With Embedded Baffle Patents (Class 210/321.9)
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Patent number: 11701620Abstract: An external circulation-type hollow fiber membrane module which has a high processing capacity and which is capable of inhibiting a to-be-treated liquid within a case from flowing through a short path and efficiently bringing the liquid into contact with a hollow fiber membrane in whichever direction of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, etc., the liquid flows. An external circulation-type hollow fiber membrane module is provided with: a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a case; and a short-path prevention body that blocks flowing of a to-be-treated liquid in a gap between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the case, wherein a first end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the case, and the short-path prevention body is provided to the downstream side of a first port which is a liquid flow-in port in the case so as to project from the inner surface of the case.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CLEANSUI CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshie Tanizaki, Hiroyuki Okazaki
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Patent number: 10744462Abstract: A separation membrane module comprises a hollow module container, and an element unit which is housed in the module container. The element unit comprises a plurality of connected separation membrane elements each of which includes: a separation membrane for separating components of a substance flowing to the inside of the module container; and membrane bundle securing materials for securing both ends of the separation membrane. In the element unit, a flow channel for discharging the components separated by the separation membranes to the outside of the element unit is formed. Passage members though which the components separated by the separation membranes can pass toward the flow channel for discharging are disposed at connections between the plurality of separation membrane elements such that both end surfaces of each of the passage membranes are respectively in contact with the membrane bundle securing materials of the separation membrane elements adjacent thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Kenji Hayashida, Hiroshi Matsumoto, Osamu Nakamatsu
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Patent number: 9579605Abstract: A gas separation module and assembly for housing ceramic tubular membranes. The module includes a plurality of tubes containing the ceramic tubular membranes. The tubes are arranged parallel to one another and are supported by tube sheet plates at each end. Gas-tight seals surround each membrane, preventing a permeate gas within the inner lumen of the membrane from mixing with a feed or residue gas in the tube interior. The module also contains a gas distribution pipe for introducing feed gas into, and withdrawing residue out of, the module. This configuration allows for ceramic tubular membranes to be modularized for use in an assembly that carries out many types of gas separations.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Paul Su, Moyeen Mohammed, Alicia Breen, Mamoon Rashid Khan, Nicholas P Wynn
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Patent number: 9339768Abstract: A multi-cartridge membrane contactor that can be used for many purposes, including, but not limited to, being a multi-cartridge degassing module. In accordance with at least particular certain embodiments, the module includes a plurality of hollow-fiber cartridges placed in a radial pattern around a central cartridge within a single larger vessel. For example, there may be two radial sets of cartridges placed in series at each of the radial positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Gareth P. Taylor
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Patent number: 9308706Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a graphite oxide-containing resin formulation, including: 15-80 parts by weight of a polyamideimide precursor, 0.01-10 parts by weight of a graphite oxide as a dispersant, 10-400 parts by weight of an inorganic powder, and 20-350 parts by weight of a solvent.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Kuo-Chan Chiou, Lu-Shih Liao, Chen-Lung Lin
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Patent number: 8974668Abstract: A membrane element consisting of a hollow fiber stack (HF stack) comprising a plurality of substantially equally spaced hollow fibers (HFs) comprising multiple alternate rows of HFs comprising first ends extending through and between contact structures comprising solid thermoset material, each HF consisting of a hydrophilic semipermeable membrane defining an elongated lumen, each HF comprising a portion that extends from one contact structure to an opposed contact structure, wherein the HFs in alternate rows are aligned with the spaces in adjacent rows, forming a hexagonal pattern comprising repeating adjacent and/overlapping hexagons, wherein each hexagon comprises a central hollow fiber (central HF) surrounded by six immediately adjacent HFs defining a hexagonal perimeter comprising six sides, the six immediately adjacent HFs being substantially equally spaced from one another and substantially equally spaced from the central hollow fiber, wherein the spacing is adapted to maintain a Reynolds' number of aboType: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Maher Isaac Kelada
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Patent number: 8925734Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Scientific Plastic Products, Inc.Inventors: Samuel A. Ellis, Kishan G. Hingorani
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Patent number: 8883008Abstract: A dialyzer composed of: first and second dialyzation chambers, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the first and second dialyzation chambers. Each dialyzation chamber has opposed first and second ends and contains a filter member that separates the chamber into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Each of the compartments extends between first and second ends. Each of the chambers has a respective one of a blood inlet or outlet and a dialysate inlet or outlet arranged so that blood and dialysate flow in counter-current to one another in both chambers. The intermediate chamber is connected to form a dialysate-free blood flow passage between the blood compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Mirimedical, LLCInventor: Gary Mishkin
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Publication number: 20140231349Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a filtration module are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a removable end cap comprising an isolation valve. In certain systems and methods, the isolation valve may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between a port and a filtrate passageway of one filtration module in a plurality of filtration modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Michael Collignon, Wah Khit Ng
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Patent number: 8771513Abstract: The invention relates to a regeneratable filtering and adsorbing system, combining the properties of membrane filtration with those of particle-based adsorption in a closed housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Adexter GmbHInventors: Hans-Werner Heinrich, Peter Kruschke
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Publication number: 20140174998Abstract: A filtration assembly comprising a first and second module, each module comprising a plurality of vertically aligned semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes extending along a length between first and second ends with one of said ends potted within a header, and wherein the headers of the modules are aligned and spaced apart to define a vertical flow path; and at least one fiber support positioned along the length of the hollow fiber membranes of both modules, wherein the fiber support comprises a frame including a plurality of partitions that segment the hollow fiber membranes of both modules into common fiber groupings passing through the fiber support.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Peter E. Aerts, Scott T. Burr, Steven J. Gluck, Chengfeng Wang
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Publication number: 20130327697Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module in which a housing body forming the hollow fiber membrane module includes an insertion opening into which end parts of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are inserted so as to be fixed and held, and an opening portion which exposes open end surfaces of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes inserted from the insertion opening to outside, and a cover that blocks the opening portion of the housing body. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a housing enabling open end surfaces of hollow fiber membranes to be sealed by easily exposing the open end surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes when the hollow fiber membranes are damaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Manabu Sasakawa, Tetsuya Torichigai, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Fumihiro Kira, Ikuo Kinoshita
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Dual stage ultrafilter devices in the form of portable filter devices, shower devices, and hydration
Patent number: 8557115Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternative compact portable filtration device that can be used in remote locations and includes a single filtration cartridge that provides redundant filtration of the fluid (water). In particular, the device is a dual stage ultrafilter cartridge (apparatus) that is constructed and designed to provide a portable device that can be used in the field, such as during camping or military assignment, and offers two filtration stages (redundant filtration) within a single housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Norman Barta -
Patent number: 8506806Abstract: A method of operating a membrane filtration module (5), the module (5) including one or more membranes (7) extending longitudinally between vertically spaced upper and lower headers (8, 9) into which the ends of the membranes (7) are potted. The membranes (7) have a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. At least one of the upper and/or lower headers (8, 9) has one or more openings (10) therein and the method including flowing the feed, at least in part, through the one or more openings (10) for application to the membrane wall. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Thomas William Beck, Warren Thomas Johnson
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Patent number: 8372282Abstract: A membrane module (5) including a plurality of porous membranes (6) extending in an array and mounted, at least at one end, in a header (8). The header (8) has a number of distribution apertures (11) for distributing a fluid into the module (5) and along a surface or surfaces of the membranes (6). An elongate chamber (10) having one open end (13) and another end is in fluid communication with the distribution apertures (11) for distributing the fluid to the distribution apertures (11).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Roger William Phelps, Etienne Ulysse Brois
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Patent number: 8343347Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternative compact portable filtration device that can be used in remote locations and includes a single filtration cartridge that provides redundant filtration of the fluid (water). In particular, the device is a dual stage ultrafilter cartridge (apparatus) that is constructed and designed to provide a portable device that can be used in the field, such as during camping or military assignment, and offers two filtration stages (redundant filtration) within a single housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Norman Barta
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Patent number: 8307991Abstract: This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module which can reduce pressure loss in discharging water within a module and can reduce operating power. A hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed within a cylindrical case having in its side face an opening part for the inflow/outflow of water, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is bonded at an axially outer position with respect to the opening for the inflow/outflow of water. A distribution holes is provided axially inward of the opening for the inflow/outflow of water and so as to surround the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and grooves and/or corrugated protrusions are provided on the inner face of the distribution cylinder so as to be in communication with each other among the distribution holes.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Toray Industries Inc.Inventors: Hirofumi Morikawa, Yuji Tanaka, Kenji Sakai, Hidetada Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8308943Abstract: In a humidifying membrane module, a humidifying membrane having plural hollow fiber membranes bundled together is housed in a humidifying membrane chassis having a cylindrical outer periphery, and the humidifying membrane chassis is housed in an assembly chassis having a cylindrical inner periphery. The assembly chassis has an inlet port for taking air that is made to flow into hollow parts of the humidifying membrane, an outlet port for discharging the air, an inlet port for taking an off-gas that is made to flow in gaps in the humidifying membrane, and an outlet port for discharging the off-gas. The air and the off-gas flow in flow paths formed by utilizing the humidifying membrane chassis and the assembly chassis, but are not mixed with each other at positions other than the humidifying membrane owing to annular sealing members provided between the humidifying chassis and the assembly chassis.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, NOK CorporationInventors: Hirofumi Kanazawa, Toshiyuki Kondo, Hiroyasu Shirakawa
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Patent number: 8182686Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane separation device with two flow spaces, of which a first space is formed by the capillary tube passages of a hollow-fiber bundle cast at its ends into a sealing compound, and a second space is formed by a housing enclosing the fiber bundle. The first space is sealed off by caps, placed on the sealing compounds, with seals running over the peripheral areas of the sealing compounds. The housing, into which the hollow-fiber bundle is drawn, at each end of its casing has tooth-like or pinnacle-like projections formed by axial notches or indentations running out freely. The tooth-like or pinnacle-like projections have extensions extending from the sides of the projections and extending to the adjacent tooth-like or pinnacle-like projection.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventors: Friedrich Witthaus, Gerhard Breith
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Publication number: 20120103891Abstract: A reverse osmosis element is provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a plurality of permeate tubes arranged to form a core frame. The reverse osmosis element further includes a plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. Each leaf of the plurality of leaves is coupled to one permeate tube of the plurality of permeate tubes. A retentate channel is defined by the plurality of permeate tubes of the core frame, and sealed by the plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. The reverse osmosis element includes first and a second end caps coupled to the plurality of permeate tubes. At least one of the first and the second end caps includes a retentate discharge port, and at least one of the first and second end caps includes one or more permeate discharge ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Todd Alan Anderson, Anubhav Kumar, Philip Paul Beauchamp, Gurumkonda Srinivasa Rao Hanumanth
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Publication number: 20120043271Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter apparatus having a cylindrical housing and a plurality of hollow fibers, with the hollow fibers being combined to form a bundle in the housing and being embedded and held in each case at the end sides in a molding compound. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the manufacture of a filter apparatus, to a rotation apparatus and its use for the manufacture of a filter apparatus as well as to a dialysis machine having a filter apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Matthias Maurer
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Patent number: 7931805Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter unit for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a bundle of capillary membranes which are open on at least one front surface side and which are cast in an area which is close to the end of the open membrane ends, in a sealing layer forming a hardened head part. The open membrane ends protrude on the outer side of the sealing layer. The sealing layer is arranged on a spacer element which has a layer which is penetrated by the capillary membranes and which is non-permeable in relation to the casting material which hardens in order to form the sealing layer. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a membrane filter unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems GmbHInventors: Stefan Schäfer, Klaus Vossenkaul, Christoph Kullmann, Andreas Kruse
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Patent number: 7820046Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for obtaining a filtered liquid sample from slurry, such as a liquid process stream that contains liquid, dissolved matter and solids. A housing defines a cavity. A rod is arranged in the cavity and supports a filter. A cartridge comprises the filter, and is arranged between the housing and the rod. Furthermore, there is a helicoidal passage for a slurry defined by the housing and the cartridge. There is also a cavity defined by the rod and the cartridge. The slurry has velocity that generates scouring and cleaning action on the filter media thus preventing cake formation on the filter. The filtering apparatus of the present invention provides reliable and continuous on-line sample delivery for an analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Outotec OyjInventor: Voitto Saarinen
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Patent number: 7704393Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hollow fiber membrane module which maximizes the efficiency of removing scale-like contaminants generated at the water treatment using hollow fiber membranes, and a method of manufacturing the same. The hollow fiber membrane module includes hollow fiber membranes for making water treatment due to the pressure difference, and a collector fixing the hollow fiber membranes in bundle. A treated-water tube is extended to the inside of the collector, and communicated with the inner passage of the hollow fiber membranes to deliver the water treated through the hollow fiber membranes. A diffuser is installed at the collector to diffuse bubbles to the hollow fiber membranes. An air tube is extended to the collector, and connected to the diffuser to feed air. Dividers are installed over the collector to partition the hollow fiber membranes into a plurality of bundles.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Soo-Hong Noh, Oh-Sung Kwon, Jin-Ho Chang, Sang-Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 7648633Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module with a fixed structure comprises: a bearing shell (7), an inlet (8), a concentrated water outlet (10), a produced water outlet (9), a central tube (1) and hollow fiber membranes (6), in which the hollow fiber membranes (6), the central tube (1) and the bearing shell (7) are fixed together, the inlet (8) is located at one end of the hollow fiber membranes (6), the concentrated water outlet (10) is located at the other end of the hollow fiber membranes (6), the produced water outlet(s) (9) is(are) located at one end or both ends of the central tube (1), and there are small holes drilled on the side wall of the central tube (1). The module also comprises at least one separate fixed ring(s) (2) for fixing the hollow fiber membranes (6), with the separate fixed ring(s) (2) fixed on the central tube (1) and the hollow fiber membranes (6) arranged in parallel through the separate fixed ring(s) (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Shanghai Litree Purifying Equipment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lianggang Chen, Man Chen, Qing Chen
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Patent number: 7638048Abstract: A membrane module for an immersed operation has a fiber bundle of hollow fiber membranes which are cast into a headpiece and in immersed operation are surrounded by a liquid to be filtered. The module has a permeate collection chamber connected to the headpiece with an outlet for permeate draining from the interior of the hollow fiber membranes, and a gas supply having a pipe guided by the headpiece. The pipe terminates in the interior of the fiber bundle and has a gas outlet for a gaseous medium, which after the transfer from the pipe to the liquid to be filtered rises as bubbles between the hollow fiber membranes. The fiber bundle is divided into sections and free spaces remain between the sections which extend from the pipe to the outer circumference of the headpiece and promote an inflow of the liquid into a foot area adjoining the headpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems GmbHInventors: Stefan Schäfer, Klaus Vossenkaul, Christoph Kullmann
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Patent number: 7628916Abstract: A hollow fiber cartridge includes a stack of hollow fiber mats. The stack has a major axis and two end faces. Each mat is substantially perpendicular to the axis. An end cap is united to each end face.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Celgard LLCInventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Robert H. Carroll, Tony R. Vido, Timothy D. Price
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Patent number: 7604737Abstract: An apparatus for producing purified drinking water. The apparatus comprises a container top including an ultrafiltration insert. The container top attaches to the opening of a liquid holding container, such that liquid from the container passes through a filter. The device includes a mechanism for back flushing or cleaning the filter. The resulting water is substantially pure, being free of bacteria, to make it safe for drinking.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Acuity/Sparkle, Ltd. (Cayman)Inventors: Michael H. Francisco, Subhash Mehra, Sumeet Mehra
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Patent number: 7591950Abstract: A membrane filtration module having a plurality of permeable, hollow membranes is disclosed. In use, a pressure differential is applied across the walls of the permeable, hollow membranes when immersed in a liquid suspension containing suspended solids. Some of the liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes to be drawn off as clarified liquid or permeate, and at least some of the solids are retained on or in the permeable, hollow membranes or otherwise as suspended solids within the liquid suspension. The module has a shell or similar structure that at least partially surrounds the membrane module and substantially effects retaining at least portion of fluid flowed into the membrane module.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Gary C. Ganzi, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: 7459084Abstract: This present invention relates to a fluid separation module adapted to separate a given fluid mixture into permeate and retentate portions using bundles of hollow fiber membranes. The membranes may be composed of different kinds of membranes depending on the application being used to separate the fluid mixture. The fluid separation module may be used to separate fluid mixtures by a number of different processes, including but not limited to, pervaporation, vapour permeation, membrane distillation (both vacuum membrane distillation and direct contact membrane distillation), ultra filtration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane stripping and gas separation. The present invention also provides an internal heat recovery process applied in association with those fluid separation applications where separation takes place by evaporation through the membrane of a large portion of the feed into permeate.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Petro Sep International Ltd.Inventors: Fakhir U. Baig, Abdul M. Kazi, Aiser Al-Hassani
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Patent number: 7273549Abstract: An apparatus including a first hollow fiber membrane module, baffle assembly, and fluid source. The module includes a plurality of elongated hollow fiber membranes located generally in adjacent, parallel relationship to each other. Each of the membranes includes a generally cylindrical wall having a first end and a second end. The module also includes a module housing that supports the membranes. The module is configured to be positionable within the conduit and further to be matable with a similarly configured module. The baffle assembly is located within the conduit and configured to direct the flow of a first fluid through the module. The fluid source directs a second fluid to flow through the membranes from the first end to the second end. A predetermined substance is transmitted through the membranes' walls, to modify the concentration of the predetermined substance in the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Geoscience Support Services Inc.Inventors: Dennis Williams, Mark Williams
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Patent number: 7264725Abstract: The instant invention is a hollow fiber membrane contactor, and method of making same. The hollow fiber membrane contactor includes (1) a shell, said shell having a internal bonding surface, an interlocking geometry ring being provided on said internal bonding surface; (2) a unitized structure; (3) a potting material joining said unitized structure to said shell at said interlocking geometry ring thereby forming an interlocking seal therebetween; and (4) end caps, said end caps being adjoined to lateral ends of said shell. The method of making a hollow fiber membrane contactor includes (1) providing a shell, said shell having a internal bonding surface; (2) providing an interlocking geometry ring on said internal bonding surface; (3) forming a unitized structure; (4) placing the unitized structure into said shell (5) potting said unitized structure to said shell at said interlocking geometry ring thereby forming an interlocking seal therebetween; and (6) adjoining end caps to lateral ends of said shell.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Celgard Inc.Inventors: Tony R. Vido, William K. Jackson
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Patent number: 7223339Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive hollow-fiber membrane module that can prevent diaphragms from peeling or coming off from the cylindrical casing. The invention includes a hollow-fiber membrane module, comprising a cylindrical casing having an inlet port for the treating liquid at one end and an outlet port for the treating liquid at the other end, a hollow-fiber membrane bundle contained in the cylindrical casing, potting layers for fixing the hollow-fiber membrane bundle to the inner wall of the cylindrical casing at both the ends of the hollow-fiber membrane bundle, a header having an outlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at one end of the cylindrical casing, and a header having an inlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at the other end of the cylindrical casing, wherein baffle cylinders having slits extending in the direction at an angle to the axis of the cylindrical casing are fitted in the potting layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Osamu Nakamatsu, Hiroshi Ohtani, Ichirou Kumo
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Patent number: 7172696Abstract: A mass transfer device having a fluid permeable core wound with many stands of a hollow fiber. A bulk fluid enters the interior of the core, passes through the side wall of the core, and along the outer surfaces of the hollow fibers. A baffle positioned in the center of the core so that the bulk fluid passes outwardly upstream of the baffle and inwardly through the core along the downstream of the block.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Spectrum Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jesus Martinez, Virginia Thanh Ta
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Patent number: 7150932Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite system comprising an electrode and a membrane, which can be used as a fuel cell element or an ion-exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Thomas Höfler, Norbert Stroh
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Patent number: 7063788Abstract: An apparatus is described for withdrawing filtered permeate from a substrate contained in a reservoir at ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a plurality of membrane assemblies. Each assembly has a plurality of hollow fiber filtering membranes, immersed in the reservoir, at least one permeating header with the membranes sealingly secured therein, and a permeate collector to collect the permeate sealingly connected to the at least one permeating header and in fluid communication with lumens of the membranes. The membranes of each assembly extend generally vertically upwards from a first header during permeation. One or more sources of suction are provided in fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes of each assembly through the permeate collectors and apply sufficient suction to withdraw permeate from the lumens of the membranes. An aeration system for discharging bubbles assists in keeping the membranes clean.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.Inventors: Mailvaganam Mahendran, Wayne Jerald Henshaw, Henry Behmann, Steven Kristian Pedersen
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Patent number: 7022231Abstract: Apparatus incorporating potted hollow fibre membranes has a solid mass of potting material having a first face, a plurality of hollow fibre membranes sealed in the potting material. Portions of the membranes adjacent open ends of the membranes protrude from the first face. The potting material extends to and adhesively secures to the inner periphery of a permeate collection means to form a permeate collection zone. The permeate collection means may have walls enclosing a plenum adapted to receive a gas. The apparatus may have an air tube passing through the potting material and having an end in communication with a plenum or manifold adapted to receive a gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.Inventors: Mailvaganam Mahendran, Steven Kristian Pedersen
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Patent number: 7014765Abstract: The invention relates to a filter comprising membranes made of hollow fibers in which the hollow fibers are arranged as a bundle in a tubular housing. The housing comprises an end cap on each of its ends, whereby the hollow fiber bundle is placed between the ends of the housing. The ends of the hollow fiber bundle each comprise a support ring that surrounds the same and are cast inside said support ring. The support rings are displaceably mounted in the housing in order to compensate for, among other things, axial contractions of the hollow fiber bundle occurring during heat sterilization.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Gambro Dialysatoren GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jürgen Dannenmaier
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Patent number: 6860993Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump for flow rates from about 1 to 1000 nl/min in which liquid transport takes place by evaporation of a transport liquid through a wettable membrane. The pumps according to the invention are particularly suitable for applications in the field of medical diagnostics such as microdialysis or ultrafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Roche Diagnostics CorporationInventors: Carlo Effenhauser, Herbert Harttig, Peter Kraemer
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Patent number: 6776912Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Membrana GmbHInventor: Ulrich Baurmeister
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Publication number: 20040074833Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive hollow-fiber membrane module that can prevent diaphragms from peeling or coming off from the cylindrical casing. The invention includes a hollow-fiber membrane module, comprising a cylindrical casing having an inlet port for the treating liquid at one end and an outlet port for the treating liquid at the other end, a hollow-fiber membrane bundle contained in the cylindrical casing, potting layers for fixing the hollow-fiber membrane bundle to the inner wall of the cylindrical casing at both the ends of the hollow-fiber membrane bundle, a header having an outlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at one end of the cylindrical casing, and a header having an inlet port for the liquid undergoing treatment provided at the other end of the cylindrical casing, wherein baffle cylinders having slits extending in the direction at an angle to the axis of the cylindrical casing are fitted in the potting layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc., a corporation of JapanInventors: Osamu Nakamatsu, Hiroshi Ohtani, Ichirou Kumo
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Patent number: 6719907Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
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Patent number: 6656356Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Christian Gungerich, Pierre Lucien Côté, Robert Langerak, Denis Guibert, Hamid Rabie
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Patent number: 6635179Abstract: A filtration assembly is presented which removes bacteria and endotoxin from a solution so that a sterile fluid is produced. The sterile fluid is suitable for direct on-line infusion to a patient from a device, such as a dialysis machine. The filtration assembly is constructed so that two separate filtration compartments exist, resulting in redundant filtration of the fluid prior to infusion. Each compartment holds a filter which preferably consists of a longitudinal bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers. The filter is sized so that it creates a separate area within the compartment for filtrate and infusate flow. This redundant filtration produces a lower risk of creating a pyrogenic or septic condition in the patient due to filter failure.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: James Summerton, Gregory R. Collins
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Patent number: 6592759Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Hamid Rabie, Marshal Deane, Robert Langerak, Steven Pedersen
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Patent number: 6555005Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: USF Filtration & Separations Group Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: 6331248Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a module case and a hollow fiber membrane bundle comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, at least one end of the bundle being bonded to and fixed on the module case, wherein the bonding portions of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the module case comprise a silicone type resin and in at least one of the bonding portions, a reinforcing rib for reinforcing the bonding portions is directly fixed on the module case. According to the hollow fiber membrane module of this invention, the membrane filtration treatment of water containing ozone over a long period of time and the repeating washing with water containing ozone are made possible.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tohru Taniguchi, Nobuhiko Suga
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Patent number: 6224766Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Kimio Yamato, Tadaaki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 6203699Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary filtration membrane module, comprising a filter housing provided with an inlet, an outlet and a membrane compartment accommodating a bundle of capillary filtration membranes, the filtration membranes being cased at both ends of the membrane module in membrane holders, and the membrane compartment being provided with discharge conduits coupled to the outlet for the conveyance of the permeate. The discharge conduits comprise at least one discharge lamella and provided in the membrane compartment extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the capillary filtration membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: X-Flow B.V.Inventors: Ingo Blume, Hendrik Dirk Willem Roesink, Petrus Cornelis Kamp
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Patent number: 6171496Abstract: An antimicrobial microfiltration filter is made from a bundle of polymeric semipermeable hollow fibers treated with an antimicrobial agent and a microporous filter medium which may also be treated with an antimicrobial agent.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Microban Products CompanyInventor: Arvind S. Patil