Abstract: The invention is a filter for gaseous media in which nano alumina fibers and second fibers are arranged in a matrix to create asymmetrical pores. The filter is a high efficiency, high capacity particulate filter that intercepts pathogens and other particulate matter from gaseous media, including vapor-suspended particles. The new filter has an improved retention of water-aerosolized particles as compared to conventional HEPA filters and may be used as a pre-filter that extends the life of HEPA filters by about five to ten times. The invention is also a method of manufacturing and using the filter.

Abstract: A filter material has one or more plies of fiber layers, in particular for the production of filter bags and filter cones for infused beverages, the at least one fiber layer containing fibers or microcapsules having phase change material. Paraffinic hydrocarbons can be used as the phase change material.

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, 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: 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: An insert apparatus for placement in a rain gutter includes a porous insert body including a plurality of randomly arranged filaments attached to one another to form a mat. The insert apparatus is shaped to fit within an inside channel of a rain gutter. Optionally, the apparatus may include a cover panel, comprising a screen, attached to the top of the insert body. Additionally, the apparatus may include a panel provided with holes therethrough, covering the screen panel. In use, the insert apparatus is placed inside of the gutter channel so as to substantially fill part of the channel, blocking entry of debris into the gutter. When placed in the gutter channel, the insert apparatus substantially prevents foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc, from collecting in the channel. The insert apparatus may be configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in the gutter.

Abstract: Carbon or activated carbon nanofibers are made from fibrillated nanofibers having a Canadian Standard Freeness of less than about 100, and/or a fiber diameter of less than or equal to about 400 nm. BET surface areas are greater than about 800 m2/g The fibrillated nanofibers can be made into a precursor paper and subjected to heat treatment to form carbon or activated carbon nanofiber sheets. A method of making is disclosed wherein carbonization occurs at a temperature of less than about 600° C. Activation occurs at temperatures greater than about 875° C. in less than or equal to about 30 minutes in an oxidizing atmosphere. Single step carbonization and activation in an oxidizing atmosphere is also disclosed. The carbon nanofibers or structures made therefrom are useful as filter media providing efficient adsorption and interception of microbiological contaminants due to the microporous carbon nanofiber structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the inactivation of a virus comprising a housing delimiting a fluid passageway, the passageway being provided with a filtering material having ionic copper selected from the group consisting of Cu+ and Cu++ ions and combinations thereof incorporated therein.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber wick is provided for use in processing an analyte fluid. The bicomponent fiber wick comprises a self-sustaining, fluid transmissive body comprising a plurality of bundled, crimped, bicomponent fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. Each bicomponent fiber has a fiber structure comprising a first fiber component formed from a polyamide material and a second fiber component. The fibers collectively define tortuous fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body, the fiber structure being configured for controlling flow of the analyte fluid through the fluid transmissive body with at least a portion of the first fiber component in contact with the analyte fluid.

Abstract: A device for filtering a fluid includes a fiber housing having an inlet end with at least one inlet and an outlet end with at least one outlet. The fiber housing surrounds and defines an outer bound for a plurality of fibers extending longitudinally in the fiber housing between the inlet end and the outlet end, whereby longitudinally extending interspaces is provided between the fibers, with the interspaces defining a plurality of flow passages for the fluid. At least part of the fiber housing is formed of a flexible membrane surrounding the fibers, and a compression tool is provided for creating a pressure on an outer surface of the flexible membrane thereby compressing the fibers in a radial direction at least one location along the length of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtering medium based on a photocatalytic agent and activated carbon, characterized in that it comprises a permeable support covered with a first layer based on activated carbon, then a separate second layer based on a photocatalytic agent, or vice versa. The invention also concerns a method for making such a filtering medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing contaminants from lipophilic fluids, adsorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: The collecting filter can capture and collect various chlorinated organic compounds in both particulate form and gaseous form contained in a fluid at the same time, and is easy to extract the collected chlorinated organic compounds therefrom. This collecting filter 7 is provided with a fluid-permeable molded body containing fibers and an inorganic binder for binding the fibers to one another, and a hydrophobic material having higher hydrophobicity than that of the fibers and the inorganic binder, which is retained in the molded body. Various chlorinated organic compounds such as dioxins in both particulate form and gaseous form contained in the sample gas are captured and collected upon passage through the collecting filter 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: A filtration portion 11 constituting a filter element 3 is composed of a first filtration material 9 wound around the outer periphery of an inner tube 8 and a second filtration material 10 wound tightly around the outer peripheral surface of the first filtration material 9, and gas comprising oil mist is passed inside the filtration portion 11 from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface thereof. As a result, a filter with good oil mist separation efficiency can be provided in which oil mist can be trapped and caused to condensate into oil drops with the first filtration material 9 and the oil drops can be grown with the second filtration material 10 and separated from the gas.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide various embodiments of filtration media and in-tank fuel filters suitable for filtration of alternative fuels. In one exemplary embodiment, an in-tank fuel filter generally includes a filter body. The filter body includes an interior and first and second panels of filtration media. The first and second panels of filtration media include needle-punched non-woven filtration media. There is an opening in the filter body for providing fluid communication with the interior of the filter body.

Abstract: Blood separation media include a non-woven web of fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers. The fibrillated synthetic staple fibers will most preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of less than about 300 mL, whereas the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers have a CSF of greater than about 700 mL. Preferably, the fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 20 to 90 wt. %, and the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 80 wt. %. The fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers may be formed of the same, or different, polymeric material, such as polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, poyacrylonitriles, and polyamides. Especially preferred blood separation media will comprise a blend of fibrillated acrylic fibers, and a mixture of non-fibrillated nylon and polyester fibers, wherein the ratio of nylon and polyester fibers in the mixture thereof is between about 1:4 to about 1:2.

Abstract: A dual filter apparatus and a process of making a dual filter apparatus that minimizes disruption to the normal flow pattern through the filter apparatus by forming a porous medium suitable to carry a fluid activator and placing an activator proximate the porous filter medium for in situ fluid treatment and removal of debris from the fluid by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.

Abstract: A filter element in which several layers (2, 3, 5, 7, 8) made of a filtering medium are joined contiguously in the direction of flow with at least one layer (2, 7) made of a filtering medium with a high storage capacity and a low degree of separation being arranged on the in-flow side and at least one layer (3, 8) made of a filtering medium with a low storage capacity and a high degree of separation being arranged on the out-flow side. Preferably the in-flow filtering medium is made of a filter paper containing cellulose or of a melt-blown material, and the out-flow side filtering medium is produced from a filter paper containing cellulose.

Abstract: A biofilter material for biofiltering a fluid is disclosed. This biofilter material comprises fragments of coconut mesocarp. A wastewater treatment system is also disclosed and comprises a filter bed and a water distribution system. The filter bed comprises fragments of coconut mesocarp as a biofilter material.

Abstract: Segregating membrane supporting material is a three-dimensional assembly of fibers thermo-compressed into non-woven fabric, and the non-woven fabric fibers are joined together in sheet form. This segregating membrane supporting material is non-woven fabric, including at least 10 weight % polyacrylonitrile-based synthetic fibers, which is thermo-compressed to give an overall bulk density 40% to 75% of the density of the fibers which make up the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanically stable, porous shaped activated carbon article having a first three-dimensional framework structure based on carbonized resin, a second three-dimensional inorganic framework structure comprising ceramic material and/or baked refractory material, and binding agent, as well as activated carbon particles, in which the first and second framework structures penetrate each other at least partially and the activated carbon particles are fixed to the framework structures. The invention also relates to a process for the production of such a shaped activated carbon article and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: An improved cartridge, typically in cylindrical or panel form that can be used in a dry or wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The cartridge is cleanable using a stream of service water, or by rapping on a solid object, or by using a compressed gas stream, but can provide exceptional filtering properties even for submicron particulate in the household or industrial environment. The cartridge has a combination of nanofiber filtration layer on a substrate. The nanofiber and substrate are engineered to obtain a maximum efficiency at reasonable pressure drop and permeability. The improved cartridge constitutes at least a substrate material and at least a layer including a non-woven, fine fiber separation layer.

Abstract: A filter comprises a paper layer, at least one outer particle filtering layer adjacent the paper layer, an ion exchange layer adjacent the at least one outer particle filtering layer, at least one outer non-woven layer adjacent the ion exchange layer, at least one salt-tolerant superabsorbant polymer layer adjacent the at least one outer non-woven layer, an inner particle filtering layer adjacent the at least one salt-tolerant superabsorbant polymer layer, an inner non-woven layer adjacent the inner particle filtering layer, and a support adjacent the inner non-woven layer.

Abstract: A non-woven melt-blown filament medium includes a mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a latitudinal dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and latitudinal dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through at least one layer of the mass. In one embodiment, the mass is cylindrical in shape and the layers comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the mass.

Abstract: A braided strainer for a draw line, and method of forming same. The strainer comprises a frame in the form of a pair of spaced planar plates, one being a solid end plate and the other having a control aperture. A plurality of spaced, parallel rods of similar length are positioned near the peripheries of the plates and secured and extending between the plates. A plurality of cylindrical walls of braided strands of strainer medium, are provided, the braided cylindrical walls having similarly spaced rod-receiving holes extending longitudinally in spaced fashion through the strands of strainer medium. These walls are contiguously stacked on the plates to extend between them. The plate having the central aperture permits flow of fluid drawn through the cylindrical walls during operation of the strainer. That plate has associated with it a connector to releasably secure the strainer to a mating connector on a free end of the draw line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter media comprised of an electro-conductive scrim so as to improve on the dissipation time of an electrostatic charge. Further, the present invention is directed to a method of making such a filter media, which is formed through hydroentanglement, thus avoiding the deleterious effects of mechanical needling, while providing a filter media having the requisite strength characteristics, without possessing a limiting factor in performance. The filtration media of the present invention also demonstrates a highly desirable uniformity for cost-effective use.

Abstract: A non-woven depth filter cartridge includes a cylindrical mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a circumferential dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and circumferential dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through one or more layers of the mass. In one embodiment, the layers of the mass comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for placement in a rain gutter includes a porous insert body including a plurality of randomly arranged filaments attached to one another to form a mat. The insert apparatus is shaped to fit within an inside channel of a rain gutter. Optionally, the apparatus may include a cover panel, comprising a screen, attached to the top of the insert body. In use, the insert apparatus is placed inside of the gutter channel so as to substantially fill part of the channel, and to block entry of debris into the gutter. When placed in the gutter channel, the insert apparatus substantially prevents foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc, from collecting in the channel. The insert apparatus may be configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in the gutter.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a melt-blown polymer filament mass includes producing a first set of melt-blown polymeric filaments, collecting the first set of filaments on a rotating collection device to form a tubular filament mass having a plurality of layers, and applying a second set of melt-blown polymeric filaments to the filament mass. The first set is produced generally in-line along an axis generally parallel to the collection device. The second set is deposited on the filament mass such that filaments of the second set extend through and engage a plurality of layers of the filaments of the first set. The method further includes urging the filament mass along the collection device to create a tubular filament mass of indefinite length with a first major surface and a second major surface. In one embodiment, the second set are applied in a sweeping motion.

Abstract: A filter medium formed from a web of ceramic fibers, pleated and integrated into a coherent unit employing a ceramic sol. A method is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A thermally stable, non-woven, fibrous paper comprising at least one polymer represented by structural formula I: wherein R1-6 are the same or different and comprise H, a hydroxyl group, a straight or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkaryl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group containing approximately 1 to approximately 50 carbon atom(s), carbonyls, esters, carbonates, amides, ketenes, epoxides, a silyl or siloxyl group containing approximately 1 to approximately 50 silicon atom(s), and combinations thereof; wherein X1-4 are the same or different and comprise N, O, S, or Se; and wherein n is an integer ranging in value from 1 to approximately 10,000.

Abstract: A fuel filter for removing fuel impurities, particularly thiophenes, includes a hollow housing having a filter element therein. The filter element includes a substrate, which may include a nonwoven fiber web, a plurality of particles, or both of these. Where particles are used, the substrate may be homogeneous or may be a mixture of different particles. The substrate may include a sorbent selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metallic salts, organometallic compounds, catalysts, and oxidizing agents. Optionally, a sulfur-treating reactant may be operatively associated with the substrate to reduce the concentration of thiophenes in fuel passing through the filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air filter medium comprising nanofibers, the filter medium having a thickness of less than 0.25 millimeters, a Figure of Merit of greater than about 0.075, and an efficiency of greater than about 99.9% when capturing aerosol particles of about 0.18 microns in size and a pressure drop of less than about 40 millimeters water column at a flow rate of about 32 liters/minute through a sample 100 cm2 in size. A coating of the nanofibers may also be used to enhance performance of existing filter media by increasing the FOM of the existing filter media. Preferably, the nanofibers are fibrillated.

Abstract: The filter aid comprises finely divided plant fibers, which for a period of action have been subjected to a liquid treatment, which removes the sensorially active substances from the plant fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter comprised of activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a Virus Removal Index (hereafter “VRI”) of at least about 99%, as measured in accordance with the test method described in the specification. The filter may comprise unbound fibers, or the fibers may be bound with a binder to form a composite of fibers. Also disclosed is a method of removing viruses from a liquid, the method comprising contacting the liquid with a filter comprising activated carbon fibers wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%. Also described is an article of manufacture comprising: (a) a filter comprising activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%; and (b) instructions which inform a user that the filter may be used to remove viruses from a liquid.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a paste for forming a thick film is provided, in which undesired lump materials are efficiently removed from the paste for forming the thick film. The paste, which contains a solid material and an organic vehicle and has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to 50 Pa·s, is filtrated with a sintered metal type filter manufactured by integrally sintering a nonwoven fabric filter part, having a thickness of many folded linear metal fibers and having a mesh opening size of about 1 to 20 ?m, and a wire gauze part composed of metal wires knitted into the shape of a mesh.

Abstract: Aluminum hydroxide fibers approximately 2 nanometers in diameter and with surface areas ranging from 200 to 650 m2/g have been fount 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 mirobes 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. Macromolicules such as proteins may be separated from each other based on their electronegative charges.

Abstract: A method and device for filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing metals, water treatment chemicals, reactive chemicals and microorganisms, where the fluid is passed through a composite material composed of fluid treatment media with or without a binder matrix in which the filtration media, binder, or support structures, or a combination thereof contains a surface treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to filter elements and more particularly to filter elements prepared from improved polyolefin polymers, presently preferably polypropylene, characterized by a specific rheology. Most particularly, the present disclosure relates to polypropylene that has a specific molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, among other properties and/or characteristics, and/or polypropylene that has been adjusted in viscosity, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, among other properties and/or characteristics, and its use in making depth filter elements. The present disclosure further relates to processes and/or systems for producing improved polyolefin polymers, e.g., polypropylenes and their use in fabricating advantageous filter elements.

Abstract: Blood separation media include a non-woven web of fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers. The fibrillated synthetic staple fibers will most preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of less than about 300 mL, whereas the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers have a CSF of greater than about 700 mL. Preferably, the fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 20 to 90 wt. %, and the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 80 wt. %. The fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers may be formed of the same, or different, polymeric material, such as polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, poyacrylonitriles, and polyamides. Especially preferred blood separation media will comprise a blend of fibrillated acrylic fibers, and a mixture of non-fibrillated nylon and polyester fibers, wherein the ratio of nylon and polyester fibers in the mixture thereof is between about 1:4 to about 1:2.

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. Performance of the blend is superior to the prior art filtration materials, especially at the preferred compositions.

Abstract: Multiplexed assays may be performed using extraction probe comprised of solid supports and extraction phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cloth intended for a filter which has a variable volume and is based on diaphragm extrusion, particularly for a Larox®-type vertical pressure filter. The filtering properties of the filter cloth (5) are substantially similar in both directions through the cloth since slurry containing liquid and solids is alternately placed on the different sides of the filter cloth. The filter cloth of the invention comprises a middle layer (15) and protective layers (16a, 16b; 17a, 17b) provided on both outer surfaces of the middle layer. The middle layer can have e.g. a woven structure, and the protective layers may be batt fiber layers attached to the middle layer by needling. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective layers according to the invention are denser than the middle layer.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing cysts, bacteria and/or viruses, and heavy metals and/or pesticides, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of magnesium containing mineral and more preferably silicates containing magnesium, oxides containing magnesium, hydroxides containing magnesium, and phosphates containing magnesium and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: A solid-liquid filtering method and system which comprises a thick band (7) of assembled filaments prepared by closely arranging paralleled monofilaments of predetermined length, a means for fixing (11) one end portion of said band and a network support (4) for keeping said band in a plane situation at proper location when said band is forced to turn in a regular direction, one end portion of said monofilaments being fixed and the other end portion being floated.