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

Abstract: A filtration media is formed from at least one structured polymeric layer, wherein a structured surface is defined within the layer. Layers may be configured as a stack that has the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack and corresponding ordered fluid pathways, thereby forming an ordered, porous volume. The ordered fluid pathways may be defined by a plurality of flow channels formed within the structured surfaces of the structured layers, or may be defined by a plurality of protuberances formed in an ordered pattern within the structured surfaces of the structured layers.

Abstract: A novel supported mesoporous carbon ultrafiltration membrane and process for producing the same. The membranes comprise a mesoporous carbon layer that exists both within and external to the porous support. A liquid polymer precursor composition comprising both carbonizing and noncarbonizing templating polymers is deposited on the porous metal support. The coated support is then heated in an inert-gas atmosphere to pyrolyze the polymeric precursor and form a mesoporous carbon layer on and within the support. The pore-size of the membranes is dependent on the molecular weight of the noncarbonizing templating polymer precursor. The mesoporous carbon layer is stable and can withstand high temperatures and exposure to organic chemicals. Additionally, the porous metal support provides excellent strength properties. The composite structure of the membrane provides novel structural properties and allows for increased operating pressures allowing for greater membrane flow rates.

Abstract: A fouling-resistant permeate carrier for a reverse osmosis element, including a tricot knitted fabric and a resin system coated onto the knitted fabric, said resin system including a bisphenol-A/epichlorohydrin-based epoxy resin dispersion, a low molecular weight solid epoxy resin derived from a liquid epoxy resin, bisphenol-A, and a polymeric solid epoxy resin possessing an average epoxide group functionality of 8, a dispersant, a dicyandimide curing agent, a tertiary curing agent, and water for controlling the total percent of nonvolatiles. The dicyandimide may be 4.7-6.5 parts per hundred dicyandiamide and 1.5 parts per hundred of the tertiary curing agent.

Abstract: A filter element assembly has at least two cylindrically shaped and concentrically arranged filter media sleeves each connected at one end thereof to an inlet plate and each connected at the other end to a closed end terminal plate. Openings are provided in the inlet plate to permit entry of liquid to be filtered into the annular space between the filter sleeves. The closed end terminal plate prevents flow of unfiltered liquid from the annular space between the sleeves so as to force the liquid through the porous media of the sleeves to effect filtration.

Abstract: A self-cleaning fuel oil strainer, coupled to a continuous fuel flow, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire fuel oil filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of fuel oil into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of fuel oil then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite membrane comprising a porous support layer and a selective layer comprising a vinylacetate polymer. The invention also provides a process for preparing a vinylacetate polymer selective layer on a porous support by depositing a colloidal dispersion having colloid particles of the vinylacetate polymer on the porous support followed by annealing the deposited colloids to form a selective layer. The membranes are useful for separation of gas or liquid or vapor mixtures.

Abstract: A screen assembly and methods for using it, the screen assembly including, in certain aspects, at least two layers of screening material one on top of the other and including at least a first layer over a second layer, each layer having screen mesh with rectangular openings as viewed from above, the first layer having first rectangular openings, and the second layer having second rectangular openings, each of the first rectangular openings having a first width and a first length, and each of the second rectangular openings having a second width and a second length, the ratio of the first length to the first width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the second length to the second width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the first length to the second width ranging between 0.95 and 1.05, and the lengths of the first rectangular openings are parallel to lengths of the second rectangular openings.

Abstract: A simple, economical acid rapid method for determining the contaminate particle size appearing in a fluid being filtered includes a filter housing that eliminates fluid bypass with a multi-layered laminated filter disposed therein.

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 new class of composite zeolite membranes and synthesis techniques therefor has been invented. These membranes are essentially defect-free, and exhibit large levels of transmembrane flux and of chemical and isotopic selectivity.

Abstract: Expansion resistant filter cartridge assemblies are provided that facilitate filtering of strong solvent solutions. The filter cartridge assemblies generally include a cylindrical filter element defining an outer periphery, an inner periphery and opposed end surfaces, a perforated cage operatively associated with the outer periphery of the filter element, a perforated core operatively associated with the inner periphery of the filter element and having opposed ends and a predetermined length, and an end cap operatively associated with each of the opposed end surfaces of the filter element and bonded to each end of the core. The perforated cage generally includes an expansion region of about 2.5% to about 4% of the total length of the filter cartridge, e.g., a region of axial discontinuity or a plurality of angular struts, to accommodate swelling and/or dimensional expansion of the cage without adversely affecting the integrity of the filter cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet for introducing liquid to be treated, an annular multi-layered prepacked screen assembly provided in the container and having an outlet for treated liquid. The screen assembly includes three or more cylindrical screens having different diameters and being coexially disposed in the container with their axes extending vertically in the container. An annulus is formed between the respective cylindrical screens. Two or more different filter materials performing different filtering functions are filled one in each of the annuluses between the cylindrical screens.

Abstract: An ion-selective membrane is formed integrally of an ion-selective membrane forming component and a woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane forming component comprises a cationic polymer component and/or an anionic polymer component and a matrix component. Each of the ionic polymer components is a particulate polymer having an average particle size in a range of from 0.01 to 10 &mgr;m. The woven-fabric-shaped backing has a meshed structure. The ion-selective membrane can be produced by forming it while maintaining a layer of a coating formulation, in which the ionic polymer component is dispersed in a solution or dispersion of the matrix component in an organic solvent, in close contact with the woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane is useful for the permeation of an electrolyte. An apparatus provided with the ion-selective membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A dome shaped filtering device for removal of contaminants from extrudate, consisting of a coarse mesh support screen, an intermediate mesh support screen and a fine mesh filter screen. All screens are stainless steel woven wire. A method and apparatus(s) for producing the screens is also included.

Abstract: A suction head is provided for the end of a fuel hose in a fuel tank of a portable implement. The suction head comprises a cup-shaped housing of polymeric material that is closed off by a cap. Provided on the cap is a connector for the end of the fuel hose. The outer surface of the housing is provided with window-like cutouts that are covered by a filter mesh. In order also with narrow, fragmented tank housings to ensure an immersion of the suction head into the fuel in every operating position, a rod-shaped weight member is disposed in the center of the housing. This weight member extends from the base of the housing to the cap, with a first end of the weight member being held on the base and a second end being held on the cap.

Abstract: A manually pressurized water filtering container comprising an enclosure having a compressible wall terminating at an open neck and a removable, water permeable filter module and a cap adapted for receiving the filter module and for engaging and sealing the open neck. A sealing gasket is compressed between two sealing surfaces in one case by a retainer and in another case by the engagement of the cap on the container. Water forced out of the enclosure by compression of the wall moves through the filter module to reach the open neck and the cap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure. In one embodiment, such structures comprise porous structures suitable for implantation in a host. Such a structure preferably exhibits geometric properties that tend to promote vascularization in the area of the structure when implanted into a host. The method includes selectively applying and exposing layers of biocompatible photoimageable material to create layers forming a cross-linked latticework structure having the desired geometric properties. Each layer is formed on top of a prior layer, preferably before any layer is developed. In one form, the structure is manufactured in connection with an implant device and promotes vascularization that supports bioacceptance/biocompatibility of the implant device.

Abstract: A pre-filter is for use in a skimmer basket of a hot tub. The pre-filter comprises a stabilizing ring and a shallow shaped cleanable filter permanently secured together. The stabilizing ring is dimensioned for placement within the skimmer basket or on a rim of the skimmer basket. The cleanable filter is made of a water porous synthetic material. Debris is trapped on the shaped cleanable filter as hot tub water is pulled through it on its way to a primary filter apparatus. The pre-filter is easily separated from the skimmer basket, cleaned if desired or simply replaced with a new pre-filter. A paper filter cartridge of the primary filter apparatus in the hot tub has its life significantly increased by use of the pre-filter.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

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

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly adapted for disposition in a housing includes an inner filtration element, an outer conductive surround and end caps which position and secure the filtration element and conductive surround. The filtration element preferably includes an outer layer of depth filtration media and an inner pleated paper element. The conductive surround is preferably conductive extruded plastic mesh. The end caps may be formed of a fuel tolerant plastic such as nylon or acetal. The filter assembly may be disposed in a housing having suitable inlet and outlet fittings and a conductive path for achieving electrical conductivity from the exterior of the housing to the conductive surround for facilitating draining off of an electrical charge.

Abstract: Porous hydrophilic membranes comprising a porous inert support on which an ionomer is deposited, said membranes being characterized in that they have a water permeability higher than 1 l/(h.m2.Atm).

Abstract: A method for separating fluid and fibrous lost circulation material from a mixture of fluid, drilled cuttings and fibrous lost circulation material, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that has at least two layers of screening material and including at least a first layer over a second layer, the layers with rectangular openings, the first layer having first rectangular openings each having a first width and a first length, and the second layer having second rectangular openings each having a second width and a second length, the ratio of the first length to the first width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the second length to the second width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the first length to the second width ranging between 0.95 and 1.05, and the lengths of the first rectangular openings parallel to lengths of the second rectangular openings.

Abstract: A method for separating fluid and fibrous lost circulation material from a mixture thereof that also includes drilled cuttings, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that is vibrating for passage of the fluid and fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly and for separation of the driled cuttings from the fluid, the screen assembly with a plurality of screens one on top of the other and including at least a first screen and a second screen, one of the screens with a screen mesh with non-square openings as viewed from above to facilitate the passage of fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, which, in certain aspects, has a ridge-valley series of undulating screening material with a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys of screening material, each of said ridges having two spaced-apart ridge ends, a ridge top and a ridge bottom, and each ridge end with a portion of screening material that tapers down from its corresponding ridge's ridge top to a level of screening material at its corresponding ridge's ridge bottom.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter comprises the steps of assembling multiple layers of filtration material on top of one another to form an assembly; holding the assembly between an ultrasonic weld horn and a weld nest so that the assembly has a marginal area outside of an edge formed on either the nest or the weld horn; and operating the weld horn so as to cause the marginal area to be cut off from the assembly at the edge and to simultaneously seal together the layers of filtration material of the remaining assembly at the edge. A filter made by the process and an apparatus used to practice the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided having a filter element including media preferably constructed from continuous, reinforced, geometrically symmetrical, microporous membranes having three distinct pore zones. Preferred filter elements are assembled with high and/or increased filtration area to yield increased throughput cartridge elements. Preferred filter elements are constructed from reinforced microporous membranes that include a scrim having two sides at least substantially encapsulated within a first dope and at least one additional dope coated onto each side of the encapsulated scrim prior to the first dope being quenched.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

Abstract: A coalescer filter element for the separation of water from hydrocarbon fluids, such as kerosene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and gasoline under surfactant conditions such as thermal stability additive and dispersant. Coalescer fibrous material has hydrophobic properties which resist surfactant coating of the fibers thereby allowing breakdown of water emulsion in the hydrocarbon fluids. The coalescer has a negative media density gradient in the liquid flow direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element and its manufacture to be used in removal of liquid from solids containing material to be dried in a capillary suction dryer which filter element contains a ceramic microporous layer having the pore size under 5 micrometer and supported by a ceramic internal layer having recess areas for liquid flowing. The internal layer is made of at least one substrate which continuously surrounds at least one recess area and which ceramic internal layer is surrounded by at least one essentially continuous microporous surface layer.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a press mould for moulding of cementitious products, the filter assembly including a fabric mounted in face to face contact with a support plate, perforated with a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern to permit passage of fluid through the plate, the apertures defining imperforate zones there between, the fabric being knitted or woven to have a surface defined by a plurality of parallel ribs in face to face contact with the support plate, each pair of adjacent ribs defining therebetween opposed sides of a fluid channel which communicates with a number of said apertures and said imperforate zones, the ribs being knitted or woven to be sufficiently non-compressible in order to resist collapse of said fluid channels during compression of the cementitious product within said mould.

Abstract: Two perforated metal sleeves are secured in radially spaced coaxial relation one within the other between a pair of rigid end caps that are releasably secured to opposite ends of a plurality of rods which support the caps removably and sealingly over opposite ends, respectively, of the sleeves. An annular filter cartridge is releasably secured in the radial space between the sleeves with resilient annular end caps on opposite ends of the cartridge disposed in releasable, sealing engagement with the rigid end caps. Fluid that is to be filtered is delivered to the radial space separating two annular filter elements in the filter cartridge. When one or the other of the end caps is removed from the support rods the cartridge can be removed from between the sleeves and replaced without having to destroy the sleeves or the rigid end caps.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrophobic polyolefinic membranes for gas exchange via thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation is disclosed. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system, of a compound A and a compound B having a viscosity less than 60 mPa s, is extruded to form a shaped object. The compound A is a solvent and compound B preferably a non-solvent of the polymer, and the boiling point of compound A is at least 50° C. higher than that of compound B. After the shaped object leaves the die, at least one surface thereof is subjected to an atmosphere promoting evaporation of compound B, and the shaped object is subsequently cooled until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.

Abstract: A lateral dispersion filter basket provides turbulence at the bottom of the filter basket reducing strain on the bottom seam of the filter bag disposed therein causing the particulate being filtered to move up along the vertical walls of the filter bag.

Abstract: A liquid filter element frame is provided comprising an elongate injection moulded body having a plurality of support ribs radiating from a central axis thereof and a support ring encircling the outer edges of the ribs at the operatively lower end thereof. The ring has attached thereto a separately manufactured end disc having a smoothly contoured edge for supporting the lower end of a sleeve of filter fabric, in use. A sleeve made of filter fabric and adapted to be used as a cover for the element frame is also provided in which the operatively lower end and optionally also the upper end of the sleeve is made of a double layer of filter fabric. The frame fits within the sleeve in use.

Abstract: A catch basin curb inlet filter assembly for preventing debris from being swept into the catch basin by rainwater. The filter assembly has first and second outer filters, an inner filter located between said first and second outer filters adjacent the lower longitudinal edges thereof, and a rigid rib member located between the first and second outer filters. The first and second outer filters have identical configurations. Each of the first and second outer filters may be provided with an overflow passageway adjacent the mid-portion of the top edges thereof. The first and second outer filters, inner filter, and rigid rib member are attached together to form the filter assembly. At least two strap openings extend through the filter assembly to permit a flexible or rigid strap to pass therethrough for attaching the assembly to the curb grate of a catch basin.

Abstract: A new non-woven depth filter cartridge is formed by insertion of a core into filter mass formed in a continuous process. A mass of very fine diameter polymer filaments is overlaid by mass of larger diameter polymer filaments. The filaments are continuously accumulated on a spinning mandrel and advanced along and off of the mandrel by a press roller. An inner cylindrical surface of the cumulative filament mass forming the depth filter element is calendered, which facilitates insertion of a core member.

Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed that includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats arranged in a spiral configuration in close proximity to one another. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs, and the legs of each pleat are joined to one another at a root. The roots of adjacent pleats are radially spaced from one another about the inner periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium wrapped about a cylindrical core defining a central axis of the filter element. The alternating layers extend from a radially innermost layer of the filter element to a radially outermost layer of the filter element, the diffusion medium is defined by a continuous lengthwise sheet of mesh material, and the filter medium is defined by at least one sheet of filter material arranged along the length of the continuous sheet of mesh material. The alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium define three distinct radially disposed layered filtering sections surrounding the cylindrical core, and include a first filtering section having radially outer prequalifying layers, a second filtering section having middle prequalifying layers and a third filtering section having radially inner qualifying layers.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter vessel having an inlet and an outlet and defining a filter chamber therebetween. A basket assembly is removably supported within the filter chamber. The basket assembly has a diameter less than the diameter of the filter chamber so as to define an annular flow passage about the basket assembly. The basket assembly includes an outer permeable member and an inner permeable member having a diameter which is less than the diameter of the outer permeable member such that the inner permeable member is received within the outer permeable member so as to define an annular space therebetween and an inner flow path. The inner permeable member includes a permeable rigid closed end. The basket assembly is capable of supporting a bag type filter having at least one closed end such that it may be supported over both the inner and outer permeable members bounding the annular space therebetween.

Abstract: A filter for removing solids from a liquid comprising a filter housing with an inlet and an outlet, a first filtration element nested within the filter housing and having a first plurality of openings, a second filtration element nested within the first filtration element and having a second plurality of openings for filtering grease and non-particulate substances, where the second filtration element has a shorter height with an upper end thereof being located below at least one opening of the first filtration element thereby allowing bypassing of the second filtration element. Alternatively, the filter may also include a third filtration element nested within the second filtration element and having a third plurality of openings where the second filtration element has a shorter height than the third filtration element, an upper end of the second filtration element being located below at least one opening of the third filtration element thereby allowing bypass of the second filtration element.

Abstract: The reactor includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle. Pressurized hydrogen and water are introduced into a volume containing the fiber bundle. The fibers are free to separate and more independently over most of their length. The fibers have microporous inner and outer layers and a nonporous layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers and are sealed on one end. Hydrogen is introduced inside the fibers, which are sealed on one end to prevent direct escape of the hydrogen gas. The H2 gas dissolves then diffuses through the nonporous layer. Water is introduced around the fibers, and the biofilm reaction occurs on the outer surface of the fibers. Oxidized contaminants are removed from the water by the biofilm reaction, which consumes H2 gas that diffuses through the membrane. The individual fibers are free, over most of their length, to separate in response to the water flow. This prevents excessive biofilm-to-biofilm contact.

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 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: A method for separating fluid from a mixture of fluid and fibrous lost circulation material, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that is vibrating for passage of the fluid through the screen assembly and for separation of fibrous lost circulation material from the fluid, the screen assembly comprising a plurality of screens one on top of the other and including at least a first screen and a second screen, one of the screens with comprising a screen mesh woven with non-square openings as viewed from above.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

Abstract: An activated carbon block filter including a unique bonded carbon mixture. The carbon mixture preferably includes a mean particle diameter in the range of about 60 microns to about 80 microns and a particle size distribution having less than 10% by weight of particles larger than 140 mesh and less than 10% by weight of particles smaller than 500 mesh. More preferably, the carbon mixture includes a mean particle diameter in the range of about 65 microns to about 75 microns. Even more preferably, the carbon mixture includes a mean particle diameter of about 70 microns and a particle size distribution having less than 7% by weight of particles larger than 140 mesh and less than 7.5% by weight of particles smaller than 500 mesh.

Abstract: A filter member includes a breaker plate having an increased filtering area without any deterioration in screen back-up capability. This filter member is adapted to filter off impurities of resin melt and is disposed in a resin passage. The filter member includes a screen and a breaker plate for backing up the screen. The breaker plate has resin passageways in the form of elongated slits extending as intersecting the flow direction of resin material.