Abstract: Hollow fiber membrane cassettes (1000) comprising an exterior casing (400), a filter (20) comprising two or more hollow fiber membranes (21), and an internal manifold (50) comprising first and second cassette headers (51, 52), wherein the cassette is arranged to allow feed flow, retentate flow, and permeate flow, and methods for making and using the cassettes, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fractionating mixtures comprising separation elements which are series mounted and mounted in a closed loop. Said device is characterized in that the solvent used is a supercritical pressurized fluid, each of the separation elements is made of a membrane separation, it comprises means for injecting the solvent at a pressure which is greater than the critical pressure thereof and for maintaining the pressure in said loop at a value which is above critical pressure, and it further comprises means for injecting the diluent and for maintaining the pressure thereof at a value which is similar to the value of the pressure of the solvent (S) in each of the areas (I, II, III, IV).

Abstract: A method of potting a plurality of hollow fiber membranes into a mass of solidified potting liquid is described. Open ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are enclosed in a first material held in a container which may be a part of a permeate collection means, for example, a permeate pan or header enclosure. A potting liquid is flowed into the container over the first material. The potting liquid surrounds each hollow fiber membrane and then becomes a solid mass that provides a fluid-tight seal to the outside of the hollow fiber membranes. The first material prevents the potting liquid or solid mass from closing the ends of the membranes. The first material is later removed from the ends of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A modular fluid treatment system utilizing hollow fiber cartridges held within the controlled environment of a reaction chamber, with the system being designed to accommodate and facilitate ease of access to individual cartridges within a given module. The arrangement provides for parallel operation of a group of individual modules, while at the same time facilitating access to individual modules for cartridge replacement. Each module includes an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber with end caps, with the end caps being designed to sealingly engage and retain individual cartridges for use within the module, while at the same time providing for accommodating a wide range of tolerance for variations in cartridge length.

Abstract: A blood purifying apparatus having excellent purification performance (elimination of low molecular proteins, etc.) and being contaminated with little endotoxins flowing from the dialyzate side is described. Attention was paid to the solute permeability coefficient &agr; and water permeability performance Lp of blood purifying apparatus and the relation between &agr; and Lp has been examined. As a result, a blood purifying apparatus having excellent purification performance and substantially being free from invasion of endotoxins was obtained by regulating the value &agr;/Lp to 6×10−7 or above, or regulating &agr; within a range of 8×105 to 1.5×10−3, and the value &agr;×Lp to 2.4×10−2 or less. Also, a blood purifying apparatus having excellent purification performance and substantially being free from invasion of endotoxins was obtained by regulating the invasion ratio which is obtained by the polymer invasion test to 10% or less.

Abstract: A separation end cap adapted for connecting adjacent separation elements is provided. The end cap may be located at the distal ends of a separation element and is adapted for connection with a permeate tube located within the separation element. In one embodiment the end cap includes an inner hub for receiving an O-ring to seal against an inner hub of an end cap on an adjacent separation element. The inner hub of the end cap may be spin-welded to the outer surface of the permeate tube. A locking structure on an outer hub of the end cap co-acts with a locking structure on an end cap of an adjacent separation element to releaseably lock the end caps and, therefore, adjacent separation elements. The locking structure preferably provides a predetermined axial force on the O-ring to seal the connection between permeate tubes of adjacent separation elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a multi component liquid substrate while leaving particulate matter therein as a skein of hollow fiber filtering membranes immersed in the substrate which is contained in a non-pressurized reservoir. A pumping fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes draws a component of the substrate as permeate through the membranes by applying a section to the lumens of the membranes. In various embodiments, an aeration system as a gas distributor for discharging air directly into the substrate within the skein, upper and lower headers of the skein are spaced apart by a gas tube, and a gas distribution system has through passages through the lower header to discharge bubbles into the substrate above the lower header.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device, preferably for hemodialysis, that consists of a cylindrical filter housing and a bundle of curled hollow fibers. The bundle is arranged in the filter housing. According to the invention, the curled hollow fibers are provided with an essentially sinusoidal texture and a wavelength that is defined by means of certain limits. The invention also relates to a curled hollow fiber and a method for filling a hollow fiber dialyser.

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: Cross-flow filters having improved uniformity in transmembrane pressures and consequent much greater flux are provided by the installation of barriers in permeate channels.

Abstract: To pot membranes in a header, a dense, viscous liquid, suspension or, preferably, a thixotropic, water soluble gel, is placed in a header pan in space reserved for a permeate channel. A plurality of hollow fiber membranes are collected together and their open ends are inserted into the gel. A fixing liquid, typically a resin, is placed over the gel. The fixing liquid surrounds each membrane and then solidifies, simultaneously sealing the outer surfaces of the membranes and forming a plug in the opening of the header to complete the permeate channel. After the fixing liquid has solidified, the gel is removed by various means. The space initially occupied by the gel becomes part of the permeate channel after the gel is removed. In one embodiment, membranes are grouped by a cushioning adhesive which later surrounds the membranes where they exit the completed header.

Abstract: A nanoporous tubular filter having a membrane comprising a network of generally branched pores formed by anodization of a section of metal tubing. The network extends from an inner wall of the filter to and through an outer exposed wall area of the membrane, and has a first layer of pores with a diameter greater than that of pores of an adjacent second layer. Further, the network is integral with an outer support matrix having been formed of an outer wall of the section of tubing by removing selected portions of the outer wall, thus leaving the exposed wall area of the membrane. The outer support matrix corresponds with a patterned area formed of an external-coat applied to the tubing's outer wall. An electroplating of a magnetostrictive material deposited on the outer support matrix or on an interior surface is adapted for use as a diffusion ON-OFF switch.

Abstract: We describe an apparatus for providing a red blood cell suitable for delivery of an agent to a vertebrate, the apparatus comprising: (a) a sensitisation means for sensitising a red blood cell to render it susceptible to disruption by an energy source; and (b) a loading means for loading the red blood cell with an agent, in which the loading means is separate from the sensitisation means and in fluid connection therewith.

Abstract: A new centrifuge filter is designed for use in an arrayable micro-centrifuge. The filter has an upstream end where fluid enters the filter, an opposite or downstream end, and sides where fluid exits by centrifugal force. The filter is a piece of semipermeable material which is capable of letting certain fluids and small molecules pass therethrough and retaining macromolecules and particles. Also disclosed is an optional support for the filter.

Abstract: The linear pump (10,110) includes a housing (12, 112) and either two(20, 22) or one (120) flexible bladders each within a pump housing and interconnected to respective end caps (30, 32, 130, 132, 134, 136). Upon movement of a movable end cap relative to a stationary end cap, the volume in each bladder may be variably controlled to pump blood or another selected fluid. Linear movement of the end caps may be controlled by an attractive or repulsive force between end caps. The pump (110) with a permeable bladder (120) may be used to pump wastewater.

Abstract: A process for operating filtering membranes submerged in a tank involves, in one aspect, periodically deconcentrating the tank by at least partially emptying and refilling the tank with fresh water while permeation continues. In another aspect, long trains of membranes modules are placed in series along a flow path in the tank. In one embodiment, constant aeration is provided to prevent tank water from by-passing the membrane modules while proving controlled mixing such that the average concentration of solids in the tank is lower than the concentration of solids in the tank near an outlet for removing retentate from the tank. In another embodiment, the membrane modules are arranged in a series of filtration zones between a feed water inlet and a retentate outlet of a tank. Permeate is withdrawn from the filtration zones by separate means associated with each filtration zone.

Abstract: A filtration module has a plurality of hollow fibre nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membranes suspended between a pair of opposed headers. The lumens of the membranes are the retentate or feed side. The membranes are arranged in groups, such as sectors of a cylinder, and form preceding or succeeding stages. A permeate collection plenum is in direct fluid communication with each stage. The stages are connected by caps typically having dividers located at the ends of the module. The module is used to filter water and, when optionally fitted with hollow fibre membranes adapted to selectively reject hardness causing salts, is used to remove hardness. Methods of cleaning using acidic solutions or gaseous carbon dioxide are discussed.

Abstract: A multi-channel porous ceramic fiber is provided, preferably having a particular geometry, together with a filtration and/or reaction module comprising such fibers and a precursor paste for the fiber comprising a compression binder as the extrusion binder.

Abstract: A new sanitary filter element is described which provides a structure which cannot harbor contaminants and is readily and thoroughly cleaned as needed. The new device utilizes a uniquely configured adhesive component and membrane and tricot channel sheets which are significantly trimmed in size following adhesive curing. Such configuration eliminates structures within the filter where bacterial and other contamination, or materials which support such contaminants, can accumulate. In addition, a novel cage structure provides turbulent fluid flow while having improved strength and furnishes a site for permanent identification indicia. Finally, an improved step in the manufacturing process, in which a temporary separation sheet is positioned between the membrane and the feed spacer, prevents the occurrence of random unwanted contact adhesions between the two before and during the curing of the adhesive bonding membranes and their adjacent tricot channeling sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus in which cryoprotectant in cryopreserved samples is removed with the use of turbulence and convective-dispersion around the cells within the primary cryopreservation container. Convective-dispersion is applied via the combined action of gravity and pulsatile transmembrane flow of buffer through the pores of containers fabricated from appropriate membrane material. By using mechanical forces to aid the process of cryoprotectant removal, the benefits of slow cryoprotectant removal are retained while the actual removal time is markedly decreased.

Abstract: An improved dialysis cell and method for using the same to achieve shorter dialysis times wherein the two dialysis solutions used in the dialysis are brought into greater mutual contact with a semipermeable membrane, requiring the use of a smaller volume of dialysis. Because the dialysis cell is substantially rigid and in the shape of a test tube it can be used with an automated pipettor.

Abstract: A process for operating filtering membranes submerged in a tank involves, in one aspect, periodically deconcentrating the tank by at least partially emptying and refilling the tank with fresh water while permeation continues. In another aspect, long trains of membranes modules are placed in series along a flow path in the tank. In one embodiment, constant aeration is provided to prevent tank water from by-passing the membrane modules while proving controlled mixing such that the average concentration of solids in the tank is lower than the concentration of solids in the tank near an outlet for removing retentate from the tank. In another embodiment, the membrane modules are arranged in a series of filtration zones between a feed water inlet and a retentate outlet of a tank. Permeate is withdrawn from the filtration zones by separate means associated with each filtration zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for concentrating a blood fraction. The device includes an ultrafiltration unit connected to a fluid delivery system for delivering the blood fraction to be concentrated into the ultrafiltration unit. The device also includes a purge fluid delivery system for expelling concentrate from the ultrafiltration unit. In one embodiment, the device accommodates multiple cycles of concentration. A blood fraction concentration method is also provided. The device and method of the present invention are particularly useful for preparing a plasma concentrate suitable for use in a coagulum-based wound sealant.

Abstract: A dialysate preparing apparatus in which concentration of dialysate can be finely adjusted is provided. The dialysate preparing apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into four compartments 21, 22, 23, 24 by movable partitions 25, 26, 27; a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21; a solution tank 5; dialysate preparing lines 31, 32 connecting the solution tank 5 with the first compartment 21 and with the second compartment 22, respectively; a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate preparing line 32; a concentration meter N; a powder supply means 7; and dialysate lines 61, 62 connecting the second compartment 22 and the fourth compartment 24 with a dialyzer D, respectively; a circulating line 81; and a waste liquid discharge line 9.

Abstract: A device for the rapid separation and/or conversion of substrates is disclosed herein. The device include a porous tube (2) disposed inside a tubular sample distributor (3). The tubular sample distributor (3) includes channel structures on its inner surface and is disposed inside a tubular body (4). A tubular sample collector (1) having channel structures on its outer surface is disposed inside the porous tube (2). A circular sample distributor (7) is provided having a circumferential portion and radially extending grooves in conjunction with the channel structures of the tubular sample distributor (3). A circular sample collector (8) is also provided having a circumferential portion and radially extending grooves in conjunction with the channel structures of the tubular sample collector (1). The hollow body (4) is arranged between securing means (5) that provide a sample inlet and outlet in communication with the circular sample distributor (7) and circular sample collector (8), respectively.

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: A membrane filtration module, comprising a housing, a semi-permeable membrane, which is accommodated in the housing and has a liquid side for the introduction of liquid to be filtered and a concentrate side opposite the liquid side, as well as a permeate chamber, which surrounds the membrane and is in communication with a permeate-discharge line for discharging permeate. According to the invention, the wall of the housing comprises one or more channels which are closed towards the liquid side and the concentrate side and are in communication with the permeate chamber. These channels act as a permeate discharge.

Abstract: A filter element includes a bundle of hollow fiber type separation membranes made of a natural or synthetic macromolecular material and a sealed part made of a thermoplastic resin. The bundle has an opening in at least one terminal part thereof. The sealed part is bonded to the bundle at a temperature not higher than the melting or decomposing temperature of the macromolecular material and adapted to seal watertightly the opening of the bundle in a half-bonded state showing no compatibility with the macromolecular material and permitting persistence of the mutual interface of bondage.

Abstract: The system comprises a number of membrane modules (21), each one containing one or a bundle of several membrane tubules. The membrane modules (21) are connected on behind the other in series (passes) (43 to 48), which lie in horizontal planes. Several series (passes) (43 to 48) lie vertically on top of each other. Vertically extending collection lines (261, 49, 271) are arranged for the supply to, or respectively the removal of the medium to be filtered from the series (passes) (43 to 48). The arrangement offers a particularly simple assembly.

Abstract: The reagent package includes a container housing section and a container lid that are sealed together to define one or more inside chambers. An opening in the container lid provides access to a corresponding chamber. The chamber opening is controlled by a valve that is pivotable from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. When the valve is in an open position the container chamber can be accessed through the valve with an aspiration probe and a dispensation probe. The reagent package accommodates a filter screen member and a glass ampoule in the container chamber. The glass ampoule contains one reagent ingredient, which can be a dry powder and the space within the chamber outside the glass ampoule can contain a reconstituting liquid. When the reagent package is ready for use a pressure force is imposed on the outside wall of the chamber adjacent the glass ampoule to crush the ampoule and permit the liquid within the chamber to mix with the dry powder released from the glass ampoule.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for separating high molecular weight molecules from low molecular weight molecules. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of microdialysis for removal of the salt (low molecular weight molecules) from a nucleotide sample (high molecular weight molecules) for ESI-MS analysis. The dialysis or separation performance of the present invention is improved by (1) increasing dialysis temperature thereby increasing desalting efficiency and improving spectrum quality; (2) adding piperidine and imidazole to the dialysis buffer solution and reducing charge states and further increasing detection sensitivity for DNA; (3) using low concentrations (0-2.5 mM NH4OAc) of dialysis buffer and shifting the DNA negative ions to higher charge states, producing a nearly 10-fold increase in detection sensitivity and a slightly decreased desalting efficiency, (4) conducting a two-stage separation or (5) any combination of (1), (2), (3) and (4).