Abstract: The present application provides a method for treating a black and odorous water body comprising the following steps: pre-treating the black and odorous water body; passing the pre-treated water body through a biomimetic intestine tubular purification system which imitates a digestion of small intestine; passing the tubular purification system-treated water body into a microbial fuel cell which imitates a digestion of large intestine to treat the water body; and pumping the microbial fuel cell-treated water body into an upward flow inclined tube sedimentation tank to treat the water body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton conductive nanocomposite membrane and a method for manufacturing same, the proton conductive nanocomposite membrane having polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) having a proton donor and POSS having a proton acceptor introduced into an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer membrane having a sulfonyl group. The nano-composite membrane of the present invention has both the POSS having a proton donor and the POSS having a proton acceptor added thereto, and thus protons (cations) that are generated are easily hopped in an ion channel by means of hydrogen bonding, and thus ionic conductivity is increased. In addition, the POSS used in the present invention has a very small size, and thus hardly obstructs proton migration in the ion channel in the polymer membrane, and thus excellent proton conductivity may be enabled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton conductive nanocomposite membrane comprising a fluorinated proton conductive polymer substance introduced with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) having a proton donor and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) having a proton acceptor, and a method for preparing the same, in which the addition of the very small size POSS having proton donors and POSS having proton acceptors to the nanocomposite membrane increases ion conductivity due to easy hopping of generated protons (cations) within ion channels, thereby realizing excellent proton conductivity while the nanocomposite membrane shows excellent mechanical strength even though the degree of sulfonation of the membrane is increased.

Abstract: Filter media are described. The filter media may include multiple layers. In some embodiments, the filter media include a nanofiber layer adhered to another layer. In some embodiments, the layer to which the nanofiber layer is adhered is formed of multiple fiber types (e.g., fibers that give rise to structures having different air permeabilities and/or pressure drops). In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is adhered to a single-phase or a multi-phase layer. In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is manufactured from a meltblown process. The filter media may be designed to have advantageous properties including, in some cases, a high dust particle capture efficiency and/or a high dust holding capacity.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes nozzles, pressure chambers, pressure generators, a common liquid chamber, a partition, and a liquid feeder. The common liquid chamber includes two chamber portions adjacent to each other on a plane parallel to a nozzle array direction. The two chamber portions include a first chamber portion to receive liquid from a supply unit and a second chamber portion to supply liquid to the pressure chambers. The partition includes openings and partitions the first portion from the second portion. The first portion includes at least one liquid inlet at a first end and at least one liquid outlet at a second end opposite the first end in the nozzle array direction. The second portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first portion in a cross section of the two chamber portions perpendicular to the nozzle array direction.

Abstract: A diffuser membrane and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the method for manufacturing, a first material is heated and extruded to form a base layer and a second material is heated and extruded to form a coating layer. The base layer and coating layer may be extruded substantially simultaneously in a coextrusion process. Accordingly, the coating may be applied to the base layer in a manner that optimizes the bonding between the two layers and provides the ability to control the thickness of the coating layer. Alternatively, the base layer is formed initially and the coating layer is subsequently formed thereover. The first and second materials have differing properties. The first material may comprise polyurethane and the second material may comprise polyurethane and PTFE.

Abstract: A method of recovering one or more insoluble oils from a liquid source using one or more membrane or membrane contactors, comprising the steps of: pumping the liquid source comprising the one or more oils to the membranes or membrane contactors, contacting the liquid source with a first surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, coalescing the one or more oils within the liquid source onto the first surface of the membrane contactors, pumping one or more recovery fluids through the membrane or membrane contactors in contact with the second surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, and removing a first stream of oil coalesced from the second surface of the membranes or membrane contactors.

Abstract: A disk filter (21) has grooves (211) having a curved shape whose curvature gradually increases from the outer peripheral side of the filter disks (21) to the inner peripheral side thereof. The width (Wout) is greater than the width (Win). The width (Wout) is the width of an opening (211a) of each of the grooves (211), the width (Win) is the width of the opening (211a) of each of the filter disks (21). The disk filter includes, in a flow passage for liquid thereof, a stacked body composed of the filter disks (21). The pressure loss of the disk filter (21) is low and the opening ratio thereof is high. The disk filter (21) can appropriately and efficiently filtrate even a low-pressure liquid.

Abstract: An assembly for the rapid removal of trace levels of ionic species from fast-moving flows of water employs a compressed stack of layers of batting containing ion-absorbing granules, and a confining cage for holding the stack in a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device includes a radial and axial fluid flow path in stacked disks. The stacked disks form a fluid flow path including at least two pressure reduction stages, a first pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially outward and a second pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially inward.

Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.

Abstract: A light weight oriented net or netting assembly is provided for oil capture and containment. The netting assembly is made by biaxially stretching or orienting starting materials to form a pattern of oriented strands and integral junctions that, while being light in weight, is also strong enough to be used to capture and remove oil from contaminated water without an outer stabilizing jacket. The assembly is preferably made from oriented polypropylene netting that is folded, gathered, bunched and/or otherwise layered upon itself on the order of 16-64 times and then crimped in one or more locations to secure the netting layers in a bow tie or tubular configuration that forms net cavities and an open cell structure to capture and contain oil that has been dispersed in water. Oil in the netting assembly can then be removed, such as by pressing or other removal process, after which the netting assembly may be reused.

Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A two-layered osmosis membrane contains a support layer and a rejection layer. The support layer, in which a mesh is embedded, is made of a phase separation polymer and has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m. The rejection layer, which adheres to the support layer, is made of a thin film composite polymer and has a thickness of 0.05 to 3 ?m. The mesh, which is embedded in the support layer, has an open area of 30 to 70%, a mesh size of 60-300 mesh, and a thickness of 45-150 ?m. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: A separation membrane structure 1 has partition walls 3 including a honeycomb shaped porous ceramic body 9 provided with a large number of pores, and cells 4 to become through channels of a fluid are formed by the partition walls 3. The cells 4 include separation cells 4a and slit cells 4b. In the separation cells 4a, the intermediate layer is disposed on the surface of a substrate 30, and a separation layer is further formed. The intermediate layer has a structure where aggregate particles are bonded to one another by an inorganic bonding material having a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or higher than that of the aggregate particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming oil and other liquid hydrocarbons and contaminates floating at the surface of a body of water or other suspending liquid. A rigid skimming surface such as a drum or disc is floatably supported on pontoons. The skimming surface is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the water surface. The skimming surface is covered with removably attached sorbent material which improves the efficiency of the oil recovery operation and which, when worn or soggy, can be removed and discarded without discarding the skimming surface.

Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter, characterized in that it comprises a filter material having a vertical permeation coefficient (kx) of 0.5×10?12 to 2.0×10?12 m2 and a ratio (ky/kx) of a horizontal permeation coefficient (ky) to kx of 0.5 to 1.5; and a method for removing leukocytes using said filter. The above leukocyte-removing filter has a higher leukocyte-removing performance per unit volume and also does not bring clogging nor increase of pressure drop.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane includes: a supporting membrane having a substrate and a porous supporting layer; and a separation functional layer provided on the supporting membrane, in which, when any 10 cross sections of the composite semipermeable membrane, having a length of 2.0 ?m in a membrane surface direction, are observed using an electron microscope, an average number density of projections on the separation functional layer, which have a height equivalent to or higher than ? of a 10-point average surface roughness of the separation functional layer, is 10.0 pieces/?m or more, in each cross section, and an average height of the projections is 100 nm or more.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film in which a carbon nanostructure-metal composite is coated on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support having micro- or nano-sized pores. A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film, includes: dispersing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite in a solvent at the presence of a surfactant and coating the carbon nanostructure-metal composite on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support; and fusing the metal on the membrane support by heating the coated membrane support. The metal in carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film melts at a low temperature since a size of a metal of the carbon nanostructure-metal composite is several nm to several-hundred nm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blood processing filter comprising a sheet-like filter element, an inlet-side flexible container and an outlet-side flexible container that sandwich the filter element and are sealed thereto, an inlet port provided in the inlet-side flexible container for accepting blood before being processed by the filter element, and an outlet port provided in the outlet-side flexible container for discharging blood after being processed by the filter element. The blood processing filter also includes a flow channel securing sheet arranged between the filter element and the outlet-side flexible container. A flow channel hole through which blood processed by the filter element passes is formed in the flow channel securing sheet. The outlet port is provided so as to be capable of communicating with the flow channel hole.

Abstract: A circular filtering disc and a filter device having the filtering disc. The filtering disc includes a circular partition plate having an inner hub and an outer rim, with radial inlet holes formed in the outer rim and introducing water to the partition plate, and a vertical outlet hole formed in the center of the inner hub and discharging pure water; and a filter fabric placed on or below the partition plate, wherein water supplied to the filtering disc passes through the filter fabric and becomes concentrated at the vertical outlet hole, and is discharged from the filtering disc through the vertical outlet hole. In the filter device, raw water is supplied through the circumferential edges of the circular filtering discs stacked on top of one another in the filter device and is filtered prior to being discharged from the filter device through the center of the filtering discs.

Abstract: 1. Filter material (1) and filter clement (29) with filter material (1). 2. The invention relates to a filter material (1), in particular for hydraulic filters, such as oil filters, consisting of at least one individual layer (5) of a composite of glass fibres (7) with carbon fibres (9). The invention timber relates to a filter element with a corresponding filter material (1).

Abstract: Various devices and methods for filtering and/or collecting tissue which has been cut or resected from various regions of a patient's body are described herein. In certain variations, a filter or tissue collection chamber may include various components, which allow for the removal or separation of tissue from a fluid medium and for the collection of the tissue within the filter or tissue collection chamber.

Abstract: Molecular filters are disclosed herein. An example of the molecular filter includes a rolled substrate having an interior surface and opposed ends that are substantially orthogonal to the interior surface. The rolled substrate defines a layer and a fluid flow path extending from one of the opposed ends to another of the opposed ends. A template is positioned on the interior surface of the rolled substrate. The template includes a matrix, and molecule template locations formed in the matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multilayer filter. The filter comprises at least a first layer comprising a plurality of openings and at least a second permeable layer overlaying the first layer and reducing the size of the openings. The filter may further comprise one or more successive layers overlaying the second layer, wherein each layer further successively reduces the size of the openings. The filter may be used for separation of particles from fluid or gas. There is also provided a method for fabricating a multilayer filter.

Abstract: This application discloses porous self-sealing media comprising a sintered mixture of an absorbent material and a thermoplastic. The self-sealing media block passage of organic solvents or organic solvents in aqueous mixtures, wherein the organic solvents are at concentrations greater than about 40%. The self-sealing media also block acidic solutions. The self-sealing media are useful in a variety of applications such as a pipette tip filter, in line filter, vent, non-mechanical check valve, safety valve, and suction canister.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter pack formed by stacking rings, being used as a final element in multistage or single-stage filters. The filtration process is performed by consecutively separating the particles in suspension according to the thickness thereof in different areas.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation membrane includes a porous support, a separation active layer formed on the supporting layer, and a ultra hydrophilic layer formed on the separation active layer. The ultra-hydrophilic layer includes a complex metal oxide including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) and Al(III), and Si, and an organic compound containing a hydrophilic group making a physical or chemical bond with Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) or Al(III) among the complex metal oxide. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis separation membrane also is provided. A reverse osmosis membrane including a single coating layer and having an improved durability, chlorine-resistance and antifouling properties may be provided.

Abstract: A cartridge having at least one layer containing sodium zirconium phosphate and at least one layer containing a combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide is described. Methods of using the cartridge for water purification are also described.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite filter media for use in a fuel stream wherein the composite media provides significantly improved resistance to water penetration as indicated by the FWWPP normalized for fuel IFT and a reduced resistance to flow of the fuel stream as indicated by the Ratio of Resistances.

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular filter-in-filter elements, namely an outer filter element and an inner filter element which may be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element. The disclosed filter cartridges may be structured for separating water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel as the fuel moves through the cartridge from outside to inside.

Abstract: A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

Abstract: Hydrophilic flat-sheet membrane based on a hydrophobic first polymer from the group consisting of aromatic sulfone polymers and a hydrophilic second polymer, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range between 30 and 200 ?m, a first and a second surface and a supporting layer having a three-dimensional sponge-like network structure, wherein the supporting layer has a first cover layer on the side thereof facing the first surface and a second cover layer on the side thereof facing the second surface, which cover layers are formed integrally with the supporting layer, and wherein the first and second surfaces have approximately oval or circular openings which penetrate the first and second cover layers, respectively, and are connected to the supporting layer, wherein the average diameter of the openings in the surfaces differ by a factor of less than 2, wherein the three-dimensional network structure of the supporting layer is made up of thick branches and a continuous pore system, and the predominant pro

Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements having at least first and second radially displaced sets (12,13) of fluid treatment elements and methods for making and using them are disclosed: A ribbon including a permeable fluid treatment medium may be spirally wound in a plurality of windings to form a fluid treatment element of either set. At least two and as many as fifty or more fluid treatment elements (14?, 14?) may be positioned along a hollow core assembly (11) in each set. Fluid may be directed to or from the interior of the core assembly through a fluid treatment element of the first set and a fluid treatment element of the second set. In each fluid treatment element, fluid flows generally edgewise through the permeable fluid treatment medium.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly is provided. The method comprises forming an inorganic membrane layer disposed on a substrate, and forming a plurality of macropores in the substrate at least in part using anodization. Further, a membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly comprises a filtering membrane that is coupled to an anodized substrate comprising a plurality of macropores.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole water-oil separation arrangement which includes a body having one or more portions thereof configured to have an affinity to a selected fluid. The body further will include one or more portions thereof that are configured to have an affinity to another fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to nano-filters and methods of forming same, and methods of filtration. The nano-filter includes a substrate and at least one nanowire structure located between an inlet and an outlet. The nanowire structure may include a plurality of vertically stacked horizontal nanowires.

Abstract: A new, facile, low cost and easy-to-operate method of forming and immobilizing metal nanoparticles on substrates is invented. The method comprises steps of chemical modification of the substrates with chemical linkers, chelation of the metal ions to the modified substrates, the washing of the unbound metal ions and in-situ reduction of the metal ions to produce metal nanoparticles on the substrates with/without the finishing treatment of the metal nanoparticles functionalized substrates with minimum particles aggregations. The metal nanoparticles functionalized substrates generated by the method have wide applications, for example, as anti-microbial agents. The metal nanoparticles are strongly bonded to the substrates, resulting in low metal leaching to the environment.

Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a filter stack including a plurality of porous ceramic plates that are axially spaced from one another to define plurality of axially spaced apart radial flow areas. In one example, the filter stack is mounted within a housing. In further examples, the plurality of porous ceramic plates alternate between a first set of porous ceramic plates that are nested with a second set of porous ceramic plates. In still further examples, at least one of the sides of the porous ceramic plates defines a plurality of radial flutes arranged in a radial array.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular filter-in-filter elements, namely an outer filter element and an inner filter element which may be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element. The disclosed filter cartridges may be structured for separating water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel as the fuel moves through the cartridge from outside to inside.

Abstract: A filter element is disclosed having at least one mat-type or sheet-type filter web (3), which forms by its outside (5) at least in part a filter jacket (7) that is closed on the peripheral side, wherein along the outside (5) of the filter jacket (7) a surface configuration or modification takes place in such a manner that structures (11) that are delimited from the remaining surface (9) of the filter web (3), are joined to the filter jacket (7) and are of presentable contour and/or thickness are created, wherein the structures (11) are generated by spray-fibre application and shaping, in such a manner that in time sequence, first the structures (11) and then the filter jacket (7), or in reverse order in time sequence, first the filter jacket (7) and then the structures (11), or that simultaneously both the filter jacket (7) and the structures (11) are formed in negative or positive shape on the filter jacket (7).

Abstract: A filter medium for removing particles from a fluid flow has a pre-filter layer and a fine-filter layer joined to each other in the flow direction. A first supporting layer is attached to the unfiltered side of the pre-filter layer and a second supporting layer is attached to the filtered side of the fine-filter layer in order to absorb the longitudinal and transverse forces in the event of tensile loading. The traverse force absorbing layer has a greater bending stiffness in a traverse direction while the longitudinal force absorbing layer has a greater bending stiffness in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A separation membrane for water treatment, comprising a porous layer that is obtained by a phase separation method using a solution containing a resin and at least one of either an N,N-disubstituted isobutylamide or an N-monosubstituted isobutylamide.

Abstract: A filter system for removing contaminants from oil based industrial liquids and the like includes a support tube with a permeable sidewall through which the industrial liquid flows in an inside out direction. A multilayer coalescence media surrounds the support tube, and includes at least one layer of a non-woven fibrous material that is partially wettable by the dispersed water in the industrial liquid, and commences coalescence of the same to form small primary water droplets, and at least one sheet of a precisely woven monofilament fabric stacked on the downstream side of the non-woven material. The woven fabric is substantially wettable by the dispersed water, and has a fixed open mesh with uniformly sized and spaced apart pore openings which continue to coalesce the primary water droplets into large water drops which fall from the filter for collection along the bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device for providing an easy and unique way to absorb fluids from raw, thawed, or cooked foods. The device features two outer layers that sandwich two middle layers and an absorbent gasket. The gasket is positioned between the two middle layers. Borders are disposed on each side edge of the device. The device may be used in combination with a holding system that includes a base and a serving tray.