Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dechlorinating chitosan fiber is provided. The method includes preparing a spinning solution and performing wet spinning with the spinning solution. The spinning solution is prepared by dispersing calcium sulfite and chitosan or derivates thereof in a solvent, wherein when the solvent is 100 parts by weight, the chitosan or derivates thereof is about 3-5 parts by weight and the calcium sulfite is about 3-5 parts by weight.

Abstract: A filter material comprising a nonwoven fabric which comprises an ultra-fine continuous fiber having a mean fiber diameter of 0.05 to 1.8 ?m is prepared by dissolving or eluting a water-soluble thermoplastic resin from a nonwoven fabric or nonwoven web which comprises a conjugate continuous fiber comprising the water-soluble thermoplastic resin and a water-insoluble thermoplastic resin with a hydrophilic solvent and allowing to remain part of the water-soluble thermoplastic resin in the nonwoven fabric or the nonwoven web. In the filter material, the ultra-fine continuous fiber forms a bundle having a mean width of 3 to 100 ?m and the nonwoven fabric has an occupancy area ratio of the bundle of the ultra-fine continuous fiber of 1 to 20% in the surface of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric also satisfies the following formula: 100×(B)/(A)?5 wherein (B) is a tensile strength (kgf/5 cm) in each of a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the nonwoven fabric and (A) is a fabric weight (g/m2).

Abstract: Filtration media including at least one layer of nanofibers having average diameters less than 1000 nanometers with optional scrim layer(s) are disclosed for filtering particulate matter in liquid. The media achieve flow rates of at least 0.055 L/min/cm2 at relatively high levels of solidity. The media have also advantageously been found to have non-diminishing flow rates as differential pressures increase between 2 psi (14 kPa) and 15 psi (100 kPa).

Abstract: Fabric comprising a plurality of fibers (F) comprising at least one polymer material (P) selected from the group consisting of: (1) a blend (B12) composed of at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) and at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone); (2) a polymer (P3) comprising sulfone groups, ketone groups and arylene groups, and (3) a blend (B123) thereof. Filter assemblies and filtration systems incorporating such fabric.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane includes, in an exemplary embodiment, mixing together a first fine powder PTFE resin and a second fine powder PTFE resin to form a PTFE resin mixture. The first PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming more and longer fibrils than fibrils formed from the second PTFE resin. The second PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming thicker nodes than nodes formed from the first PTFE resin. The method also includes forming a preform from the PTFE resin mixture, extruding the preform into a tape, passing the tape through a plurality of opposing calender rolls to form a calendered tape having a thickness of about 380 ?m to about 1200 ?m, and stretching the calendered tape in the transverse direction to form a porous membrane having a plurality of nodes and fibrils and having a thickness of at least about 100 ?m.

Abstract: Composite media, systems, and devices for substantially removing, or otherwise processing, one or more constituents of a fluid stream. The composite media comprise a plurality of beads, each having a matrix substantially comprising polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and supporting one or more active components which are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream. Due to the porosity and large surface area of the beads, a high level of contact is achieved between composite media of the present invention and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the homogeneity of the beads facilitates use of the beads in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a large volume of flow per unit of time.

Abstract: A filter made from a blend of a polymeric fibrous pulp having a length weighted average fiber length between 0.5 and 1.1 mm and a polymeric fibrous micropulp having a volume weighted average fiber length between 1.0-200.0 micrometers in which the ratio of average fiber length of the fibrous pulp to fibrous micropulp is greater than or equal to about 4:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber reinforced ceramic filter for molten metal filtration that comprises a bonded network of graphitized carbon and a method for producing such filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for oil-water separation comprising water-repellent resin fiber and inorganic fiber. Further, the present invention provides a device for oil-water separation and a method for oil-water separation, using the filter.

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 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. 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 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: A filter media is formed from electrospun fine fibers and coarse fibers which are entangled and integrated together into a single fiber composite filter media layer.

Abstract: Wet laid, nonwoven, fibrous mats suitable for making MERV 6 or higher filters, and methods of making the nonwoven mats are disclosed. The mats include a blend comprising a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of man-made polymer fibers, such as polyester fibers, the fibers being bound together with a cured binder having a Tg in the range of about minus 30 to about 50 degrees C. The mats are pleated prior to assembling the filter in conventional manner. The only fibrous mat in the filters is wet laid fibrous nonwoven mat and the pleated filter media needs no other means of support in the filter frame.

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: A method for removing leukocytes, whereby leukocytes can be removed at a higher level of performance in a short filtration time without clogging. A method comprising passing a leukocyte-containing liquid through a filter for removing leukocytes made of a nonwoven fabric having an average fiber diameter of from 0.3 to 3.0 ?m, and thus removing the leukocytes from the leukocyte-containing liquid, to give a leukocyte-free liquid, characterized by using a nonwoven fabric having a formation index (y) of 50 or less corresponding to a thickness of 0.3 mm; use of a leukocyte removal filter therefore; and the leukocyte removal filter.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: Wet laid, nonwoven, fibrous mats suitable for making MERV 6 or higher, filters, and methods of making the nonwoven mats filter media are disclosed. The mats include a blend comprising a major portion of glass fibers, a minor portion of man-made polymer fibers, such as polyester fibers and about 0-30 wt. percent of chemically cross linked bleached Kraft pulp the fibers, and optionally fully bleached softwood Kraft pulp, the fibers being bound together with a cured binder having a Tg in the range of about minus 30 to about 50 degrees C. The mats are pleated prior to assembling the filter in conventional manner. The only fibrous mat in the filters is wet laid fibrous nonwoven mat and the pleated filter media needs no other means of support in the filter frame.

Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a fluid path set with a first section adapted for connection to a syringe and to a source of fluid to be loaded into the syringe, and a second section that is removably connected to the first section. A connector removably connects the first and second sections. The connector includes a first connector member having a first luer member and a first annular member disposed about the first luer member. The connector further includes a second connector member having a second luer member and a second annular member disposed about the second luer member. A check valve arrangement is disposed in of one of the first and second connector members for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the connector. The first and second annular members are adapted to operably engage to securely and releasably connect the first and second connector members.

Abstract: Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in sediment, soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, that is needlepunched to an outer geotextile sheet layer to provide a high loft, structurally secured, pre-formed geotextile having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g.

Abstract: A fiber containing a bound active material, such as a metal oxide, under 20 microns in diameter. The inventive fiber is formed through the mixing of the fibers with a cationic or anionic polymer in one tank, the active material with a cationic or anionic polymer in a second tank, the opposite zeta potential of that used with the active material, and then mixing the active material/polymer and fiber/polymer blends together.

Abstract: A nonwoven is described comprising thermoplastic fibers with a fusion temperature Tm(th), bonding fibers 1 with a fusion temperature Tm(1), and bonding fibers 2 with a fusion temperature Tm(2), whereby for Tm(th), Tm(1), and Tm(2) the condition Tm(th)>Tm(1)>Tm(2) applies, and whereby the nonwoven contains the bonding fibers in the form of a solidified melt. Furthermore, a tufted nonwoven of the aforementioned type is described that contains tuft fibers. Finally, articles are described that contain the nonwoven or the tufted nonwoven.

Abstract: A filter made from a blend of a polymeric fibrous pulp having a length weighted average fiber length between 0.5 and 1.1 mm and a polymeric fibrous micropulp having a volume weighted average fiber length between 1.0-200.0 micrometers in which the ratio of average fiber length of the fibrous pulp to fibrous micropulp is greater than or equal to about 4:1.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

Abstract: A device and method for purifying waste water and stormwater flows by passage through a filter, which can be manufactured in various configurations. The filter has a broad range of thickness ranging from 1 mm to 20 meters. The filter is comprised of fibers from a melt of composition of 50% silicon dioxide, 15% aluminum oxide, 15% calcium oxide, 10% magnesium oxide, and other various oxides at lower percentages. At least the majority of fibers having a mean diameter of 4 microns and a mean length of 3 mm. The fiber solids of content of the material are at most 35% of the volume at a flow rate greater than 1 inch per hour to remove various pollutants from the water flow.

Abstract: Provided are filter elements and methods of making and using the same where the filter elements are suitable for liquid filtration and contain particle-loaded meltblown fiber webs. A filter element comprises: a porous article comprising a web of self-supporting nonwoven polymeric fibers and a plurality of sorbent particles enmeshed in the web, the article comprising a first surface and a second surface; a liquid-impermeable housing surrounding the porous article; an inlet in fluid communication with the first surface; and an outlet in fluid communication with the second surface. Spiral-wound webs, web-covered blocks, and stacked disks of webs are also provided.

Abstract: A corrugated web having tapered flutes is usable in straight-through flow filter elements. The corrugated web can be made by passage between a pair of corrugated rollers having tapered teeth. Methods of making usable corrugated rollers include methods for generating the tapered teeth at the end points and the extension between the end points. Corrugated webs may be made from a variety of media, including certain media that stretches in the machine direction. Methods of forming the corrugated web into filter elements (e.g., air filter elements) includes forming filter media by securing a flat sheet to the corrugated web. The filter media may then be wound into a filter element, including application of sealant during the winding process to close selected flutes.

Abstract: A layer of fluoropolymer fine fiber can be made. The fine fiber can be made by electrospinning from a solvent or a solvent blend. The layers of the invention are useful in general filtration of fluid streams including gaseous and liquid streams. The fine fiber layers are also useful as hydrophobic filtration layers that can be used to separate water from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of a filtration device, kit and method related to filtration in storm water systems are disclosed. A filtering device generally includes a mat adapted to filter water flowing through an inlet. The mat may have a top with a mesh cover, a main filtering portion and a bottom. The main filtering portion is formed of randomly-aligned fibers and a binding agent which impart a porosity that allows water to flow through generally unimpeded while sediment is filtered by the mat. A filtration kit is provided which could include the mat or other filtering device, a plurality of attachment members and a plurality of disks which allow for securing of the attachment members. Filtration device and kit are generally easy to install and clean, durable, less expensive than competing systems, and reusable.

Abstract: A system and process for treating water are described. Water may be purified by passing feed water through an electrochemical deionization device. The water may be suitable for cooking, washing, and beverage production.

Abstract: Fluid treatment elements substantially inhibit electrical charge imbalances and/or build-ups of electrical charges. A fluid treatment element may comprise a multilayer composite including an electrically conductive fibrous matrix, having an upstream side and a downstream side, disposed on a porous substrate, also having an upstream side and a downstream side, which supports the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix may include a combination of conductive and nonconductive fibers, wherein the conductive fibers include metal, carbon, or conductive polymer fibers and substantially inhibit an electrical charge and/or build-up of electrical charge. The conductive fibers of the electrically conductive fibrous matrix may comprise less than about 50% by weight of the conductive and nonconductive fibers and may have diameters in the range from about 1 ?m or less to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: An erosion control system and method wherein a fabric filter bag is embedded with and/or filled with a flocculating polymer and is positioned on a sloping soil surface to dam and pond water flowing thereacross for settling of the particles in the water, and as the ponding water seeps into the bag the colloidal particles will be filtered or agglomerated for settling. The water then passes through and out of the bag and is further subjected to agglomeration and filtering by a skirt of filter material also impregnated with flocculating polymer, said skirt being anchored to the bag or stacked to maintain the position adjacent and downslope from the bag.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a filter assembly for filtering a fluid flowing from a first container into a second container comprises a filter panel disposed in a partition between the first and second containers. The filter panel may include a bristle filter and a frame that holds the bristle filter, and the bristle filter may include a plurality of bristles attached at their proximate ends in an adjacent configuration along the length of a base. The filter panel may be disposed such that the upper ends of the bristles are above a top surface of the fluid in the first container and the lower ends of the bristles are below the top surface of the fluid in the first container.

Abstract: A filtration material comprising a blend of at least two types of fibers: (a) polypropylene fibers and (b) either acrylic or modacrylic fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent modacrylic fibers. In another preferred embodiment, the blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent acrylic fibers. The fibers can be blended ranging from 90:10 to 10:90 polypropylene to acrylic or modacrylic. At least one type of fibers includes an extractable agent on the outer surfaces thereof. Performance of the blend is superior to the prior art filtration materials, especially at the preferred compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to functional nonwoven filter media provided by radiation-induced graft copolymerization and its production method. Meltblown type of nonwoven (Meltblown) comprised of fine fibers, less than 8 micron in diameter, of polyolefin or polyamide is chosen as the suitable grafting trunk polymer. The production methods are composed of following steps, 1) irradiation less than 30 kGy dose to the Meltblown with electron beam or gamma ray; 2) graft copolymerization of emulsified vinyl monomer onto the Meltblown; and 3) chemical conversion of ion exchange group onto the grafted vinyl monomer. These steps are independently conducted in their suitable operation conditions.

Abstract: A composite filter media structure is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite filter media structure includes a corrugated base substrate that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed by a dry-laid process that corrugates the base substrate during the forming process. The composite filter media structure also includes a nanofiber membrane deposited on at least one side of the base substrate by an electro-blown spinning process.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, mats or blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of runoff water, of livestock waste, of eutrification of waterways, and for the revetment of banks.

Abstract: A novel composite of glass fiber paper and reinforcing material that is useful for high speed manufacturing of devices comprising it is disclosed. The composite is formed by pressing into a glass fiber paper, having multimodal (at least bi-modal) composition, a hydrophilic reinforcing material. The composite has anisotropic separation properties that are particularly useful for preparing a fluid fraction from whole blood. The preferred glass fiber paper comprises glass fibers such that there are a plurality of short fibers (6) having large diameters and long fibers (2) with smaller diameters. The preferred glass fiber paper also exhibits partial ordering. There are many more of the long fibers (2) with smaller diameters than of the short fibers (6) having large diameters. Also disclosed are several blood separator device designs for efficiently separating the fluid fraction of blood from whole blood using the composite.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma or serum separator and a plasma or serum sampling method capable of isolating plasma or serum with good efficiency from a small amount of blood without using a centrifuge and without causing leakage of a blood cell component or hemolysis, and in addition, capable of isolating and collecting plasma or serum from a whole blood test sample in a short time with simplicity in a blood test in the scene of medical care requiring an instant treatment any time such as an emergency test, home-use test or the like.

Abstract: A liquid filtering instrument 10 according to the present invention achieves filtered liquid by pressure-reduced filtration, and it comprises a filter member 12 in which a liquid filter 15 is accommodated, and a holder member 14 for stocking filtered liquid passed through the liquid filter 15, wherein the filter member 12 and the holder member 14 are formed in capable of being fitted so as to be kept substantially air-tight and water-tight under pressure reduced state.

Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: An improved attached growth trickling filter (40) includes randomly-placed textile chips (65) used as the filter medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine fuel filter containing a filter medium of a filtering mass of a nanoweb preferably situated between two scrims. The scrims can be nonwoven webs and the filtering mass is located in an enclosure so as to be crossed by the fuel in its path inside the filter. The nanoweb has a basis weight between about 1.5 gsm and about 40 gsm, and can be in face-to-face and fluid contact with either or both of the upstream and downstream scrims. The nanoweb does not contain glass.

Abstract: A fabric is disclosed which is suitable for use in the manufacture of particulate filters for use in high heat environments, together with a method for making the high heat filter fabric. The filter fabric has a sliver knit pile construction, and may be manufactured on conventional knitting machines. Both the yarn used in the backing of the high heat filter fabric and the fibers used for the pile of the high heat filter fabric are made of aramid materials, and the high heat filter fabric is suitable for use in high temperatures such as those associated with coal-fired power plants.

Abstract: Described are a filter material which contains heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers and is characterized in that it additionally contains a lubricant in an amount from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, based on the paper weight of the ready-produced filter material, and also processes for producing same.

Abstract: Separation device comprising a feed channel including a shear region, permeate passage(s) extending perpendicular to the direction of the feed flow and a porous medium positioned between the shear region of the feed channel and the permeate passage(s). Separation process comprising generating a shear layer in a feed fluid and passing permeate into the permeate passage(s).