Abstract: A water treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of composite reverse osmosis membrane modules arranged in multi-stages, each of the modules including a porous support and a polyamide skin layer formed on the porous support. In this apparatus, the module at the final stage is supplied with some of permeated water obtained from at least one module preceding the module at the final-stage, and a rest of the permeated water is discharged from or recovered in the apparatus along with permeated water obtained from the final-stage module.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction system including an outer chamber and an inner chamber. The outer chamber is adapted to contain one of a feed solution and a liquid extractant and defines a containment region. The inner chamber is adapted to contain the other of the feed solution and the liquid extractant within a lower portion of the inner chamber. The inner chamber is defined by a microporous membrane sleeve that internally maintains a frame. Upon final assembly, at least the lower portion of the inner chamber is positioned within the containment region of the outer chamber such that the microporous membrane sleeve establishes an extraction interface between contents of the inner and outer chambers. In one embodiment, the flow region of the microporous membrane sleeve is immersed within a feed solution otherwise contained within the outer chamber.

Abstract: The filtering membranes of the present invention are made from a pair of polymer films stretched in a liquid surface-active medium for the formation of crazes filled with the aforementioned medium. The crazed films are perforated and then stack together in a stretched or released state and are welded together into a sealed structure with a plurality of parallel welding seams arranged, e.g., in mutually perpendicular directions, so that a plurality of sealed cells is formed. The cells have on one side of the membrane input openings and on the other side output openings. If an input opening is in one cell, then an output opening is in the adjacent cell. Adjacent cells are interconnected only through the welding seams. Welding can be carried out by contact heating or with the use of a laser beam, or the like. The material of the welding seam has an amorphous structure.

Abstract: A well (50) comprising a side wall (10), a sealing ring (40), a rib arrangement (5), and a filter (20), for use in processing a fluid, e.g., by microtitration or microfiltration, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides integral porous membranes comprising an amorphous halopolymer, as well as processes for preparing the membranes, and devices comprising the membranes. An example of an amorphous halopolymer is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole.

Abstract: A filtering unit including an upper container for receiving fluid to be filtered, a lower container for receiving the fluid from the upper container and an intermediate filter cassette. The filter cassette includes a support member connected with a flat filter member, such as a membrane filter, and can be removed with respect to each of the upper and lower containers. The filter cassette may be inserted within the upper container with sealing engagement between the support member and the internal wall of the upper container. The various disclosed embodiments include the ability to serially connect multiple filter cassettes generally between the liquid contained in the upper container and the lower container.

Abstract: A medical filter (11) is constructed as a container with an interior volume in open fluid communication with a patient connection element (31) and a transport connection element (39). Filter support structure (13) mounted within the interior is structured as a thin, perforated member (14) carrying hydrophilic filter medium (17). A first flow path directs spent dialysate from the patient across the surface of the filter medium (17) to the transport connection (39). A second flow path directs fresh dialyalysate from the transport connection (39) through the filter medium (17) and the perforated support structure (13) to the patient connection (31).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating residual water from a solvent. The device comprises a reservoir containing a solution comprising solvent containing residual water, the reservoir having an opening to allow the solution to drain from the reservoir. A membrane layer is provided comprising a layer of fluropolymer material, said membrane material having a IPA Bubble Point of ≧25 psi. The membrane is positioned in series with the reservoir opening. Vacuum is generated on one side of the membrane layer wherein the solvent containing water passes through the membrane therein removing water from the solvent to provide a solvent with a water level of less than or equal to 1.0 ppm.

Abstract: A filter comprises a box casing in which at least one cavity is present between an outer element of the casing and an inner surface presenting a plurality of channels on which a corresponding hydrophilic filtering membrane lies, the cavity communicating with a conduit for entry of the fluid into the filter and the channels being connected to a conduit for exit of the fluid, in the outer element there being provided through apertures with which hydrophobic membranes are associated. A surface bounded by the shortest possible ideal closed line, which totally comprises all the hydrophobic membranes, contains substantially within its interior the projection thereon of the useful hydrophilic surface of the hydrophilic filtering membrane, this enabling the filter to be employed in a plurality of spatial positions during its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple well filter plate and method of producing same, the multiple well filter plate comprising a molded plate and a filter sealed via an adhesive, the method particularly adapted for producing multiple well filter plate having substantial well densities and small volume sample wells.

Abstract: Filtration cells capable of direct sampling of a fluid from a container and which may be used for microfiltration of both small and large microvolumes of a fluid to be filtered are provided Also a process for directly transferring a fluid to be filtered from a container to a filtration cell is described. The filtration cells have one or more reservoirs and are in communication with fluid in a container to be filtered through a piercing instrument connected to a base and support for a reservoir that receives the fluid to be filtered after it passed across a filter membrane. The filtration cell may then be pressurized and vented to allow fluid to be filtered to reciprocally and tangentially pass across a filter membrane between either a container having a fluid to be filtered and a single reservoir for small volume filtrations or between two reservoirs after pressurizing a fluid to be filtered into the reservoirs from a container using a piercing instrument.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a tray having at least one well with a support associated with the well, and a removable undercover. The undercover protects the support or membrane from external contamination without causing excessive force on an individual well that can cause membrane flatness. The undercover is easily removable to provide access to the support or membrane. The undercover, when affixed to the underside of the multiwell plate or tray, allows the assembly to be transportable as a single unit while still being in compliance with SBS automation standards.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A heater module is described that includes a heat distribution plate including a bottom portion having first and second sides and a plurality of projections extending away from one of the sides. A heat source is provided for heating the heat distribution plate, and, optionally, a heating tray can be used to receive the heat source and heat distribution plate. The heater module is adapted to engage a sample purification tray having a plurality of purification and/or discharge columns which can extend through openings in the heater module and direct a sample into a sample receiving tray. Methods of heating samples using the heater module are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a micro-titer test plate, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and second part, said first part comprising a plurality of wells connected to each other and said second part comprising a plurality of spouts connected to each other, said spouts conforming in arrangement and number to said wells of said first part; (b) placing a filter sheet that extents across each of said wells of said first or placing a filter sheet that extends across each of said sprouts of said second part; (c) separating from said filter sheet filter means that conform in shape, size, arrangement and number to either the bottom opening of the wells of said first part or, to said upper openings provided at the first end of the spouts; (d) placing said filter means in each of the bottom openings of the wells or in each of said upper openings provided at the first end of the spouts; (e) removing the remainder of said filter sheet from which the filter means have b

Abstract: Pervaporation device for the desalination of salt water comprising a channel or cavity for holding or transporting salt water and a liquid-water-impermeable, water-vapour-permeable non-porous membrane, which is made of a copolyether amide wherein the polyether and (poly)amide segments are linked via amide bridges.

Abstract: Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures and gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A hydrogen extraction unit has reformed gas flow channel plates, hydrogen separation plates, and purge gas flow channel plates, which are designed as thin metal plate members. The hydrogen extraction unit is constructed by laminating these thin plate members and then bonding them together by diffusion bonding. Each of reformed gas flow channel holes formed in the reformed gas flow channel plates constitutes a flow channel for reformed gas together with a correspondingly adjacent one of the hydrogen separation plates. Each of purge gas flow channel holes formed in the purge gas flow channel plates constitutes, together with a correspondingly adjacent one of the hydrogen separation plates, a flow channel for purge gas with which hydrogen extracted from reformed gas is mixed.

Abstract: This invention relates to equilibrium dialysis systems in multi-well formats for simultaneously preparing multiple samples. The equilibrium dialysis systems described herein may be made in 8-well, 12-well, 96-well, 384-well, 1536-well or other multi-well formats. The equilibrium dialysis systems can be used for protein binding assays, molecule-molecule interaction studies, tissue cultures and many other biological and chemical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow membrane (11) comprising two support layers arranged one above the other forming a space between them and a plurality of capillary tubes arranged between the support layers forming capillary channels for the flow of a first fluid, the space between the capillary tubes forming an internal cavity for the circulation of a second fluid around the capillary tubes, and the whole assembly being made of an organic polymer. These membranes (11) can be assembled into modules for the treatment of a fluid with intermediate porous panels (13).

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of fluid mixtures into a permeate and a retentate comprises separation modules each having fluid containment chambers stacked therein. Each fluid containment chamber is defined by a pair of selectively permeable membranes having their active surfaces facing inwardly toward one another, with a gasket sandwiched therebetween in sealing engagement with each membrane. A channelled support plate is positioned adjacent to the outside surface of each membrane. The channels in the support plates fluidly communicate with a housing, thereby allowing negative pressure from the housing to be brought into direct contact with the outside surface of each selectively permeable membrane. The fluid mixture is pumped into each fluid containment chamber at one end and moves across the active surfaces of the membranes toward a retentate receiver positioned at the opposite end. In doing so, permeate is drawn out through both membranes into the channels and the housing.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads and volumes. The present invention also encompasses the composite structures as well as sample preparation devices containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filtration media having both hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties. The filtration media are produced using a fluorothermoplastic material, such as a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and hexafluoropropylene. The invention also relates to methods of preparing such filtration media using casting solution phase inversion.

Abstract: The rotary flat membrane disk is constructed in which circular membranes are stretched at both sides of a disk. The disk and the membrane are bonded to each other over the entire periphery by a peripheral bonding part, and they are also bonded to each other by a plurality of partial bonding parts arranged inside the peripheral bonding part. The partial bonding parts are formed like dots of 10 mm in diameter, and are arranged at every 30 degrees on circles of 500 mm and 600 mm in diameter.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filtration cassettes, and, more particularly to methods of fabricating cross-flow filtration cassettes. Cassettes of the invention are characterized, in part, by an internal porting (e.g., manifolding) feature which eliminates the need for a separate step to seal individual components prior to assembly of the filtration cassette. Filtration cassettes of the present invention can be manufactured from conventional membrane and flow screen components and can utilize both injection molding and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding fabrication processes.

Abstract: An improved wide passage cross-flow filtration cassette is disclosed that incorporates an open mesh matrix retentate spacer that is dimensioned and oriented so as to improve flux and cause turbulence in the flow of fluids through the cassette.

Abstract: A filter having a monolithic filter body having pores, cavities, and cavity side walls disposed between and formed integrally with first and second spaced apart faces of the filter body and providing structural support therefor. A method of fabrication thereof involving molding using mold halves, and a flowable, curable material to form the monolithic filter body. A method of fabricating such mold halves.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an apparatus, system and process for liquid separation by reverse osmosis, nano-, ultra- and micro-filtration under the joint action of the differential pressure built up on the either side of the membrane (22) located in the apparatus for membrane separation (1), continuous rotation of the body (15, 17, 18) in the immediate proximity to the selective layer of the said membrane, oscillation of the liquid flow, caused by the means (15, 17, 18) and induced vibration of the said membranes. The superposition of the said continuous rotary movements, liquid oscillations and membrane vibrations on each other result in the reduction of membrane clogging with the substances being retained.

Abstract: A separation membrane has a porous substrate and a porous resin layer on at least one surface of the porous substrate and the porous resin layer contains a resin. Part of the resin permeates through the porous substrate to form a composite layer.

Abstract: A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media.

Abstract: A fluid separation assembly having a fluid permeable membrane and a wire mesh membrane adjacent the fluid permeable membrane, wherein the wire mesh membrane supports the fluid permeable membrane and is coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of a nitride, oxide, boride, silicide, carbide and aluminide. Several fluid separation assemblies can be used in a module to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.

Abstract: A filtration module is provided which includes a manifold (100), a filtration cartridge (104) and a bowl (102) that houses the filter cartridge. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module.

Abstract: A filtration device having a plurality of membrane modules is provided. Each of the plurality of membrane modules has first and second permeable sheets that are separated by a spacer, a first ring disposed around a perimeter of a first hole in the first permeable sheet, and a second ring disposed around a perimeter of a second hole in the second permeable sheet, the second hole in alignment with the first hole. The first ring of each of the plurality of membrane modules is in abutment with the second ring of a preceding one of each of the plurality of membrane modules so that the plurality of membrane modules are interconnected for communication therebetween. Some embodiments further provide a third sheet that disposed between successively adjacent membrane modules.

Abstract: A fluid separation assembly having a fluid permeable membrane and a wire mesh membrane adjacent the fluid permeable membrane, wherein the wire mesh membrane supports the fluid permeable membrane and is coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of a nitride, oxide, boride, silicide, carbide and aluminide. Several fluid separation assemblies can be used in a module to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of fluid mixtures into a permeate and a retentate comprises separation modules each having fluid containment chambers stacked therein. Each fluid containment chamber is defined by a pair of selectively permeable membranes having their active surfaces facing inwardly toward one another, with a gasket sandwiched therebetween in sealing engagement with each membrane. A channelled support plate is positioned adjacent to the outside surface of each membrane. The channels in the support plates fluidly communicate with a housing, thereby allowing negative pressure from the housing to be brought into direct contact with the outside surface of each selectively permeable membrane. The fluid mixture is pumped into each fluid containment chamber at one end and moves across the active surfaces of the membranes toward a retentate receiver positioned at the opposite end. In doing so, permeate is drawn out through both membranes into the channels and the housing.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, in which are arranged first and second membrane elements (1, 2) with one end pointing toward a distribution space (8) and the other toward a collection space (9), each having a cavity (10,11) formed by the membrane wall. The first membrane elements (1) have their ends embedded in sealing compounds (4, 5) such that their cavities are open and open into the distribution space (8) and collection space (9). The second membrane elements (2) are also embedded in the sealing compound (5) at the end pointing toward the collection space (9), their cavities opening into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space (8).

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to filtrate-holder and reversible-well collection plates composed of polypropylene and Teflon® resin, and to their use, in connection with compatible filter units, in high-throughput screening assays for assessing the binding of small molecules to proteins.

Abstract: A filter construction is provided having a packing density of at least 300 square meters of active membrane filter area per cubic meter of external volume of said filter construction, said filter constructed of materials characterized by less than 250 mg of extracted contamination per m2 of wetted material.

Abstract: A process for making a fluid processing module is provided wherein a plurality of filtration elements is alternated with a fluid porous layer to form a stack. The filtration elements comprise a membrane sheet having a thermoplastic element bonded to a portion of an edge of the membrane. An opening is provided either through the membrane or through the thermoplastic element. A portion of the thermoplastic element extends into the opening and can be sealed to an adjacent positioned thermoplastic element to seal the porous sheet positioned between adjacently positioned membranes from fluid communication with the opening. Sealing can be effected by extending a heating element through the opening of the stack to effect simultaneous sealing of a plurality of thermoplastic elements.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filtering and separating fluids by reverse osmosis or by micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, including a plurality of spaced planar filter elements arranged in stacks in spaced relationship so that their surfaces can be contacted by the fluids for the collection of permeate from the fluids within the filter elements, at least one draining rod having a central draining passage extends through the stack of filter elements and has openings disposed in each filter element for collecting the permeate from the respective filter elements, and a vacuum generating means is connected to a permeate discharge which is in communication with the draining rod passages for generating a vacuum in each filter element.

Abstract: An oil filtration system uses a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port connected by a series of passages arranged in an S-flow pattern. Each passage is bounded on at least one side by a membrane filter which filter channels the permeate removed from the filter out of the system through permeate ports that are attached to each filter and that pass through an end cap of the housing. A turbulence creating flange is disposed within the passages for creating turbulence of the fluid flowing through the passages in order to increase fluid interaction with the filters and thus increase the filtration ability of the membrane filters.

Abstract: An active fluid separation device for removing a constituent of a fluid mixture. The separation device formed from a first polymeric structured layer having a plurality of flow channels defined in one surface, and a selectively permeable fluid separation media covering at least some of the flow channels. An external source is also included to provide a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of the fluid through the separation media, thereby removing a constituent component of the fluid mixture. A manifold in fluid contact with the flow channels of the structured layer may also be used to operatively permit the source to provide the potential over the flow channels.

Abstract: A filter filters fluid flowing along an axial flow direction and includes a plurality of concentric cylindrical pleated filter elements having a common axis. A plurality of annular radial gaps between filter elements provide additional flow axially through the filter, providing equalized flow and reducing restriction. In further embodiments, a central filter element is concentrically surrounded by a cylindrical pleated outer filter element and provides additional flow axially therethrough.

Abstract: A filtering unit including an upper container for receiving fluid to be filtered, a lower container for receiving the fluid from the upper container and an intermediate filter cassette. The filter cassette includes a support member connected with a flat filter member, such as a membrane filter, and can be removed with respect to each of the upper and lower containers. The filter cassette may be inserted within the upper container with sealing engagement between the support member and the internal wall of the upper container. The various disclosed embodiments include the ability to serially connect multiple filter cassettes generally between the liquid contained in the upper container and the lower container.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. A gas purification system extracts energy from the waste gases to heat the membrane reactor. This, in concert with other control mechanisms provided results in a more efficient gas purification process.

Abstract: An apparatus controls movement of fluids during an extracorporeal blood treatment session. A hollow cassette enclosure has a plurality of fluid input ports for receiving fluids into the enclosure and a plurality of fluid output ports for expelling fluids from the enclosure. Internal fluid passageways disposed within the hollow enclosure are provided for coupling together the fluid input ports, and the fluid output ports. At least one internal valve is disposed within the hollow enclosure for controlling movement of the fluid within the hollow enclosure. A filter is integrated into the cassette to filter the blood passing therethrough.

Abstract: A monodirectional or bi-directional distributor plate for crossflow cassette-type filtration appliances is provided which comprises three parts and is used in the ultrafiltration or microfiltration of liquids. The three-part distributor plate assembly comprises a middle plate member, an upper plate member and a lower plate member, which when combined has a front and rear surface, a first and second side wall and a first and second edge wall. The front and rear surfaces of the distributor plate assembly are provided with feed, residue and filtrate orifices arranged to communicate with feed, residue and filtrate orifices of a plurality of filter cassettes. Due to the manner of flow to and/or from associated filter cassettes by way of the three-part distributor plate assembly, equal pressure can be achieved at all orifices to ensure equal flow over a filter membrane surface increasing filtration performance.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane stack is described for separating dialysate and diffusate. The membrane stack comprises a plurality of membrane sheets and a plurality of spacers interspersed between the plurality of membrane sheets. Each spacer includes a gasket bordering a screen diagonally woven. These membrane sheets and spacers are affixed together by form a collective unit.