold assemblies (12) that direct fluids to and/or from the fluid treatment assemblies (11).
Abstract: The present invention is for high performance UV-cross-linked membranes from polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) and the use of such membranes for separations. More specifically, the invention involves the methods of making UV-cross-linked membranes from PIMs. These membranes were prepared by cross-linking the UV-cross-linkable membranes from PIMs by exposure to UV-radiation. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrate that the UV-cross-linked membranes from PIMs exhibit CO2/CH4 performance well above the Robeson's polymer upper bound trade-off curve for CO2/CH4 separation. They have more than doubled selectivity for CO2/CH4 and extremely high permeability of CO2 compared to the original UV-cross-linkable membranes from PIMs. These membranes also show excellent separation performance for CO2/N2, H2/CH4, O2/N2, and propylene/propane separations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 29, 2006
Date of Patent:
July 20, 2010
Assignee:
UOP LLC
Inventors:
Chunqing Liu, Stephen T. Wilson, David A. Lesch
Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method to treat an Inflammatory Mediator Related Disease in a mammal, including chronic and acute diseases, include a hemofilter and an adsorptive device. The hemofilter removes ultrafiltrate from a blood stream extracted from the mammal to create a filtered blood stream and an ultrafiltrate stream. The adsorptive device may include one or more adsorbent materials and may be used to adsorb inflammatory mediators from the ultrafiltrate stream received from the hemofilter to create a post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream. The post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream may be selectively combined with the filtered blood stream and together with the filtered blood stream may be returned to the mammal.
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: Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 ?m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and forms a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based analysis systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 5, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 13, 2010
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation
Inventors:
Anup K. Singh, Brian J. Kirby, Timothy J. Shepodd
Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 1, 2009
Date of Patent:
July 6, 2010
Assignee:
NxStage Medical, Inc.
Inventors:
James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Brian C. Green
Abstract: A passive self energized, liquid device operates entirely on capillary action. A microfilter fractionates nanoliter volumes of suspension such as whole blood into suspended particles or cells and liquid fractions. Blood, for example, is fractionated with minimal cell lysis, and the filtrate (plasma) flux is dependent upon design parameters similar to factors controlling blood filtration in microporous membranes, i.e. active filter area, fluid velocity and microfilter geometry. Weir-style filters communicate with a blood flow channel to separate plasma from blood moving by capillary action. An expanded downstream channel with multiple parallel capillary blood flow path provides continuing movement of blood past the filters. Lysing is controlled by the size of the filter pores and the duration of adherence of the red blood cells to the pores. The controlled lysis or prevention of lysis of red blood cells is accomplished by manipulating the significant capillary forces generated in the filters.
Abstract: A fuel separation apparatus comprises a stock fuel storage tank storing stock fuel, a separator provided with a separation film separating the stock fuel into high octane value fuel with an octane value higher than the stock fuel and a low octane value fuel with an octane value lower than the stock fuel, and a high octane value fuel storage tank storing the high octane value fuel separated by the separator. When the temperature of the separation film is lower than the high octane value fuel separation temperature, the high octane value fuel stored in the high octane value fuel storage tank is supplied to the separator. Due to this, vaporization of fuel is suppressed and the fuel can be quickly raised in temperature. Due to this, a vehicle mounted fuel separation apparatus able to quickly raise the temperature of the fuel supplied to the separation film so as to quickly raise the temperature of the separation film at the time of engine cold start can be provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 22, 2008
Publication date:
June 24, 2010
Applicants:
EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 18, 2009
Publication date:
June 24, 2010
Inventors:
Douglas E. Weiss, Clinton P. Waller, JR., Michael R. Berrigan, Andrew W. Rabins, Jeffrey A. Lucas, Kannan Seshadri, Catherine A. Bothof
Abstract: A filter device and a method for the filtration of beer, where, for an improved and simplified filtration, the filter includes a nonfiltrate chamber having a nonfiltrate inlet and a nonfiltrate outlet, wherein the nonfiltrate flows into the nonfiltrate chamber substantially tangentially to the walls thereof, and the bottom of the nonfiltrate chamber is constructed at least partially as a filter. The filter also includes a filtrate chamber underneath the bottom, and a filtrate outlet.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 31, 2008
Publication date:
June 17, 2010
Inventors:
Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Cornelia Stumpe, Kurt Stippler, Thomas Albrecht, Heinz Humele, Michael Thomas Stein
Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and systems comprising embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for storing and retrieving data. The RFID tags can be preferably embedded under a filtration device's protective outer shell. Information can be easily stored onto and retrieved from the embedded RFID tags. The ability to easily store and retrieve data from the embedded RFID devices facilitates the creation of loading maps, monitoring, addition, and replacement of fluid filtration devices.
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 crossflow filtration system including at least one quick dry change crossflow filtration cartridge designed to rotatably interface with a manifold assembly. The quick dry change crossflow filtration cartridge can comprise a membrane element, for example an ultrafiltration membrane, microfiltration membrane, nanofiltration membrane or reverse osmosis membrane element enclosed within a housing. The quick dry change cartridge includes an inlet stream, a permeate stream and a concentrate stream. The manifold assembly includes three similar flow paths; an inlet stream, a permeate stream and a concentrate stream. When engaged, the cartridge and manifold assembly define continuous inlet flow paths, permeate flow paths and concentrate flow paths that connect across the interface. Thus, all of the connections to the water filtration system can be made onto the manifold, and the resulting connected system is compact and easy to connect.
Abstract: A fluid filter comprises a filter casing having an inlet end at which a fluid to be filtered is introducible, an and a filtration channel, a plurality of fibres extending longitudinally inside the channel, the fibres being expandable in a direction perpendicular to their length in response to an increase in pressure to create a pinch area between the fibres and an inner surface of the filtration channel.
Abstract: Manifold blocks are preferably injection molded thermoplastic components of a pressurized membrane water treatment system, preferably a reverse osmosis system. A manifold block comprises a structural member of the system having at least one integral flow channel. Each channel has one or more fluidly interconnectable inlet ports and fluidly interconnectable outlet ports. The manifold block provides interconnection for modules and pumps and passageways for liquid transport. The novel manifold blocks described allow RO systems to be designed and fabricated with improved accessibility, ease of fabrication and modification in the field, and compact structure.
Abstract: An submersible desalination unit composed of a structure containing a water intake system for acquiring sea water, a sea water pre-filtration system for removing lager contaminants and debris, a reverse osmosis system for the purification of the water, a permeate transfer system to carry the water to where it will be used, a power source for powering the equipment used in the process and a control system that operates and monitors the equipment and process of removing salt from the water and transferring the desalinated water to other use and returning the brine solution to the sea.
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: 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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 13, 2007
Date of Patent:
June 1, 2010
Assignee:
Gambro Lundia AB
Inventors:
Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Ribolzi, Claudio Tonelli, Vincenzo Baraldi, Massimo Zaccarelli, Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber for holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.
Abstract: Modularized water separating membranes in a plural number of units are provided. A membrane container used in a dehydration system for separating water from treated fluid includes a shell part 11 having a permeated fluid outlet nozzle 16 and containing a plurality of water separating membranes arranged in parallel with respect to the flow direction of treated fluid; an upper channel part 12 having a treated fluid inlet nozzle 14 and connecting with the upper end of the shell part 11; and a lower channel part 13 having a treated fluid outlet nozzle 15 and connecting with the lower end of the shell part 11.
Abstract: A fluid-level sensing device that uses the interaction of a first magnet attached to the distal end of an external micro switch arm and a second magnet positioned within the distal end of a pivoting float body to close a circuit within the micro switch and create a shut-off signal to stop fluid production. A single housing holds the micro switch and float body, wherein magnetic forces acting through the housing wall between them and other magnet-positioning materials that separate the two magnets cause signal production. After float body deployment, manual reset of the float body is accomplished via its lever-like distal end. The main body of the micro switch, which it is snap-fit into a fixed position within the upper housing chamber for use, is entirely encapsulated in waterproof material to protect it from corrosion. Alternative ways for quick mounting of the housing to a fluid-collecting pan are contemplated.
Abstract: A method of assisting the removal of phosphorous from wastewater in a wastewater treatment system comprising a membrane bioreactor having at least one membrane (6), the method comprising forming a mixture of a gas and liquid medium; adding a coagulant to the mixture; applying the mixture and added coagulant to a surface of the membrane (6) and filtering a permeate through a wall of the membrane (6).
Abstract: The present invention provides tangential flow filtration devices and methods for enriching a heterogeneous mixture of blood constituents for leukocytes by removal of non-leukocyte blood constituents. In one particular embodiment the device can provide a composition enriched in monocytes. One embodiment includes a remover unit (1) having a crossflow chamber (3) separated by a microporous filter (5) from a filtrate chamber (4), the remover unit (1) also having a tangential flow inlet (6), a fluid outlet (7) for a fluid enriched in leukocytes and a filtrate outlet (8).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 19, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 13, 2010
Assignee:
Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Inventors:
Marnix L. Bosch, Paul C. Harris, Steven J. Monahan, Allen Turner, Alton L. Boynton, Patricia A. Lodge