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

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for membrane filtering of water, characterized in that the filtering through membranes is performed by using as differential pressure source the water level in the tank wherein the membranes are immersed, and the membranes are of the fiber type with outer skin, substantially arranged in a U-shape and potted in their low section.

Abstract: A device for concentrating and/or purifying macromolecules in liquids is disclosed wherein the concentration/purification is accomplished by a membrane separating concentration and filtration chambers, the membrane and chambers being compressively held in fluid-tight relationship by sliding engagement with a sleeve-like housing. A method for assembling such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid separation assembly (10) having a fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62) and a wire mesh membrane (18 and 28) adjacent the fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62), wherein the wire mesh membrane (18 and 28) supports the fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62) 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 groups of multiple fluid separation assemblies (104) can be used in a module (85) to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.

Abstract: Multi-layer microfluidic devices incorporating a filter element are provided. A filter element is compressively restrained between device layers, such that the compression promotes a tight seal between device layers and resists fluid leakage around the filter element.

Abstract: A nanoengineered membrane for controlling material transport (e.g., molecular transport) is disclosed. The membrane includes a substrate, a cover defining a material transport channel between the substrate and the cover, and a plurality of fibers positioned in the channel and connected to and extending away from a surface of the substrate. The fibers are aligned perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, and have a width of 100 nanometers or less. The diffusion limits for material transport are controlled by the separation of the fibers. In one embodiment, chemical derivatization of carbon fibers may be undertaken to further affect the diffusion limits or affect selective permeability or facilitated transport. For example, a coating can be applied to at least a portion of the fibers. In another embodiment, individually addressable carbon nanofibers can be integrated with the membrane to provide an electrical driving force for material transport.

Abstract: A membrane structure comprising a silicon film having a grain structure including grains defining pores therebetween.

Abstract: An improved device for equilibrium dialysis procedures utilizing a dialysis membrane inserted in a gap in and separating all of any number of test wells contained in the dialysis block into at least a donating and receiving side which can be accessed and manipulated at any time during testing from the top of the device is described. The device may be constructed from a series of nine blocks of virgin teflon, cut and made flat to achieve certain dimensions ideal for making the device compatible with standard 96-well format laboratory equipment and conducive to robotic automation. The bars are placed side-by-side and connected by a pair of alignment pins along which the bars can slide on a horizontal plane relative to one another, individually or collectively, to aid in assembly, usage and cleaning. The bars are further held together during usage by a clamping mechanism to prevent any leakage of the sample being tested.

Abstract: This concerns a device whose filtering membrane is gripped annularly at the periphery between a first member forming part of an intake body and a second member forming part of a drainage body with one out of the first member and second member having an elastomer seal by means of which it comes into contact with the membrane, and whose locking means are adapted to allow the opening of the device by requiring only a separation movement between said first member and said second member. The drainage method proposes directly placing the device on a vacuum flask, the sealing with regard to the stopper of said flask being obtained by a rib tapering towards its end.

Abstract: An anti-microbial filter (105) for a micro-fluidic system (100) includes a silicon-based filter membrane (213) having holes (218) formed therein. The membrane (213) is formed on a substrate (211). One side of the filter membrane (213) has an anti-microbial coating (216) between the holes (218) on the filter membrane (213) and the other side can include filter supports formed from a silicon substrate. A method for making the anti-microbial filter (105) includes forming a filter membrane (213) on a substrate (211), forming holes (218) in the membrane (213) by providing a filter mask (215) and etching holes (218) through holes (222) in the mask (215). Then portions of the substrate (211) are removed from the filter membrane (213) using a masking and etching process to expose the holes (218). An anti-microbial coating is applied to the membrane (213) adjacent the holes (218).

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 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: Carbon dioxide, liberated by introducing fouling inhibiting bubbles into a tank containing an immersed membrane module, is captured and returned to the tank by way of the bubbles to minimize increases in pH in the tank water caused by carbon dioxide stripping. Minimizing the pH increase reduces the amount of acid required to produce a desired pH in the tank water or, with scaling feed water, reduces the rate of membrane fouling.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for performing a microfluidic process are presented. A microfluidic device conforms with a standard well plate format. The device includes a well plate comprising a plate and an array of wells formed on or in the plate, and a microfluidic structure connecting at least two of the wells. The device can rely exclusively on gravitational and capillary forces that exist in channels within the microfluidic structure when receiving fluid streams. Also disclosed is a microfluidic device having an array of microfluidic structures, each connecting at least two wells of a well plate, and connecting three or more wells in alternative embodiments. With the present invention, a large number of microfluidic processes or reactions can be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid-filtration receptacle well-suited for use in centrifugal sample concentration protocols, and particularly, wherein specifiable degrees of sample concentration are sought. Toward this end, the fluid-filtration receptacle is provided with an integral semi-permeable drain capable of being either completely or variably unsealed by a user to allow selective draining of a predetermined corresponding volume of said liquid from said receptacle. The fluid-filtration receptacle is preferably used in combination with a filtrate collection vial. The receptacle fits at least partially within the vial such that liquid (i.e., filtrate) drained from said receptacle collects within said vial.

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: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating undissolved constituents out of biological fluids, especially for separating blood plasma out of whole blood. It is to propose a simple and cost-effective way by means of which undissolved constituents can be separated out of biological fluids, in particular blood plasma out of whole blood, and the pure fluid is presenting then as a pure liquid volume without any substrate. To solve this object, e.g., whole blood is placed into a feed chamber. The feed chamber is isolated in an all-over manner by means of a membrane from a per se closed cavity having a small height. The cavity is connected to a flow channel or an opening from which the/the separated blood plasma can be removed.

Abstract: Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic outlet channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an inlet channel. The inlet channel and each outlet channel are disposed within different layers of a three-dimensional device. Each channel is defined through the entire thickness of a stencil layer. A multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through the outlet channels.

Abstract: A filter (20) suitable for gas analysis, especially non-gravimetric gas analysis, by collecting particulate matter thereon, with a filter material comprising a polycarbonate membrane having a maximum pore size of 2 micrometers or less that is secured by a support (5) formed of a polyolefin or polymethylpentene material. For additional embodiments, the particular manner of support mounting to the membrane may include thermal-bonding techniques, and the particular method of analysis may include X-Ray luminescence.

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: Devices for performing liquid extraction of one or more constituents from one fluid to another fluid are provided. In operation, the fluids are separated by channel structures that stabilize the interfacial boundary between the fluids allowing, for example, countercurrent flow and exchange or other flow conditions incompatible with unassisted maintenance of laminar flow. Also provided are channel structures which aid in mixing the fluids. Thin membranes may be formed using liquid extraction devices according to the invention. A process for manufacturing such devices using DRIE is described.

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: A process and apparatus for the collection of biological materials from air. Collection and separation devices utilize a novel membrane structure formed from a functionalized inorganic mesoporous membrane supported by porous substrate.

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 present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

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

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: 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: 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: An anti-microbial filter (105) for a micro-fluidic system (100) includes a silicon-based filter membrane (213) having holes (218) formed therein. The membrane (213) is formed on a substrate (211). One side of the filter membrane (213) has an anti-microbial coating (216) between the holes (218) on the filter membrane (213) and the other side can include filter supports formed from a silicon substrate. A method for making the anti-microbial filter (105) includes forming a filter membrane (213) on a substrate (211), forming holes (218) in the membrane (213) by providing a filter mask (215) and etching holes (218) through holes (222) in the mask (215). Then portions of the substrate (211) are removed from the filter membrane (213) using a masking and etching process to expose the holes (218). An anti-microbial coating is applied to the membrane (213) adjacent the holes (218).

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 frit for use in multi-layer microfluidic separation devices is provided. The frit comprises a polymeric membrane that may be securely bonded within the device and minimizes lateral wicking. A secure bond is ensured by treating the polymer to match its surface energy to that of the materials to which it is bound. Treatments include plasma treatment, irradiation and the application of acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The permeation layers have a defined porous character, with mesopores in a size range between about 100 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers, and may also have micropores in the micrometer size range. The mesoporous synthetic hydrogel permeation layers demonstrate improved signal intensity and linearity characteristics as compared to nanoporous synthetic hydrogel permeation layers on active electronic matrix devices. In addition, the present invention also provides synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers which contain copolymerized attachment sites for nucleic acid probes or other biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flat permeable membrane which has recesses on at least one side which are preferably in the form of channel structures that are considerably larger than the pores of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport member with significantly improved liquid handling capability, which has at least one bulk region and a wall region that completely circumscribes said bulk region, and which comprises a membrane port region and an open port region, whereby the bulk region has an average fluid permeability kb which is higher than the average fluid permeability kp of the membrane port region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the extracorporeal treatment of blood or plasma, comprising two compartments, one compartment intended for circulating blood or plasma, and one compartment intended for circulating spent liquid, separated by a wet semi-permeable membrane, characterized in that the device has, before and after sterilization, the following technical characteristics:

Abstract: An adjustable nanopore is fabricated by placing the surfaces of two planar substrates in contact, wherein each substrate contains a hole having sharp corners and edges. A corner is brought into proximity with an edge to define a triangular aperture of variable area. Ionic current in a liquid solution and through the aperture is monitored as the area of the aperture is adjusted by moving one planar substrate with respect to the other along two directional axes and a rotational axis. Piezoelectric positioners can provide subnanometer repeatability in the adjustment process. The invention is useful for characterizing, cleaving, and capturing molecules, molecular complexes, and supramolecular complexes which pass through the nanopore, and provides an improvement over previous devices in which the hole size of nanopores fabricated by etching and/or redeposition is fixed after fabrication.

Abstract: A micromachined filter system comprises a micromachined filter integrated in a micro-device. In various embodiments, the micromachined filter system is fabricated along with the micro-device using the same or similar techniques. The micromachined filter may comprise a polysilicon filter. According to the micromachined filter system, the micromachined filter may be formed in one or more polysilicon layers of the micro-device. The micromachined filter may also comprise a polyimide filter. In various embodiments, the micromachined filter may be situated downstream of a fluid inlet of the micro-device. In various embodiments, a non-integrated, external pre-filter may be used in conjunction with an integrated micromachined filter.

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: An apparatus and process for substance-specific treatment of fluids using groups of first and second treatment elements, adjacently positioned in a housing and made from membranes, the treatment elements having cavities open on one side, whereby the cavities of the first treatment elements are open in the direction of the inlet arrangement of the housing and the cavities of the second treatment elements are open in the direction of its outlet arrangement. A stream of the fluid to be treated is introduced via the inlet arrangement into a distribution space, which is delimited only by the housing, the inlet arrangement, and the ends, pointing to the inlet arrangement of the treatment element group adjacent to the inlet arrangement, and entering the cavities of the first treatment elements. The stream then flows successively through the walls of the first and second treatment elements, whereby the substance-specific treatment of the fluid takes place.

Abstract: A fluid path control element which when stacked alternatively with a fluid porous sheet can be formed into a filtration module. The fluid path control element comprises a porous membrane having sealed to a portion of its periphery a thermoplastic element that extends into an opening either through the membrane or in an opening through the thermoplastic element. The portion of the thermoplastic element that extends into the opening can be heat sealed with a second thermoplastic element to prevent fluid flow between the opening and the membrane.

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.