Abstract: The invention concerns an inorganic nanofiltration membrane with a detachment threshold between 100 and 200 daltons and comprising: a multichannel ceramic monolith support consisting of a mixture of Al2O3 and of TiO2, a microfiltration membrane separating layer, an ultrafiltration membrane separating layer, preferably consisting of ZrO2, a nanofiltration membrane separating layer, preferably consisting of ZrO2, and obtained by a sol-gel type method. This inorganic nanofiltration membrane is designed for use in the sugar industry, more particularly for treating saline effluents derived from the regeneration of ion exchanging resins used if the refining of cane sugar.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a molten metal filtering system is provided with a modular construction in which the filter elements are adapted to be removably mounted to an end plate. The filter elements may be removed separately from the filter and replaced with new filter elements without removing the entire cartridge assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the filter elements are provided with an elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: A cylindrical filter which is easily produced and has a high withstand strength, a high filtration accuracy and a long filtration life; a microfine fiber web and a non-woven fabric suitable to a production of such a cylindrical filter; and processes for producing such web, non-woven fabric and cylindrical filter, are provided, the web consisting of microfine mixed fibers spun according to melt-blown process, the mixed fibers consisting of high melting point microfine fibers and low melting point microfine fibers having a melting temperature difference of 10° c. or more, the low melting point microfine fibers being contained in a quantity of 10 to 90% by weight in the mixed fibers; the non-woven fabric being obtained by heat-treating the web; and the cylindrical filter being obtained by winding up the web or the nonwoven fabric, followed by heat-treatment.

Abstract: A membrane filter having one or more ducts is disclosed herein. Each of the ducts has a porous wall defining a lumen surrounded by helical grooves in the respective wall. The groove can be a single, double, or triple start groove defining a flow direction along the groove. The cross sectional area of the groove in the case of a single start groove, or aggregate cross sectional area of the groove in the case of a double or triple start groove, perpendicular to the flow direction along the lumen is within a range of 75% to 125% of the cross sectional area of the lumen. The helical grooves create vortices which reduce concentration polarization while increasing membrane area.

Abstract: A plastic filter for a photograph developing apparatus, which is obtained by sinter-forming a thermoplastic material and which has a porosity of from 30 to 60 vol %, a filtration precision of a level capable of capturing foreign matters of at least 30 &mgr;m, and a pressure loss of at most 20 mmAq at a dry air flow rate of 1 m3/m2·min.

Abstract: A plurality of water- and oil-porous sacks are partially filled with a number of generally toroidal bodies of a polymer material that entraps oil and including mesh fragments scattered throughout the bodies. Each sack is sewn with a perimeter stiffening ring, to retain a flat profile, and has a netting that closes to help inhibit outflow of the oil when the sack is retrieved. When deployed from ship or by air onto a spill, the sacks spread into a pancake shape and the polymer matter forms a single layer that retains the oil. The inventive sacks will float indefinitely without releasing the oil or allowing it to emulsify, so the oil can remain in place until collection efforts are feasible. The sacks can be burned in situ, or standard fishing boats or specialized collection boats can be used to retrieve the sacks, and the collected material can be burned to capture the energy content of the oil or processed to separate the oil from the polymer.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an SPE extraction apparatus is provided with a new SPE disk which eliminates radial wicking and weeping and new disk holding apparatus which minimizes the indirect flow region and minimizes the number of sample transfers required. The new SPE disk encapsulates the sorbent/fiber matrix between two porous outer layers which can be filters, united into an essentially non-porous rim around the disk perimeter. The disk holder and ring seal against this disk rim so that the active central portion of the disk is held entirely within the direct flow path. Thus weeping and indirect flow loss are virtually eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus eliminates the need to manually disassemble the apparatus while in use. Advantageously a flow control mechanism is incorporated into the disk holder to further minimize the amount of solvent needed for extraction.

Abstract: A fluid filtering apparatus for a vehicle, which comprises: a filter element (2) provided with an element body (20) having a tubular shape and with a sealing member (21, 21) having a plate-shape, which is joined to each of opposite ends of the element body (20); a filter case (1) for receiving the filter element (2); and a pair of holding members (3, 4) coming into close contact with the sealing member (21) of the filter element (2) in an axial direction of the filter element (2) so as to divide an inside of the filter case (1) into a dirty-side zone (C1) and a clean-side zone (C2), between which the filter element (2) is placed. The sealing member (21) is joined to the element body (20) by ultrasonic fusion, which is applied exclusively to an outer peripheral portion (210) of the sealing member (21).

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly and method of making is disclosed for filtering a fluid. The fluid filter assembly comprises a first filter component including a filter media comprising a matrix of metallic fibers. A second filter component includes a filter support. A sinter bond bonds the matrix of metallic fibers of the filter media to the second filter component.

Abstract: Shaped articles which are suitable as biocidal depth-type filters and consist of fibrous materials and particles, embedded therein, of crosslinked crospovidone-iodine or crospovidone-hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A composite porous media for either gas or liquid flow is strong and efficient, and can readily be formed in or into a wide range of different shapes and configurations. In particular, the porous media is a composite of a metal, aerogel or ceramic foam (i.e., a reticulated inter-cellular structure in which the interior cells are interconnected to provide a multiplicity of pores passing through the volume of the structure, the walls of the cells themselves being substantially continuous and non-porous, and the volume of the cells relative to that of the material forming the cell walls being such that the overall density of the intercellular structure is less than about 30 percent theoretical density) the through pores of which are impregnated with a sintered powder or aerogel. The thickness, density, porosity and porous characteristics of the final composite porous media can be varied to conform with what is demanded by the intended use.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first batting of high loft, non-woven, fibrous fluid-permeable material with a plurality of openings formed through the thickness thereof across the length and width of the batting. A second layer of high loft, non-woven, fluid-permeable fibrous batting is attached to the first layer and extends across the entire length and width of the first layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are adhered together to form a single integral fluid filter. In the preferred form of the invention, the openings in the first batting have side walls which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the batting, such that fluid flow impacts on the upper surface of the batting, rather than directly impacting on the side walls.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plates, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: Process and device intended for ultrafiltration of particles contained in fluids. The fluids are passed through at least one filtering barrier made from a source rock with micropores below a few hundred Angstroms in diameter. These rock samples are available in good supply for example when drilling through reservoirs containing hydrocarbons. The filtering device comprises a housing (1) containing at least one thin disk (5) cut in a source rock, through which fluid is passed. This disk withstands high pressures and temperatures well, and it can be regenerated after use by means of a thermal process. The process and device can be applied for filtering of colloidal particles such as resins or asphaltenes in petroleum fluids for example.

Abstract: A peat bale for use in a peat water filtration system, wherein the peat bale has a permeable wrapping to maintain the bale of peat at a predetermined density and which allows for the inflow and outflow of water through the bale.

Abstract: The invention is used to manufacture an inhomogeneous medium whose porosity and permeability undergo rapid transitions from one point to another of its volume, by juxtaposing different materials without creating a barrier. Such a transition is made by juxtaposing a first material and a second material with a different porosity to the first. One of them can be a rock sample such as sandstone for example, the other can be a composite material obtained by agglomerating pyrex powder for example, the whole being heated according to a specific temperature cycle up to a temperature (TR) lower than the melting point of the two materials but sufficient to achieve partial melting of one of the materials at the interface with the other material, but without formation of a continuous or discontinuous capillary barrier between them, or an interzone with preferred passage for fluids. Thus, different composite materials can be juxtaposed to constitute the inhomogeneous medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma-collecting device which comprises a blood filtering material comprising glass fiber filter and microporous membrane, a holder having a blood inlet and a plasma outlet accommodating the blood filtering material, a blood-collecting needle being connected to the blood inlet, and a plasma receiver being provided on the plasma outlet side. The plasma-collecting device can collect a necessary amount of plasma for analysis from blood vessel directly, easily and surely.

Abstract: A porous fluorocarbon membrane has a porous support completely impregnated with tetrafluoroethylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer. There is a process for producing this membrane by impregnating a porous support with a copolymer solution in a readily-boiling solvent and a precipitating mixture of alcohol and water followed by curing for partial hardening of the solution and subsequent drying at elevated temperature. A cartridge filter includes protective and supporting cylindrical perforated hollow housings, containing a fluorocarbon membrane or two superimposed flourocarbon membranes. Membranes and a cartridge filter find extensive use in separation of gases and aggressive media.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a filter support means which axially receives a coreless filter element which is constructed of recyclable materials.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided which includes (a) a wound depth filter or a cylindrical seamless depth filter and (b) a pleated filter having a lower micron retention rating than the depth filter. The depth filter and pleated filter surround a central opening. The cartridge is sealed and an appropriate inlet or outlet is provided in order to assure sequential fluid flow first through the depth filter and then through the pleated filter.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter for separating red blood cells from a whole blood sample to form plasma. The filter includes a solid phase support and an agglutinin for red blood cells. The agglutinin is insoluble in the whole blood sample and is immobilized on the solid phase support. The present invention also includes a device and method for determining the presence of at least one of a plurality of analytes in a sample of whole blood.

Abstract: A filter system utilizing a coalescing-type filter element with at least one end cap and a transport layer such that contaminants are filtered from a gas stream, coalesced and drained from the filter element completely exterior to any other component of the filter element. The filter element includes a drainage sleeve which may extend over and exterior to at least one end cap. The filter element may include a transport layer disposed exterior to a drainage layer extending between end caps. The present invention further includes a method for decontaminating a gas stream utilizing the filter system and filter element.

Abstract: A ceramic filter for filtering molten metals includes aggregate particles consisting of fused alumina and/or sintered alumina, and a binder material, wherein the binder is present in an amount of 10 to 22 parts, by weight, per 100 parts of the aggregate particles. The binder material consists of 15 to 25%, by weight, of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 35 to 52% of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, not less than 7% and less than 15% of Sio.sub.2, and the balance of MgO. The ceramic filter may be prepared by kneading 100 parts of aggregate particles consisting essentially of either or both of fused alumina and sintered alumina, 10 to 22 parts of the foregoing binder material, an appropriate amount of an organic binder and an appropriate amount of water; molding the resulting mixture; drying the molded mixture; and then firing the same at a temperature ranging from 1150 to 1300.degree. C.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and leukocytes that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate leukocytes from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within leukocytes. The systems and methods also add to the plasma a photoactive material and emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by leukocytes.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets, such as a platelet concentrate or whole blood. The method includes passing the suspension through a filter which includes a polysaccharide-type coating. The coating may include one or more of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch. Also provided is a filter for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets. The filter includes a substrate which is coated with a polysaccharide-type composition.

Abstract: A ceramic composite comprising ceramic fibers and glass microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder provides baffles for cryogenic fluids in a storage container.

Abstract: Apparatus for physicochemical separation and filtering constituents of fluids having a flexible leak-tight or semipermeable casing which tightly envelopes a filter material and inlet and outlet pipes for passing a fluid through the casing in contact with the filter material. The casing is made in a flat profile that can be formed into various shapes such as spirals, ribbons or the like.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of porous structures comprises forming a dry mixture comprising a component providing primary separation capability, a component providing green strength reinforcement capability and, a component providing binding capability and selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers; delivering the mixture to a suitable surface and building a desired thickness thereof; densifying the mixture into the form desired for the porous structure; removing the densified porous structure from the surface; binding the component providing the primary separation capability by melting the mixture to a temperature of up to about 20.degree. C. higher than the melting point of any thermoplastic component providing binding capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a blood sample having a volume of up to about 20 milliliters into cellular and acellular fractions. The apparatus includes a housing divided by a fibrous filter into a blood sample collection chamber having a volume of at least about 1 milliliter and a serum sample collection chamber. The fibrous filter has a pore size of less than about 3 microns, and is coated with a mixture including between about 1-40 wt/vol % mannitol and between about 0.1-15 wt/vol % of plasma fraction protein (or an animal or vegetable equivalent thereof). The coating causes the cellular fraction to be trapped by the small pores, leaving the cellular fraction intact on the fibrous filter while the acellular fraction passes through the filter for collection in unaltered form from the serum sample collection chamber.

Abstract: A monolithic ceramic filter having a portion of the partition wall of a honeycomb structure exposed with its end face on an outer wall surface of the structure and increased in thickness as compared to the remaining portion of the partition wall to form a flow resistance relaxing portion is disclosed. The monolithic ceramic filter may also have a groove-shaped recess which is separated via a partition from a liquid supply passage of a honeycomb structure and is in communication with the outside of the structure. The flow resistance of the filtrate within the partition walls may be diminished to enable efficient filtration. The filter is produced simply by extrusion molding. There is no necessity of forming holes for discharging the filtrate in some cases.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an SPE extraction apparatus is provided with a new SPE disk which eliminates radial wicking and weeping and new disk holding apparatus which minimizes the indirect flow region and minimizes the number of sample transfers required. The new SPE disk encapsulates the sorbent/fiber matrix between two porous outer layers which can be filters, united into an essentially non-porous rim around the disk perimeter. The disk holder and ring seal against this disk rim so that the active central portion of the disk is held entirely within the direct flow path. Thus weeping and indirect flow loss are virtually eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus eliminates the need to manually disassemble the apparatus while in use. Advantageously a flow control mechanism is incorporated into the disk holder to further minimize the amount of solvent needed for extraction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for modifying the transfer characteristics of a porous organic or inorganic membrane, in whicha) on the said membrane, at least one layer is formed by applying at least one homogeneous solution obtained by mixing one or more rare-earth or alkaline-earth fluoroalkoxides in an anhydrous organic solvent at room temperature and in an inert atmosphere,b) hydrolysis is effected by placing the coating formed at a) in contact with a quantity of water at least equal to the stoichiometric quantity required to hydrolyse the fluoroalkoxides,c) the membrane is rinsed with water to eliminate the soluble salts formed. The membranes thus modified are useful for the regeneration of photographic solutions, in particular black and white developers, or for the separation of organic compounds from aqueous effluents.

Abstract: A bottle for dispensing a liquid particularly intended for cosmetic, dermatological, or pharmaceutical applications, or any perfume product. An opening of the bottle is connected to a dispensing head provided with an airless pump, with a valve and with a cap. All or some of the walls of the bottle are made of a plastic having a very high air permeability so as to allow air to pass through the walls of the bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inorganic support obtained by sintering and intended to constitute a support for a filter membrane, the support comprising: an inorganic feedstock having a grain size greater than 20 .mu.m and constituted by a metal compound containing only one metal selected from the following metals: aluminum, silicon, and titanium; and an inorganic binder that reacts with the feedstock under the heat treatment conditions of the support in the range 1200.degree. C. to 1500.degree. C., so as to obtain a support having porosity greater than 25% and mechanical strength defined by ultimate bending stress for plane supports greater than 15 MPa, and by ultimate tensile stress for tubular supports greater than 5 MPa, without including a compound liable to create microcracks in the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for intravenous administration of solutions of cell-free hemoglobin is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solution of cell-free hemoglobin in fluid connection with a housing having an inlet and an outlet through which the solution of cell-free hemoglobin flows and a nitroxide bound to a matrix is contained within the housing to alleviate oxygen toxicity to the cell-free hemoglobins.

Abstract: To provide a filter for highly viscous fluid permitting a foreign matter in a supporting layer to be easily removed and its final layer to be directly washed, a method for efficiently producing a refined polymer by using said filter and a method for producing moldings by molding said refined polymer.

Abstract: Supported inorganic membranes capable of molecular sieving, and methods for their production, are provided. The subject membranes exhibit high flux and high selectivity. The subject membranes are substantially defect free and less than about 100 nm thick. The pores of the subject membranes have an average critical pore radius of less than about 5 .ANG., and have a narrow pore size distribution. The subject membranes are prepared by coating a porous substrate with a polymeric sol, preferably under conditions of low relative pressure of the liquid constituents of the sol. The coated substrate is dried and calcined to produce the subject supported membrane. Also provided are methods of derivatizing the surface of supported inorganic membranes with metal alkoxides. The subject membranes find use in a variety of applications, such as the separation of constituents of gaseous streams, as catalysts and catalyst supports, and the like.

Abstract: A filtering medium in the form of a sheet of paper for filters for fluids in general, wherein the paper impregnating agent is an aqueous emulsion of:an anionic aqueous disperse system of a copolymer based on n-butylacrylate-styrene.Dosage: 20%-50% by weight;an aqueous disperse system of a copolymer which can be thermally cross-linked and is based on butyl acrylate and acrylonitrile.Dosage: 30%-70% by weight;an aqueous disperse system of melamine-formaldehyde resin, etherified with methanol.Dosage: 1%-20% by weight;an aqueous disperse system of fluorocarbon resin.Dosage: 5%-40% by weight;an aqueous emulsion of organopolysiloxane.Dosage: 0%-15% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for separating plasma from whole blood. The method and device utilize a permeable non-glass fiber matrix containing a polyol which is capable of clumping red blood cells. The matrix, in the absence of such a polyol, would otherwise be porous to red blood cells. The polyol-containing matrix has a first surface and a second surface such that a whole blood sample which is applied to the first surface flows directionally toward the second surface. Plasma separated from whole blood becomes available at the second surface of the matrix and can be tested for the presence of a particular analyte, such as glucose or fructosamine, as provided by multi-layer test devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A core for interacting with a fluid media flowing therethrough which includes a plurality of adjoining channels. Each of the channels is generally in the form of a hexagon in cross section and includes an internal surface area. The internal surface area is coated with an interactive material which interacts with the fluid media flowing through the channels to achieve one of heat transfer, mass transfer, catalysis, ion exchange, separation of the fluid media, removal of organic compounds from the fluid media, dilution or concentration of fluid components, treatment of fluid-carried organisms, and the capture and retention of hazardous materials. Examples of the use of the core include positioning the core within a rotary heat exchanger wheel or a rotary mass-transfer wheel, often used in desiccant air-conditioning systems.

Abstract: A porous ceramic filter obtainable from a thin and flat green filter material, wherein round components are punched out of the green material and stacked, leaving at least one hollow interior that can communicates with an outlet, and the stack is then sintered together into a homogeneous unit. The green material is produced by casting, the separate components are punched out of it in the form of two flat disks (2 & 3) and a ring (4) with the same outside diameter, joined subject to pressure and leaving the interior (1), and sintered into a homogeneous unit.

Abstract: A leukodepletion filter is provided including glass fiber filter pads and non-woven polyester fiber filter pads sealed within a filter housing. The filter is designed such that a fluid, such as whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelets or plasma, is conducted through the glass fiber filter pads before the non-woven polyester fiber filter pads. A method is further provided for leukodepleting a body fluid by filtering the body fluid through glass fiber filter pads and also filtering the body fluid through non-woven polyester fiber filter pads. After filtering, the body fluid is collected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for separating plasma from whole blood. The method and device utilize a permeable non-glass fiber matrix containing a polyol which is capable of clumping red blood cells. The matrix, in the absence of such a polyol, would otherwise be porous to red blood cells. The polyol-containing matrix has a first surface and a second surface such that a whole blood sample which is applied to the first surface flows directionally toward the second surface. Plasma separated from whole blood becomes available at the second surface of the matrix and can be tested for the presence of a particular analyte, such as glucose or fructosamine, as provided by multi-layer test devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating liposomes or lipid complexes from a fluidic medium. The method involves passage of a fluidic medium containing liposomes or lipid complexes through a composite filter which retains the liposomes or lipid complexes while allowing the fluidic medium to pass through. The filter is composed of a ceramic membrane and a ceramic substrate that is thicker than the ceramic membrane. Moreover, the average pore size of the ceramic membrane, from about 0.1 to about 0.2 microns, is less than the average pore size of the substrate.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes a body comprising layers of spun bonded and melt blown filtration media and a fitting for mounting the filter to an in-tank fuel pump inlet. An outer layer of the body is preferably spun bonded material which exhibits good abrasion resistance. One or more inner layers of melt blown filtration media define smaller pore sizes and thus exhibit smaller particle filtration capability. The mounting fitting is made of a fuel compatible material and may either be a multiple part device or be in-situ molded on the filter body. A separator may be disposed in the interior of the filter to prevent its collapse and improve fuel withdrawal through the mounting fitting.

Abstract: Improved magnetic separators, devices and methods for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.

Abstract: A liquid filter for purifying mineral oil, the components of which are composed of a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyacetal, is produced by welding the individual parts. Since no foreign materials are present, the filter can be subjected to a recycling process easily and without problem.

Abstract: An adsorbent body having a porous structure for purifying a fluid, wherein the porous structure comprises activated carbon, and an inorganic binder for bonding together grains of the activated carbon. The porous structure optionally comprises activated alumina. The adsorbent body is produced by: preparing a raw material composition including a source material which gives activated carbon, aluminum hydroxide which gives activated alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), and an inorganic binder for bonding together grains of the activated carbon and the activated alumina; forming an unfired shaped body of the raw material composition; and firing the unfired shaped body at a predetermined sintering temperature to produce the adsorbent body.

Abstract: A coextruded block composite which includes a porous first block. The block is permeable to fluids and includes a granular component and a binder component. The block has interconnected pores therethrough having a first average diameter. The composite also includes a second block. In addition, at least one of the first block and the second block is continuous and at least a portion of the second block is contiguous with at least a portion of the first block. The second block also may be permeable to fluids. Additional blocks may be present, if desired. One or more of the blocks other than the first block may be a porous block having a granular component and a thermoplastic binder component. The coextruded block composite may be employed as a filter medium.