Abstract: This invention provides a continuous blood filtration apparatus capable of filtering a plurality of blood samples continuous by using blood filter units to prepare plasma or serum samples in a short period, which comprises, a conveyor conveying a plurality of blood reservoirs each of which contains a blood sample and in which a suction nozzle of a blood filter unit has been put, a manifold connected to a suction line, couples of a valve and a connector for connecting the manifold to the blood filter unit provided on the end of each branch of the manifold, and a mechanism of moving the blood reservoirs in vertical direction.

Abstract: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.

Abstract: A sanitary filtration plant comprises an oblong, tubular pressure vessel (1), which includes one or more helical filter elements (2 to 4). Each helical filter element comprises a spiral-wound filter member (5 to 7) and a central tube (8 to 10). At the end being the outlet end, each helical filter element (2 to 4) comprises a supporting means (19, 20, 21) formed as a wheel with a hub (22), spokes and a rim (31) and centrally a transition means (35). The transition means is adapted to ensure a sealing flow connection between abutting ends of central tubes (8 to 10). In addition, each supporting means (18 to 21) comprises plane sides for abutment against the ends of the filter members of the respective helical filter elements (19 to 21), and along the external periphery they comprise a sealing means (39) for a sealing abutment against the inner side of the pressure vessel (1).

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid is described. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for economical separation of fluid mixtures. Broadly, apparatus of the invention comprises modules using solid perm-selective membranes. More particularly, the invention relates to a plurality of membrane modules disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and optionally one or more intermediate group. Apparatus of the invention with the membrane modules in multiple groups is beneficially useful for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product and a desired non-permeate product from a mixture containing organic compounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma by separating targeted blood cell species such as red blood cells and platelets from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular system for separating components of a liquid sample. The system includes arrays of units that may be assembled in series to perform multiple separations on a liquid sample in a single step. Also, the modular nature of the system permits a device according to the present invention to be designed to perform different separation schemes on one or more liquid samples within a single device.

Abstract: A separation apparatus, in particular intended for separation of amalgam from water, includes a pre-settling chamber, a distribution chamber and a fine settling zone. The fine settling zone includes a plate package, with a plurality of plates fixed with spacing, forming settling channels. The plates can be machined so that they are provided with a large number of fine bumps and recesses.

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 hydraulic filter includes a canister extending along the longitudinal axis. A closed end cap is at one end of the canister for closing one end thereof. A removable filter element is contained within the canister and a modular one-piece input end cap is at an end of the canister. The one-piece input end cap includes a hydraulic input chamber and a hydraulic output chamber which can be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. The one-piece input end cap also allows for sensors to be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the one-piece input end cap can be utilized in base-ported or top-ported configurations while also allowing for side-to-side or side-to-end configurations.

Abstract: A water filter for recreational vehicles (RV) is provided which includes a ceramic filter element having a radial flange attached thereto. The flange facilitates filter assembly and replacement of the filter element in the filter housing. The method of use describes a quick and easy method of replacing the filter element which is advantageous to unskilled persons in assembling and attaching the water filter to the RV.

Abstract: There are provided a sheet of filtration, separation or reaction elements, a method for preparing such a sheet, a filtration, separation or reaction module comprising at least one such sheet, and a method for preparing this module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration device for deep-bed filtration which is easier to handle and enables filter module(s) to be changed and disposed of easily. The filtration device has a casing with at least one filter module (1) inserted in the casing with filter elements (10, 10′, 10a′, 10b′) made from deep-bed filter materials stacked on top of each other. The filter elements have at least one internal structure (17) formed by a perforation (20) wherein the boundary surface of the perforation (20) formed by the deep-bed filter materials (12) creates a through-flow surface (11) for filtrates or non-filtrates. At least one end plate (52, 53) has at least one inlet and/or outlet.

Abstract: The rotary flat membrane separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of hollow rotary shafts; a plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts at regular intervals, the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on adjacent two of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts being alternately arranged side by side in equal intervals; and a plurality of collars, each of the plurality of collars being arranged between adjacent two of the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that a diameter of the collars is between 0.18-0.34 times a diameter of the rotary flat membrane disks. Thus, the effective membrane area can be as large as possible while preventing the vibration of the rotary flat membrane disks caused by the rotation.

Abstract: A filtration system has a plurality of filtration modules disposed within an outer casing, which produce both a low pressure filtrate and a high pressure waste fluid from a pressurized feed fluid. The subsystem used to pressurize the feed fluid is mechanically coupled to the subsystem used to recover energy from the waste fluid such that energy in the high pressure waste fluid is used to pressurize the feed fluid. The pressurization and energy recovery subsystems are preferably coupled using a common drive shaft and at least one of the pressurization and energy recovery subsystems may advantageously contain a turbine.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter in particular adapted for micro- and ultrafiltration applications. The filter comprises at least one filter element and a central axis. The filter element comprises at least one sintered and isostatically cold pressed non woven metal fiber web and means for sealing.

Abstract: Wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is filtrated using a second filter, having a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter. Furthermore, the gel that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of second filter can be separated readily from the surface of second filter by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autrotransfusion comprising a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a conventional fine micron filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The micron filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a plug to seal the top portion of the assembly and as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly. The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A portable hydration system comprising water disinfection, filtration and pump features. The system comprises an electrolytic oxidant generating cell which utilizes a salt to create oxidants for disinfecting liquids such as water.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding compost in a biofilter is substantially uniform in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge and has a sidewall formed with openings that are small enough to substantially retain the compost in the cartridge yet large enough to allow filaments of bacteria present in the compost to project through the openings. The cartridge is of cross-sectional form such that multiple cartridges can be placed side-by-side in an array with passages between each cartridge and adjacent cartridges.

Abstract: A combination filter assembly having a plurality of filter sieves positioned in parallel one after the other in the direction of flow. The filter sieves are stretched and mounted in housing elements to form filter elements. The housing elements are in contact with each other by means of top and bottom bearing faces, and are maintained in a stack. The filter elements have a cylindrical shape with annular bearing faces, wherein one bearing face includes a centering male coupling and sealing formation, and the other bearing face includes a corresponding centering female coupling and sealing formation.

Abstract: A modularized filtration system includes multiple production modules mechanically coupled in series to form a production chain, and fluidly coupled by parallel feed fluid, waste fluid, and product fluid flowpaths. The system also includes a turbine, work exchange unit, or other energy recovery device to extract energy from the waste fluid. The system may also advantageously include a pressurization device for pressurizing a feed fluid, and provide a common drive shaft for the energy recovery and pressurization devices.

Abstract: A sewer basket and its support are to be positioned at any selected level within a vertical sewer pipe having an interior surface and an opening, of reduced size or not, at street level. The basket support is secured to the interior surface of the sewer pipe to receive the basket that includes a plurality of filter units adjacently and releasably resting on the basket support. Each filter unit is so sized as to get through the sewer opening while being in a substantially horizontal orientation. Each filter unit includes a frame, a filter screen secured to and extending across the frame, and a handle device accessible from the pipe opening to properly position, place and retrieve the unit on and from the basket support respectively. The basket support includes an intermediate support having a generally flat lattice shape that abuttingly rests thereon and that abuttingly supports the filter units.

Abstract: A liquid filter is provided of the type having a filter container with an inlet through the side of the container towards the lower end thereof, an outlet from the container, and a filter medium interposed between the inlet and outlet. The filter is adapted to utilize a filtration aid and to operate on the basis that at the termination of an operating cycle, filtration aid and dirt fall to the bottom of the container. The filtration aid and at least some dirt becomes stirred up and re-coated on the filter medium by liquid flowing into the container when the filter is started up once more. The inlet is fitted with a manifold having at least two outlet ports adapted to direct a portion of the inlet liquid in each of at least two generally opposite or substantially divergent directions.

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parallel reaction devices that include reaction blocks having arrays of reaction wells. Devices of the invention also typically include lids having arrays of protrusions disposed thereon, which protrusions axially align with the reaction wells, and/or attachment components that include hinges that permit lids to be removed from reaction blocks.

Abstract: An industrial, e.g. power plant cooling, water extraction framed cartridge filter system is disclosed with a holed fabric type medium to filter debris from the power plant cooling water. The fabric type filter medium is comprised a one or more strength meshes of nylon or another strong fiber and an inner polypropylene or polyester medium with small holes. The size of the frame and the number and arrangement of the holes are arranged to supply a volume of filtered water consistent with the needs of the application at the typical pressures found therein. For a power plant, a system of many cartridges may be used to provide the total cooling/replacement water needs. Compressed air is introduced into the bottom interior of the cartridges and released via a valve at the top. The compressed air mechanically disturbs the filter medium to knock off any debris that may have attached to the filter medium surface and air escaping via the small holed in the filter may attach to and float small pieces of debris away.

Abstract: A monodirectional or bi-directional distributor plate for crossflow cassette-type filtration appliances is provided which comprises three parts and is used in the ultrafiltration or microfiltration of liquids. The three-part distributor plate assembly comprises a middle plate member, an upper plate member and a lower plate member, which when combined has a front and rear surface, a first and second side wall and a first and second edge wall. The front and rear surfaces of the distributor plate assembly are provided with feed, residue and filtrate orifices arranged to communicate with feed, residue and filtrate orifices of a plurality of filter cassettes. Due to the manner of flow to and/or from associated filter cassettes by way of the three-part distributor plate assembly, equal pressure can be achieved at all orifices to ensure equal flow over a filter membrane surface increasing filtration performance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A device for filtering a liquid, in particular for filtering a polymer plastic melt, has a housing which includes an inlet channel, a connecting channel situated in a shaft and a discharge channel, as seen in the flow direction of the liquid to be filtered, where the connecting channel has at least two filters arranged side by side and aligned across the flow direction of the liquid in the connecting channel, and the shaft is mounted in a bore in the housing so that it is axially displaceable and is liquid-tight, so that by axial displacement of the shaft, the two filters can be moved between a filtration position in which the inlet channel is connected to the discharge channel through the connecting channel, and an externally accessible cleaning position in which the connection from the inlet channel to the discharge channel is interrupted, and vice versa.

Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filtering and separating fluids, including a pressure-tight housing having a fluid inlet, a retentate outlet and a permeate outlet, a plurality of stacks of membrane filter elements are arranged in the housing adjacent one another and joined such that the fluid is conducted through the stacks of membrane filter element in a series flow pattern and each stack includes a plurality of spaced membrane pillows arranged in spaced relationship such that the fluid is conducted in a meander-like pattern through the stack.

Abstract: In an apparatus for providing a continuous integrity test for suction driven filtering membrane assemblies 10, a monitoring line 32 diverts a portion of permeate to a monitoring device 30 (e.g. a turbidimeter). Both ends 34, 36 of the monitoring line are connected to the permeate pipe 20 upstream from the permeate pump 26 and at points of relatively higher and lower pressures respectively, to cause fluid to flow through the monitoring line. The relatively higher and lower pressures may be caused by a source of head loss 38 (e.g. a valve) in the permeate line. The source of head loss may be adjusted to provide a required flow through the monitoring device by a control 43 communicating with a flow meter 42 in the monitoring line. Membrane assemblies may be individually monitored although many of them may be connected to a common permeate pump (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A filter manifold is provided in a water purification system and includes at least one filter element for producing relatively purified water, wherein the filter manifold incorporates a shut-off valve designed to prevent filter element removal unless the shut-off valve is first switched to a closed position for turning off the incoming water supply. The shut-off valve includes an elongated actuator lever which in a normal open position engages and retains a manifold latch plate in a latched position retaining the filter elements in connected relation with flow couplers to produce purified water. Upon movement of the actuator lever to a closed position shutting off the incoming water supply, the manifold latch plate can be unlatched from the filter elements to permit filter element removal and replacement.

Abstract: A single or multiwell plate using membrane, preferably an ultrafiltration membrane to filter selected solutes from a liquid is disclosed. In particular, a preferred construction and method of sealing the membrane to the interior of the well so as to form an integral seal between the top portion of the well and the bottom portion is disclosed. The preferred method is to use a heat seal device which secures the filter to the underdrain portion of the device.

Abstract: A multi-part filter combination is received in a stepped bore of a fluid-carrying component. A larger-diameter filter part is associated with a larger-diameter bore portion, and a smaller-diameter filter part is associated with a smaller-diameter bore portion. The two filter parts of the filter combination are connected by a connecting part. When the two filter parts are joined in their respective final position in the bore, this connecting part is detachable by means of a die to be introduced into the bore. The filter combination can be used in a valve block serving to receive a magnet valve.

Abstract: The filter system for filtering particulate material from a generally unidirectional fluid stream comprises a first filter removably positioned in the fluid stream and a second filter removably positioned in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter. The first filter comprises a pre-filter and includes a layer of fluid-permeable material having a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending completely therethrough. The method of utilizing the fluid filter system of this invention is also disclosed and comprises the steps of: (1) removably positioning a first filter in the fluid stream; and (2) removably positioning a fluid-permeable second filter in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter.

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid is described. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dual manifold filtering system. The dual manifold filtering system of the present invention, unlike the currently available filtering systems, allows the filter elements to be cleaned from both ends of the filter elements during backwashing operations. A flow restriction device is also placed in the grid main channel of the filter elements to force more of the liquid to flow out radially from the grid main channel during backwashing. Valve and piping means are provided to enable liquid to be directed into one or the other manifold during backwashing operations.

Abstract: In a method for joining two or more solid parts, a foil is provided between the two parts, the foil is heated to an elevated temperature by means of a thermode such that it becomes soft, and then the foil is cooled down below the elevated temperature, thus providing a permanent connection. The method can be used for bonding a gas-permeable membrane to a housing such as to produce a liquid chromatography degasser. The bonding method ensures that no unwanted substances are released when liquid comes into contact with the bonding region.

Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes a unique system for initially installing, removing and transporting cartridge disk stacks, the apparatus includes a center post member; a connecting member, operatively positioned relative to the center post member and operatively connected thereto; and a adapter member member, operatively connected to the center post member, for supporting at least one disk thereon when the center post is operatively connected to a housing base and for supporting at least one disk during the installation/removal of at least one disk from the housing base. Systems and methods for utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed.

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: A chip treatment device 100 includes a box-shaped housing 110, and an upper surface panel 112 of the housing is connected to a sloped portion 114. The interiors of the housing 110 is divided into upper and lower areas by a partition panel 130, and to the areas are provided a first cutting fluid bath 150 and a second cutting fluid bath 160. Chains 240 stretched between driving sprockets 210 and chain guide units 230 are equipped with scraper units 250 moving in the direction of the arrow. The chips coming in from an entrance opening 180 is separated from cutting fluid while being conveyed on the separation panel 130. First and second filter units 170, 300 filter said cutting fluid.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making a dynamic swirl filter assembly comprises disposing a stack of filter elements within a rotatable wall, wherein the rotatable wall is substantially free of structure which extends substantially across a surface of the filter elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hemodiafiltration are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first dialyzer cartridge containing a semi-permeable membrane that divides the dialyzer into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Fluid discharged from the blood compartment of the first dialyzer cartridge is mixed with sterile substitution fluid to form a fluid mixture and the mixture enters a second dialyzer cartridge. The second dialyzer cartridge contains a second semi-permeable membrane which divides the second dialyzer cartridge into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Hemodiafiltration occurs in both cartridges.

Abstract: A filter device (1) is provided for microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration, preferably for varnishes, such as cathodic dipping varnishes, for connection to a conduit, having a pressure housing (2) and at least one ceramic membrane filter element (3) located in the pressure housing (2). In order to make a filter device of the previously mentioned type available which is also suitable for the recycling of varnishes, particularly cathodic dipping varnishes, the ceramic membrane filter element (3) is electrically connected with at least one electrical conductor (5) and is grounded via the electrical conductor (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.