Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis method of recovering foreign substances, particularly low-molecular weight inorganic and/or organic substances, from semipermeable membrane of varying length and dimensions, using a PLE (pressurized liquid extraction) apparatus. The membranes are preferably in the form of a tube, for example semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) which, in the form of passive samplers, accumulate foreign substances/pollutants on an absorbent or adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for producing a chromatographic stationary phase for use in reversed-phase chromatography. Chromatographic stationary phases prepared according to the methods of the current invention and liquid chromatography columns, which include the stationary phases, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stable composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member, and a macroporous crosslinked gel that is located in, and fills, the pores of the support member, in which crosslinked gel is entrapped a stabilising polymer, which stabilising polymer is neutral, linear or branched, non-crosslinked, and substantially water-insoluble. The presence of the stabilising polymer is such that it allows the composite material to largely retain its porosity and morphology after being dried. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the stable composite material described above, and to its use. The stable composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: Oil adsorbent layers 4 and packed layers 5 are alternately laminated inside a treatment vessel 2, the oil adsorbent layers 4 comprise ten laminated flat sheets 4a composed of polypropylene, and gelled aluminum hydroxide 15 is evenly applied over the surface of each of these sheets 4a on the laminated side. These flat sheets 4a are lipophilic and hydrophobic.

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

Abstract: An affinity matrix for use in affinity based molecular pull down and immunoprecipitation procedures. The affinity matrix comprises a polymeric support, a dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support to enable optical detection of the polymeric support, and an affinity ligand other than the dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support for the capture of a molecule. Also provided is a method for the isolation of a biomolecule from an aqueous solution. The method comprises combining the aqueous solution with an affinity matrix comprising a polymeric support and separating the affinity matrix from the aqueous solution. A dye is attached to a fraction of the polymeric support which enables optical detection and monitoring of the affinity matrix and, accordingly, reduces the likelihood of the loss of affinity matrix during the separation step. In addition, an affinity ligand other than the dye is also attached to a fraction of the polymeric support for the capture of the biomolecule.

Abstract: A system for removing particulates and/or contaminants, including impure compounds and elements from fluid to be treated is provided. The systems can include a receptacle having chamber in which a volume of fluid may be accommodated, a cover for placement across an opening into the chamber, so as to prevent fluid from within the chamber from spilling, and a porous matrix, positioned within the chamber and having a nanostructured adsorption material for trapping and retaining, within its pores, particles and contaminants in the fluid. A method for removing particulates and contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decontamination process comprising the step of contacting a aqueous solution containing a pollutant or contaminant with a decontaminating agent, wherein the decontaminating agent is sapropel. The present invention also provides a decontamination system (110).

Abstract: A fluid purifier includes a filter having a chamber of reduced cross section formed either between an inner wall and an outer wall or within the inner wall. A ceramic layer of granular ceramic particles and at least a pair of magnetic layers each comprising an annular magnet and magnetite pieces are provided above or below the ceramic layer in the chamber. The annular magnets are arranged in such a way that the same polarities of adjacent annular magnets are facing each other, and the direction of the magnetic lines of force is parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid. Fluid molecules are activated while passing through the magnetic field produced by the magnetic layers of annular magnets and magnetite pieces which are magnetized by the annular magnets. In other embodiments the magnets may be differently and irregularly shaped magnet pieces, magnetite pieces may also be present and the magnet pieces and/or the magnetite pieces may be coated with the ceramic.

Abstract: Multi-core solid profile filter media blocks include multiple sub-blocks, which may be formed by providing a block with multiple interior cavities extending deep into the block, to allow water to flow deep inside the filter block to access the media of the sub-block (in the case wherein the cavities are at the inlet to the block) or that allows water to be collected from each filtration sub-block (in the case wherein the cavities are at the outlet from the block). One or more indentations/spaces/gaps in the exterior surface of the block also may be provided to separate and extend between portions of the sub-blocks, so that substantially all of the filter media of a sub-block is accessible to fluid for filtration. This way, a filter block may include a large amount of media in a small cartridge or package volume, and the filter block may exhibit good flow distribution and low pressure drop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter module comprising a body of wound layers of a sheet material, said sheet material having a plurality of openings formed therein, said channels within the wound layers of sheet material of said body, said channels extending in a direction from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, a first type of channels being open at one end at said outer peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to said inner peripheral surface, a second type of channels being open at one end at said inner peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to said outer peripheral surface, said channels of the one type being separated from the channels of the other type by portions of sheet material wherein a majority of the openings of a layer of sheet material forming the inlet channels incompletely register with corresponding openings of an adjacent layer and a process for manufacture such filter module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic receptors, products and methods which are useful in relation to the binding of phosphates for example in water purification and renal dialysis systems.

Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.

Abstract: A fuel supply for a fuel cell including a fuel container and an impurity removal cartridge connected to the fuel container, where both the fuel container and the impurity removal cartridge are integrated into a single unit.

Abstract: Bioremediation geocomposite articles, and their method of manufacture, for treating (digesting) contaminats in soil or water. The bioremediating geocomposite mat includes a woven or non-woven geotexile, having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm. In the preferred embodiment, outer layers of the geocomposite article have a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminat-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material in at least outer portions of the thickness across its entire major surface(s) for better contact of the bacteria with contaminants held by the powdered or granular material. In the most preferred embodiment, liquid-permeable cover sheets are adhered to the upper and lower major surfaces of the bacterial-containing geotextile article to prevent a powdered or granular material from escaping from the geotextile during transportation and installation.

Abstract: The present invention is for a polymer/polymer mixed matrix membrane and the use of such membranes in gas separation applications. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of polymer/polymer mixed matrix membranes incorporating soluble polymers of intrinsic microporosity as microporous fillers. These polymeric fillers of intrinsic microporosity exhibit behavior analogous to that of conventional microporous materials including large and accessible surface areas, interconnected micropores of less than 2 nm in size, as well as high chemical and thermal stability, but, in addition, possess properties of conventional polymers including good solubility and easy processability. Gas separation experiments on these mixed matrix membranes show dramatically enhanced gas separation performance for CO2 removal from natural gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane for the separation of material mixtures by the principle of vapor permeation or pervaporation, in particular for the dewatering of organic solvents, comprising at least one support layer and at least one material-selective separation layer located thereon, and a method for production of such a membrane. The material-selective separating layer is made from polyvinyl alcohol, containing at least one metallic element and/or a derivative thereof. The method includes the addition of polyvinyl alcohol to a solvent, adding an organometallic compound to the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol mixture, and then applying the solvent/polyvinyl alcohol/organometallic compound mixture to the support layer as the material-selective separating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method of producing a separating agent for an enantiomeric isomer having a high optical resolution power together with sufficient solvent resistance. That is, a method of producing a separating agent for an enantiomeric isomer comprising the steps of allowing the porous carrier to carry the optically active polymer compound by bringing the porous carrier into contact with a dope of the optically active polymer compound and exposing a product to radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel silicon compounds, methods for making these novel silicon compounds, compositions comprising these novel silicon compounds attached to substrates, methods for attaching the novel silicon compounds to substrates and methods for using the compositions in a variety of chromatographic applications.

Abstract: The objectives of this invention are to provide a filler for separating optical isomers, capable of efficiently carrying out optical resolution of optical isomer mixtures, and to provide a process for separating optical isomers by a simulated moving bed chromatography utilizing the filler. This invention provides a filler made of a carrier supporting a specific amount of an optically active high molecular weight compound. Separation by the simulated moving bed chromatography using the filler is carried out under the condition that the capacity factors have specific values.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of filter materials for the purification and disinfection of water, water solutions and other liquids, as well as for sterilizing filtration of injections and other solutions, for concentration of biomolecules in physiological liquids, concentration and extraction of viruses, preparation of apyrogenic water, in biocatalytic diaphragm reactors. The invention solves the problems of a new filter material production, characterized by high sorption properties, high retention efficiency of submicron electronegative particles, microorganisms, submicron non-polar particles and chemical contaminations, and, at the same time, characterized by low hydrodynamic resistance. A base of filter material is the nonwoven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, modified by the aluminum hydroxide particles, fixed to the surface of base fibers for improvement of its sorption properties and for making it positively charged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for membrane protein separation including: fractionating a membrane sample on a reversed-phase superficially porous stationary phase at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 40° C. to recover a protein greater than about 70 weight percent of the mixture of proteins.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in gravity-fed water treatment systems wherein filter elements include a dome-shaped hydrophilic porous particulate carbon powder block filter in a polymeric binder. The filter has a closed upper end and an open lower end with sidewalls extending there between, additional filter media and includes ion exchange resins and a fine mesh hydrophilic filter sheet to reduce contaminant content of water for drinking purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a porous cross-linked polysaccharide chromatography matrix, which comprises to provide an aqueous solution of a gellable polysaccharide, wherein part of the hydroxyl groups are substituted with groups which are not susceptible to nucleophilic attack; to provide essentially spherical droplets of the substituted polysaccharide solution; to form a gel of the substituted polysaccharide solution; and to cross-link the gel by adding a cross-linking agent. The invention also encompasses a chromatography column packed with a matrix so produced as well as use thereof in e.g. protein purification.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the content of perchlorate in a sample matrix comprising the steps of extracting the sample matrix and applying it to a reverse phase column, followed by elution with a mobile phase. The reverse phase column optionally has a protein coating deposited thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is to a prefilter for purification systems such as affinity chromatography columns and ultrafiltration systems. The prefilter, positioned upstream of the system inlet, reduces the presence of non-specific binding (NSB) species that enter the system, thereby extending the yield, capacity and lifetime of the system. Suitable agents include but are not limited to hydrophobic entities; lipophilic entities; activated carbon; charged cation or anion entities; ligands; particles such as fumed silica, glass, controlled pore glass or derivitized version of each; silica or silicates; and combinations thereof. The material(s) can be incorporated into a variety of media such as fibers, beads, membranes and the like and then incorporated into a variety of device designs including lenticular pads, depth filters, bead containing columns, spiral wound devices, TFF devices and the like.

Abstract: An adsorption apparatus and method of adsorption for treatment of wastewater is disclosed, and comprises an inlet for the wastewater connected to a metals trap which adsorbs metals and a second trap which filters organic materials from the wastewater, positioned between the inlet and the metals trap, wherein the second trap at least partially comprises either a phosphate or an activated carbon. The metals trap can be, for example, fish bone char. A method of manufacturing fish bone char is also disclosed.

Abstract: Solid profile filter blocks for filtration of fluids include activated carbon fibers, preferably cut or ground into rod-shaped elements and bound into a solid profile using one or more binders. The filter block has internal structure and porosity that exhibit surprisingly-low pressure drop while effectively removing specific contaminants of interest. Granular activated carbon, lead or arsenic sorbents, and/or other active components may supplement the activated carbon fibers/rods in the present invention. The preferred manufacturing techniques preferably do not include any slurry process or other adding of water during the manufacturing process. The preferred cutting and/or grinding of longer, activated carbon source fibers into a range of rod lengths, including very short rods and longer rods, may be called a gross cut, as opposed to a precise cut that has a narrow distribution.

Abstract: Multi-layered macromolecules wherein the layers are covalently bonded together and wherein the macromolecules are covalently bonded to solid particulate substrates, methods for the preparation of such compositions, and methods for their uses in a multitude of end use applications ranging from the purification of waste chemical and metal process streams to the separation and identification of proteins, peptides, and oligionucleotides.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: Polymer fibers having a novel cross-sectional geometry are used as stationary phase materials for liquid chromatography separations. Fibers of 20 to 50 micrometer diameters have surface-channel structures extending their entire lengths. Bundles of fibers having this novel cross-sectional geometry are packed in columns. Different polymer compositions permit the “chemical tuning” of the separation process. Channeled fibers composed of polystyrene and polypropylene have been used to separate mixtures of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Pb-containing compounds and fatty acids. Use of channeled fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backing pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high surface area fibers and an improved filter composite media made from the same. More specifically, the composite media preferably comprises a winged-fiber layer having high surface area fibers for increased absorption and strength and a meltblown layer for additional filtration. In one preferred embodiment the high surface area fibers have a middle region with a plurality of projections that define a plurality of channels, which increases the surface area of the fiber. In one preferred embodiment, the high surface area fiber has a specific surface area of about 140,000 cm2 /g or higher and a denier of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The high surface area fiber of the present invention is made using a bicomponent extrusion process using a thermoplastic polymer and a dissolvable sheath.

Abstract: Water-desalination and/or water purification devices. Alternatively, devices that are implantable in animal bodies, possibly configured as self-inflating spinal disc prostheses. The devices include specified types of water-absorbing solute encapsulated by non-porous, water-permeable polymer membranes having specified properties. Also, methods of using the devices in biomedical applications or water treatment.

Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate comprises the matrix and conjugated thereto by the group Z, a ligand having general formula (I): wherein one X is N and the other X is N, CCL or CCn; A1 and A2 are each independently O, S or N—R1 and R1 is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or ?-phenylethyl; B1 and B2 are each independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbon linkage containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; D1 is H or a primary amino, secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imidazole, guanidine or amidino group; and D2 is a secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imidazole, guanidine or amidino group; or B2—D2 is —CHCOOH—(CH2)3-4—NH2; and p is 0 or 1. Such conjugates are useful for the separation, isolation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of an endotoxin.

Abstract: The invention relates to filtration media having nanocrystals of metal oxides, encapsulated in or impregnated into a binder matrix, which binds together particles of activated carbon. The filtration media can be compressed into a filtration block, has low pressure drop, and has excellent microbial removal properties.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a production process of a microfluidic device in which a porous resin layer, which is capable of optimally fixing a large amount of enzyme, antigen or other protein or catalyst on the inner surface of a minute channel of a microfluidic device without obstructing said channel, is formed at a uniform thickness on the surface of said channel. In the present invention, by preliminarily forming a porous resin layer having a large number of pores in its surface on a substrate, and forming an indentation having a porous resin layer on its bottom surface by using an activating energy beam-curable composition on said porous resin layer, followed by forming a channel by adhering a member serving as a cover to said indentation, a porous resin layer can easily be formed at a uniform thickness on the surface of said channel.

Abstract: A filter module provided with a housing (3) having an inlet (6) for a liquid to be filtered and an outlet (10) for filtered liquid, with a first filter element (7-9, 12) accommodated in the housing (3), in the form of a porous mass provided with a central through-opening, to which the inlet (6) connects, and with a second filter element (1) accommodated in the housing (3) in the form of a number of lengths of tube-shaped filtering membrane (2), which together define a cylinder shape, which cylinder shape, at at least one extremity, between the open-ended filter membranes (2), is filled up with a sealing material, to which extremity the outlet (10) connects. The inlet (6) connects to the central through-opening of the first filter element (7-9, 12), which is surrounded by the second filter element (1), which has the form of a tubular casing obtained by winding from tube-shaped filtering membrane (2).

Abstract: A process for purifying a liquid from a dissolved solute includes the exposure of the liquid to a material absorbing the liquid in preference to the dissolved solute. The dissolved solute is adsorbed onto the material. Through exposure of the dissolved solute adsorbed on said material to output of an ionization source, solute release from the material occurs. Purification of the liquid to remove the dissolved solute occurs through the release of the liquid from said material separate from the release of the dissolved solute. A system for purifying a liquid from a dissolved solute includes a super absorbent polymer within a housing. A pH source is provided to released purified absorbed liquid portion A via a first outlet in the housing for collecting the released absorbed liquid portion A. An ionization source releases solute absorbed liquid portion B that is collected as a solute rich adsorbed liquid portion B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of a mixture comprising an organic and an aqueous phase making use of a solid phase system. Still further the invention refers to a specific solid phase system, namely a spin column which can be used in order to carry out said method in an easy way. According to preferred embodiments the organic phase is phenol or phenol/chloroform.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of water-softening using a water-softening product and products useful in such methods. The invention describes such products and processes wherein a change to the product occurs during the water-softening process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a separation medium starting with an aqueous solution of spherical and preferably functionalised primary particles of defined size, comprising the following steps: a) inverse suspension dispersing said aqueous solution of primary particles as droplets in oil; b) evaporation to remove said aqueous solution and fusion between particles to form spherical aggregates; c) size fractionation of aggregates from step b); and optionally d) repeating steps a) to c) an optional number of times to form progressively larger spherical aggregates. The invention also relates to a separation medium produced by this method. The present separation medium can be used in chromatography in the form of essentially spherical aggregates in packed or expanded bed columns or in the form of assembled aggregates on a support for filtration purposes.

Abstract: The filtration device mainly contains a hollow body member having a water inlet and a water outlet at two ends; a number of open-top container members vertically stacked and reliably positioned, inside the body member; and a number of agent members placed inside the container members respectively. Each of the container members has a number of through holes arranged spirally at the bottom so that the water is forced into a swirl as it flows through the container members to make full utilization of the agent members. The body member is sealed by a cover that can be easily twisted close or open. As such, the standardized container members can be easily accessed and the agent members can be easily replaced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel supply and fuel system with an ion filter and an ion gauge. The filter can be made from discrete pieces of polymeric filter material. The polymeric filter material is substantially the same as the proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in the fuel cell. The ion gauge measures the level of ions in the fuel by measuring a voltage across a section of fuel or a current through the same section. The voltage or current is related to the ion level in the fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in products and processes for cleaning up oil, chemical, or other hydrocarbon spills, and cleaning up the environment where such spills have occurred. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adsorbent polymeric composition which is oleophilic and capable of adsorption of other chemicals and hydrocarbons from both land and water, the adsorbent composition including polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, catalyst, cross-linking agent, lubricant, blowing agent and a bulking agent. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacture of an adsorbent composition for use in retrieving and recycling oil, chemicals and hydrocarbons from land or water environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides charged separation media, kits comprising the separation media, and methods of using the same to bind and optionally isolate biological molecules. The charged separation media and methods utilize a polyion non-covalently bound to the separation media to bind the desired biological molecule to the separation media.

Abstract: There are disclosed a water filter, a method and a system for producing potable water. In an embodiment, the water filter includes a pervious concrete section having an input portion and an output portion. Input portion provides unfiltered water to the section. Output portion receives filtered water from the section and provides the filtered water to a location for collection. In one embodiment, the method includes providing unfiltered water to an input portion of a pervious concrete section of the filter, receiving filtered water from an output portion of the filter, and providing the filtered water to a location for collection. In another embodiment, the system includes a water filter having a pervious concrete section with an input portion and an output portion, a storage portion for providing unfiltered water to the input portion, and a collector portion for receiving filtered water. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A separating agent which combines a high optical resolving power inherent in polysaccharide derivatives with sufficient solvent resistance and a method with which the separating agent can be produced efficiently in short steps. The separating agent for enantiomeric isomers is characterized in that a polymerizable polysaccharide derivative of a polysaccharide derivative having polymerizable functional groups and a polymerizable monomer having polymerizable unsaturated groups are copolymerized with a carrier having polymerizable functional groups to be chemically bound mutually. The separating agent is preferably used for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and has an excellent solvent resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting condensed water of an air conditioner evaporator in heavy construction equipment is disclosed, which is able to receive condensed water into a receiver from an evaporator and treats the same which comprises a body which is installed at one side of the evaporator and includes a plurality of support frames provided in the interior of the same, with its upper and lower sides being fixed with a vibration resistant member; a water collection pipe which allows the condensed water produced from the evaporator to be supplied to a water inlet valve; a storing tank which is connected with the water inlet valve and stores condensed water inputted via the water inlet valve; a water purification filter which filters dirt, heavy metallic substances and organic chemicals contained in the condensed water supplied from the storing tank; and a water purification tank which stores the filtered condensed water and has a pipe extended to the outside of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing multi-modal anion-exchange ligands, which comprises providing a cyclic three-functional scaffold comprising an amine, a carbonyl and a thiol; optionally derivatisation of the amine of the scaffold to provide an anion-exchanging group and/or to protect the amine; and aminolysis to open up the derivative by adding a reagent comprising an amine coupled to a residue R in order to add said amine to the carbonyl carbon of the opened scaffold. The scaffold is advantageously homocysteine thiolactone. In one embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of immobilising the opened scaffold to a base matrix to provide a separation medium, such as a chromatography medium.