Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a liquid treatment machine and a cassette insertable therein substantially made of a rigid base body of the cassette with fitted chambers and passages and a foil covering them.

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: The forward osmosis membrane flow system (1) includes a high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) to which a high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, a low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) to which a low osmotic pressure fluid with a lower osmotic pressure than that of the high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, and a semipermeable membrane (4) that separates the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section and the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section from each other. A flow rate in the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) is increased by an occurrence of fluid migration from the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) into the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) through the semipermeable membrane (4). The semipermeable membrane (4) is a composite semipermeable membrane with a polyamide-based skin layer formed on a porous epoxy resin membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine has a blood flow path for carrying a volume of blood to be treated in a dialyser and a dialysate flow path, isolated from the blood flow path, for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through the dialyser. The cartridge is received in an engine section of the machine. The engine section has first and second platens which close when the cartridge is inserted to retain the cartridge. Actuators and sensors arranged on the second platen control operation of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module having fixing layers to which one or more hollow fiber membrane bundles each including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are fixed at respective ends thereof using a casting resin, a hollow portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes being open at one or both of the ends, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle is divided into a plurality of small bundles at least one of the fixing layers on the open side of the hollow portion, and an outer circumference of each of the small bundles is covered with an elastic body near a filtration portion interface of the fixing layer.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for determining the transmembrane pressure during an extracorporeal blood treatment in which blood flows at a defined blood flow rate through an arterial blood conduit of an extracorporeal blood circuit into the inlet of a first chamber of a dialyzer, which is divided by a semipermeable membrane into the first chamber and a second chamber, and flows through a venous blood conduit from the outlet of the first chamber of the dialyzer, while dialysis liquid flows through a dialysis liquid supply conduit into the inlet of the second chamber of the dialyzer and flows through a dialaysis liquid discharge conduit from the outlet of the second chamber of the dialyzer.

Abstract: A filtration member comprising a nanofiber layer and two nanoporous membrane layers is disclosed. The filtration member can be used to remove particles and gels from photoresist and other fluids by a combination of sieving and non-sieving particle retention mechanisms.

Abstract: A disposable encapsulated water purification media assembly including a hollow cylindrical core member, a top end cap permanently attached to a top portion of the cylindrical core member, and a bottom end cap permanently attached to a bottom portion of the cylindrical core member, such that the cylindrical core member, top end cap, and bottom end cap form a void capable of directly containing a water purification media.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high cut-off hemodialysis membranes for the treatment of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, with the potential to improve long-term survival of these patients by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, through down-regulation of monocyte activation in the blood. Monocytes are the major circulating blood cells involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease. High cut-off hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients results in a sustained decrease in expression of monocyte cell-surface proteins that direct the movement of these cells from the blood to the walls of blood vessels, where they promote the progression of arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD); heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component part transducer assembly for determining the pressure of a fluid of interest. One part of the assembly comprises a reusable transducer, another part a disposable component comprising a flexible membrane which is in pressure connection with the fluid of interest, and another part comprises a locking component for securing the reusable and disposable parts together.

Abstract: A fluid treatment assembly includes a stack of fluid treatment segments. Each fluid treatment segment has an array of fluid treatment units positioned between opposite end plates and a retainer that compresses the end plates and the array of fluid treatment units against one another. The fluid treatment segments may be stacked between opposite end pieces of a holder to form the fluid treatment assembly.

Abstract: An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

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: A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger that is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. Movement of the plunger toward the fully extended position causes unfiltered liquid to be drawn into the interior of the housing and the device includes a second valve disposed within the outlet and being configured to only permit filtered liquid to be discharged from the plunger housing. The unfiltered liquid is filtered when the plunger is moved toward the fully retracted position causing the unfiltered liquid in the interior to flow into the inside of the filter elements and then across the filter elements and into the outlet.

Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed including an autoconnection mechanism. The autoconnection mechanism in an embodiment is configured such that (i) a tip protector remover is translated in a first direction towards a plurality of supply line connectors, (ii) the tip protector remover is locked to each of a plurality of supply line tip protectors connected to the plurality of supply line connectors, (iii) the tip protector remover is translated in a second direction away from the plurality of supply line connectors to remove the plurality of supply line tip protectors from the supply line connectors, the tip protector remover is translated in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and (v) solution line connectors are translated towards the supply line connectors to connect each of the solution line connectors to one of the supply line connectors.

Abstract: A method for operating a tapered flow pressure driven arrangement containing a plurality of membrane modules, which comprises positioning said membrane modules in at least two successively arranged flow stages, such that the number of membrane modules operating in parallel in a given flow stage is greater than their number in the consecutive flow stage, passing a feed stream through a flow stage to generate a permeate and a concentrate, directing said concentrate to the consecutive flow stage and passing said concentrate therethrough, while periodically replacing one or more of the membrane modules belonging to said consecutive flow stage with one or more membrane modules belonging to the previous flow stage, wherein the periodicity of said replacement is such that the surface of membranes disposed in said consecutive flow stage is exposed to super-saturation conditions associated with the passage of said concentrate for a period of time that is shorter than the time required for said concentrate to precipita

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid, in particular water, comprising membrane filtering modules, connected by pipes to valves for controlling the flows of liquid travelling towards the modules and coming from same, including a first block made up of an assembly (14a) of membrane filtering modules, a second block made up of a system of valves (14b), and a third block made up of a group of intermediate pipes (14c) comprising an interface between the system of valves (14b) and the assembly of modules (14), only the interface (14c) requiring to be changed when changing the type of filtering modules, while the system of valves (14b) and the assembly of modules (14a) remain unchanged, except when changing the type of modules.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.

Abstract: A sewage reuse system distributes a plurality of reuse water supply sections, each including a water introducing opening formed in a sewer trunk line; a treated sewage tank for storing reuse water; and a water level sensor for measuring a water level of the treated sewage tank, in a demand area of reuse water along the sewer trunk line. The system includes a movable sewage treatment section which moves to any of the plurality of water introducing openings; performs the sewage treatment to generate reuse water; and supplies the generated reuse water to the treated sewage tank, a communication section which transmits the water level data measured by the water level sensor, and a central control section which controls a water storing quantity of the treated sewage tank on the basis of the demand information of reuse water and the water level data.

Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a passive water volume flux of at least 10 L/m2·h·psi, wherein the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m, thereby retaining at least one biological organism on the surface of the membrane; and detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: A water purification device includes a container, at least a filtration unit, and a trailing cable connected to the container or the filtration unit. The container has therein a chamber and at least a first opening in communication with the chamber. The filtration unit is disposed in the first opening to admit sewer water and thus remove most impurities therefrom. Accordingly, the water purification device sinks spontaneously into the sewer water to be filtered so as, to filter the external sewer water by means of water pressure and thus produce drinking water.

Abstract: Provided is a separation membrane module including: a tubular pressure container 7 in which a raw liquid is filtered through a separation membrane to produce a permeate liquid; and an internal member 5A provided in the pressure container 7. The internal member 5A is equipped with a sensor for detecting characteristics of at least one of the raw liquid and the permeate liquid. A detected signal generated by the sensor is transmitted from an antenna 65. The internal member 5A has an antenna holding portion 54 in which the antenna 65 is embedded. A gap between the antenna holding portion 54 and an inner peripheral surface 7a of the pressure container 7 is sealed with a sealing member 42.

Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: A reaction unit containing a bottom part and a top part for pipetting a liquid, wherein the bottom part contains a reaction cavity with a permeable filter grid insert and the top part contains a reaction cavity which can be fixed on said bottom part and contains a cavity or covering for receiving a magnet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing a thin film composite membrane comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes include contacting under interfacial polymerization conditions an organic solution comprising a polyacid halide with an aqueous solution comprising a polyamine to form a thin film composite membrane on a surface of a porous base membrane; at least one of the organic solution and the aqueous solution further including multi-walled carbon nanotubes having an outside diameter of less than about 30 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manually openable clamping holder (1) for releasably fixing a single-use medical device to a medical treatment apparatus. The clamping holder (1) has a sensor (9) for detecting the position of the clamping jaws (2, 3) of the clamping holder (1). With the clamping holder (1) the correct equipping of a medical treatment apparatus with the appropriate single-use device can be monitored economically and with simple operation.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is provided with membrane modules comprising multiple membrane elements, a frame body accommodating the membrane modules stacked in multiple stages, a stopper for closing an end portion of the frame body to prevent the membrane modules accommodated in the frame from being released, and elastic members which, arranged in a state of elastic deformation in the vertical direction in the frame with the end portion of the frame being closed, suppress vertical vibration of the membrane modules accommodated in the frame, whereby making it possible to avoid vibration of the membrane modules inside the frame body even if the volume of the membrane modules accommodated in the frame body varies.

Abstract: A method of operating a membrane filtration module, the module including one or more membranes extending longitudinally between vertically spaced upper and lower headers into which the ends of the membranes are potted. The membranes have a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. At least one of the upper and/or lower headers has one or more openings therein and the method including flowing the feed, at least in part, through the one or more openings for application to the membrane wall. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprising a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel and a heat exchanger between first liquid passing through the heat exchanger and second liquid passing through the heat exchanger, is provided. The first liquid is un-separated fuel passing through the heat exchanger before being supplied to the separating membrane. The second liquid is low-octane fuel remaining when the high-octane fuel components are separated from the un-separated fuel, passing through the heat exchanger after changing to an almost liquid phase.

Abstract: A water desalination mechanism, including: a running pipe, for fresh water; a venturi arrangement, having a first venturi nozzle, a second venturi nozzle and a branch between; the first and second nozzles; a container divided by a reverse osmosis membrane into a first side and a second side and having: a first side inlet, for contaminated water; a first side outlet, for remaining salts and/or minerals; and a second side outlet, for desalinated water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracorporeal blood treatment devices and methods and devices for conserving extracorporeal blood treatment devices. In accordance with the present invention, an antifreeze agent in introduced only into that part of the dialysis liquid system of the blood treatment device that includes the volume lying upstream of a sterile filter with which sterile substituate is recovered from the dialysis liquid. Accordingly, that part of the dialysis liquid system that includes the volume lying downstream of the sterile filter is not filled with an antifreeze agent. The present invention makes it possible, after removal of the sterile filter, to easily and safely separate a substituate segment from the rest of the dialysis liquid system and drain off liquid located in the substituate segment.

Abstract: A negatively charged microporous filtration medium having a high charge density comprising a porous substrate and a polymerized cross-linked polymeric coating located on the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. The coating may be formed from a reactant solution comprising negatively charged cross-linkable polymerizeable acrylamidoalkyl monomers and acrylamido cross-linking agents which are polymerized in situ on the substrate. The negatively charged microporous filtration medium are suitable for use as prefiltration membranes for selectively removing protein aggregates from a protein solution.

Abstract: The apparatus for osmotic power generation and desalination using a salinity difference includes: a first osmotic membrane reactor having a first salt water position space and a third salt water position space separated by a first forward osmotic membrane; a second osmotic membrane reactor having a second salt water position space and a draw solution position space separated by a second forward osmotic membrane; a high pressure pump connected between the second salt water position space and the third salt water position space; a desalination unit obtaining fresh water by separating a draw solute from a draw solution diluted through a transmission of water in salt water of the second salt water position space by way of the draw solution position space; and a turbine driven by flow force of salt water discharged from the third salt water position space to produce electric energy.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a membrane filtration device able to supply electric power to a sensor under various conditions, including situations in which a plant is not operating. The membrane filtration device of the present invention comprises a membrane element for generating a permeate by filtering a liquid to be filtered through a filtration membrane, and includes a pressure-resistant container for containing the membrane element, a sensor for sensing the properties of the liquid flowing through the membrane filtration device, an electric-power-generating unit for generating electric power, and a primary battery. The sensor, the electric-power-generating unit, and the primary battery are provided inside the pressure-resistant container.

Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprises a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel, a heater for heating the un-separated fuel and a pressure apparatus for pressurizing the un-separated fuel. In the device, un-separated fuel is heated by the heater and is pressurized by the pressure apparatus such that the state of the un-separated fuel is changed to a mixed gas phase and liquid phase state of a gas weight ratio from 50% to 95% before coming into contact with the separating membrane.

Abstract: A method of recovering one or more insoluble oils from a liquid source using one or more membrane or membrane contactors, comprising the steps of: pumping the liquid source comprising the one or more oils to the membranes or membrane contactors, contacting the liquid source with a first surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, coalescing the one or more oils within the liquid source onto the first surface of the membrane contactors, pumping one or more recovery fluids through the membrane or membrane contactors in contact with the second surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, and removing a first stream of oil coalesced from the second surface of the membranes or membrane contactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.

Abstract: A separator fractionates a dispersion of cells including cells having phagocytic activity corresponding to a size of the cells to obtain a dispersion in which the content of the cells having phagocytic activity is higher than that of the dispersion, and includes a filter, at least part of the filter having a hydrophilic surface as a result of being covered with at least one of a self-assembled monolayer that includes an alkanethiol having a nonionic hydrophilic group that is formed on a gold thin film via a sulfur-gold bond, and a homopolymer or a copolymer of an ester of (meth)acrylic acid and at least some of hydrophilic groups of phospholipids that form a biomembrane. The separator is thus configured so that clogging of the filter is suppressed, and the separation efficiency is improved.