Abstract: A filtration system includes an outer casing (210) that houses a plurality of elongated inner casings (220A–220F), which in turn house a plurality of filtration membranes. The outer casing, inner casing, and filtration membranes are disposed relative to one another to provide a three-flow channel system that provides additional feed fluid at one or more membrane couplings between membranes of the same inner casing. Ths arrangement defines a feed fluid flow path in which a feed fluid exiting from an upstream filter into a downstream filter is diluted by additional feed fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting first and second fluids at elevated pressures with a membrane such that one or more components of one of the fluids passes through the membrane into the other fluid, comprising a housing e.g. a pressure vessel (4), and a membrane module (20) housed in the pressure vessel and having a first fluid inlet (8a) and a first fluid outlet (8b) and a second fluid inlet (9a) and a second fluid outlet (9b), wherein a seal (61) extends round the membrane module and seals between an outside wall of the membrane module and an inside wall of the pressure vessel so as to separate the first fluid inlet from the first fluid outlet.

Abstract: 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.

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 Permeate is withdrawn from the filtration zones by separate means associated with each filtration zone.

Abstract: A method for stretching a hollow fibre while making a stretched filtering membrane from a precursor involves wrapping the hollow fibre around a structure and modifying the structure such that at least portions of the hollow fibre are forced to elongated. For example, the hollow fibre may be wrapped around around two or more supports and the distance between adjacent supports increased. This produces first portions of the hollow fibre stretched to a first elongation and porous to a first porosity and second portions of the hollow fibre that are not stretched or are stretched to a second elongation less than the first elongation and that remain non-porous or become porous to a second porosity which is less than the first porosity. The membrane may be made into a module with second portions of the membranes located at points where the membranes exit the potting material or at turns in loops of the fibres, if any. In various embodiments, the fibre is potted into modules before or after it is stretched.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing volume of feed liquid required in a porous membrane filtration system having a number of porous membranes (6) submersed in a volume of feed liquid to be filtered is provided, the method comprising the step of providing filler elements (9) within said volume of feed liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: A membrane filtration unit comprises a housing having a feedstock inlet, a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet, at least one bundle of tubular membranes accommodated in the housing, sealing bodies which hold end parts of the membranes sealed in a fixed position with respect to the housing, and at least one flexible, permeable sleeve element which encloses the bundle of membranes and holds it together. The sleeve element encloses a center part, which is situated between the held end parts, of the bundle. Socket members are provided, which delimit transitional parts of the bundle, which transitional parts are situated at the location of the transitions from the end parts to the center part. Part of each socket member is fixedly connected with respect to the housing and part of each socket member movably encloses an end of the sleeve element.

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 filter device made of less expensive material than comparable filter devices heretofore has basic filter components plus some unique design aspects and an additional ring component. The ring provides an interface inside the filter which enables the potting compound to adhere to the filter and create a seal between a first and second fluid compartment within the filter. An embedded region of the ring possesses a detailed geometry which helps ensure that a delamination would be localized and unable to propagate from the first to the second compartment, maintaining the structural integrity of the filter device. To ensure that the sealing interface remains intact and free from delamination, the ring is subjected to a surface treatment, which modifies the surface energy of the ring. This modified surface energy of the ring allows the hydrophilic potting compound to more effectively bond to the modified hydrophobic ring.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A dialyzer design that includes a potting material encasing a microfiber bundle in each end of a cylindrical body. The potting material is set by spinning the dialyzer in a centrifuge to force the potting material to the ends of the dialyzer interior chamber, where it sets with a non-planar surface. Dialysate fluid distribution rings define a space between the dialyzer interior chamber and dialyzer inlet and outlet ports, and laterally support the microfiber bundle against the dialysate fluid flow pressure. The dialysate fluid distribution ring circumferential edge substantially conforms to the non-planar potting material surface, to ensure that the lateral support to the microfiber bundle is constant, thereby lessening distortion, rupturing and obstruction of the microfibers.

Abstract: A filter comprising one or more substantially unobstructed ducts (11), each with a longitudinal axis. Each duct has a porous wall which defines a lumen (17) that is surrounded by a helical groove (18) in the respective wall. The ratio of the cross sectional areas, when taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of the totally unobstructed lumen of the duct to that of the open area of the duct, incorporating the helical groove and the lumen, governs the magnitude of the velocities of the fluid flow in the duct. The value of this ratio must allow these velocities to be sufficient to develop a level of interaction between the flow along the groove and the flow through the lumen that produces a flow pattern having a substantially continuous vortex (23), the axis of which is helical.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating fluid mixtures includes plural tubular membranes parallel to each other. Each of the membranes has an inner lumen and the flow direction is from the exterior of the membrane to the inner lumen. Each tube is surrounded by a larger diameter feed tube and a gap is formed between the outside service of the tubular membrane and the inside service of the feed tube. This annulus provides a feed flow channel for the fluid mixture along the outer surface of the tubular membrane. The annulus has first and second ends connected to entrance and discharge ports respectively of the feed flow. The inner lumen of the tubular membranes are sealed from the annular gap and provided with a connection for the discharge of the permeate flow.

Abstract: A restraining system for hollow fibres is provided. The restraining system includes a plurality of longitudinally extending elements spaced from one another and supported by a number of discrete spacer elements, each spacer element extending generally transverse of said longitudinal elements, such that in combination with said longitudinal elements they define a cage-like structure.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration system for treating blood which has module having a housing in which hollow-fiber membranes are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent and are embedded at their ends in first and second sealing compounds joined to the inner wall of the housing in a fluid-tight manner. The membrane module also has a dialyzate space and a substituate space separated from the dialyzate space in a fluid-tight manner by a continuous dividing wall. The membrane module further includes means for delivering and withdrawing a dialyzate to and from the dialyzate space, and means for delivering a substituate to the substituate space. The hollow-fiber membranes are used for blood treatment, filtration of the substituate, and delivery of the substituate to the blood.

Abstract: A filter device has two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bundle of hollow fibers intended to constitute the membrane of a device for treating blood or plasma by extracorporeal circulation, in which: the hydraulic permeability of the hollow fibers in the bundle is heterogeneous; and the ratio of the highest hydraulic permeability measured on some hollow fibers of the bundle to the lowest hydraulic permeability measured on other hollow fibers in the same bundle is at least about 5. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a bundle, and a device comprising such a bundle.

Abstract: A membrane filtration device has a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes, or fibers, unconfined in a shell of a module; a first header and a second header disposed in vertically spaced-apart relationship; said first header and said second header having opposed ends of each fiber sealingly secured therein, all open ends of said fibers open to a permeate-discharging face of at least one header; permeate collection means to collect said permeate, sealingly connected in open fluid communication with a permeate-discharging face of at least one of said headers; means to withdraw said permeate; said fibers, said headers and said permeate collection means together forming an integrated combination wherein said fibers are essentially vertically disposed and ends of individual fibers are potted in closely spaced-apart relationship in cured resin; with opposed faces at a fixed distance; each of said fibers having a length from 0.1% to less than 5% greater.

Abstract: A drinking element (1) for the drinking of a liquid comprises an outlet (3,10) for receipt in the mouth of a drinker of the liquid whereby the element (1) has one or more hollow filtration membranes (5) that are positionable with respect to the liquid and the outlet (3, 10) such that, when the drinker applies a suction force to the outlet (3, 10) liquid passes to the outlet (3, 10) through the one or more membranes (5) where it is filtered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow membrane (11) comprising two support layers arranged one above the other forming a space between them and a plurality of capillary tubes arranged between the support layers forming capillary channels for the flow of a first fluid, the space between the capillary tubes forming an internal cavity for the circulation of a second fluid around the capillary tubes, and the whole assembly being made of an organic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for local delivery of drugs directly to the coronary circulation which may be isolated from systemic circulation. More especially it relates to a dialysis system and methods of infusing beneficial drugs, therapeutic agents, and/or other beneficial substances, including high doses of these, such as HDL, therapeutic genes, and/or chelating agents to the coronary system. The multi-chambered dialysis machine in the present system is capable of removing unwanted/harmful substances from the blood, enriching and/or otherwise processing the blood, and re-circulating the processed blood back to the coronary circulation of patient. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter (1), comprising: an extruded tube (2) with a groove (13) arranged through deformation on at least one end: a number of elongate filter elements (4) extending in longitudinal direction; and a synthetic resin plug (5) which is arranged in the at least one end and through which the elongate filter elements (4) extend. The advantage of the invention is that the outer wall of the tube (2) is not damaged and retains its strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering bioproducts from a feed solution. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a module housing, a membrane means disposed in the housing for filtering the bioproducts from the feed solution wherein a portion of the membrane means is coated with a polymeric coating, and an adsorbent bed disposed in the housing for retaining the bioproducts which permeate through the membrane, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow fractionation and purification of the retained bioproducts from the bed by elution.

Abstract: A dual-stage filtration cartridge is provided. The cartridge can be embodied as a mid-dilution hemodiafiltration cartridge or a redundant sterilization filtration cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The housing has a primary fluid inlet and outlet at the first end of the cartridge. The housing also defines first and second filtration stages with the first filtration stage including first filtering elements disposed between the first and second ends of the housing. Each stage has a separate inter-lumen fiber space, but shares a common extra-lumen space. The primary fluid inlet communicates with the first filtering elements at the first end so that fluid flows through the first filtering elements toward the second end. The second filtration stage includes second filtering elements disposed between the first and second ends of the housing with the fluid outlet communicating with the second filtering elements at the first end.

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 hollow fiber membrane cartridge wherein a cartridge head and a bottom ring are connected and fixed to each other by means of a plurality of rods or pipes, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the cartridge head side is open, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the bottom ring side is sealed, and a plurality of through-holes are provided in an adhesion and fixation layer on the bottom ring side and are located in a bundle of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter for water treatment, comprising a head piece (1) consisting of a permeate collecting chamber (2) with a permeate outlet (3), and at least one fiber bundle (4) made from capillary membranes, which are poured into the head piece (1) with an end that is open towards the permeate collecting chamber (2) and sealed on the opposite end thereof. The head piece (1) contains an air duct (16) to which the mouth piece (10) that protrudes into the fiber bundle (4) is connected with at least one air outlet (11). At its other end, the fiber bundle (4) terminates in freely movable manner in the untreated water (6).

Abstract: An infusion filter comprising a bundle of hydrophilic porous hollow fibers with the outside of both ends fixed with a potting material and a housing that has a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port and that is packed with the hollow fibers, wherein a filtration portion is provided between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port, and wherein a packing rate of the hollow fibers packed in the housing is set in the range from 15 to 40%. With such a structure, the infusion filter having the great filtration capacity can be provided at low cost.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hydration bag for providing potable or even sterile water from contaminated water sources. Specifically, there is disclosed two embodiments of a passive membrane osmotic device. The first embodiment has an interior space sealed with one or two membrane walls, having an osmotic agent formulation within the interior space, and having direct osmotic concentration properties. The second embodiment has a sealable nutrient/osmotic agent chamber with a spiral wound membrane wrapped around the nutrient/osmotic agent chamber to form the membrane element, wherein the membrane element is located within a sealable dirty water compartment or within a dirty water source and wherein the membrane element communicates with a clean water compartment. More specifically, the osmotic agent or nutrient can be a partially dehydrated food source, a sugar, a medicine, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing volume of feed liquid required in a porous membrane filtration system having a number of porous membranes (6) submersed in a volume of feed liquid to be filtered is provided, the method comprising the step of providing filler elements (9) within said volume of feed liquid to be filtered.

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

Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane cartridge comprises a bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, both ends of which are fixed by adhesion, a cartridge head fixed at the periphery of the bundle at one end so as not to permit the passage of liquid either in or out, and a bottom ring fixed at the periphery of the bundle at the other end so as not to permit the passage of liquid either in or out, wherein the cartridge head and the bottom ring are not connected and fixed but are separated, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the cartridge head side is open, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the bottom ring side is sealed, and a plurality of through-holes are provided in an adhesion and fixation layer on the bottom ring side.

Abstract: A dialyzer is provided comprising a casing defining an interior and including a dialysate inlet and a dialysate outlet. A plurality of fibers are located in the interior of the casing and define a fiber bundle. A dialysate inlet fluid channel is provided in fluid communication with the dialysate inlet and includes a plurality of flutes that extend into a portion of the fiber bundles, the flutes define an opening for allowing dialysate to flow from the inlet fluid channel into the interior of the casing. Methods of providing dialysis are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid. The contractor includes a perforated core and a microporous membrane fabric wrapped around the core. The fabric includes a polymethyl pentene hollow fiber as a weft fiber and a warp yarn. A tube sheet secures the ends of the wound fiber and a shell encases the tube sheet and fabric. The shell has at least one opening to permit fluid flow through the shell and an end cap. In a further embodiment the invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid wherein the contactor is adapted to withstand pressures greater than 0.4 MPa and temperatures greater than 50° C.

Abstract: A water filtering device suitable for locally, under atmospheric pressure, purifying contaminated water, and which comprises a container that is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which container is provided with at least: a preliminary filtration element for the removal of particles, if present, of a particle size more than 10 micrometers; a filtration element provided with activated charcoal; and an ultrafiltration element.

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

Abstract: 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: The invention relates to a membrane module for a device used to separate substance mixtures in a cross current method. Said membrane module comprises, a number of tubular membranes (22, 24, 26) which encircle, at least in sections, a common axis in an essentially helicoidal manner and which are provided for forming an essentially discoidal module (20). The aim of the invention is to improve a module of this type. To this end, at least two of the tubular membranes (22, 24, 26) encircle a common spiral axis in a helical manner, said membranes being preferably twisted like a cable, at least along the progression of a part of their essentially helicoidal encircling in order to form a tubular membrane strand.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting first and second fluids at elevated pressures with a membrane such that one or more components of one of the fluids passes through the membrane into the other fluid, comprising a housing e.g. a pressure vessel (4), and a membrane module (20) housed in the pressure vessel and having a first fluid inlet (8a) and a first fluid outlet (8b) and a second fluid inlet (9a) and a second fluid outlet (9b), wherein a seal (61) extends round the membrane module and seals between an outside wall of the membrane module and an inside wall of the pressure vessel so as to separate the first fluid inlet from the first fluid outlet.

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 of 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 hollow fiber membrane module having a structure, in which raw water is supplied into a filtration chamber containing a hollow fiber membrane and surrounded by a first sealing body having the open ends of the numerous hollow fiber membranes constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a cylindrical case and a second sealing means, through a raw water supply port formed in the cylindrical case at a position near the second sealing body, and in which the drain of backwashing is discharged through a drain port formed in the second sealing body.

Abstract: A filtration system includes production modules (305) which are mechanically coupled in series, and which contain filters that are fluidly coupled in parallel. Among the many different possibilities contemplated, each production module may advantageously contain not only a filter (314), but also flowpaths for feed fluid (334a), waste fluid (334b), and product fluid (334c) so that a series of coupled modules can be installed, accessed, and removed as single unit. It is further contemplated that coupled modules may be deployed in space efficient manner, such as by insertion into a deep or shall well, a tower, along the ground, into the side of a hill or mountain, or even under a road or parking lot. It is still further contemplated that adjacent production modules may be designed to mate with one another using a slip fit joint, and that the production modules may be maintained in mating relationship through connections to supporting cables or rods.

Abstract: Dialyzer and process of modification of a dialyzer with a laser are disclosed. Process for producing a dialyzer includes a medium IR pulsed laser surface treatment at least in place of the last precision cut. Process reduces standstill times during treatment of dialyzer ends to achieve a smooth surface of the dialyzer ends. Dialyzer hollow membrane ends in entrance and exit regions in the region of plastic embedding are funnel shaped, have rounded edges, and, along with the plastic, form a smooth, melted, and purified surface.

Abstract: A combination filter element comprising a bundle of hollow microporous fibers housed within an extruded carbon block, wherein the carbon block is fabricated to balance particle retention capacity against absorption capacity to provide a composite filter with desirable pressure drop, filter life, and particulate and chemical contamination reduction, and a filtration device, in which combination filter element may be employed, having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and a base which has a reception port for receiving the filter element.

Abstract: Hemodiafiltration system for treating blood, comprising a membrane module (1) in whose housing (2) hollow-fiber membranes (3) embedded at their ends in first and second sealing compounds (4,5) joined to the inner wall of the housing in a fluid-tight manner are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent, the membrane module (1) also having a dialyzate space (12) and a substituate space (11) separated from the dialyzate space (12) in a fluid-tight manner by a continuous dividing wall (10), and further comprising means for delivering (18,19) and withdrawing a dialyzate to and from the dialyzate space (12), and means for delivering (21) a substituate to the substituate space (11), the same hollow-fiber membranes (3) being used for blood treatment, filtration of the substituate, and delivery of the substituate to the blood, and an exterior space being formed around the hollow-fiber membranes (3) that is delimited by the inner wall of the housing (2) and sealing compounds (4,5) and divided along the longi

Abstract: A membrane filtration unit comprises a housing having a feedstock inlet, a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet, at least one bundle of tubular membranes accommodated in the housing, sealing bodies which hold end parts of the membranes sealed in a fixed position with respect to the housing, and at least one flexible, permeable sleeve element which encloses the bundle of membranes and holds it together. The sleeve element encloses a center part, which is situated between the held end parts, of the bundle. Socket members are provided, which delimit transitional parts of the bundle, which transitional parts are situated at the location of the transitions from the end parts to the center part. Part of each socket member is fixedly connected with respect to the housing and part of each socket member movably encloses an end of the sleeve element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-permeable hollow fiber membrane having an inner diameter of 50 to 500 &mgr;m and a membrane thickness of 10 to 150 &mgr;m, which is preferably a composite hollow fiber membrane having a three-layer structure consisting of a nonporous layer having porous layers disposed on both sides thereof. Dissolved gases present in an ink can be removed by passing the ink through the bores of hollow fibers comprising such a hollow fiber membrane, and evacuating the outer surface side of the hollow fibers. This method makes it possible not only to degas inks with a slight pressure loss, but also to degas inks stably even if pressure changes occur during degassing.

Abstract: A filter device having two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.