Abstract: A defect free semipermeable composite membrane having excellent integrity and high water permeability is provided. Said composite membrane comprises an inside support layer to provide sufficient mechanical strength; an outside barrier layer to provide selective separation; and a middle layer to provide both chemical and physical binding between said support and said barrier layer to bond them together. Three different methods for making said defect free composite membrane are discovered. These methods have been successfully utilized to produce high quality coatings and defect free composite membranes, which are independent of chemical composition and physical structure of said support. In the present invention, ultrasonic sonication is discovered to be effective to speed up the phase inversion process of a membrane casting solution, thus allows produce a composite membrane at a speed higher than those disclosed in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter for water treatment, comprising a head piece including a permeate collecting chamber with a permeate outlet, and at least one fiber bundle made from capillary membranes, which are secured into the head piece with an end that is open towards the permeate collecting chamber and sealed on the opposite end thereof. The head piece contains an air duct to which the mouth piece that protrudes into the fiber bundle is connected with at least one air outlet. At its other end, the fiber bundle terminates in freely movable manner in the untreated water.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a module housing, a hollow fiber membrane bundle comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, at least one end portion of the bundle being fixed on the housing through a flexible potting material, and a rib or ring embedded in the potting portion, the rib or ring being fixed on an inner wall of the housing, and the rib or ring being embedded in the potting portion without directly contacting the hollow fiber membrane, and the filtration method using the same. The hollow fiber membrane module can maintain a practical pressure resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fiber membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (5), at least one end of the fiber membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fiber membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising a polysulfone semipermeable membrane, the polysulfone semipermeable membrane comprising a mixture of: an ultra-high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer, a polysulfone compound and a solvent for the polysulfone compound, and the polysulfone semipermeable membrane having a homogeneous structure such that the polysulfone semipermeable membrane has a substantially uniform structure. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: In a method for producing hollow fiber membranes which comprises melt kneading a mixture comprising polyvinylidene fluoride and an organic liquid or a mixture comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, an organic liquid and an inorganic fine powder, extruding the kneaded mixture to form hollow fibers, and extracting the organic liquid or the organic liquid and the inorganic fine powder from the hollow fibers, which includes the steps of drawing the hollow fibers before or after termination of the extraction and then shrinking the fibers. According to this method, it is possible to stably produce hollow fiber membranes having dense pores and having a high water permeation performance, excellent endurance and stain resistance, and which are suitable for filtration uses such as removal of turbidity of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules for use as “immersion modules” in filtration and/or dialysis methods, in particular whenever impairments due to fouling effects are expected from the use of liquids that are contaminated or lead to deposits. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises at least one housing and a plurality of tubular hollow fiber membranes which are arranged parallel to one another in and/or around the housing in a packing space, wherein the volumetric ratio of all the hollow fiber membranes arranged in the packing space to the packing space is less than 20%. Methods for producing such hollow fiber membrane modules are also provided.

Abstract: Advanced submerged membrane systems are provided. Said submerged membrane systems have multiple membrane modules comprising of strips of flat sheet membrane, bundles of self-support hollow fiber membranes braided together for reinforcement, tubular membranes, and braid supported hollow fiber membranes. Said submerged membrane systems have alternating relay, or two-way floating switch or computer to control filtration and back flush/pulse cleaning. Said submerged membrane systems have an oscillating motor, and aerator which can generate liquid vortex (whirlpool) flow around membrane to keep membrane from fouling. The present invention provides advanced submerge membrane systems at very low cost for drinking water production, wastewater treatment and membrane bioreactors for biotech, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Abstract: A modified hollow-fiber membrane which has improved surface hydrophilicity without increasing the amount of components released therefrom, is less apt to interact with living-body components, does not adsorb proteins, and is less apt to deteriorate in performance. The hollow-fiber membrane has a copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine and other polymerizable vinyl monomer held on a surface of the membrane, the copolymer being present on the surface in a higher concentration than in other parts of the membrane. The modified hollow-fiber membrane is useful in medical applications such as hemodialysis and blood filtration and in the medical industry, food industry etc.

Abstract: A dialyzer in which a nearly cylindrical case is provided therein with a hollow fiber bundle made of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a blood flow path formed by lumens of the hollow fiber membranes, a dialyzate flow path formed by a space between the inner wall of the case and the hollow fiber membranes and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable tube provided on the outside of the hollow fiber bundle and at least a part of which can be shrunk by heating, and a method for manufacturing the dialyzer.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a blood purification membrane having excellent performance and showing little elution of blood and little adhesion of blood proteins or platelets. The above object can be achieved by using a moisten membrane, which is free from any membrane pore-sustaining agent and has a high water permeation dose and a large pore size, and lessening the pore size by drying the membrane after desolvation.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane cartridge wherein a cartridge head and a bottom ring are connected and fixed to each other by means of a plurality of rods or pipes, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the cartridge head side is open, the hollow portion at the end of each hollow fiber membrane on the bottom ring side is sealed, and a plurality of through-holes are provided in an adhesion and fixation layer on the bottom ring side and are located in a bundle of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment an apparatus includes a membrane and at least a portion of a nanotube imbedded within the membrane. The portion of the nanotube imbedded within the membrane provides a conduit through the membrane.

Abstract: A hollow fiber microfiltration (MF) membrane is provided. The casting solution used to make this membrane includes a fiber-forming polymer having a degree of polymerization greater than about 1000, a water-soluble polymer, an anhydride with about 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and a solvent. The membrane is formed by mixing and heating these components to form a viscous dope and then extruding the dope through an annular orifice to form a hollow fiber MF membrane. The hollow fiber membrane is then fed through a coagulation bath and two leaching baths. The membrane is especially useful for filtering liquids, such as wine and juice, so as to remove bacteria, gel, and solid particles from the liquids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a non-thrombogenic semipermeable membrane comprising a support semipermeable membrane and an anticoagulant suitable for treating blood and plasma by extracorporeal circulation. The invention is characterized in that: the support membrane is made essentially of a polyacrylinitrile, bearing anionic groups or groups capable of being anionic; the surface of the support semipermeable membrane designed to be in contact with blood or plasma is coated successively with a cationic polymer and an anticoagulant. The invention also concern an exchanger for treating blood or plasma by extracorporeal circulation comprising two sections separated by a non-thrombogenic semipermeable, membrane and a method for making the exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter arrangement for the separation of blood into plasma and cellular components, comprising at least one filter element with an inlet line and an outlet chamber in a closed housing, separated by a fine pore membrane. The inlet chamber is connected to an inlet line for donor blood an dan outlet line for cellular components and the outlet chamber is connected to an outlet line for plasma. The arrangement further comprises a device for the production of a backpressure in the filter element, whereby the fine pore membrane is in the form of a U-shaped bundle of n=650 hollow fibers of the type Micro PES-TF 10 from Akzo Faser AG, the ends of which are fixed in an air-tight and germ-tight manner to an aperture plate which seals the open end region of the housing, which is open at just one end, in an air-tight and germ-tight manner.

Abstract: An immersion type membrane filter apparatus 200 is intended for obtaining filtrate by filtrating a fluid to be processed stored within a storage bath 150 and primarily includes a filtration membrane module 300 and an air bubbles supply device 500 disposed therebelow. The filtration membrane module 300 has numerous tubular membranes 310 having on the inner surfaces thereof the function of filtrating a fluid to be processed packed within a cylindrical housing vessel 301 having a discharge port 303 for filtrate. The tubular membranes 310 are held in an opened state at both the ends of the housing vessel 301. The filtration membrane module 300 is soaked in a fluid to be processed in such a way that the tubular membranes 310 are opened in the vertical direction. When air bubbles are supplied to the filtration membrane module 300 from an air bubbles supply device 500, the fluid to be processed flows through the tubular membranes 310 from the down side upwards to naturally circulate within the storage bath 150.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating potted hollow fibre membranes has a solid mass of potting material having a first face, a plurality of hollow fibre membranes sealed in the potting material. Portions of the membranes adjacent open ends of the membranes protrude from the first face. The potting material extends to and adhesively secures to the inner periphery of a permeate collection means to form a permeate collection zone. The permeate collection means may have walls enclosing a plenum adapted to receive a gas. The apparatus may have an air tube passing through the potting material and having an end in communication with a plenum or manifold adapted to receive a gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively gas permeable membrane that has a superior combination of permeability and selectivity. The membrane composition includes a Type 1 copolyimide uniformly blended with a Type 2 copolyimide, which polymers are defined by chemical structure more specifically in this disclosure. The invention also provides a method of using the membrane of the copolyimide blend to separate components of gas mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter comprising membranes made of hollow fibers in which the hollow fibers are arranged as a bundle in a tubular housing. The housing comprises an end cap on each of its ends, whereby the hollow fiber bundle is placed between the ends of the housing. The ends of the hollow fiber bundle each comprise a support ring that surrounds the same and are cast inside said support ring. The support rings are displaceably mounted in the housing in order to compensate for, among other things, axial contractions of the hollow fiber bundle occurring during heat sterilization.

Abstract: Novel low pressure reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes and a process for their preparation are disclosed. Polyamide reverse osmosis membranes are contacted with organic sulfonic acid solutions without the need for additional treatment by a rejection enhancing agent. These membranes provide sodium chloride rejections of greater than 20 percent and water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day at a test pressure of 75 psi. Optimally treated membranes when tested similarly on 0.2 percent magnesium sulfate provide rejections greater than 95 percent with water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day.

Abstract: To provide an artificial cardiopulmonary circuit system having high heat resistance and excellent blood compatibility. The artificial cardiopulmonary circuit system includes a hollow fiber membrane oxygenator including a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes for gas exchange having a blood contact part that contacts blood on one side thereof and a gas contact part that contacts a gas on the other side thereof, and a housing that contains the hollow fiber membranes therein. At least a portion of the blood contact part of the hollow fiber membrane oxygenator is coated with a polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1) as a main structural component and having a viscosity at 65° C. of 5,000 poise (500 Pa·s) [Chemical Formula 4] (Wherein R1 is hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms).

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making microporous membranes from a polymer solution and the membranes therefrom. A thermal assist, such as heating of the polymer solution can be effected subsequent to shaping the solution, such as by forming a film, tube or hollow fiber of the solution under conditions that do not cause phase separation.. In a preferred embodiment, the formed solution is briefly heated to generate a temperature gradient through the body of the formed solution. The polymer in solution then is precipitated to form a microporous structure. The formation of a wide variety of symmetric and asymmetric structures can be obtained using this process. Higher temperatures and/or longer heating times effected during the heating step result in larger pore sizes and different pore gradients in the final membrane product.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating heavy isotopes of hydrogen from contaminated water. The apparatus includes a treatment chamber with an elongated hollow core fiber (HCF) extending within the chamber. A reservoir holds contaminated water mixed with beads formed of an exchange resin, the mixture of contaminated water and beads forming a flowable slurry. The slurry is continuously circulated through the hollow core fiber and the reservoir preferably by a pulsating peristaltic pump. The beads absorb a portion of the heavy isotopes from the slurry by exchange with waters of hydration of the beads while the hollow core fiber allows permeation of only light water from said slurry outwardly through the HCF wall as a permeate.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes having a skinned surface on one diameter, and a porous surface on the opposite diameter are produced from perfluorinated thermoplastic polymers by extruding a heated solution of the polymer having a low critical solution temperature directly into a cooling bath to form the porous membrane by liquid-liquid phase separation. Extrusion can be conducted either vertically or horizontally. The hollow fiber membranes are useful as ultrafiltration membranes and as membrane contactors.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for withdrawing filtered permeate from a substrate contained in a reservoir at ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a plurality of membrane assemblies. Each assembly has a plurality of hollow fiber filtering membranes, immersed in the reservoir, at least one permeating header with the membranes sealingly secured therein, and a permeate collector to collect the permeate sealingly connected to the at least one permeating header and in fluid communication with lumens of the membranes. The membranes of each assembly extend generally vertically upwards from a first header during permeation. One or more sources of suction are provided in fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes of each assembly through the permeate collectors and apply sufficient suction to withdraw permeate from the lumens of the membranes. An aeration system for discharging bubbles assists in keeping the membranes clean.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing hollow fiber membrane-containing filters. The methods include laying a plurality of hollow fibers in a first portion of a filter housing to form a bundle, forming first and second portions into a filter housing, sealing the portions together, connecting the plurality of hollow fibers together at at least one end of the filter housing, connecting the hollow fibers to the filter housing, and simultaneously adhering the first and second portions of the filter housing together by applying a potting compound thereto, and cutting the ends of the hollow fibers at at least one end thereof, whereby the hollow fibers include open ends.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes having a skinned surface on one diameter, and a porous surface on the opposite diameter arm produced from perfluorinated thermoplastic polymers by extruding a heated solution of the polymer having a lower critical solution temperature directly into a cooling bath to form the porous membrane by liquid-liquid phase separation. Extrusion can be conducted either vertically or horizontally. The hollow fiber membranes are useful as ultrafiltration membranes and as membrane contactors.

Abstract: A membrane module for hemodiafiltration having a cylinder-shaped housing and a bundle of hollow-fiber membranes capable of supporting fluid flow and arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing. The ends of the hollow-fiber membranes are embedded in a fluid-tight manner in first and second sealing compounds joined to the housing inner wall in a fluid-tight manner. The exterior space formed around the hollow-fiber membranes and delimited by the first and second sealing compounds and the housing inner wall is divided along the longitudinal extent of the housing into a dialyzate space and a substituate space by a dividing wall that is made from a substantially dimensionally stable material. The dividing wall encloses each hollow-fiber membrane and is arranged substantially transversely to the hollow-fiber membranes. The dialyzate space and substituate space each have at least one opening for introducing or draining a fluid.

Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating has been applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by (i) applying to the membrane a quantity of a polyfunctional epoxy compound, the polyfunctional epoxy compound comprising at least two epoxy groups, and (ii) then, cross-linking the polyfunctional epoxy compound in such a manner as to yield a water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A module for ultrafiltration or microfiltration of water includes hollow fibers, of the type of filtration from outside inwards of the fibers, the water to be treated being introduced at the top of the module and the treated water being collected at the bottom of the module. The fibers are arranged inside a housing in multiple U-shaped bundles, the module being vertically arranged in use with the U-shape in the top part of the module. At the bottom of the module, each bundle is arranged in a sheath and individually potted. The sheaths are then urged to be housed in a distribution plate, and all the sheaths are interconnected by pouring (in reverse vertical position relative to that of the filtering mode) a potting resin.

Abstract: A blood reservoir being capable of reducing damage to blood stored therein. The blood reservoir has a housing in the form of a box, and filtering and defoaming devices provided in the housing, i.e., a device for filtering and defoaming on blood suctioned from a surgical field (outside a heart), a device for filtering and defoaming on blood vented from the interior of the heart, and a device for filtering and defoaming on blood drawn off from a large vein. The vented blood flowing into the blood reservoir passes through a vented blood filtering member to be introduced into a blood storage space without contacting an antifoaming agent and foreign substances filtered off from the suctioned blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: A porous hollow fiber membrane having a particle cutoff within the range of 1 to 10 ?m and a pure water permeate flow equal to or higher than 30,000 L/m2/hr/100 kPa.

Abstract: A hollow fiber microfiltration (MF) membrane is provided. The casting solution used to make this membrane includes a fiber-forming polymer having a degree of polymerization greater than about 1000, a water-soluble polymer, an anhydride with about 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and a solvent. The membrane is formed by mixing and heating these components to form a viscous dope and then extruding the dope through an annular orifice to form a hollow fiber MF membrane. The hollow fiber membrane is then fed through a coagulation bath and two leaching baths. The membrane is especially useful for filtering liquids, such as wine and juice, so as to remove bacteria, gel, and solid particles from the liquids.

Abstract: Porous poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) articles are prepared from PAEK/polyimide blends by selective chemical decomposition and subsequent removal of the polyimide phase. Porous PAEK articles exhibit highly interconnected pore structure and a narrow pore size distribution. The porous PAEK articles of the present invention can be utilized as a porous media for a broad range of applications, including membranes for fluid separations, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and as a sorption media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module or a capillary membrane module as well as a device having such a module. In the method, hollow fibers or capillaries are placed, in an unsintered state, in a mold structured for receiving the hollow fibers or capillaries and are sintered once inside the mold. Subsequently or simultaneously, the fibers are potted in the mold. The method permits producing hollow fiber membrane modules or capillary membrane modules in a simple manner with little risk of breakage.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the resistivity of ultra pure water, including a housing to house a gas permeable membrane, an inlet for untreated ultra pure water which communicates with an ultra pure water path, and an outlet for resistivity-controlled ultra pure water which communicates with the ultra pure water path. The gas permeable membrane divides the interior of the housing into the ultra pure water path and a mixed gas path. A mixed gas is selected from the group consisting of a mixed gas including carbon dioxide and a gas having a lower resistivity controlling ability than carbon dioxide and a mixed gas including ammonia and a gas having a lower resistivity controlling ability than ammonia. The gas permeable membrane is capable of supplying carbon dioxide or ammonia to the untreated ultra pure water at a concentration equal to or more than 90% of the equilibrium concentration.

Abstract: A method for stretching a hollow fibre while making a stretched filtering membrane from a precursor involves wrapping the hollow fibre around a structure and modifying the structure such that at least portions of the hollow fibre are forced to elongated. For example, the hollow fibre may be wrapped around around two or more supports and the distance between adjacent supports increased. This produces first portions of the hollow fibre stretched to a first elongation and porous to a first porosity and second portions of the hollow fibre that are not stretched or are stretched to a second elongation less than the first elongation and that remain non-porous or become porous to a second porosity which is less than the first porosity. The membrane may be made into a module with second portions of the membranes located at points where the membranes exit the potting material or at turns in loops of the fibres, if any. In various embodiments, the fibre is potted into modules before or after it is stretched.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, such that the module has first and second membrane elements arranged with one end pointing toward a distribution space and the other end pointing toward a collection space. Each of the membrane elements have a cavity formed by a membrane wall. The first membrane elements have their ends embedded in sealing compounds such that their cavities open into the distribution space and collection space. The second membrane elements are also embedded in the sealing compound at the end pointing toward the collection space. The cavities of the second membrane elements open into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space. The fluid to be treated flows through the first membrane elements in cross-flow mode. In the process, part of the fluid passes through the membrane wall as a permeate, which then passes through the second membrane elements in dead-end mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-permeable hollow fiber membrane having an inner diameter of 50 to 500 ?m and a membrane thickness of 10 to 150 ?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: Artificial liver devices and methods for using the devices to purify a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods include the use of living hepatocytes (23) which are either unattached or attached to inert carriers and suspended in a cell culture medium which circulates in the devices with the hepatocytes (23). Blood or plasma passes on one side (7?) of semi-permeable membranes, on the other side (7) of which is the cell culture medium and across which is a concentration and/or pressure gradient. Solutes diffusing across the membrane into the cell culture medium are metabolized by the hepatocytes (23) and/or captured by additional removal means (4). Those undesirable substances which do not diffuse out of the blood or plasma into the hepatocyte containing culture medium are captured by additional removal means (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-permeable hollow fiber membrane having an inner diameter of 50 to 500 ?m and a membrane thickness of 10 to 150 ?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 method for carrying out therapeutic apheresis comprises separating plasma from whole blood in-vivo and removing selected disease-related components from the separated plasma. Apparatus for carrying out therapeutic apheresis includes a filter device for being implanted in a blood vessel for carrying out in-vivo plasma separation having one or more elongated hollow tubes and a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fibers capable of separating plasma from whole blood at pressure and blood flow within a patient's vein, a multiple lumen catheter secured to the proximal end of the filter device having one or more lumens in fluid communication with the interior of said one or more hollow tubes and a plasma return lumen, and therapeutic apheresis apparatus for removing and/or separating selected disease-related components from the separated plasma and means for directing plasma between said catheter and the selective component removal apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane filtration unit comprises a housing having a feedstock inlet, a permeate outlet and a retentate outlet, at least one bundle of tubular membranes accommodated in the housing, sealing bodies which hold end parts of the membranes sealed in a fixed position with respect to the housing, and at least one flexible, permeable sleeve element which encloses the bundle of membranes and holds it together. The sleeve element encloses a center part, which is situated between the held end parts, of the bundle. Socket members are provided, which delimit transitional parts of the bundle, which transitional parts are situated at the location of the transitions from the end parts to the center part. Part of each socket member is fixedly connected with respect to the housing and part of each socket member movably encloses an end of the sleeve element.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A filter device made of less expensive material than comparable filter devices heretofore has basic filter components plus some unique design aspects and an additional ring component. The ring provides an interface inside the filter which enables the potting compound to adhere to the filter and create a seal between a first and second fluid compartment within the filter. An embedded region of the ring possesses a detailed geometry which helps ensure that a delamination would be localized and unable to propagate from the first to the second compartment, maintaining the structural integrity of the filter device. To ensure that the sealing interface remains intact and free from delamination, the ring is subjected to a surface treatment, which modifies the surface energy of the ring. This modified surface energy of the ring allows the hydrophilic potting compound to more effectively bond to the modified hydrophobic ring.

Abstract: A vertical skein of “fibers”, opposed terminal portions of which are held in headers unconfined in a modular shell, is aerated with a gas-distribution means which produces a mass of bubbles serving the function of a scrub-brash for the outer surfaces of the fibers. The membrane device is surprisingly effective with relatively little cleansing gas, the specific flux through the membranes reaching an essentially constant relatively high value because the vertical deployment of fibers allows bubbles to rise upwards along the outer surfaces of the fibers. Further, bubbles flowing along the outer surfaces of the fibers make the fibers surprisingly resistant to being fouled by build-up of deposits of inanimate particles or microorganisms in the substrate provided that the length of each fiber is only slightly greater than the direct center-to-center distance between opposed faces of the headers, preferably in the range from at least 0.1% to about 5% greater.