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

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

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

Abstract: A multistage immersion type membrane separator (22) in which an air diffuser (24) is disposed under a filtration part (23) immersed in a treatment tank (21), characterized in that: the filtration part has plural plate-like membrane cartridges (26) arranged in a vertically parallel multistage fashion at spaced intervals for forming a crossflow passage of a predetermined width; and that the air diffuser (24) has a diffuser tube disposed sidewardly that is communicated at its basal end to an air supply source (34) and has at its lower side part plural blowholes, a flushing pipe (33) that is communicated at its basal end to the tip of the diffuser tube and has at its tip an opening serving as an outlet (33a) and locating at an upstream of the diffuser tube, and a flushing valve (35) disposed in the flushing pipe (33).

Abstract: A device of oil removal and transport comprising a bulk material having an inlet region and an outlet region, which is in liquid communication with a reservoir. A membrane is hermitically sealed to or about the inlet region, wherein the membrane is liquid permeable and has an average pore size not greater than 100 micrometers. The invention also relates to a method of oil removal and transport using this device.

Abstract: A liquid handling member such as for application in hygiene articles, which comprises a membrane assembly separating a first and a second zone, which is connected to a suction device. This assembly comprises a membrane material having an actual surface area along its surface contours, and also has a projected surface area corresponding to an area projected to surface generally aligned with the member surface during its intended use.

Abstract: A laminated microchannel device is described in which there is a unit operation process layer that has longitudinal channel. The longitudinal channel is cut completely through the layer in which the unit process operation resides. Both the device structure and method of making the device provide significant advantages in terms of simplicity and efficiency. A static mixing unit that can be incorporated in the laminated microchannel device is also described.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to an equilibrium dialysis system in a multi-well format for the simultaneous preparation of multiple samples. Such an equilibrium dialysis system can be used for protein binding assays, molecule-molecule interaction studies, tissue cultures and many other biological and chemical applications. The equilibrium dialysis system described herein has at least 96 wells for the simultaneous preparation of 96 samples and can also be made in 96-well, 384-well, 1536-well or other multi-well formats.

Abstract: A method and system for making a gas permeable shell in a micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) device is disclosed. The MEMS device is created with an internal sacrificial layer. The device is then coated with a slurry composition which, after drying, is later exposed to a solvent. As a result, the sacrificial layer is removed to produce interconnected voids.

Abstract: A preferred transmission filter (10) includes a first flange (18) transparent to a laser beam (58) and includes a second flange (20) opaque to the laser beam (58) and meltable upon exposure thereto. The flanges (18, 20) are in registered, abutting relationship with a laser weld bead (62) at the juncture (44) between the flanges (18, 20) to provide a fluid seal circumscribing the filter (10). The preferred filter manufacturing apparatus (12) includes a laser (54) coupled to a robot arm (50) controlled by a programmable logic controller (52). The controller (52) operates the robot arm (50) in order to direct the laser beam (58) through the first flange (18) onto the second flange (20) and along the juncture (44) to form the laser weld bead (62).

Abstract: An improvement in the fabrication and bonding of dead-end and cross-flow thermoplastic filtration modules is disclosed whereby two housing parts are bonded to each other and to a filtration membrane by an L-shaped plastic melt.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a container (24) that surrounds at least one rapidly rotating membrane pack (32, FIG. 2) and stationary turbulators (36A, 36B ) slightly spaced from the membrane pack surfaces to leave thin gaps (40A, 40B ) between them, which obtains the advantages of both series-connected and parallel-connected systems. A feed conduit (82) connects the radially outer ends (110) of the gaps, to carry feed fluid into and out of each gap, with radially outward flow (94) near the pack surfaces, causing radially inward flow (102) near the surfaces of the turbulators. The turbulators have recesses that leave projections to promote fluid shear at the membrane surfaces. A motor shaft (314) supported on motor bearings, has a motor housing fixed to the container. The motor shaft extends into the container and holds the membrane pack to spin it, so only the motor bearings (316, 318) support all rotating parts.

Abstract: A tangential flow filtration apparatus is provided which includes a liquid feed reservoir and a tangential flow filtration module connected together by manifolds. The manifolds eliminate the need for tubular conduits, thereby effecting a reduction in recirculation volume for the apparatus.

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: 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 for purifying water that uses a synchronous combination of a worm gear and spring assembly that delivers constant mechanical energy for sustaining continuous filtration operations without the concomitant repetitious cranking that has been commonly prerequisite in the art. A simple means for storing energy as a ready reservoir for pressure-driving an aqueous solution through semipermeable membranes to produce purified water. An electric motor may be provided particularly to support mass production of fresh water from salt water. The electric motor is preferably applied intermittently to engender sufficient energy storage to sustain continuous filtration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying one or more target substances from a source liquid, employing one or more cross-flow filter elements, and one or more types of chromatography resins, in combination, to provide purification with advantageous yield, product purity, and cost-and time-efficiency.

Abstract: A fractionation apparatus comprises two channels coupled through a semipermeable membrane. A time and position dependent concentration of precipitation reagent is produced in one of the channels. Sample entities such as macromolecules or cells introduced into this channel are eluted therefrom at different times depending on their solubility or mobility in the presence of the precipitation reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved cross-flow filter cassettes for the filtration of liquid media, which are used in cross-flow filtration devices of varying pump outputs and can be fitted with non-reinforced membranes. The cassettes comprise at least one retentate separator in which the inlets to the open perforations designed to form one type of channel, for example for retentate discharge, are larger than the inlets to the open perforations designed to form another type of channel, for example for fluid feed. In comparison with known cross-flow filter cassettes, the cross-flow filter cassettes of the invention allow retentate flows required to achieve equal filtration output at equal pressure differential on the retentate side at least 1.8 times lower. This significantly reduces the energy input required for pumping to conduct cross-flow filtration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating filtrate and concentrate from a solution that contains a dead stop feature. The dead stop volume is determined by the location of an outlet port. The apparatus includes a housing with a means for collecting filtrate and a filter unit insertable within the housing. The filter unit contains a semipermeable membrane thereon for separating filtrate from concentrate.

Abstract: The sample vessel 1 comprises plurality of vessels 1a. The vessel 1a comprises an opening for sample inlet 3, a liquid sample outlet 4, and a silicon oxide composite particles structural body 2 is arranged at the bottom of the vessel 1a, i.e. the liquid sample outlet 4. The silicon oxide composite particles structural body 2 is a structural body composed of a composite made of plural silicon oxide particles having smaller diameter combined with a resin particle having larger diameter. Accordingly, even if the diameter of the silicon oxide particles 7 is set small in order to maintain the nucleic acid combination ability high, the presence of the resin particles 6 having a large diameter makes it possible to ensure the liquid conduction path, and the nucleic acid separating vessel, which is capable of suppressing decrease of the B/F separating velocity with maintaining the nucleic acid combining ability high can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus and system of operation of an electrodialysis membrane and gasket stack for separation of components in liquid mixtures is disclosed. The system of operation for purification and deionizing liquids includes an operation of pretreatment by filtration for removal of inorganic contaminants, includes an operation of adsorption for removing organic contaminants by activated carbon adsorption, and includes an operation of deionizing for removing ions from the effluent liquids. The deionizing operation includes an apparatus having an electrodialysis stack of a plurality of ion exchange membranes and separating gaskets for selectively removing contaminant ions. The electrodialysis stack of ion exchange membranes and separating gaskets provides continuous operations for purifying ethylene glycol and glycol/water mixtures, for continuous desalinating of water, and/or for continuous deionizing of water to generate ultra-pure water or other purified liquid mixtures.

Abstract: A filtration cell for carrying out a tangential flow filtration of a sample liquid contains at least two blocks and at least two filtration elements arranged between each pair of two adjacent blocks. The filtration elements each include an outlet for filtrate, a sheet of support material and two generally flat ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes, arranged on either side of the support material in a sandwich construction. Each of the blocks, at a side adjacent the membranes, is provided with a respective channel for feeding a flow of sample liquid tangentially over the membranes such that each channel is connected in parallel with the inlet for the flow of sample liquid to be filtered and with an outlet for a concentrated solution. Each channel includes in its longitudinal direction a number of subsequent channel sections separated by transitional zones and is constructed and arranged such that the main flow direction in subsequent sections changes abruptly in the transitional zones.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a filtering device comprising at least one filtering membrane, at least one counter surface opposite to the filtering membrane, and at least one gap-shaped liquid space formed between the filtering membrane and the counter surface. The present invention further refers to a filtering method, in which a liquid is introduced into a gap-shaped liquid space formed between a filtering membrane and a counter surface and is moved relative to the filtering membrane and/or the counter surface. To obtain an improved filtering method and an improved filtering device, it is suggested by the present invention that the filtering device comprises a disk at whose circular surface at least the filtering membrane or the counter surface is formed.

Abstract: Pervaporation or vapor permeation apparatus and method having a separator module located in an unpressurized tank. The module has a plurality of stacked, disk-like separator elements mounted on a central, axial permeate removal tube. The separator elements have a central permeate transport plate, a pervaporation membrane enveloping the permeate transport plate and annular sealing rings located between adjacent membranes, so that fluid has to pass through the membranes to enter the permeate removal tube. A vacuum applied to the permeate removal tube draws permeate through the pervaporation membranes and permeate transport plates into the permeate removal tube. The permeate can be condensed right in the permeate removal tube by direct contact condensation using chilled liquid permeate, however an external condenser can be used. Jets of solution or bubbles of permeate vapor passing between the separator elements reduce or prevent concentration polarization.

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: An element of immersed, suction driven, filtering membranes has a plurality of hollow fiber membranes suspended between upper and lower headers. The lower header is movable between a first position in which the fibers are substantially elongated and second position in which the two headers are closer to each other by between 1 and 4% of the un-potted length of the membranes. The weight of the lower header is sufficient to keep the lower header in the first position in substantially quiescent water while allowing the lower header to rise to the second position in upwardly flowing water. Aerators are mounted generally below the elements and supply scouring bubbles to each element at a higher rate and then at a rate less than one half of the higher rate in repeated cycles. The cycles are preferably between 10 seconds and 60 seconds in duration. The lower header rises to the second position when bubbles are supplied at the higher rate and falls to the first position when bubbles are supplied at the lower rate.

Abstract: Provided is a submerged membrane cartridge which comprises a supporting plate made of a resin, and a membrane disposed so as to cover the surface of the supporting plate, and is characterized in that the membrane is fused in a plurality of welding allowances formed in multiple, along the entire periphery of the supporting plate; an inner fixing portion that retains the membrane under tension is formed by an inner welding allowance; a water sealing portion that ensures a sealing function through the entire periphery of the membrane is formed by a central welding allowance; and an outer fixing portion that fixes the periphery of the membrane to the supporting plate is formed by an outer welding allowance.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying, by membrane separation, a fluid in a membrane module 1 of pressurized aid purifiers. The fluid is brought to flow through a filtering unit 11 of the membrane module 1. The flow is circulated for efficiency. This recirculation of the fluid takes place within the filtering unit 11. The direction of flow of the fluid through a first flow segment 12 of the filtering unit 11 is opposite the direction of flow of the fluid through a second flow segment 13 of the filtering unit 11.

Abstract: A deepithelialized skin cell diffusion system which can be used to select topical gel and cream formulations containing human other wound healing promoters such as plasma fibronectin. The formulations provide slow release and increased contact time of fibronectin or other wound healing promoters to the wound site leading to its effective absorption.

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: In a membrane treatment method, raw liquid is supplied to a circulation tank, and circulation liquid is supplied into an inter-membrane passage between filtration membranes disposed within a membrane apparatus, which is disposed separately from the circulation tank. Filtrate is obtained from the circulation liquid within the inter-membrane passages via the filtration membranes, and the circulation liquid is circulated by a circulation pump disposed between the circulation tank and the membrane apparatus, while returning the remaining circulation liquid to the circulation tank. A portion of the circulation liquid overflows from the circulation tank. A membrane treatment apparatus comprises a membrane apparatus, a circulation tank, and a circulation pump. The membrane apparatus includes filtration membranes disposed to form an inter-membrane passage between the filtration membranes. The membrane apparatus takes out filtrate from circulation liquid in the inter-membrane passage.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture of 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, whereby the apparatus comprises a housing with a distribution space and a collection space, between which is arranged a structure of adjacent flat first and second layers containing first and second hollow-fiber membranes, respectively, and a matrix on which groups acting in a substance-specific manner for fluid treatment are immobilized, whereby the filling ratio &egr; of the housing determined by the hollow-fiber membranes and the matrix is greater than 0.55. The first hollow-fiber membranes are open in the direction of the distribution space and closed in the direction of the collection space, and the second hollow-fiber membranes are open in the direction of the collection space and closed in the direction of the distribution space, and the hollow fiber membranes are embedded at least at their open end in the sealing compounds.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying one or more target substances from a source liquid, employing one or more cross-flow filter elements, and one or more types of chromatography resins, in combination, to provide purification with advantageous yield, product purity, and cost- and time-efficiency.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for filtering and separating flow media by reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration, in particular for water desalination and water purification, wherein there are provided a housing (10) having at least one feed (14a) for the flow medium to be filtered or separated and at least one respective discharge (14b, 20a) for the permeate and the concentrate, and a filter device (30). The filter device is formed by a flat filter element (30) which is arranged in the housing (10) and which is disposed in a back and forth meander configuration in the housing (10) forming at least one flow channel (K1, K2) for the flow medium to be filtered or separated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for phase separation of two materials is disclosed. The two materials to be separated are positioned in an extraction cartridge and passed through a filter device, the filter device includes a filter disk member positioned adjacent at least one and preferably two frit members. A drying cartridge may be used to dry the separated liquid material after it leaves the extraction cartridge. The invention can be used for reaction workup, quenching, product isolation and purification.