With Embedded Baffle Patents (Class 210/321.81)
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Patent number: 11426698Abstract: The present disclosure relates to diffusion and/or filtration devices comprising hollow fiber membranes, e.g., ultrafilters for water purification, plasma filters, or capillary dialyzers for blood purification; housings and end caps for the devices; and methods for the production of the devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GAMBRO LUNDIA ABInventors: Christof Beck, Steffen Wagner, Bernd Hertzler, Rainer Blickle, Stefan Ermantraut
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Patent number: 11331629Abstract: A fiber bundle cartridge for a fiber membrane degassing system includes an inner sleeve including one or more perforations and a fiber bundle positioned radially outward from the inner sleeve. The fiber bundle has an annular shape defining a central bundle axis. The perforations of the inner sleeve define a plurality of inlets and/or outlets facing radially with respect to the central bundle axis. A fiber membrane degassing system includes a housing defining a cylindrical volume having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The system includes at least one fiber within the cylindrical volume, where fluid flowing through the cylindrical volume from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet flows perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the fiber. A method of degassing a liquid includes directing a liquid volume through a fiber bundle in a direction radial to a longitudinally extending bundle axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Michael Ferrarotti, Codrin D. Sandu, Aaron F. Rickis, Peter M. Ballard, August M. Coretto
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Patent number: 11141693Abstract: A dehumidifying element includes a dehumidification space that are formed between a pair of potting material portions and that accommodates hollow fiber membranes through which highly humid dehumidification-target air is circulated. The dehumidifying element also includes an air supply hole for supplying purging air having a humidity lower than the dehumidification-target air to the dehumidification space and an air discharge hole for discharging the purging air supplied to the dehumidification space. In the dehumidification space, a guide member is disposed so as to form a plurality of regions in a cylindrical casing as viewed in the axis-L direction, and the hollow fiber membranes are accommodated in the dehumidification space so as to be distributed into the plurality of regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: SMC CORPORATIONInventor: Masaaki Ohara
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Patent number: 10926225Abstract: Hollow fiber cartridges and components and methods of their construction.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Refine Technology, LLCInventor: Jerry Shevitz
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Patent number: 10804550Abstract: A humidifier for a fuel cell includes: a bundle of hollow fiber membranes disposed therein, such that an intake gas flows inside the bundle of hollow fiber membranes; a housing configured to accommodate the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, such that an exhaust gas, which has a higher humidity than the intake gas, flows inside the housing; and a guide member disposed in the housing to restrict a movement of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes inside the housing. Coolant flows through the guide member to cool the exhaust gas to promote condensation of the exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Hyun Yoo Kim, Chang Ha Lee
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Patent number: 10792591Abstract: A gas removal unit has a tube bundle formed of a plurality of tubes with a hollow center. The tubes are formed of a material that allows passage of a gas from an exterior of the tube into an interior of the tube and resists flow of at least some liquids through the tube into the interior of the tube. There is a plurality of inner chambers within the bundle and a plurality of outer chambers outward of the bundle. A fluid inlet connects to a first of the inner or outer chambers and a fluid outlet connects to a second of the inner and outer chambers. An axial direction is defined between the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A tortuous path is defined by the inner and outer chambers such that a fluid will pass repeatedly from the inner chambers to the outer chambers, and from the outer chambers to the inner chambers, as it moves along the axial direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A fuel supply system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Gerald P. Dyer
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Patent number: 10758844Abstract: A fluid degassing device can include a shell configured to retain a selectively permeable hollow fiber bundle, wherein the shell defines a first flow port and a second flow port and at least a third flow port, and a selectively permeable hollow fiber bundle having a plurality of hollow fibers disposed within the shell such that a first flow circuit is defined between the first flow port and the second flow port, and a second flow circuit is defined in fluid communication with at least the third port such that an inner channel of one or more of the hollow fibers is in fluid communication with at least the third flow port, wherein second flow circuit is partially fluidly isolated from the first flow circuit such that at least one first fluid cannot pass through a wall of one or more hollow fibers, but such that at least one second fluid can pass through the wall of the one or more hollow fibers. The shell and the fiber bundle include a non-cylindrical shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Neal R. Herring
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Patent number: 10350549Abstract: A hollow-fiber membrane module of the invention includes: a cylindrical case having a first end and a second end in a height direction thereof; a hollow-fiber membrane bundle being housed in the cylindrical case and having a plurality of hollow-fiber membranes each closed at an end part on the first end side and opened at an end part on the second end side; a first binding part binding the end parts on the first end side of the hollow-fiber membranes; a first flow channel guiding fluid to pass through the first binding part from the first end side to the second end side of the first binding part; and a channel material directing, at a terminal on the second end side of the first flow channel, a flow of at least a part of the fluid flowing out from the terminal on the second end side of the first flow channel toward a direction intersecting the height direction of the cylindrical case.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Shun Shimura, Atsushi Kobayashi, Norihiro Takeuchi, Yoshiki Okamoto
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Patent number: 10155202Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane restraining apparatus comprising: first and second horizontal wall parts having slits therethrough, wherein the inner walls face one another; and two vertical wall parts erected facing both end parts of the first horizontal wall parts in a horizontal axis direction, wherein a mat stacking part is formed and stacked on the first horizontal wall part such that end parts of mats on which hollow fiber membranes are arranged in a row can be aligned, and the second horizontal wall part is locked onto the vertical wall parts by pushing and restraining the mat stacking part; a header apparatus comprising the same; a hollow fiber membrane module; and a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane module are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignees: LOTTE ADVANCED MATERIALS CO. LTD., LOTTE CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Eu Mine Suk, Young Soo Son, Dong Hyun Kim, Gyu Hong Min
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Patent number: 9987596Abstract: The present invention relates to units for separation of gas mixtures using hollow fiber membranes and may be used in chemical, oil, gas and other industries. More specifically, this invention relates to the structure of the membrane gas separation module which may be applied, for instance, in membrane separation units for helium concentrate. The membrane gas separation module comprises the horizontal body with end covers and membrane cartridges made of a bundle of hollow fibers and located in an inversed manner in relation to the center. The body comprises symmetrical end sections of large diameter which are mated by conical transition sections with the central section of minor diameter. In this case length of end sections corresponds with length restricted by the body end and input area of membrane cartridges, and central section inner diameter is configured to provide both free mounting/dismounting of membrane cartridges and tight fit thereof at the sealing point with ring gaskets.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: PUBLICHNOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSCHESTVO “GAZPROM”Inventors: Anatoly Alekseevich Pigarev, Aleksei Valentinovich Bukin, Sergei Stanislavovich Tolstov
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Patent number: 9932125Abstract: An air separation module includes a plurality of fibers located within a casing. A fiber membrane defines an exterior of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane also forms an interior passage along a length of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane is configured to permeate a gas through the fiber membrane. At least one perforated canister is placed between the plurality of fibers. The at least one perforated canister is configured to collect a permeated gas from the plurality of fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Haralambos Cordatos
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Patent number: 9895655Abstract: A drying apparatus housing head for compressed air is connected to a housing wherein a diaphragm filter includes an inlet for humid compressed air and an outlet for dried compressed air. The inlet transitions into an inner pipe surrounded by a housing section. The outlet transitions into a ring-shaped chamber formed between an outer side of the inner pipe and an inner side of the housing. A valve ring guide of a main body surrounds the inner pipe and is held immovably, and a ring-shaped rolling diaphragm is arranged in the chamber, held at the outer side thereof and connected at the inner side thereof to a valve ring which surrounds the valve ring guide and moves along a longitudinal axis. The valve ring guide has a duct through which dry compressed air is conducted in the direction of the diaphragm filter and is closed off by the valve ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Johannes Sinstedten, Thomas Prior, Jörg Rambow
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Patent number: 9867919Abstract: A production method for a medical instrument includes a plurality of integrated hollow fiber membrane producing a base material forming a cylindrically-shaped body. Each of the hollow fiber membranes sequentially passes through a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point that are set on a core member. In an outward path heading toward the third point from the second point, the hollow fiber membrane reaches the third point from the second point at the shortest distance while being wound in the circumferential direction of the core member. Moreover, in a homeward path heading toward the fifth point from the fourth point, the hollow fiber membrane reaches the fifth point from the fourth point at the shortest distance while being wound in the circumferential direction of the core member in the same direction as in the case of the outward path.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Eisuke Sasaki
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Patent number: 9839736Abstract: A production method for a medical instrument includes a plurality of integrated hollow fiber membrane producing a base material forming a cylindrically-shaped body. Each of the hollow fiber membranes sequentially passes through a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point that are set on a core member. In an outward path heading toward the third point from the second point, the hollow fiber membrane reaches the third point from the second point at the shortest distance while being wound in the circumferential direction of the core member. Moreover, in a homeward path heading toward the fifth point from the fourth point, the hollow fiber membrane reaches the fifth point from the fourth point at the shortest distance while being wound in the circumferential direction of the core member in the same direction as in the case of the outward path.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Eisuke Sasaki
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Patent number: 9795923Abstract: A cartridge type hollow fiber membrane module includes: a cartridge type hollow fiber membrane element including a hollow fiber membrane bundle, a distribution cylinder, and an adhesive resin portion; a module case including a module case main body portion which has at least one port corresponding to a supply outlet of filtrate or an undiluted solution on a side surface, and a header which has a port corresponding to a supply outlet of filtrate or an undiluted solution, and accommodating the cartridge type hollow fiber membrane element; a first sealing member disposed to come into contact with the distribution cylinder and the header on an external side of a boundary surface between the supporting portion and the adhesive resin portion; and a second sealing member disposed to come into contact with an outer circumference portion of the distribution cylinder and the module case main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Hayato Inuzuka, Kohei Fujii, Norihiro Takeuchi, Atsushi Kobayashi, Takashi Mimitsuka
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Patent number: 9784505Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with a refrigeration device having a FPA disposed therein being comprised of a polymeric composite mesh material having a hot end and a cold end and defining an array of weft capillaries interwoven with a perpendicular array of warp strands. The array of weft capillaries may include a plurality of high pressure inlet capillaries for channeling and distributing high pressure gas from an inlet at the hot end to a Joule-Thomson orifice at the cold end, a plurality of low pressure outlet capillaries for channeling and distributing high pressure gas from a Joule-Thomson orifice to an outlet of the heat exchanger, and a plurality of low thermal conductivity fibers interspersed between the high pressure inlet capillaries and the low pressure outlet capillaries. In example embodiments. the array of warp strands comprises at least one or more of carbon fibers, copper fibers or glass fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventor: Jeffrey R. Olson
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Patent number: 9339767Abstract: A membrane container 6 has a casing 10 including a fluid inlet 14 and a fluid outlet 16 and a membrane container body 9 including a plurality of flow paths 11 which is arranged along the flow direction of the treated fluid and in parallel to one another. Each of the plurality of flow paths 11 includes a most upstream portion 11A which is connected to the fluid inlet 14, and a most downstream portion 11C which is connected to the fluid outlet 16. Return portions 15 and 17 configured to reverse the flow direction of the treated fluid are provided between the most upstream portion 11A and the most downstream portion 11C. After passing through the fluid inlet 14, the treated fluid flows from the most upstream portion 11A down to the most downstream portion 11C via the return portions 15 and the upper return portion 17.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Yukio Tanaka, Shinya Tachibana, Hiroyuki Osora, Shinji Ogino, Haruaki Hirayama
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Patent number: 9034189Abstract: Disclosed is a pressurized hollow fiber membrane module that exhibits improved durability without deterioration in packing density and permeation flux. The pressurized hollow fiber membrane module includes a composite hollow fiber membrane comprising a tubular braid woven by yarns and a polymer film on the outer surface of the tubular braid. At least one of the yarns comprises a small-fineness filament and a medium-fineness filament. The small-fineness filament comprises first monofilaments having a fineness of 0.01 to 0.4 denier, the medium-fineness filament comprises second monofilaments having a fineness higher than 0.4 and lower than 3, and a ratio of thickness of the tubular braid to outer diameter thereof is 15 to 35%.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Jae Hee Ryu, Yong-Cheol Shin, Kwang-Jin Lee, Moo-Seok Lee
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Patent number: 8974668Abstract: A membrane element consisting of a hollow fiber stack (HF stack) comprising a plurality of substantially equally spaced hollow fibers (HFs) comprising multiple alternate rows of HFs comprising first ends extending through and between contact structures comprising solid thermoset material, each HF consisting of a hydrophilic semipermeable membrane defining an elongated lumen, each HF comprising a portion that extends from one contact structure to an opposed contact structure, wherein the HFs in alternate rows are aligned with the spaces in adjacent rows, forming a hexagonal pattern comprising repeating adjacent and/overlapping hexagons, wherein each hexagon comprises a central hollow fiber (central HF) surrounded by six immediately adjacent HFs defining a hexagonal perimeter comprising six sides, the six immediately adjacent HFs being substantially equally spaced from one another and substantially equally spaced from the central hollow fiber, wherein the spacing is adapted to maintain a Reynolds' number of aboType: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Maher Isaac Kelada
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Patent number: 8883008Abstract: A dialyzer composed of: first and second dialyzation chambers, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the first and second dialyzation chambers. Each dialyzation chamber has opposed first and second ends and contains a filter member that separates the chamber into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Each of the compartments extends between first and second ends. Each of the chambers has a respective one of a blood inlet or outlet and a dialysate inlet or outlet arranged so that blood and dialysate flow in counter-current to one another in both chambers. The intermediate chamber is connected to form a dialysate-free blood flow passage between the blood compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Mirimedical, LLCInventor: Gary Mishkin
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Publication number: 20140202950Abstract: The present invention relates to an anodized aluminum oxide tubular nano-porous membrane array module and method of manufacture thereof. Further the invention relates to a system of such modules. The tubular membrane modules of the present invention can be cascaded to up-scale the surface area of the overall system rather than scaling the surface area of a single tubular membrane. Thus the volume density that is the available surface area for filtration per unit volume of the system is substantially enhanced without compromising on mechanical stability to withstand the pressure differential defines by the end use application.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Nitin Afzulpurkar, Ajab Khan Kasi
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Publication number: 20140175003Abstract: A filtration module including a plurality of vertically aligned semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes, a plurality of fiber supports spaced apart and along the length of the hollow fiber membranes wherein each fiber support comprises a plurality of partitions that segment the hollow fiber membranes into multiple groupings and wherein a plurality of the groupings of one fiber support are distinct from those of another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Steven J. Gluck, Peter E. Aerts
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Publication number: 20140076793Abstract: Disclosed is a pressurized hollow fiber membrane module that exhibits improved durability without deterioration in packing density and permeation flux. The pressurized hollow fiber membrane module includes a composite hollow fiber membrane comprising a tubular braid woven by yarns and a polymer film on the outer surface of the tubular braid. At least one of the yarns comprises a small-fineness filament and a medium-fineness filament. The small-fineness filament comprises first monofilaments having a fineness of 0.01 to 0.4 denier, the medium-fineness filament comprises second monofilaments having a fineness higher than 0.4 and lower than 3, and a ratio of thickness of the tubular braid to outer diameter thereof is 15 to 35%.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Jae Hee Ryu, Yong-Cheol Shin, Kwang-Jin Lee, Moo-Seok Lee
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Publication number: 20140048473Abstract: A method for potting hollow fiber membranes comprises the steps of forming a bundle of membranes with a layer of adhesive; covering one end of the bundle with a permeate pan, the ends of the membranes protruding upwards into the permeate pan; and flowing a liquid potting material into the permeate pan. The bundle may be tilted to more quickly distribute the liquid potting material. An apparatus for filtering liquid with hollow fiber membranes comprises a bundle of membranes, a layer of adhesive spaced from the end of the bundle, a permeate pan covering the end of the bundle, and a header formed with the membranes, the adhesive and the pan.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Zsolt BATOR
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Patent number: 8157999Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: SPF Innovations, LLCInventors: Gaston de los Reyes, Leon Mir
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Patent number: 7931805Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter unit for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a bundle of capillary membranes which are open on at least one front surface side and which are cast in an area which is close to the end of the open membrane ends, in a sealing layer forming a hardened head part. The open membrane ends protrude on the outer side of the sealing layer. The sealing layer is arranged on a spacer element which has a layer which is penetrated by the capillary membranes and which is non-permeable in relation to the casting material which hardens in order to form the sealing layer. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a membrane filter unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems GmbHInventors: Stefan Schäfer, Klaus Vossenkaul, Christoph Kullmann, Andreas Kruse
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Publication number: 20110031180Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber module that makes it possible to decrease the spacing between a plurality of hollow fiber sheets and facilitate the formation of a potting portion with a two-layer structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Yasuhiro Tada, Masayuki Hino, Takaaki Mukumoto, Toshiya Mizuno, Teizo Mozutani
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Publication number: 20110024342Abstract: A separation membrane module is provided with a module main body 11, an upper horizontal partition plate 21 which is positioned in an upper portion within the module main body 11 so as to form an upper fluid channel 22, a lower horizontal partition plate 23 which is positioned in a lower portion within the module main body 11 so as to form a lower fluid channel 24, a plurality of vertical outer tubes 13 which are fixed between the upper horizontal partition plate 21 and the lower horizontal partition plate 23, and vertical tubular membrane elements 21 which are put through the respective outer tubes 13 with a gap. An upper end of the gap between each of the outer tubes 13 and the membrane elements 12 put there through is joined with the upper fluid channel 22, and a lower end of the gap is joined with the lower fluid channel 24. An upper end opening of each of the membrane elements 12 is open to an outer side of the module main body 11, and a lower end opening each of the membrane elements 12 is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATIONInventors: Suguru Fujita, Yoshinobu Takaki, Yoshihiro Asari
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Patent number: 7803274Abstract: A contained liquid membrane contactor includes a perforated center tube, first and second membrane mats each with a first and a second end both being open, four tube sheets affixing the membrane mats to the center tube, a shell sealed to the tube sheets, and two end caps. The first end of the first mat extends a first distance beyond the second end of the second mat. The first end of the first mat is open at the first tube sheet while the first end of the second mat is open at the second tube sheet. The second end of the first mat is between the second and fourth tube sheets and the second end of the second mat is between the first and third tube sheets.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Celgard LLCInventors: Gareth Peter Taylor, Amitava Sengupta, Timothy D. Price, Linus I. Holstein, Tony R. Vido
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Patent number: 7790030Abstract: A separation system including a pressure vessel containing a plurality of membrane cartridge assemblies is provided for the separation of a fluid feed. The separation system typically includes an elongated pressure vessel having a feed stream inlet, a residual stream and at least one permeate stream outlet. Disposed within the pressure vessel are a first tube sheet assembly defining a first permeate reservoir, a first fluid reservoir, and a plurality of membrane cartridge assemblies. The first tube sheet assembly includes a first pair of tube sheets, which define the first permeate reservoir therebetween, and a plurality of first sleeves disposed between the first pair of tube sheets. The first permeate reservoir is in fluid communication with the at least one permeate stream outlet. The at least one membrane cartridge assembly includes a membrane cartridge and a first permeate adapter joined to a first end of the membrane cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: A. William Schwartz, Mark E. Schott
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Patent number: 7717405Abstract: Disclosed is a shell side contactor which can be used to form ozonated water. The contactor includes a shell and a plurality of porous perfluoroalkoxy resin thermoplastic hollow fibers that are potted at each end of the shell. The perfluoroalkoxy resin hollow fibers can be unskinned, skinned on their inner surface, or skinned on their outer surfaces. The contactor is provided with a spacer that spreads the hollow fibers adjacent an inlet to the shell, thereby permitting liquid flow at desirably high flow rates with acceptable pressure drop through the shell. The mass transfer efficiency of the contactor can be enhanced by jetting water into the fiber bundle and introducing gaps into the bundle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Rajnikant B. Patel, Kwok-Shun Cheng
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Patent number: 7686868Abstract: A membrane separation module (10) has a shell (11) having inlet port (20), outlet port (21) and a plurality of membrane units (12) disposed therebetween. Each membrane unit (12) has a plurality of elongated membrane elements (13), with at least a portion of each membrane element (13) having a semipermeable surface to permit selective permeation of one or more components of a multi-component feed fluid. The plurality of elongated membrane elements (13) are attached to collecting manifolds (16) (17), with one of those manifolds (16) (17) being unrestrained, permitting axial movement of each membrane element (13) in response to temperature changes. At least one manifold (16) (17) from each membrane unit (12) is in fluid communication with a manifold (16) (17) from one other membrane unit (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventor: Paul J. Rubas
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Patent number: 7648633Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module with a fixed structure comprises: a bearing shell (7), an inlet (8), a concentrated water outlet (10), a produced water outlet (9), a central tube (1) and hollow fiber membranes (6), in which the hollow fiber membranes (6), the central tube (1) and the bearing shell (7) are fixed together, the inlet (8) is located at one end of the hollow fiber membranes (6), the concentrated water outlet (10) is located at the other end of the hollow fiber membranes (6), the produced water outlet(s) (9) is(are) located at one end or both ends of the central tube (1), and there are small holes drilled on the side wall of the central tube (1). The module also comprises at least one separate fixed ring(s) (2) for fixing the hollow fiber membranes (6), with the separate fixed ring(s) (2) fixed on the central tube (1) and the hollow fiber membranes (6) arranged in parallel through the separate fixed ring(s) (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Shanghai Litree Purifying Equipment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lianggang Chen, Man Chen, Qing Chen
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Patent number: 7638048Abstract: A membrane module for an immersed operation has a fiber bundle of hollow fiber membranes which are cast into a headpiece and in immersed operation are surrounded by a liquid to be filtered. The module has a permeate collection chamber connected to the headpiece with an outlet for permeate draining from the interior of the hollow fiber membranes, and a gas supply having a pipe guided by the headpiece. The pipe terminates in the interior of the fiber bundle and has a gas outlet for a gaseous medium, which after the transfer from the pipe to the liquid to be filtered rises as bubbles between the hollow fiber membranes. The fiber bundle is divided into sections and free spaces remain between the sections which extend from the pipe to the outer circumference of the headpiece and promote an inflow of the liquid into a foot area adjoining the headpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems GmbHInventors: Stefan Schäfer, Klaus Vossenkaul, Christoph Kullmann
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Patent number: 7608185Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a seal disposed within the outer case, thereby dividing the interior region into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through the first chamber and the second chamber, where at least a portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes have first segments located within the first chamber and second segments located within the second chamber, the first segments being configured to allow vapor transmission therethrough, and the second segments being configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission therethrough, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Xiaohong Liao, Zidu Ma, James R. Irish
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Patent number: 7537696Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. An ultrafilter is described as well as a bioreactor system having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Hydroteat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
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Patent number: 7527672Abstract: A moisture exchange module includes a bundle of moisture-permeable hollow fiber membranes through which a first gas stream can flow. The bundle of hollow fiber membranes is arranged in a housing, the housing being provided with line elements for supplying and discharging a second gas stream, which flows around the hollow fiber membranes. Between the bundle of hollow fiber membranes and the housing there is at least one flow space, which extends over at least approximately the entire length of that region of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes through which the first gas stream can flow. The at least one flow space surrounds only a small part of the circumference of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, so that ultimately a moisture exchange operated in cross-current mode is formed. This can preferably be used for the humidification of feed air for fuel cell systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Gerhard Berger, Gert Hinsenkamp, Jens Intorp, Patrick Mangold, Jochen Schaefer, Sven Schnetzler, Wolfgang Weger, Norbert Wiesheu
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Publication number: 20080302716Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module. The hollow fiber membrane module includes a central water pipe, a central air pipe, and a plurality of small modules. The small modules include a plurality of housings, a hollow fiber membrane, a fixing part, a collector, and a diffusing unit. The housings are vertically provided with the central water pipe, connected to the inlet and the outlet, and arranged along an external circumferential surface of the central water pipe. The hollow fiber membrane is provided in the respective housings and performs water treatment by a pressure difference. The fixing part fixes a lower part of the hollow fiber membrane to the housing. The collector is formed in a lower part of the housing and communicated with an inner path of the hollow fiber membrane to collect water treated by the hollow fiber membrane and flow it to the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Soo-Hong Noh, Oh-Sung Kwon, Hee-Sung Park
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Patent number: 7459084Abstract: This present invention relates to a fluid separation module adapted to separate a given fluid mixture into permeate and retentate portions using bundles of hollow fiber membranes. The membranes may be composed of different kinds of membranes depending on the application being used to separate the fluid mixture. The fluid separation module may be used to separate fluid mixtures by a number of different processes, including but not limited to, pervaporation, vapour permeation, membrane distillation (both vacuum membrane distillation and direct contact membrane distillation), ultra filtration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane stripping and gas separation. The present invention also provides an internal heat recovery process applied in association with those fluid separation applications where separation takes place by evaporation through the membrane of a large portion of the feed into permeate.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Petro Sep International Ltd.Inventors: Fakhir U. Baig, Abdul M. Kazi, Aiser Al-Hassani
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Publication number: 20080149555Abstract: A separation system including a pressure vessel containing a plurality of membrane cartridge assemblies is provided for the separation of a fluid feed. The separation system typically includes an elongated pressure vessel having a feed stream inlet, a residual stream and at least one permeate stream outlet. Disposed within the pressure vessel are a first tube sheet assembly defining a first permeate reservoir, a first fluid reservoir, and a plurality of membrane cartridge assemblies. The first tube sheet assembly includes a first pair of tube sheets, which define the first permeate reservoir therebetween, and a plurality of first sleeves disposed between the first pair of tube sheets. The first permeate reservoir is in fluid communication with the at least one permeate stream outlet. The at least one membrane cartridge assembly includes at membrane cartridge and a first permeate adapter joined to a first end of the membrane cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: A. William Schwartz, Mark E. Schott
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Patent number: 7303674Abstract: There is disclosed a process and device for Forward Osmosis (FO) Pressurized Device (FOPD) in general and one hydraulically coupled to a reverse osmosis (RO device for a FOPRO (Forward Osmosis Pressurized Reverse Osmosis). Specifically, there is disclosed a passive device (that is, not needed energy input) for using forward osmosis to generate significant hydraulic pressure that can be used to drive a reverse osmosis process, wherein the reverse osmosis process (not needed external energy to run pumps) can separate salt from salt water to generate potable water from water with high salt content (such as sea water, urine, sweat, brackish water and the like).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Hydration TechnologiesInventors: Keith Lampi, Edward Beaudry, Jack Herron
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Patent number: 7285106Abstract: A hemodiafiltration/hemofiltration cartridge is preferably formed of a single cartridge providing multi-stage hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration defined by a first hemodiafiltration stage having first filtering elements and a second hemofiltration stage having second filtering elements. Both stages are contained in a single cartridge. The cartridge can be used in a mid-dilution scheme, a pre-dilution scheme or a post-dilution scheme.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
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Patent number: 7285212Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
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Patent number: 7273549Abstract: An apparatus including a first hollow fiber membrane module, baffle assembly, and fluid source. The module includes a plurality of elongated hollow fiber membranes located generally in adjacent, parallel relationship to each other. Each of the membranes includes a generally cylindrical wall having a first end and a second end. The module also includes a module housing that supports the membranes. The module is configured to be positionable within the conduit and further to be matable with a similarly configured module. The baffle assembly is located within the conduit and configured to direct the flow of a first fluid through the module. The fluid source directs a second fluid to flow through the membranes from the first end to the second end. A predetermined substance is transmitted through the membranes' walls, to modify the concentration of the predetermined substance in the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Geoscience Support Services Inc.Inventors: Dennis Williams, Mark Williams
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Patent number: 7223339Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive hollow-fiber membrane module that can prevent diaphragms from peeling or coming off from the cylindrical casing. The invention includes a hollow-fiber membrane module, comprising a cylindrical casing having an inlet port for the treating liquid at one end and an outlet port for the treating liquid at the other end, a hollow-fiber membrane bundle contained in the cylindrical casing, potting layers for fixing the hollow-fiber membrane bundle to the inner wall of the cylindrical casing at both the ends of the hollow-fiber membrane bundle, a header having an outlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at one end of the cylindrical casing, and a header having an inlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at the other end of the cylindrical casing, wherein baffle cylinders having slits extending in the direction at an angle to the axis of the cylindrical casing are fitted in the potting layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Osamu Nakamatsu, Hiroshi Ohtani, Ichirou Kumo
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Patent number: 7172696Abstract: A mass transfer device having a fluid permeable core wound with many stands of a hollow fiber. A bulk fluid enters the interior of the core, passes through the side wall of the core, and along the outer surfaces of the hollow fibers. A baffle positioned in the center of the core so that the bulk fluid passes outwardly upstream of the baffle and inwardly through the core along the downstream of the block.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Spectrum Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jesus Martinez, Virginia Thanh Ta
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Patent number: 7150932Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite system comprising an electrode and a membrane, which can be used as a fuel cell element or an ion-exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Thomas Höfler, Norbert Stroh
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Patent number: 7022231Abstract: Apparatus incorporating potted hollow fibre membranes has a solid mass of potting material having a first face, a plurality of hollow fibre membranes sealed in the potting material. Portions of the membranes adjacent open ends of the membranes protrude from the first face. The potting material extends to and adhesively secures to the inner periphery of a permeate collection means to form a permeate collection zone. The permeate collection means may have walls enclosing a plenum adapted to receive a gas. The apparatus may have an air tube passing through the potting material and having an end in communication with a plenum or manifold adapted to receive a gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.Inventors: Mailvaganam Mahendran, Steven Kristian Pedersen
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Patent number: 6918886Abstract: A membrane module for hemodiafiltration having a cylinder-shaped housing and a bundle of hollow-fiber membranes capable of supporting fluid flow and arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing. The ends of the hollow-fiber membranes are embedded in a fluid-tight manner in first and second sealing compounds joined to the housing inner wall in a fluid-tight manner. The exterior space formed around the hollow-fiber membranes and delimited by the first and second sealing compounds and the housing inner wall is divided along the longitudinal extent of the housing into a dialyzate space and a substituate space by a dividing wall that is made from a substantially dimensionally stable material. The dividing wall encloses each hollow-fiber membrane and is arranged substantially transversely to the hollow-fiber membranes. The dialyzate space and substituate space each have at least one opening for introducing or draining a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Membrana GmbHInventor: Ulrich Baurmeister
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Patent number: 6849184Abstract: There is disclosed a process and device for Forward Osmosis (FO) Pressurized Device (FOPD) in general and one hydraulically coupled to a reverse osmosis (RO device for a FOPRO (Forward Osmosis Pressurized Reverse Osmosis). Specifically, there is disclosed a passive device (that is, not needed energy input) for using forward osmosis to generate significant hydraulic pressure that can be used to drive a reverse osmosis process, wherein the reverse osmosis process (not needed external energy to run pumps) can separate salt from salt water to generate potable water from water with high salt content (such as sea water, urine, sweat, brackish water and the like).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Hydration Technologies Inc.Inventors: Keith Lampi, Edward Beaudry, Jack Herron