Abstract: A method for making a resilient ion exchange membrane comprising polymerizing a composition containing at least an ionic surfactant monomer having an ethylenic group and a long hydrophobic alkyl group filling the pores of and covering the surfaces of a porous substrate. The hydrophobic long alkyl group in the ionic surfactant monomer provides ion exchange membranes with improved mechanical properties, and good chemical stability.

Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. In some embodiments, at least one layer of the filter media comprises synthetic polymer fibers. Certain filter media described herein may have desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.

Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. The filter media has desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity with low basis weight and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.

Abstract: A filter element for liquid filtration has a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers are arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow. The first layer is a filter layer of cellulose, and the second downstream layer is a nonwoven of plastic fibers, wherein the second layer has a smaller thickness than the first layer.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains: a laminate of two or more layers including a layer containing a first crystalline polymer and a layer containing a second crystalline polymer, the laminate having a plurality of pores each piercing through the laminate in a thickness direction thereof, wherein the first crystalline polymer has higher crystallinity than crystallinity of the second crystalline polymer, and the layer containing the first crystalline polymer has the maximum thickness thicker than the maximum thickness of the layer containing the second crystalline polymer, and wherein at least one layer in the laminate has a plurality of pores whose average diameter continuously or discontinuously changes along with a thickness direction of the laminate at least at part thereof.

Abstract: Forward osmosis membranes having a hydrophilic support layer and a polyamide rejection layer in a thin film composite membrane are considered. Preferred support layer materials include aramid polymers and PVDF. A woven or non-woven mesh can be incorporated into the support layer to improve handling properties of the membrane. Flat sheet and hollow fiber configurations are possible. Antifouling techniques are provided. The polyamide layer can be formed on the hydrophilic support layer by interfacial polymerization. Applications include forward osmosis and pressure retarded osmosis applications, such as industrial product and/or waste concentration, hydration bags, energy/pressure generation, and controlled delivery of chemicals (e.g., for pharmaceutical applications).

Abstract: To provide an absorber that has a high absorption speed, is unlikely to cause a liquid to remain on a skin-contacting surface, has excellent dry feeling, and is unlikely to cause excreted body fluid to return, and a water-absorbent resin powder that can be suitably used in the absorber. A water-absorbent resin powder of the present invention is characterized by meeting the following requirements (a) to (d): (a) a bulk density: 0.45 g/ml to 0.62 g/ml; (b) an absorption speed by a vortex method: 20 seconds to 50 seconds; (c) a liquid-passing speed under load: 10 seconds or less; and (d) a moisture absorption blocking ratio: 5% or less. An absorber of the present invention uses the water-absorbent resin powder of the present invention. An absorbent article of the present invention includes the absorber of the present invention.

Abstract: Filter media, filter devices and methods of making filter media are disclosed. The filter media includes a coating on at least a portion of said outer surface. The coating may be polymeric composition having a molecular chain that includes segments of non-polar groups and segments of at least one of polar groups or segments of ionic groups.

Abstract: The disclosure includes, in some embodiments, a filter element that includes a first porous outer layer formed from a nonwoven material, a second porous outer layer formed from a nonwoven material, and at least one inner porous layer formed from a high loft nonwoven material (or other suitable material) disposed between the first porous outer layer and the second porous outer layer. The high loft nonwoven material has a three dimensional matrix formed by entangled and bonded fibers that cooperate to form a plurality of three dimensional interstices between the fibers for maintaining an open and tortuous flow path for fluid to pass through. The filter element also includes filter aid particles dispersed in the interstices of the high loft nonwoven material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high molecular weight polystyrene-polydialkylsiloxane-polystyrene (“SDS”) triblock copolymer compositions and methods of separating one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution using membranes derived from SDS triblock copolymers. The methods may be used to separate the one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution produced in a fermentation process. In some embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include an alcohol, such as, for example, ethanol. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone, ethanol, and n-butanol produced in an acetone-ethanol-n-butanol (ABE) fermentation process. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include one or more byproducts produced in a fermentation process.

Abstract: The disclosure includes, in some embodiments, a filter element that includes a first porous outer layer formed from a nonwoven material, a second porous outer layer formed from a nonwoven material, and at least one inner porous layer formed from a high loft nonwoven material (or other suitable material) disposed between the first porous outer layer and the second porous outer layer. The high loft nonwoven material has a three dimensional matrix formed by entangled and bonded fibers that cooperate to form a plurality of three dimensional interstices between the fibers for maintaining an open and tortuous flow path for fluid to pass through. The filter element also includes filter aid particles dispersed in the interstices of the high loft nonwoven material.

Abstract: The present application presents the development of a method for enhancing filtration capabilities of ceramic elements by chemically binding a hydrophilic compound throughout the porous structure of a ceramic element. An enhanced ceramic filter includes a ceramic element with chemically bound hydrophilic molecules. The enhanced ceramic filter is used in a system for the separation of non-polar compounds from aqueous mixtures. An aqueous mixture is passed through the enhanced ceramic filter, allowing water to permeate, and concentrate to exit the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic filter element (22) for removal of liquid from solids containing material in a capillary suction dryer. The filter element comprises a ceramic substrate covered by a sintered ceramic microporous layer (31). The sintered microporous membrane layer is provided with coarse solid particles (71) of a particle size larger than a pore size of the membrane material layer (31) so as to form a textured surface (50) which prevents a filter cake from sliding off the surface of the filter element prior to the intended cake discharge.

Abstract: Improved integrally skinned asymmetric membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration, and their methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Membranes are formed from polyimides by phase inversion and are then crosslinked by addition of amine crosslinking agents that react with the imide groups of the polyimide, creating amide bonds. These stabilize the membranes and allow solvent nanofiltration to be maintained even in the solvents from which the membranes were formed by phase inversion.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane on a support, wherein the polymeric membrane includes a crosslinked polymer covalently bound to a molecular cage compound. An interfacial polymerization method for making the polymeric membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane is formed by embedding a braid having a spiral open weave of monofilaments only, to avoid a “whiskering” problem common in prior art multifilament braid-supported tubular membranes. The open weave is characterized by contiguous, circumferential, rhomboid-shaped areas of polymer film separated by monofilaments. When the braid is supported on a plasticized PVA cable it can be infiltrated with membrane polymer which, when coagulated embeds the braid positioning it around the lumen. The spiral weave, free of any circumferentially constricting monofilament, when embedded in film, allows the membrane to be biaxially distensible. In other words, the membrane has “give” not only in the axial or longitudinal direction but also in the radial direction. “Give” in the radial direction permits soiled membranes to be backwashed under higher pressure than in a comparable braid which is not radially distensible.

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: The present disclosure provides a depth filter medium comprising at least one elastomeric nonwoven web strengthened by combination with one or more structural support layers. The resulting material is particularly useful in the field of filtration, wherein particulates captured within the elastomeric nonwoven web can be readily released, such as by applying pressure to the web through backwashing. The elastomeric nonwoven web advantageously can stretch under such pressure and return substantially to its original structure and shape upon the removal of the pressure, rendering the filter available for reuse.

Abstract: A sorbent dialysis cartridge is provided for removal of uremic toxins from dialysate wherein the sorbent cartridges can use non-enzymatic urea-binding materials in place of urease. The cartridge can have a first sorbent layer loaded with a polymerizable urea complexing agent and a second sorbent layer loaded with a crosslinker. The crosslinker can be crosslinkable with a soluble urea complex reaction product of the polymerizable urea complexing agent and urea when passing through the first sorbent layer to form a crosslinked polymeric urea complex which is attachable to the second sorbent layer. In another option, a sorbent layer can be used which has an insolubilized crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex attached thereto, wherein the crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex can be a reaction product of a crosslinker and polymerizable urea complexing agent. Methods and sorbent dialysis systems using the cartridge, and methods of making the sorbent material, are provided.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a thin film composite membrane wherein a thin selective layer, having incorporated amphiphilic vesicles, is supported by a microporous substrate. A process of preparing the thin film composite membrane and its use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous body consists essentially of a plurality of ceramic particles having an average size ranging from 8 to 100 nm. The ceramic particles are bonded to adjacent ceramic particles with a strength sufficient to render the porous body self-supporting. The porosity ranges from 30 to 70 vol. % and the average pore size ranges from 5 to 50 nm. The porous body may be manufactured by preparing a dispersion comprising the ceramic particles and a polymer matrix material in a solvent, removing the solvent by heating and/or evaporation, forming a preform of the dried material, and firing the preform to remove the polymer matrix material and bond the ceramic particles to each other. The porous body is useful as a filter element in a system adapted to remove nanoscale particles from a fluid stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a triple layer composite nanofiber membrane for Membrane Distillation (MD) applications. The triple layer membrane has an extremely hydrophobic nanofiber layer, a hydrophobic microporous middle layer and a hydrophilic backing layer for MD applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a semi-permeable film including a polyhedron oligomer silsesquioxane derivative dispersed in a polymer matrix, a method of manufacturing the same, a separation membrane including the semi-permeable film, and a water treatment device including the separation membrane.

Abstract: There are provided a reverse osmosis membrane comprising a porous support; a silver nanowire layer formed on the porous support; and a polyamide film formed on the silver nanowire layer, and a fabrication method of a reverse osmosis membrane, the method comprising coating a porous support with an aqueous amine solution including silver nanowires to form a silver nanowire layer; and bringing the silver nanowire layer into contact with an aliphatic hydrocarbide-based organic solution including acyl halide to form a polyamide film.

Abstract: Nanoparticle functionalized membranes, where the surface of the membranes is nanoparticle functionalized. The nanoparticles closest to the membrane surface are covalently bonded to the membrane surface. For example, the membranes are forward osmosis, reverse osmosis, or ultrafiltration membranes. The membranes can be used in devices or water purification methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a modified surface (5) comprising: patterning a surface (7) by forming thereon a porous molecular network (9) defined by non-covalent interactions between constituent molecules; and depositing in said porous network (9) and on said patterned surface (11) molecules (13) so as to form a self-assembled monolayer (15), wherein both said patterning and said depositing are effected by contact with liquids.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic separation filter having excellent separation performance and such acid resistance. The ceramic separation filter includes a porous substrate and a separation membrane disposed on the substrate. The separation membrane is a zeolite laminate including an outermost layer made of zeolite that is located on an outermost surface side and an underlayer made of zeolite that is located below the outermost layer, and the outermost layer of the separation membrane has a value of Si/Al ratio that is larger than a value of Si/Al ratio of the underlayer of the separation membrane. The thickness of the outermost layer of the separation membrane preferably is ½ or less of the thickness of the underlayer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating a hydrocarbon stream via a filtration process to produce an upgraded permeate stream with decreased Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) content. The invention involves the modification of a porous ceramic filter by functionalizing the surface of the ceramic filter with an multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer. Preferably, the multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer is comprised of a multi-ring aromatic monomer component. The functionalized filters of the present invention can be used in a process to selectively separate components of a hydrocarbon stream to produce an improved permeate (or “filtrate”) product stream with a lower CCR content and improved processing capabilities.

Abstract: A microfiltration membrane comprising (a) an asymmetric layer, (b) an isometric layer, and (c) an interface layer between the asymmetric layer and the isometric layer, the interface layer having a first portion contacting the asymmetric layer and a second portion contacting the isometric layer; wherein, (i) the asymmetric layer has a region contacting the first portion of the interface layer, the region including cells having a first porous structure; (ii) the isometric layer has a region contacting the second portion of the interface layer, the region including cells having a second porous structure; the first porous structure being larger than the second porous structure; and the first portion of the interface layer comprises cells having the first porous structure, and the second portion of the interface layer comprises cells having the second porous structure, and methods of making and using the membrane, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes, membrane modules, and applications therefor. In particular, the invention relates to the construction of membranes and membrane modules for use in osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane is formed by embedding a braid having a spiral open weave of monofilaments only, to avoid a “whiskering” problem common in prior art multifilament braid-supported tubular membranes. The open weave is characterized by contiguous, circumferential, rhomboid-shaped areas of polymer film separated by monofilaments. When the braid is supported on a plasticized PVA cable it can be infiltrated with membrane polymer which, when coagulated embeds the braid positioning it around the lumen. The spiral weave, free of any circumferentially constricting monofilament, when embedded in film, allows the membrane to be biaxially distensible. In other words, the membrane has “give” not only in the axial or longitudinal direction but also in the radial direction. “Give” in the radial direction permits soiled membranes to be backwashed under higher pressure than in a comparable braid which is not radially distensible.

Abstract: A device and method for removing moisture from ethanol blended fuel in a fuel tank comprises a container made of a non-woven nylon fabric, a desiccant, and a gelling agent; wherein the desiccant and gelling agent are inside the container.

Abstract: An underdrain filter or strainer for use with power generation and ion exchange facilities, such as, but not limited to, deep bed demineralizers used in nuclear power plants deep bed ion exchangers. The filter is fabricated from a sintered, stainless steel mesh or wire-cloth filter media having a pore structure with pore size ranging approximately from one micron to two hundred microns. The filter media is composed of a plurality of filter media layers including a perforated inner core bonded to at least one drainage wire mesh, a filtration wire mesh, and a protective wire mesh forming an outer diameter, the layers being diffusion bonded to form a single monolithic laminate.

Abstract: Embodiments of films and filters comprising nanoparticles, (e.g., in which each of a plurality of nanoparticles comprises a core surrounded by a ligand and/or where the diameter of each of at least some of nanoparticles is less than about 50 nm), and methods of making and using such films and filters.

Abstract: Method for preparing a filtration membrane and a filtration membrane prepared by the method. According to one embodiment, the method involves casting a polymer solution onto a porous support to form a coated support. The coated support is then quenched to form a membrane/support composite, and the membrane/support composite is then dried. Next, a first end of a first piece of adhesive tape is applied to the membrane side of the composite, and the second end of the first piece of adhesive tape is applied to a first rotatable winder. In addition, a first end of a second piece of adhesive tape is applied to the support side of the composite, and the second end of the second piece of adhesive tape is applied to a second rotatable winder. The two winders are then rotated so as to pull apart the membrane from the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrous product (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for packaging, in particular food product packaging, comprising at least one first fiber layer (4.1, 4.1?, 4.1?, 4.2, 4.2?, 4.2?, 4.3?, 4.4?, 4.5?, 4.6?, 14, 16, 18), a filter material (6) for binding mineral oil substances extending at least partly through said first fiber layer (4.1, 4.1?, 4.1?, 4.2, 4.2?, 4.2?, 4.3?, 4.4?, 4.5?, 4.6?, 14, 16, 18).

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: A process for preparing a reverse osmosis membrane that includes: (A) providing a polyamine, a polyfunctional acid halide, and a flux increasing additive having the formula Z+B? where Z+ is an easily dissociable cation and B? is a beta-diketonate; (B) combining the polyamine, polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of a porous support membrane; and (C) interfacially polymerizing the polyamine and the polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of the porous support membrane to form a reverse osmosis membrane comprising (i) the porous support membrane and (ii) a discrimination layer comprising a polyamide. The reverse osmosis membrane is characterized by a flux that is greater than the flux of the same membrane prepared in the absence of the flux increasing additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing multilayer anodized aluminium oxide nano-porous membrane and the membrane produced thereof. Further the invention relates to the nano-porous multi-layer membrane for filtration application. The three layered membrane of the present invention avoids sticking of solute components on the surface obviating the problem of coagulation. This membrane imparts anti coagulation capability wherein in-spite of sticking of the solute component on the surface of the membrane appropriate passage is still available for liquid/small solutes to pass beneath the said stuck solute component to enhance effective surface area for filtration obviating the problem associated with coagulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multilayer membrane containing carbon nanotube manufactured by a layer-by-layer assembly method, the multilayer membrane according to the present invention having excellent (i) flux property, (ii) anti-fouling (in particular, anti-protein-fouling) property, and (iii) flux recovery property by a simple water cleaning process even after the membrane is fouled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite hollow fiber capillary membrane in particular for exploiting the value of dialysate and a method for the production thereof as well as its use in particular in haemo and peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of contacting a membrane having a highly cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene matrix with a feed solution having a) a first component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 g mol?1 to about 600 g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 0.40 nm2 and b) a second component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 600 grams g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of greater than about 0.50 nm2 so that the feed solution is fractionated into a permeate comprising the first component and a retentate enriched in the second component.

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 water-treatment separation membrane with good antifouling properties includes a support having pores, a polyamide layer formed on the support, and a passivation layer comprising specific materials formed on the polyamide layer.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane in which a polyamide separation functional layer is formed on a porous support membrane includes a substrate and a porous support, wherein a standard deviation of a membrane thickness of the separation functional layer is 2.00 nm or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration membrane having a porous support membrane, the surface of the support membrane being coated with polymer particles which are prepared by emulsion polymerization and which have an average particle diameter of less than 70 nm, preferably between 30-60 nm, more preferably between 40-50 nm.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite membrane module includes preparing a single membrane module to which a hollow fiber support layer is potted; and forming an active layer on a surface of the hollow fiber support layer through interfacial polymerization by bringing a surface of the hollow fiber support layer into contact with a first solution comprising an amine and a second solution comprising an acyl halide (in that order). The method can form an active layer having a uniform thickness and good processability. A composite hollow fiber membrane module prepared by the method exhibits a good salt rejection rate.