Abstract: A method for separating and recovering oxygen-rich air from the air, comprising, using a gas separation membrane module where a laminate consisting of a permeate-side spacer for forming a permeate gas channel communicated with a hollow section in a core tube for collecting and discharging a permeate gas and two flat-film gas separation membranes sandwiching the spacer and a feed-side spacer for forming a feed gas channel are spirally wound around the core tube such that the laminate and the feed-side spacer are alternately superimposed, vacuuming the hollow section of the core tube to 95 kPaA (absolute pressure) or less by vacuuming means while feeding the air into the feed gas channel by air feed means such that a maximum feed-air flow rate and a maximum static pressure divided by an effective membrane area of the gas separation membrane are 100 m3/min·m2 or less and 4000 Pa/m2 or less, respectively, to separate and recover oxygen-rich air from the hollow section of the core tube.

Abstract: A spiral membrane module where membrane elements are easily connected to each other and the connection thereof is prevented from being loosened. The spiral membrane elements (20) are each formed in multiple layers by winding membranes and channel materials around a center tube (3) having holes and are received in a pressure vessel (10) such that they are connected in series with connection mechanisms (J) placed between the membrane elements (20). Each connection mechanism (J) has a movable member (M) installed at either the upstream side end part or the downstream side end part of each membrane element (20) and having an engagement part (9d) engageable with the other of the upstream side end or the downstream side end. The movable member (M) has a contact part (9c) coming into contact with the inner wall (10a) of the pressure vessel (10) and locking the engagement by the engagement part (9d).

Abstract: A membrane-permeation test for evaluating pharmaceutical compositions is described. The method comprises the following steps: (1) providing a microporous membrane having a plurality of pores, the membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, wherein the feed side of the membrane is in fluid communication with the feed solution, and wherein the permeate side of the membrane is in fluid communication with a permeate solution; (2) administering a pharmaceutical composition to an aqueous solution to form a feed solution; and (3) measuring the concentration of drug in the permeate solution; wherein the feed side of the membrane is hydrophilic, and/or wherein the permeate solution comprises an organic fluid.

Abstract: High flow, low-pressure ultrafiltration or microfiltration spiral wound membrane cartridges are used in filtration of liquid feedstocks having high suspended solids. Applications may utilize either vacuum or pumping for transmembrane drive pressure (TMP), and gas may optionally be bubbled up through the cartridges with certain feedstocks. Water permeate flux rates as high as 90 gallons per square foot per day (gfd) can be obtained at TMPs below 5 pounds per square inch. By locating each spiral wound cartridge in its own casing and supplying liquid feedstock to an open lower end of the casing, as opposed to submerging such cartridges in a tank filled with feedstock, overall low pressure performance is greatly improved. High permeate flow can be maintained for long periods of time between shutdowns for intensive cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating and/or analyzing fluids of interest. According to principles of the present invention, fluid analysis is accomplished with microfluidic devices and may be reported in real-time or near real-time in a subterranean environment. In addition or alternative to oilfield applications, the principles of the present invention contemplate separation in a laboratory or other environment for biological sample separation and analytical chemistry applications. The present invention is capable of separating liquid-liquid mixtures or emulsions in a microfluidic device without fouling.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a plurality of spirally wound filtration cartridges. The filtration cartridges include two filter layers, a feed spacer layer and a permeate spacer layer. Seals are provided to prevent admixtures of feed and permeate and to permit recovery of permeate.

Abstract: A novel positive traction permeate tube and fittings therefore are described for use in spirally wound membrane filtration elements for filtration and separation applications. Membrane filtration elements incorporate the novel permeate tube. Methods of making the novel positive traction permeate tube are also disclosed as are the preferred sanitary stainless steel materials used for the sanitary tube and fittings. The novel permeate tube involves a sanitary tubing having two open ends, each with an end fitting. The end fittings engage a positive traction drive for high tension spiral winding of a membrane element spirally around the novel permeate tube. Membrane filtration elements made with the novel permeate tube are less subject to slippage and breakage during manufacture and can withstand higher pressure drops and flow rates during use without failure of the spiral wound membrane element. The positive traction permeate tube facilitates membrane replacements.

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: The present invention discloses a feed spacer, comprising a first layer and a second layer, for spiral-wound membrane module. The first layer consists of a plurality of first filaments, which are substantially in parallel to one another. Furthermore, the second layer also consists of a plurality of second filaments, which are substantially in parallel to one another. Moreover, the first layer is attached to the second layer, and the first filaments are disposed at an angle to the second filaments. Both the first layer and the second layer bend to the center of the spiral-wound. Additionally, the distance from the inside of the first layer to the center is bigger than that from the inside of the second layer to the center, and the diameter of the first filament is smaller than that of the second filament.

Abstract: A spiral-type separation membrane element is provided that can reduce the pressure loss caused by the transmitted water flow within a water-collecting tube without changing the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the water-collecting tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow fiber separation module comprising an inlet (20) for the gas to be dried, an outlet (22) for dried gas, an access element (26) and a discharge element (28) for circulation gas, and a plurality of hollow fibers which respectively extend from the inlet (29) to the outlet (22) and comprise an inner region which communicates with the inlet (20) on one end of each hollow fiber, and with the outlet (22) on the other end of each hollow fiber. The hollow fibers are wound up in a plurality of layers (40, 42, 44) to form a hollow cylindrical winding. Each layer (40, 42, 44) is inwardly defined by an imaginary cylinder (35, 36, 37) and has a number of hollow fibers which are wound onto the cylinder (35, 36, 37) in a helical manner with an alpha angle of inclination, are located at a distance a from each other, and are arranged on the cylinder in a homogeneously distributed manner. A layer (40) differs from an adjacent layer (e.g.

Abstract: A process for ultrafiltration using a spiral wound membrane filter is disclosed where the pressure in the space between the filter element and the pressure vessel is higher than or equal to the pressure inside the filter element. Using these conditions the static force created by the pressure provides a high friction between different sheets in the spiral wound filter element, which efficient prevents unwinding or telescoping of the filter element. Using this configuration it is possible to perform the ultrafiltration using a higher differential pressure across the filter element than would otherwise have been possible which leads to a higher efficiency and a low energy consumption. Further an anti telescoping device (ATD) and a spiral wound filter element, which are particular suited for the disclosed process, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for membrane modules comprising at least one inserted element and support members, the support members being spaced apart by the at least one inserted element forming flow channels between the support members and the inserted element for guiding permeates to the at least one permeate collection device, which at least one permeate collection device being in perpendicular contact with the flow channels, or guiding concentrate through flow channel out of the membrane module. The invention relates further to a membrane module comprising the permeate spacer, uses of the membrane module and a spiral wound membrane comprising the permeate spacer.

Abstract: The present invention is a filtering and chemical separation device that performs the operations of solvent extraction and pervaporation in a single piece of equipment, configured as a spiral-wound membrane module, and provides for the replenishment of the solvent in the supported liquid membrane while the module continues in operation. It provides a solution to the problem of separating miscible compounds efficiently and with low energy requirements.

Abstract: Assemblies for use in separation of a fluid feed. Assemblies typically include an elongated housing having a fluid feed stream inlet, a residual stream outlet and a permeate stream outlet. The housing contains at least one membrane separation element to form a membrane separation element linear string that at least in part defines a linear permeate passage tube. A permeate adapter is joined with an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The permeate adapter includes a receiving opening for receiving an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The adapter defines a permeate passageway extending therethrough and includes a plurality of permeate discharge openings disposed such as to place the receiving opening and the permeate discharge openings in fluid flow communication.

Abstract: A filtration membrane and method of making the same wherein the filtration membrane comprises obstructions and/or spacers.

Abstract: A filtration system is provided with filter media operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. Acoustic, vibration and sonic energy may be used to clean associated filter media to allow substantially continuous filtration of process fluids. The filtration system may be satisfactorily used with process fluids having a relatively high concentrations of solids, particulate and colloidal matter.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system is subject to long periods of non-use in which water stands inside. A hollow-cylindrical spiral-wound type reverse osmosis membrane is disposed inside a cylindrical pressure vessel. An electrostatic-field generator is disposed inside the pressure vessel. A high voltage direct current source powers the electrostatic-field generator and a voltage gradient is constantly produced inside the volume of the pressure vessel. Such gradients cut through the fabric of the reverse osmosis membrane layers. The voltage to the electrostatic-field generator is kept on at all times, and prevents biofouling, even during lay-up periods. Current flow through the electrostatic-field generator is insignificant because it acts as a high-Z capacitor.

Abstract: A spiral wound filtration cartridge construction is provided which includes a cartridge positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid housing. Fluid flows within the space between the outer cylinder and housing is controlled by a ring and flexible chevron construction. The chevron construction includes outer peripheral holes, the sizes and number of which are set to determine by-pass flow.

Abstract: A sealer holding member for a membrane element is disposed at an end of a spiral-type membrane element on an outer circumference thereof, and allows a feed to flow into a membrane end of the membrane element. The sealer holding member includes a first annular portion, an annular projection, a second annular portion, and a third annular portion arranged in this order. The first annular portion is engaged with an outer-covering member for the membrane element and receives an end of the membrane element without contacting a side of the membrane element. The second annular portion receives a sealer on an outside thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring unit [10] for monitoring the condition of a semi-permeable membrane [24] in a water purification system, and particularly the condition of spiral membrane in a reverse osmosis water purification system. The monitoring unit [10] comprises a flow chamber [12] that includes an inlet for permitting ingress of a feed fluid into the flow chamber [12], and a feed fluid outlet [22] for permitting at least partial through-flow of the feed fluid through the flow chamber [12] such that cross-flow conditions apply in the flow chamber [12]. The semi-permeable membrane [24] is at least partly supported in the flow chamber [12]. The monitoring unit [10] further comprises at least one fluid outlet [18] arranged in fluid communication with the flow chamber [12] for permitting egress of fluid from the monitoring unit [10] after having passed through the membrane [24]; and an inspection window [20] for permitting visual inspection of the semi-permeable membrane [24].

Abstract: A seal ring holder for membrane elements which is capable of attaining an increase in the area of membranes packed per element; and a membrane element using the seal ring holder, are provided.

Abstract: A sanitary filtration plant including an oblong, tubular pressure vessel having one or more helical filter elements. Each helical filter element has a spiral-wound filter member and a central tube and, at an outlet end, a supporting structure formed as a wheel with a hub, spokes and a rim. The plane side of the downstream face of each supporting structure is provided with a plurality of recesses that are positioned between an opening between the spokes and the external periphery of the rim and extend circumferentially so as to be substantially concentric with said rim.

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

Abstract: Cross flow filtration cartridges are made using semipermeable membrane of sheet formation that was cast upon an integral polymeric fibrous support material which exhibits excellent permeate flow in the plane thereof and serves as both backing material and permeate carrier. A fibrous support having a thickness between about 0.4 mm and about 2 mm and at least one surface region with a mean pore size no greater than about 300 microns has a semipermeable membrane cast in situ thereupon from a liquid solution. After gelling to form a polymeric semipermeable membrane, the product is spirally wound about a porous tube in association with feed-passageway-providing sheet material, but in the absence of any separate permeate carrier, to form an effective cross-flow filtration cartridge wherein the feed flow may be spiral and the permeate discharge through one of the side edges.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to feed spacers used in various filtration membrane modules, such as in spiral wound membranes, used in cross-flow filtration. Such spacers have an influence in promoting the mixing between the bulk of the fluid and the fluid element adjacent to the membrane surface so as to keep the membrane surface relatively clean. To optimize these properties, novel spacer designs are disclosed having a plurality of rows of elongated strands, the strands in each row being arranged substantially in parallel to one another, with adjacent rows being attached and disposed at an angle to one another, the strands of at least one row when viewed in cross-section having a central portion of a width smaller than the width of its extremities. Novel membrane modules incorporating such feed spacers are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spiral-wound membrane module design for various membrane filtration techniques having significantly reduced fluid flow resistance in the feed stream path. Specifically, the inventive spiral-wound membrane module is designed having a corrugated entrance and exit spacers together over less than 10% of the length of the spiral wound module and a stiffener sheet wound to provide for uniform feed channel gap width.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved feed spacer, spiral wound element incorporating said feed spacer, filtration system and a method for making and using the same. In one embodiment the present invention includes an improved spiral wound element having: a central collection tube with a plurality of openings along its length to receive permeate; at least one filtration envelope extending outwardly from and wound about the tube and at least one feed spacer sheet wound about the collection tube wherein the feed spacer sheet being in planar contact with the outer surface of at least one filtration envelope.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element allowing back wash reverse filtration at 0.05 MPa to 0.3 MPa is employed for a spiral wound membrane module. Air injection of injecting air of not more than 0.3 MPa into a permeate outlet of the spiral wound membrane module from a pressurized air feeder through a pipe, back wash reverse filtration with permeate and flushing with raw water are performed as recovery of a filtration velocity. Another spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. Raw water into which bubbles are diffused by an air diffuser is fed to the spiral wound membrane element stored in a pressure vessel. Part of the raw water is axially fed through the spiral wound membrane element, discharged from a raw water outlet of the pressure vessel and thereafter returned to a raw water tank through a pipe.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, such that the module has first and second membrane elements arranged with one end pointing toward a distribution space and the other end pointing toward a collection space. Each of the membrane elements have a cavity formed by a membrane wall. The first membrane elements have their ends embedded in sealing compounds such that their cavities open into the distribution space and collection space. The second membrane elements are also embedded in the sealing compound at the end pointing toward the collection space. The cavities of the second membrane elements open into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space. The fluid to be treated flows through the first membrane elements in cross-flow mode. In the process, part of the fluid passes through the membrane wall as a permeate, which then passes through the second membrane elements in dead-end mode.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. The flow rate of permeate in filtration of the spiral wound membrane element is preferably set to 0.5 to 2.0 m3/m2/day, and the filtration time is preferably set to 10 to 300 minutes. The flow rate of wash water in washing is preferably set to 1.0 to 4.0 m3/m2/day, and the washing time is preferably set to 10 to 300 seconds. In such ranges, the ratio of the permeate volume in filtration to the permeate volume in back wash reverse filtration is set to be not more than 600.

Abstract: In the treatment, a reverse osmosis membrane element having a polyamide skin layer is loaded in a pressure vessel in a membrane separator and contacted with a bromide-containing aqueous solution of free chlorine. The thus treated reverse osmosis membrane element retains for a long time its effect of reducing solute concentration in a solution treated with the reverse osmosis membrane and rejects efficiently non-electrolytic organic materials or substances such as boron that will not be dissociated in a neutral region. A reverse osmosis membrane module having the thus treated reverse osmosis membrane element is provided as well.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spiral-wound membrane module design for various membrane filtration techniques having significantly reduced fluid flow resistance in the feed stream path. Specifically, the inventive spiral-wound membrane module is designed having a corrugated entrance and exit spacers together over less than 10% of the length of the spiral wound module and a stiffener sheet wound to provide for uniform feed channel gap width.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane filtration module is operated with a single pass through the feed side and without cross-flow on the permeate side. Recovery is 70% or more and feed side velocities are between 0.05 and 0.4 feet per second. The module may have dams in the spacer material on the shell/feed side to provide a feed path with multiple passes across the membrane leaves. A small-scale system for using such a module, for example to soften and filter water with a nanofiltration membrane, is described. The system includes a chemical cleaning apparatus and process.

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

Abstract: A spiral separation membrane element effective in reducing the pressure loss around core tube perforated parts, which is problematic especially in low-pressure operations.

Abstract: A spiral separation membrane element which can attain a reduced pressure loss in the feed-side passage and is difficult to encounter the problem of flow inhibition or clogging in the feed-side passage. The spiral separation membrane element comprises a perforated cored central tube and, wound therearound, one or more separation membranes, one or more feed-side passage materials, and one or more permeation-side passage materials, wherein the feed-side passage materials each have warps 1 extending almost parallel with the direction of flow of a feed liquid and wefts 2 which are thinner than the warps 1, and a ratio of a pitch of the warps L1 to a pitch of the wefts L2 being from 1/1.5 to 1/6.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filtering and separating a flow medium by way of membranes disposed in a pressurized housing, which has an inlet for supplying the flow medium to the housing and outlets for discharging the retentate and the permeate from the housing, the membrane structure comprises a central permeate collection and discharge structure to which a plurality of membrane pillows are connected so as to extend therefrom in a spiral pattern and each membrane pillow is in communication with a permeate inlet opening in the permeate collection and discharge structure through which permeate is conducted out of the membrane pillow into the central permeate collection and discharge structure and to the retentate outlet.

Abstract: A process for spiral membrane element production is disclosed which attains high productivity, eliminates the material “wrinkling” or “breakage” caused by material distortion or core tube distortion, and can increase the degree of tightening of the whole element. The process includes a step in which a multilayer structure including a feed-side passage material interposed between opposed membranes on their feed side and a permeation-side passage material interposed between opposed membranes on their permeation side is spirally wound on a perforated core tube, wherein the winding of the multilayer structure on the core tube is conducted by rotating the core tube 5 while pressing one or more rolls 15 against the periphery of the wound structure R1.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane filtration element capable of being back-flushed has a permeate carrier sheet; a permeable membrane filter layer sheet adhesively bonded to the permeate carrier sheet, and a feed spacer sheet. The membrane filter layer sheet folds over the feed spacer so that the feed spacer sheet is sandwiched between two layers of the membrane filter layer sheet. The sandwich positions over the permeate carrier sheet such that the adhesive seal bonds the membrane filter layer sheet to the permeate carrier sheet. The permeate carrier sheet, the membrane filter layer sheet, and the feed spacer sheet are wrapped around a permeate collection tube.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. In filtration running, raw water introduced from a raw water inlet of a pressure vessel is subjected to dead end filtration, and permeate is taken out from a permeate outlet. In washing, wash water containing a chemical having a contaminant separating function is introduced from an end of a water collection pipe through the permeate outlet for performing back wash reverse filtration with a back pressure of 0.05 to 0.3 MPa. The filtration running is temporarily stopped for maintaining the pressure vessel in a state sealed with the raw water and the permeate for a prescribed time. Thus, contaminants adhering to the membrane surface of the spiral wound membrane element are separated. A treatment system is formed by connecting units comprising spiral wound membrane modules in parallel with each other.

Abstract: Cross flow filtration cartridges are made using semipermeable membrane of sheet formation that was cast upon an integral polymeric fibrous support material which exhibits excellent permeate flow in the plane thereof and serves as both backing material and permeate carrier. A fibrous support having a thickness between about 0.4 mm and about 2 mm and at least one surface region with a mean pore size no greater than about 300 microns has a semipermeable membrane cast in situ thereupon from a liquid solution. After gelling to form a polymeric semipermeable membrane, the product is spirally wound about a porous tube in association with feed-passageway-providing sheet material, but in the absence of any separate permeate carrier, to form an effective cross-flow filtration cartridge wherein the feed flow may be spiral and the permeate discharge through one of the side edges.

Abstract: A filter for filtering blood includes a coiled core with a hollow center. The core has only two layers that are coiled atop one another, the two layers being a blood filter layer and a spacer layer where blood flows more easily through the spacer layer than through the filter layer. An outer side of one of the spacer layer, and the filter layer defines an outer circumference of the core. The filter and spacer layers are coiled so that both sides of the filter layer directly contact respective sides of the spacer layer. A casing for the core has a blood inlet in fluid communication with the outer circumference of the core and a blood outlet in fluid communication with the hollow center. Blood entering the inlet travels to the outlet within the spacer layer and transversely across the filter and spacer layers.

Abstract: A filtration membrane and method of making the same wherein the filtration membrane comprises obstructions and/or spacers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spiral-wound membrane module design for various membrane filtration techniques having significantly reduced fluid flow resistance in the feed stream path. Specifically, the inventive spiral-wound membrane module is designed having a corrugated entrance and exit spacers together over less than 10% of the length of the spiral wound module and a stiffener sheet wound to provide for uniform feed channel gap width.

Abstract: A spiral wound filtration cartridge construction is provided which includes a cartridge positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid housing. Fluid flows within the space between the outer cylinder and housing is controlled by a ring and flexible chevron construction. The chevron construction includes outer peripheral holes, the sizes and number of which are set to determine by-pass flow.

Abstract: A spiral reverse osmosis membrane element of the present invention includes a plurality of bag-shaped reverse osmosis membranes, permeated liquid passage members arranged inside the reverse osmosis membranes, and a plurality of feed liquid passage members interposed between the reverse osmosis membranes, those membranes and passage members being wound around an outer surface of a hollow pipe in a manner that only the interiors of the reverse osmosis membranes communicate with through-holes formed in the surface of the hollow pipe. Each of the feed liquid passage members is a mesh member having series of quadrilateral meshes formed by a plurality of linear members crossing each other. Two opposite cross-points out of four cross-points of each of the quadrilateral meshes are in line in parallel with an axial direction of the hollow pipe. And relations 2 mm≦X≦5 mm and X≦Y≦1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contactor for degassing a liquid. The contactor includes a perforated core and a microporous membrane fabric wrapped around the core. The fabric includes a polymethyl pentene hollow fiber as a weft fiber and a warp yarn. A tube sheet secures the ends of the wound fiber and a shell encases the tube sheet and fabric. The shell has at least one opening to permit fluid flow through the shell and an end cap. In a further embodiment the invention is directed to a contactor for degassing a liquid wherein the contactor is adapted to withstand pressures greater than 0.4 MPa and temperatures greater than 50° C.

Abstract: A spriral wound filtration cartridge construction is provided which includes a cartridge positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid outer cylinder which, in turn is positioned within a solid housing. Fluid flows within the space between the outer cylinder and housing is controlled by a ring and flexible chevron construction. The chevron construction includes outer peripheral holes, the sizes and number of which are set to determine by-pass flow.

Abstract: A permeable membrane system (10) for the separation of fluid components includes a laminated composition (12) having two sheets (14 and 16) formed from a polymer and positioned adjacent one another to form a fluid passage (18) therebetween. The outside surfaces (20 and 22) of the sheets (14 and 16) are permeable to allow fluid flow from the outside surface (20 and 22) to the fluid passage (18). The outside surface (20 and 22) of the laminated composition (12) includes a plurality of embossed islands spaced from one another to define feed pathways (26) around and between the embossed islands.