Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers, which has an excellent ability to identify asymmetry. That is, the present invention relates to a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers which includes as an effective component a polysaccharide derivative having a bicyclic or more structure having an aromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: Solid phase extraction devices including a plurality of packed nominally aligned capillary-channeled polymeric fibers for use as stationary phase materials are disclosed. A plurality of fibers are packed together in a casing so as to provide good flow characteristics through the fibers and high surface area contact between a sample and the fibers. Different polymer compositions of the fibers permit the “chemical tuning” of the extraction process. The fibers can be physically or chemically derivatized to target specific analytes for separation from a test sample. Use of the fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backpressures. The fibers are easily packed into a micropipette tip or a conduit for use with a fluid flow device such as an aspirator or a pump. The devices can be used for isolation and pre-concentration of analytes from samples, for instance for proteins from buffer solutions or extraction of pollutants from remote locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing potable water that includes providing a filter, passing water through the filter, and removing bacteria and viruses from the water with the filter. The filter comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous wood activated carbon filter particles and particles selected from the group consisting of mesoporous wood activated carbon filter particles coated entirely with a cationic polymer, mesoporous wood activated carbon filter particles partially coated with a cationic polymer, and mixtures thereof. A sum of mesopore and macropore volumes of the filter particles may be between about 0.2 mL/g and about 2 mL/g, wherein mesopore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter between 2 nm and 50 nm, and macropore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter greater than 50 nm, a total pore volume of the filter particles is greater than about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing potable water that includes providing a filter, passing water through the filter, and removing bacteria and viruses from the water with the filter. The filter comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles consisting of mesoporous activated carbon. A sum of mesopore and macropore volumes of the filter particles may be between about 0.2 mL/g and about 2 mL/g, wherein mesopore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter between 2 nm and 50 nm, and macropore means an intra-particle pore having a diameter greater than 50 nm, a total pore volume of the filter particles is greater than about 0.4 mL/g and less than about 3 mL/g, and a ratio of the sum of the mesopore and macropore volumes to the total pore volume of the filter particles is greater than about 0.3.

Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel, and removal of the same from the bilge. The system includes an absorber for absorbing hazardous waste from a fluid in the bilge. The system further includes a locator for locating the absorber in a predetermined orientation relative to a bilge pump to prevent the discharge of hazardous waste from the bilge. In one embodiment of the invention, the locator is an upstanding member in relation to the fluid in the bilge and includes at least one locator channel defined along at least a portion of the locator for slidable receipt of the absorber. According to this characterization, the absorber is movable along the locator channel as a function of the bilge fluid level to absorb hazardous waste from the fluid and isolate an inlet of the bilge pump from receipt of the same.

Abstract: A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. A polymerized polymeric material is provided within the vessel. The fluid is contacted with the polymerized polymeric material for take-up of the fluid by the polymerized polymeric material. The fluid is released from the polymerized polymeric material and dispensed from the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous materials for use in solid phase extractions and chromatography. The materials feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion-exchange functional group. The materials exhibit superior wetting and ion-exchange performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the amount of organic components in water, wherein a surface-reacted naturalcalcium carbonate and a hydrophobic adsorbent, selected from the group consisting of talc, hydrophobised calcium carbonate, hydrophobised bentonite, hydrophobised kaolinite, hydrophobised glass, or any mixture thereof, are brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a naturalcalcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally, and the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being prepared as an aqueous suspension having a pH of greater than 6.0, measured at 20° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is filter media that may be used for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post-refinery fuel stream. The filter media comprises an inorganic oxide nanomaterial having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa value of less than or equal to ?3. Also disclosed is a method of filtering a liquid fuel using the filter media.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which is excellent in the capability of removing leukocytes. It is further intended to provide a filter whereby both of leukocytes and platelets can be highly efficiently removed from a blood product containing leukocytes and platelets. The above objects can be achieved by using a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which comprises a unit originating in a hydrophobic polymerizable monomer, a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a basic nitrogen-containing part, and a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a protonic neutral hydrophilic part.

Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.

Abstract: A box filter comprises of a casing and at least two filters, which are installed inside the casing and behind the influx channel and have a buffer gap between two adjacent filters; the influx channel, which is installed on the external wall of the box filter. In addition, more than one guide vane is installed at the inlet of the influx channel and the bottom of the guide vane leans against the filter so as to eliminate the clog that forms the channel and so as to stop backflow of the sewage into the aquarium or container of the sift device while the box filter or sift device is removed from the aquarium. The guide vane can effectively improve drawbacks of the box filter of a prior art as well as enhance the filtration effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the removal of toxic substances from dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma, said device comprising i) a sorption-filter (E) for removing toxins, toxic solutes, toxic small and middle-sized molecules and protein bound toxins from the dialysate fluid, blood or bloodplasma, said sorption filter comprising a nanostructured material, a porous polymer matrix or a combination of the two, ii) an inlet (4) for entry of dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma into said device, iii) an outlet (5) for the removal of purified dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma from said device, and iv) a conduit connecting said inlet with said outlet and holding said sorption filter such that said dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma is forced through said sorption filter.

Abstract: Wastewater and sewage filtering and adsorbing unit includes sewage reservoir, clean water reservoir, active coke powder storage, filtering and adsorbing tank, control cabinet, saturated active coke sludge settling tank, filtering and adsorbing material. The sewage reservoir and the clean water reservoir are on one side, and the filtering and adsorbing tank and the active coke powder storage are on other side. Active coke powder storage is above and connected to filtering and adsorbing tank by conduits; inlet pipes in rows and an outlet branch pipe are mounted into the filtering and adsorbing tank. Filtering and adsorbing material is active coke powder. The sewage reservoir is connected with the filtering and adsorbing tank. An active coke sludge discharge port and an active coke sludge conveyor, which are connected to the saturated active coke sludge settling tank by transporting pipelines, are at the bottom of the filtering and adsorbing tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated, absorbent, freestanding assemblies comprising inorganic nanowires, articles of manufacture comprising the same, processes of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The assemblies of this invention are useful in various applications, including removal of organics or hydrophobic materials, and waterproofing applications.

Abstract: A monolith for liquid chromatography is disclosed that involves a reaction product of; a (1) crosslinker having at least three adjacent groups, selected from ethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, and mixtures thereof, and two or more pendent vinyl groups, and (2) monomer having the formula, CH2?CR—Y—Z, where R is H or CH3, where Z is a functional group selected to impart a desired interaction property to the monolith, and where Y is nothing, or any group that will not materially affect or compete with the function of the functional group (Z) in the monolith, or the reactivity of vinyl groups in the crosslinker or monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification material capable of selectively adsorbing phosphorus dissolved in wastewater, and also provides a water purification method employing the material. The water purification material comprises a composite metal hydroxide containing iron ions and calcium ions in its structure, and this composite metal hydroxide has a layered structure. In the water purification method of the present invention, the water purification material is brought into contact with wastewater so as to remove and recover phosphate ions in the wastewater.

Abstract: A method of forming an agent for removing or separating a species from a diluent or process stream, e.g. a desulphurisation agent. The method comprises mixing at least one compound of manganese and pore forming articles.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography system comprising a chiral mobile phase used to separate enantiomeric molecules present in a sample is disclosed herein. In one aspect, the mobile phase comprises a chiral solvent. In another aspect, the mobile phase includes a chiral solvent but also a buffering agent. The liquid chromatography system described herein includes both high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) as well as high pressure capillary liquid chromatography (CapLC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric chromatography media suitable for separations applications, particularly as packed bed, fluidized bed or magnetized bed chromatography media. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric chromatography media comprises asymmetric particles, preferably beads, having at least two distinct, controlled pore size distributions. Preferably one of the distinct pore size distributions is in an internal region of the particle, and the other is in an external region or coating on the particle. These distinct pore size distributions can be modified with uniform or alternatively unique functional groups or mixtures of functional groups. The present invention allows for the control over pore size distribution within an asymmetric porous particle by providing a distinct internal region, preferably in the form of a bead, and a distinct external region, preferably in the form of a coating on the bead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to products and methods for removing or recovering substances from aqueous solution. Titanic acid product is used as adsorption material for several substances, for example impurities or contaminants, such as arsenic, lead, fluorine or phosphate. The present invention also relates to a granule for removing substances from aqueous solution and a filter assembly comprising titanic acid or said granule.

Abstract: A chemical filter obtained by fabricating a chemical filter material, the chemical filter material being a woven or nonwoven fabric formed from a hydroxyl group-containing organic fiber, the hydroxyl group-containing organic fiber containing cation exchange groups introduced by radiation graft polymerization, the chemical filter material having an ion-exchange capacity of 400 meq/m2 or more with respect to the cation exchange groups, and the chemical filter material having a tensile strength of 5 to 20 N/15 mm.

Abstract: System and method for removal of metals from aqueous solutions. Contactors for contacting aqueous solutions are formed of sorbents of metal oxides processed from metal containing solutions. Metal containing solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor or batch processing system. Combinations of temperature, pressure, molarity, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within a desired stability area during processing. This results in metal oxides having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. Contactors formed of sorbents processed according to processes of the invention capture or removing target pollutants from drinking water or other residential or industrial aqueous streams.

Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on, the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water purification system (100) comprising a closed water recirculation loop (106) supplied at one point by a water inlet (101) with water to be purified, (and having) at least one outlet point of use of the purified water (102) and (further comprising) pumping means (103) and water purification means (150) on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point (102), in the water flow direction which system is characterized in that it includes two independent valves: a first valve (130) on the loop upstream of the pumping means (103), and a second valve (120) upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point (102). The invention also relates to a water purification method.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.

Abstract: Mixing small amounts of an inorganic halide, such as NaCl, to basic copper carbonate followed by calcination at a temperature sufficient to decompose the carbonate results in a significant improvement in resistance to reduction of the resulting copper oxide. The introduction of the halide can be also achieved during the precipitation of the carbonate precursor. These reduction resistant copper oxides can be in the form of composites with alumina and are especially useful for purification of gas or liquid streams containing hydrogen or other reducing agents. These reduction resistant copper oxides can function at near ambient temperatures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a fluid. According to the invention, the fluid is contacted with a substrate at the surface of which there is a network of organic molecules, hereafter referred to as “network molecules”, having a central corre and at least one lateral arm, said molecules being adsorbed at the surface of the substrate. The invention also concerns a two-dimensional molecular sieve consisting of substrate at the surface of which a network of network molecules is adsorbed. The invention further concerns a module for treating a fluid comprising means for circulating the fluid to be treated and containing one or more two-dimensional molecule sieves.

Abstract: Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: By using a boric acid-resistant anion exchange resin as the anion exchange resin used in a demineralizer that purifies the primary cooling water in a pressurized-water reactor power plant, even when a boric acid-containing primary cooling water is brought into contact with the anion exchange resin disposed in the demineralizer, the generation of breaking or cracking in the anion exchange resin can be prevented.

Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes including HALAR® (poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene)) and related compounds and the methods of production thereof which avoid the use of toxic solvents. Preferred solvents, coating agents and pore forming agents are citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate. The membranes may be in the form of a hollow fiber or flat sheet, and may include other agents to modify the properties of the membranes, such as the hydrophilic/hydrophilic balance. Leachable agents may also be incorporated into the membranes.

Abstract: A contaminant adsorption is provided that includes a self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS) on a lattice support structure such as sintered metal wire mesh. Individual wire fibers of the sintered wire mesh may have a film coating of mesoporous material that is functionalized for a target metal. The mesh material is formed into filtration elements with or without particulate filtration media. Systems employing such filtration elements in one or multiple stages are also disclosed with an optional acid was stripping system for regenerating SAMMS and to facilitate reclamation of contaminants that can be refined into usable commercial materials.

Abstract: A nano-scale filter (10) includes a porous supporting component (14) and a carbon nanotube filtration membrane (12) sintered on a top surface of the porous supporting component. The porous supporting component has a number of micro-scale pores. The filtration membrane is configured as a network formed by aggregating a number of multi-junction carbon nanotubes. The multi-function carbon nanotubes are selected from the group consisting of two-dimensional junction carbon nanotubes (30, 40, 50, 60), three-dimensional junction carbon nanotubes (20) and an admixture thereof. A method for making the nano-scale filter is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrophilic cross-linked polymeric membranes, when prepared according to the process of the present invention, are unique in character in as much as the steady state permeability of the membrane has been altered by blending and cross-linking polyalkyl amines and polyalcohols. To obtain desired results, the compositions must contain at least 10% polyalkyl amines, with preferred amounts of polyalkyl amines in the composition being in excess of 40%, with over 50% polyalkyl amine concentration by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel adsorbent for use in a 99Mo/99mTc generator, which is a medical diagnostic radioisotope generator, and in a 188W/188Re generator, which is a therapeutic radioisotope generator. The adsorbent composed of sulfated alumina or alumina-sulfated zirconia exhibits adsorption capacity superior to that of conventional adsorbents, and is stable and is thus loaded in a dry state in an adsorption column so that the radioisotope 99Mo or 188W can be adsorbed. Thus, it is possible to miniaturize the column, and such a miniaturized column is small, convenient to use, and highly efficient, and extracts a radioisotope satisfying the requirements for pharmaceuticals, and thus can be useful for radioisotope generators extracting 99mTc or 188Re.

Abstract: A filter for providing potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous, basic, and reduced-oxygen activated carbon filter particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a novel separating agent for separating enantiomeric isomers, characterized by including: a step of supporting an optically active polymer compound and a compound having an asymmetric structure of a molecular weight of 1,000 or less on a carrier using a solvent; a step of removing the solvent; and a step of removing the compound having the asymmetric structure of the molecular weight of 1,000 or less by washing.

Abstract: A filter for providing potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous, basic, and reduced-oxygen activated carbon filter particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.

Abstract: A water filter device for treating untreated drinking water, wherein the water filter device may comprise a connector for providing fluid communication between the water filter device and an untreated drinking water source. The water filter device may comprise a low-pressure water for treating untreated drinking water, the water filter may comprise a water filter material. The water filter may comprise a F-BLR of greater than about 2 logs. The water filter device may comprise a storage housing in fluid communication with the low-pressure water filter. The water filter device may comprise an automatic shutoff valve for arresting the flow of treated drinking water into the storage housing. The water filter device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing treated drinking water from the storage housing.

Abstract: A filter for providing potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous, basic, and reduced-oxygen activated carbon filter particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an indium adsorbent that can cause indium to be adsorbed, and a simple and inexpensive indium fractioning method for isolating and recovering high-purity indium from an acid solution whose primary component is hydrochloric acid and that contains indium. A primary component of the indium adsorbent is an anion-exchange resin that has a crosslinked structure produced by the copolymerization of styrene or acrylamide and divinylbenzene, and at least one of a quaternary ammonium group and a tertiary ammonium group, and that is provided with an acid-adsorbing ability. An acid solution whose primary component is hydrochloric acid and that includes indium is brought into contact with the anion-exchange resin to cause indium to be adsorbed to the anion-exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of manufacturing a sulphonate-functionalized (S-functionalized) cation exchanger, which method comprises reacting olefinic groups with bisulphite in the presence of at least one amine oxide, such as N-methyl morpholine oxide (NMO). The olefinic groups of the carrier may be allyl groups; which may be provided on extenders such as polyhydroxyfunctional polymers. In one embodiment, the carrier is made of agarose with improved flow pressure properties.

Abstract: Biology and medicine for cleaning biological fluids. A system for correcting a biological fluid includes a sealed container for a magnetically operated absorbent (MOA), a sealed chamber for mixing the absorbent with a biological fluid and for the absorbent precipitation therefrom, and a sealed filtering unit. The chamber and container are embodied so that they can modify the volumes thereof, have a common interchamber partition-wall fixed to the bottom and are interconnected through a passage embodied in the wall. The other sidewalls of the chambers have corrugations which form bellows. Lids of the chambers are pivotally connected so that they are pivotable around the pivot axis. The MOA container is arranged inside the absorber-mixing chamber and embodied as a bellow. An inlet connection is simultaneously connected to the inside cavities of the absorber-mixing chamber and to the container thereof.

Abstract: Aluminum hydroxide fibers approximately 2 nanometers in diameter and with surface areas ranging from 200 to 650 m2/g have been found to be highly electropositive. When dispersed in water they are able to attach to and retain electronegative particles. When combined into a composite filter with other fibers or particles they can filter bacteria and nano size particulates such as viruses and colloidal particles at high flux through the filter. Such filters can be used for purification and sterilization of water, biological, medical and pharmaceutical fluids, and as a collector/concentrator for detection and assay of microbes and viruses. The alumina fibers are also capable of filtering sub-micron inorganic and metallic particles to produce ultra pure water. The fibers are suitable as a substrate for growth of cells. Macromolecules such as proteins may be separated from each other based on their electronegative charges.

Abstract: This invention relates to optically active support materials which include one or more esters and/or one or more carbamates and/or one or more mixed ester and carbamate compounds of polysaccharide or oligosaccharide, and an organic and/or inorganic substrate.

Abstract: A high capacity adsorbent may be used for enriching oxygen concentration in an air stream. Such a high capacity adsorbent may be from about 2 to about 3 times lighter relative to the currently available technology. Furthermore, the high capacity adsorbent is readily capable of regeneration after deactivation by water vapor. Unlike current available immobilization technology in which clay binder was used to bind 13X zeolite and additional 10% organic binder was used to immobilize beads, the adsorbents of the present invention may be made using just an organic binder, thereby reducing pore spoilage caused by the clay binder. Further unlike conventional adsorbents, which may use sodium as its cation, the adsorbent of the present invention uses a lithium cation, thereby resulting in enhanced nitrogen adsorption performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or reducing off-flavor in a beverage. Silane-treated silica filter media are synthesized. By contacting the beverage with the silane-treated silica filter, one or more off-flavor substances or off-flavor precursors bind to the silane-treated silica filter media and are removed. Beverages that tend to develop off-flavor upon storage such as alcoholic, fruit, and vegetable beverages, are suitable for the present invention. The present invention provides a method that can reduce the level of off-flavor substances such as trans-2-nonenal, diacetyl, and cis-3-nonenal. The present invention also provides a method that can reduce the level of off-flavor precursors such as linoleic acid. The silica filter media useful for the present method include rice hull ash, oat hull ash, or diatomaceous earth.

Abstract: A multi-stage water purification device includes an untreated water compartment having an untreated water inlet and a treated water compartment formed from a resilient material. The compartments are segregated from one another. An outlet is in flow communication with the treated water compartment. A first unidirectional valve is disposed between the treated water compartment and the outlet and is configure to permit flow out of the treated water compartment only. A filter is disposed between the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment. The untreated water flows through the filter to produce treated water. A second unidirectional flow valve is positioned at the discharge of the filter and is configured to permit flow out of the filter and into the treated water compartment only. Water is introduced into the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment is deformed to reduce the volume therein.

Abstract: A device to rapidly obtain a solution of Pb(lead)-201 from a solution of a solid target material of Tl(thallium)-203. The solution of Pb-201 is then processed through a degeneration and an ion exchange to obtain in Tl-201 radioisotope.