Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes and thrombocytes from a solution containing blood components, such as CRC, comprises a filter material having a first surface serving as an inlet surface and a second surface serving as an outlet surface. The outlet surface has a positive zeta potential greater than that of the inlet surface in an electrolyte solution having a pH value of 5.0 to 7.0.

Abstract: Composite articles are useful for separating mercury from fluids. The composite articles can be porous supports comprising an inert substrate having immobilized thereon finely divided gold optionally in combination with a tin salt coating. The porous support can be a particulate or porous fibrous webs. Alternatively, the composite articles can comprise a porous fibrous membrane having enmeshed therein the aforementioned porous supports which can be in particulate or fibrous forms. The method for separating elemental, ionic, or organic mercury in fluids comprises the step of contacting and passing a fluid containing mercury through a support comprising a porous, high surface area, inert substrate on which is immobilized finely divided elemental gold at a controlled rate for a time sufficient for the mercury to sorb to the elemental gold and to provide an immobilized gold-mercury amalgam on the support. If a tin salt also is immobilized on the inert substrate, mercury-tin salt can also be formed.

Abstract: A method of creating an environment which promotes dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment, or soil by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter and certain multi-valent metal particles to the water, sediment or soil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter material for selectively removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension, which comprises a porous element having an average pore diameter of 1 to 25 .mu.m and a total pore volume of 0.40 to 0.95 ml/ml of the porous element, and wherein the sum of respective pore volumes of pores of the porous element which have a pore diameter of 1 to 30 .mu.m is 90% or more, based on said total pore volume. Also disclosed is a filter apparatus for selectively removing leukocyte from a leukocyte-containing suspension which is packed with the above-mentioned filter material. By virtue of the filter material, the filter apparatus not only can remove leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension at a leukocyte removal efficiency as excellent as 10.sup.-4 or less in terms of a leukocyte residual ratio without suffering from a pressure loss increase, but also can be rendered compact.

Abstract: A magnetic filter material is disclosed. The filter material according to the present invention comprises a spray-spun, self-bonded, nonwoven fibrous structure consisting essentially of 40 to 99% by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyacrylonitrile and 1 to 60% by weight of a magnetic substance selected from the group consisting of barium ferrite, strontium ferrite and samarium-cobalt.The magnetic filter material of the present invention shows excellent filtration efficiency of metal impurities such as iron, iron oxides, and other metal dusts due to have a dual function by physical porosity and magnetic attraction, and thus is suitable as an air and oil filter medium for automobiles and other industrial machinery, a liquid filter medium for treating industrial waste water and oil, a filter medium in dust collecting and air-conditioning systems, and so forth.

Abstract: A filter for use in a concrete press mould, the filter comprising a fabric being knit or woven at least in part from heat meltable yarns and having a fabric density which permits the passage of water therethrough but prohibits the passage of particulate material, the filter being bounded around its periphery with at least one continuous imperforate band integrally formed with the fabric by fusion of said heat meltable yarns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membrane consisting of a polymer having nominal pores of 0.001-10 .mu.m. The special feature of the membranes according to the invention is that the matrix of the membrane incorporates an active adsorbent which is preferably polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Usually the polyvinyl polypyrrolidon is present in the membrane in an amount of 5-90% by weight and preferably in an amount of 30-70% by weight. Preferably the membrane is hydrophilic and is usually asymmetric or is constructed of different layers. The nominal pore size of the membrane is 0N05--5 .mu.m and preferably 0.2-1.0 .mu.m, while the membrane is tubular, flat or capillary.

Abstract: A filter material for filtering leucocytes from a fraction of or whole human blood, comprises a web having a thickness of at least about 1 millimeter and a bulk density of about 0.05 to 0.4 g/cm.sup.3. The web has a plurality of interlocked matrix fibers distributed in the web to form a matrix thereof with spaces between adjacent interstices of interlocked fibers. The matrix fibers are composed mainly of about 1 to 3 micron diameter glass fibers, i.e. at least 75% of the weight of the web being the glass fibers. A plurality of fibrillated particles of textile fiber material, having a surface area of between 5 and 100 square meters per gram are disposed within the spaces of the matrix. The weight ratio of the fibrillated particles to the matrix fibers is between about 1:99 and 40:60. A thermoplastic binder is disposed at least at cross-over portions of the matrix fibers, with the amount of the binder being about 0.1% to 10% by weight of the web.

Abstract: A gas plasma treated porous medium and method of using such a medium to separate or remove materials such as components of biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified glass fiber membranes which exhibit sufficient hydrophilicity and sufficient electropositivity to bind DNA from a suspension containing DNA and permit elution of the DNA from the membrane. Generally, the hydrophilic and electropositive characteristics are expressed at the surface of the modified glass fiber membrane. Preferred modified glass fiber membranes of the present invention include glass fiber membranes that have been modified by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), BCl.sub.3, SiCl.sub.4, NaOH, F.sup.-, AlCl.sub.3 alone or in combination, with or without water. The modified glass fiber membranes of the present invention are particularly useful in processes for purification of DNA from other cellular components.

Abstract: In a method of producing spacer elements between pairs of mutually facing membrane surfaces for a fluid purifier, to minimize the number of separate parts required in the assembly of a membrane module for the fluid purifier, the sides of mutually parallel strings of spacer material are joined with the surfaces obliquely to a longitudinal extension of the surfaces. The surfaces are turned to face one another with respective parallel strings intersecting and abutting one another.

Abstract: An axial flow filtration cartridge, a system, a support assembly, an apparatus, as well as a process are provided for removing particulate matter as well as dissolved heavy metal ions and the like from an aqueous effluent stream. The invention is useful for removing contaminants from industrial waste streams. The cartridge contains features which make it relatively resistant to fouling by solid particles. Additionally, the cartridge has no central void volume. No separate housing for the cartridges is required. In a system embodiment the cartridge has a filtering chamber containing absorbent clay particles confined between porous liquid-permeable retainer. An upstream cartridge cap and a downstream cartridge cap removably receive the ends of the filter cartridge in a liquid-tight seal. The flow of aqueous effluent to each of the cartridges is individually controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane elements for reverse osmosis, comprising a permeate pipe with a membrane wound around it, around which glass fibers are wound radially and fixed by reaction resins, and is characterized in that the reaction resins are cross linked by photopolymerization.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus and method for treating fluid to remove undesirable constituents contained therein are disclosed. The apparatus and method include employing a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter is preferably chosen from metals having: favorable redox potentials relative to the redox potentials of the undesirable constituents so as to establish conditions for spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions between the undesirable constituents and the metal particles and/or having bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties in the case where the undesirable constituent sought to be treated is a bacteria.

Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, through a filter media comprised of pecan hulls, while clean liquid exits the vessel, leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a pump suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.

Abstract: A tertiary treatment unit is provided that has a first filtration unit operatively connected to an influent for filtering solids therefrom to form an effluent, a second filtration unit operatively connected to the first filtration unit to receive the effluent and to filter finer solids and bacteria and viruses from the effluent, a supply tank operatively connected to the effluent to provide chemicals that are mixed into the effluent, and a reactor that receives the effluent and removes nitrogen and some phosphorous therefrom to form a treated effluent. The treatment unit further has a first adsorption unit that receives the treated effluent and adsorbs additional nitrogen, BOD, TSS and certain chemicals from the treated effluent, and a second adsorption unit that receives the partially adsorbed treated effluent from the first adsorption unit and adsorbs additional phosphorous from the treated effluent to form the final effluent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of shower water by the intimate contact with finely divided metal comprising copper and zinc. This apparatus causes turbulence of the water in contact with the metal. Also a method for the purification of water by the intimate contacting of shower water in a turbulent state with finely divided metal comprising copper and zinc. A showerhead can be directly connected to the outlet supplying purified water.

Abstract: An electrically charged air filter which comprises a blend of clean expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene fibers and clean polyamide fibers.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies and methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter from a leucocyte-containing liquid are disclosed. Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies have a generally cylindrical housing having first and second chambers and an inlet into the first chamber and an outlet from the second chamber and a vent. A porous degassing element is positioned between the first and second chambers to remove gas from the liquid and the degassing element communicates with a vent covered with a liquophobic membrane which allows gas but not the liquid to flow through the vent. A hollow, cylindrical filter element is positioned in the second chamber and comprises a fibrous mass of microfibers capable of decreasing the leucocyte content of the liquid at a flow rate capacity of six liters per minute at a differential pressure of less than 15 psi.

Abstract: A deproteinization filler comprises an aggregate of hydroxyapatite fibers having a three dimensional network structure. The mean radius of pores defined by the aggregate is approximately 0.02 .mu.m to approximately 0.08 .mu.m, the specific surface of the aggregate is approximately 25 m.sup.2 /g to approximately 65 m.sup.2 /g and the mean diameter of particles defined by the aggregate is approximately 1 .mu.m to approximately 30 .mu.m. The filler is produced by a given method. The filler may be contained in a throwaway cartridge.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay surface with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers. In a preferred embodiment, a water-insoluble adhesive is applied to at least one of the fabric layers to lock the interconnecting fibers in place and substantially increase the structural integrity, particularly the shear strength, of the article.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: In the preparation of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) filaments, hydrogen chloride is removed from as-produced amide solution of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) by contact with basic ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A water filtration system is disclosed for removing solid particulates from water, and in particular from storm water collection basins prior to passage into a storm water sewer system, comprising an ingress conduit to bring water into the system, a primary filter, a secondary filter of granular material, a primary filter carrier receptacle containing the primary filter which allows water to pass through but not the granules of the secondary filter, a collection conduit to remove the filtered water, and an access port connecting to the carrier receptacle which allows the primary filter to be removed from and returned to the carrier receptacle without disturbing the secondary filter. Preferably the system also comprises a rigid, water impermeable, closed housing. Alternatively, the housing may be constructed of a number of modular units joined together.

Abstract: A regenerable deep bed filter element and method for making it, the element being provided as a closed system, in the case of which a deep bed filter (21), disposed inside at least one hollow-cylindrical chamber (17), is formed by a bulk material filling of regenerable, filtration-active substances of a particulate and/or fibrous structure. The hollow-cylindrical chamber accommodates radial flow by means of porous inner and outer peripheral walls (18, 19). The deep bed filter can be either washed, or regenerated by flushing back with water, steam or chemical cleansing agents, during which the filtration-active substances remain inside the chamber (17).

Abstract: A filter material for filtering leucocytes from a fraction of or whole human blood, comprises a textile web having a thickness of between about 2 millimeters to about 12 millimeters and a bulk density of about 0.05 to 0.4 g/cm.sup.3. The web has a plurality of interlocked textile fibers with average deniers between about 0.05 and 0.75 and average lengths between about 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters. The textile fibers are distributed in the web to form a matrix thereof with spaces between adjacent interstices of interlocked fibers. A plurality of fibrillated particles of textile fiber material, having a surface area of between 5 and 100 square meters per gram are disposed within the spaces of the matrix. The weight ratio of the fibrillated particles to the textile fibers is between about 1:99 and 40:60. A plurality of glass fibers, having an average diameter of between 0.1 and 5 microns and being about 2% to 85% of the web, also form part of the matrix.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a water-insoluble pyrogen adsorbent composed of a polymer possessing amide groups optionally modified, said polymer being, e.g., a poly amino acid, a nylon, on a polyacrylamide.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for separating fluids or non-biotechnological products in solution, wherein said apparatus has a fibrous element which permits flow of fluids therethrough and is composed of irreversibly set non-graphitic carbonaceous fibers having an LOI greater than 40.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies decrease the leucocyte content of a biological fluid in an extracorporeal circuit. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter are also disclosed. The removal medium used in these assemblies and methods may be pleated structures which have been subjected to gas plasma treatment, improving the amount of leucocytes removed and increasing the amount of platelets which pass through the medium.

Abstract: A filter device and method are provided for treating parenteral nutrient fluids, particularly TNA systems containing lipids, glucose, and amino acids. The filter device comprises a housing and a microporous medium in the form of a synthetic polymeric microporous structure having a pore rating of less than 1.2 micrometers. A preferred microporous medium comprises, in series, a matrix of microfibers which has been radiation grafted to render the matrix wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids followed by a microporous membrane, also wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids, and having a finer pore rating than the microfibrous matrix.

Abstract: A composite article comprising, in the unexpanded form, a fibrillated PTFE matrix and a combination of energy expandable hollow polymeric particles and sorptive particles, which composite, on applying energy such as steam, heat, or laser energy, provides an expanded article having increased void volume and decreased density. The expanded articles are porous and efficient articles for separation and purification applications. In flat or rolled form, the composite article can be used in separation devices.

Abstract: A repair method for filter elements such as those used to filter polyester during the later stages of polyester manufacture in which the filter media is a particulate solid media arranged in a desired shape and maintained in that shape by a surrounding porous container that has filtration openings of a desired size. The method fills undesirably large openings in the surrounding porous container that result from damage to the container and through which enlarged openings the particulate solid media would otherwise escape with a polymeric resin. The polymeric resin is a resin with a glass transition temperature when cured that is at least greater than the melting point of polyester, and that has an absence of any chemical functional groups at temperatures at least as great as the melting point of polyester that would substantially react with polyester, the glycol precursors of polyester, the acid precursors of polyester, or the solvents useful in cleaning polyester from such filter elements.

Abstract: A composite article comprising, in the unexpanded form, a fibrillated PTFE matrix and a combination of energy expandable hollow polymeric particles and sorptive particles, which composite, on applying energy such as steam, heat, or laser energy, provides an expanded article having increased void volume and decreased density. The expanded articles are porous and efficient articles for separation and purification applications. In flat or rolled form, the composite article can be used in separation devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

Abstract: A porous mineral support such as a porous mineral oxide coated with an aminated polysaccharide polymer has cationic characteristics and is capable of reversibly fixing thereto biological macromolecules. This material is employed in the separation and purification of said biologic macromolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter aid for analytical use and method for preparing the same, more particularly, a filter aid for analytical use consisting essentially of tangled short-length ceramic fibers having a bulk density in the range of about 0.02-0.18 g/cm.sup.3 and method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A device for producing mineral-containing water comprises a case communicated with a water outlet of a water storage vessel with or without the use of a plug, the case being provided with a plurality of small diameter water passages. Small masses of ceramics serving as mineral-water production material are accommodated in the case. The device permits only a required quantity of supply water to be rendered to mineral-containing water for drinking or cooking, by contacting the water with the small masses of ceramics. Mineral-containing water is produced when pouring supply water from the faucet into the water storage vessel, for instance, a canteen, a kettle, a pot, a bottle, etc., and this requires no substantial change in the appearance of the vessel or in the operation of pouring water.

Abstract: The present invention describes a filter medium and a method of filtering metals from liquids, such as waste water, in which the metals are filtered from the liquids and are chemically fixed in the resulting filter cake in a nonhazardous and nontoxic form so that they may be disposed of in nonhazardous landfills. When all or a portion of the metals are dissolved, they are first precipitated and then filtered and chemically fixed.

Abstract: A water filter provides good tasting, potable water without chemical biocides. A water filter utilizing activated carbon to rid the water of undesirable chemicals and the like has dolomite added to the activated carbon. The dolomite acts as a nutrient for harmless bacteria and thereby promotes the growth of the harmless bacteria to the exclusion of harmful bacteria. Dolomite produces a slight alkalinity for improved taste, provides magnesium and calcium as dietary supplements, and encourages the growth of bacteria that produce no undesirable metabolites.

Abstract: A filter for absorbing proteins in an aqueous solution which is circulated and constrained to flow through the filter includes numerous absorbent units formed of a polymeric material for absorbing the proteins, sand for slowing the rate of flow of the aqueous solution sufficiently to permit the absorbent units to absorb the proteins, and a water-permeable envelope for containing the absorbent units and the sand. The polymeric material is preferably of an open-cell variety and preferably macroporous, cross-linked polystyrene. The sand is preferably common, washed commercial silica. The envelope is formed of a stretch-resistant nylon mesh to minimize the escape of the sand and the absorbent units. The absorbent units preferably have pores, and the pores have diameters of about 60 to 250 Angstroms and the units preferably have a surface area of about 200 to 900 square meters per gram and a porosity of between 0.20 and 0.90 milliliters of pore per milliliter of bead.

Abstract: A mixed filter bed composition for purifying water for human consumption containing inorganic, organic and biological contaminants said composition comprising:(a) from about 40% to about 80% by weight of carbonous sorbent;(b) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of activated alumina;(c) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of silica hydrogel;(d) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of zeolite; and(e) from about 0% to about 10% by weight of metallic components that generate metallic cations.The present invention provides potable water free of organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants. The present invention also imparts the desirable filtration characteristics of traditional adsorbents while avoiding increased biological contamination of drinking water during the filtration process.

Abstract: A regenerable deep bed filter element provided as a closed system, in the case of which a deep bed filter (21), disposed inside at least one hollow-cylindrical chamber (17), if formed by a bulk material filling of regenerable, filtration-active substances of a particulate and/or fibrous structure. The hollow-cylindrical chamber can be flowed through radially by means of porous inner and outer peripheral walls (18, 19). The deep bed filter can be regenerated by flushing back with water, steam or chemical cleansing agents, during which the filtration-active substances remain inside the chamber (17).

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for separating fluids or non-biotechnological products in solution, wherein said apparatus has a fibrous element which permits flow of fluids therethrough the improvement wherein the fibrous element is composed of non-flammable irreversibly heat set non-graphitic carbonaceous fibers having an LOI greater than 40.

Abstract: In a filter bed (11) for the solid/fluid separation of media which contain substances that attack or dissolve cellulose, for example cellulase-containing enzymes, a matrix comprising a fibrous material structure of polyolefin fibrid particles (12) which are matted and anchored in one another and which can additionally contain up to 20% by weight of narrower fibrid polyolefin fibres and/or polyolefin fibres that have a fibre length of up to 5 mm. and have just started to fibrillate, in order to strengthen the sheet formation of the matrix. The actual filter-active particles, in particular kieselguhr particles and/or perlite particles having grain sizes of 5 to 100 um., are embedded in the cellulose-free fiber matrix.

Abstract: A method for separating plasma from red blood cells and a device utilizing the method in which a low-pressure filter is interposed in a pathway between an inlet port and a reaction area. The sole driving force for the movement of plasma from the filter to the reaction area is capillary force provided by a tubular capillary. The filter is selected from glass microfiber filters of specified characteristics, which can operate in the absence of agglutinins, and filters capable of separating agglutinated red cells from plasma, which require the use of an agglutinin.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by quilting, with threads, fibers, filaments or strands of flexible material at spaced locations over essentially the entire outer surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter cartridge by polymerization of a polyethylene hydrocarbon with granular elements are set forth. The method involves the preparation of a mixture comprising the hydrocarbon and the granular elements, then introduction of the mixture into a mold which is formed by a first porous wall and a second porous wall, these walls being connected to a jacket, the introduction of the mold in an oven so as to raise the temperature of the mixture and by a thermal polymerization reaction to transform the hydrocarbon into a material binding the granular elements of the mixture, the assembly of the material and granular elements then forming a cartridge, and injection of a chemically inert gaseous composition into the mold through one of the walls to impart fluid permeability to the cartridge.

Abstract: A silica glass filter comprises a porous support body composed of amorphous silica particles as a porous sintered body and having a purity of 99.9% or more and containing 150 ppm or less in total of impurities including alkali, alkali metal, heavy metal and/or elements of III B group, and a filtration layer formed on the support body. The filtration layer is composed of amorphous silica particles as a porous sintered body in a fine mode and has substantially the same purity as that of the support body.

Abstract: A substantially dry filtering media for rejuvenating glyceride oils is formed by admixing a calcined metallic oxide and an expanded silicate in a tumbler having grounded, electrically conducting walls for a period of time to electrostatically produce an agglomerate. Specific examples of metallic oxides are calcined magnesium oxide, calcined aluminum oxide, calcined potassium oxide, calcined calcium oxide, calcined zinc oxide and calcined ferric oxide. Examples of the silicate are expanded perlite and expanded pumice. The agglomerate so formed is of sufficient size to facilitate filtering of the oil, and subsequent removal of the media from the rejuvenated oil.