Abstract: Solid phase extraction (SPE) disks may be manufactured by providing a suspension comprising glass microfibers and a suspension comprising one or more sorbents and forming a disk by combining the suspensions or by layering the suspensions. This may be followed by a drying procedure to create the finished disk. A disk mold including a collar and plug may be used to establish the size and shape of the disk. Examples of various constructions and processes for forming the disks are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: A process for affecting reductive conversion reactions in a reactor using the palladized bacterial cellulose immobilized on a support for reductive conversion reactions in a reactor.

Abstract: There are disclosed a ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, a small and uniform thickness and a high flux, and a ceramic filter. A silica membrane is formed on a titania UF membrane as an ultrafiltration membrane (a UF membrane) formed on a porous base member which is a microfiltration membrane (also referred to as an MF membrane) and having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the porous base member, and the silica membrane has an average pore diameter smaller than that of the titania UF membrane, and does not substantially permeates the titania UF membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method whereby small particle nano materials may be contained in a highly functional package for fluid separation and/or purification applications. The package consists of an aerogel material which uniformly surrounds the nano-particles. The aerogel may be composed of carbon, silicon, or silicon oxide or other suitable materials. The morphological features of the aerogel may be tailored specifically towards fine particle and ultrafine particle containment while maintaining uniform fluid flow in separation and purification processes. The aerogel may be bonded to a suitable rigid housing by chemical or mechanical means.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hierarchical structure characterized by ultrahigh surface area comprising: a solid substrate; an intermediate layer; and at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments that are strongly bonded to the intermediate layer. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a hierarchical structure comprising: selecting and preparing a parent substrate, wherein the preparing may optionally include cleaning or activation; modifying the substrate surface to form an intermediate layer; attaching at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, onto the intermediate layer; optionally attaching a second plurality of nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, onto the first plurality of nanoscale attachments and intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method of treating a hollow fiber membrane microfiltration filter having an influent side and an effluent side to improve performance of the filter is disclosed. The method entails sealing imperfections in surfaces of the filter by flushing the filter with a liquid aqueous suspension of particulates. Filter cartridge devices also are disclosed. The devices may include a bactericidal chamber. A radial flow filter may be included in the devices. The filter cartridges may include a drain tube positioned within the filter for removing of effluent generated by the filter. A plurality of filter cartridges may be positioned on the drain tube.

Abstract: A water purification device is provided in the form of a hydrogel matrix containing immobilized nanoparticles that are directly synthesized in-situ in the hydrogel matrix. A related method of decontaminating the water supply contaminated with a target pollutant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon film composite, separation membrane module, and a method of manufacturing are presented. A carbon film is on a surface of a porous substrate, and the carbon film has an R value of not less than about 0.840. The R value is calculated from a Raman spectrum of the carbon film.

Abstract: An inorganic membrane having an improved pore structure. The membrane has a mean pore size of up to about 100 nm and a mean particle size in a range from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises ?-alumina and is formed by providing a coating slip comprising ?-alumina; applying the coating slip to a support surface to form a coating layer; drying the coating layer; and firing the dried coating layer at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to convert at least a portion of the ?-alumina to ?-alumina and form the inorganic membrane.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defmed by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate.

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

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides a porous filter medium, a porous composite filter medium, a filter assembly, processes of making the same, and processes suitable for filtering contaminants from liquids.

Abstract: A filter used for filtering molten metal and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The filter comprises open-pored porous material, binder and refractory material. The refractory material is bonded on the open-pored porous material by the binder, wherein the weight proportion of the binder is at least 50% and the weight proportion of the refractory material is not more than 50%. The filter has enhanced mechanical property and high temperature resisting property, while its preparation method is more cost-efficient than usual ones.

Abstract: A method for separating electrolyte-containing water from an organic phase by means of permeation on a hydrophobic separating means. The permeated organic solution is substantially depleted in water and the retained water is enriched with electrolytes.

Abstract: A system of water collecting, cleaning, and storing comprises a top-opened water storing container (1), with the wall of which a watertight structure; a collecting well (2) provided in the water storing container (1), which has a lid (6) and has a wall of permeable structure through which water exchange between the water storing container (1) and the collecting well (2) is achieved; filling elements (4) filled between the collecting well (2) and the water storing container (1), on top of which a pervious surface layer (5) is paved.

Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a sintered ethylene polymer filter that is free from molding unevenness or defects and has ultrafine and uniform filter pore diameters. An ethylene polymer composition including an ethylene polymer with a specific shape and specific properties and an antistatic agent with a specific form is used as a material for a sintered filter. According to such a composition, the ethylene polymer particles achieve enhanced fluidity when being placed into a sintering mold. Thus, the composition gives a sintered filter that has an ultrafine pore diameter and a narrow pore diameter distribution and is free from molding unevenness or defects.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a UV irradiation assisted method of surface modification, which comprises: introducing a functional group L onto the surface of a polymer material P through the photochemical reaction of a photosensitive group X under UV irradiation, wherein the photosensitive group X comprises at least one xanthone unit.

Abstract: Poly(?-peptoid)s selected from the group consisting of poly(N-methyl-?-alanine)s (PMeA) and poly(N-ethyl-?-alanine)s (PEtA) and polyl(methyl-?-alanine-co-ethyl-?-alanine) copolymers (P(MeA-co-EtA) are found to be good anti-fouling materials in that they resist protein adsorption. A process for protecting a surface of an object from protein adsorption comprises the steps of binding such poly(?-peptoid)s to the surface. A medical implant is coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s. A medical drug delivery device is coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s. A filtration device has pores coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s, and an object placed in freshwater or saltwater and having a surface in contact with the freshwater or saltwater has that surface coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s.

Abstract: An industrial absorbent and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the industrial absorbent includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of fire-retardant treated cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixed bed, for example for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system, which fixed bed comprises magnetic beads and a magnetizable fabric arranged at least in part in the fixed bed, a fluidized bed-fixed bed, which comprises the fixed bed of the invention after application of an alternating magnetic field, and also to a process for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system.

Abstract: A filter, in particular for a rotary separator, is produced using an energy beam melting process, for example an electron beam, starting from powder made from the same material as a porous filtering portion to be formed, for example from a titanium alloy; on the basis of a three-dimensional model comprising a cell structure defining the porous filtering portion, subsequent layers of powder are applied and locally melted, so as to form successive sections of the porous filtering portion; at the end of the forming process, the residual powder is evacuated from the pores.

Abstract: A microfluidic component comprises at least one channel (2) delineated by a top wall (6) and a bottom wall (3) and two opposite side walls (4, 5). The distance (P) between the top wall (6) and the bottom wall (3) of the channel (2) is greater than or equal to 25 micrometers and first and second sets of nanotubes (9a, 9b) are respectively borne by the two opposite side walls (4, 5) for the component to present a particularly high ratio between the contact surface and the available volume and a limited overall surface size. In addition, the distance between the two opposite side walls (4, 5) is about a few micrometers and preferably comprised between 3 and 5 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention provides parylene membrane filters, filter devices and methods of making them and using them in the mechanical separation of cells and particles by size. The provision of parylene membrane filters with high figures of merit and finely controlled hole sizes allows the separation of cells and particles in a variety of biological and other fluids according to sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter media constituents, filter media, filter constructions, and methods of employing the filter media and filter constructions for fluid filtration. The filter media and filter media constituents of the invention have unique properties enabling the efficient capture of microbes or microbial generating units. Fluids usefully filtered using the filter media and filter constructions include air and water.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic material coated resin includes an aggregate obtainable by aggregation of primary particles includes magnetic particles of which surfaces are coated with a polymer. The primary particles have an average diameter D1 which is 0.5 to 20 ?m. The aggregate has an average aggregate diameter D2 which satisfies D1<D2?20 ?m. The polymer has an average surface coating thickness t which satisfies 0.01<t?0.25 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microporous aluminophosphate (AlPO4) molecular sieve membranes and methods for making and using the same. The microporous AlPO4 molecular sieve membranes, particularly small pore microporous AlPO-14 and AlPO-18 molecular sieve membranes, are prepared by three different methods, including in-situ crystallization of a layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, coating a layer of polymer-bound AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a seed layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals supported on a porous membrane support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure having a superhydrophobic and amphiphilic(oleophilic) surface and a fabrication method thereof. A polymer surface body disclosed herein may include high aspect ratio nanostructures on a surface thereof, wherein an aspect ration of the high aspect ratio nanostructure is 1 to 100, and may include a hydrophobic thin film on the high aspect ratio nanostructure. A method of fabricating a polymer surface body disclosed herein may include performing a surface modification treatment on a polymer to form a high aspect ratio nanostructure having an aspect ration of 1 to 100, and forming a hydrophobic thin film on a surface containing the nanostructures.

Abstract: A separator includes: a channel having a first surface; a plurality of columnar members formed on the first surface and having a cross section in the shape of a crescent, the plurality of columnar members being arranged in a row direction along a longitudinal direction of the channel, and in a column direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel, the columnar members that belong to the same row from among the plurality of columnar members being disposed so that the crescents face the same direction in the column direction, the columnar members that belong to a single row being disposed so that the crescents face the opposite direction in the column direction with respect to the crescents of the columnar members that belong to the adjacent row; and a substance that specifically binds to a separation target, and is disposed on side surfaces of the plurality of columnar members.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in fluids (e.g., air, natural gas, and other gases, as well as water and other liquids) are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter/bath. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the membrane before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems. In another embodiment, a silicone-based chemical bath includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber containing a silicone oil. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the silicone oil in the chamber before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems.

Abstract: A filter element includes a filter material (10) having individual filter folds (12) folded in a star-like manner. At least one fluid-permeable support element (26) extends at least partially in the space between two adjacent filter folds (12) and/or on the inner peripheral side and/or external peripheral side of the filter folds (12). The support element (26) is provided with filter-active substances or is made of filter-active substances. A certain type of filter auxiliary agent can be obtained which is used to reduce influences of fluid components which reduce the service life, in the form of specific ageing products or in the form of other agents which damage the fluid.

Abstract: A polymer composite is provided for a water treatment. The polymer composite with excellent workability is capable of adsorbing impurities in water, being rapidly separated from the water using magnetic forces. The polymer composite includes secondary aggregates. The secondary aggregates are formed of clumped particles, the particles being magnetic particles covered with a polymer. The polymer composite has porous structures suitable for adsorbing underwater impurities.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: Microporous membrane composites that are non-dewetting are disclosed. These microporous membrane composites are wet with solutions of methanol and water and are non-dewetting following autoclave treatment in water. The microporous membrane composites comprise a microporous membrane support that is coated with a crosslinked ionomer comprising hydrophilic groups. Compared to the microporous membrane support, the microporous membrane composite has a flow loss on average in isopropyl alcohol of less than 82%.

Abstract: Described herein is a cost effective method and system for removal of thiosulfate from a solution in-line with a process system. The method and system include passing the solution in contact with an open-structured substrate impregnated with a Group 16 element, which results in removal of thiosulfate from the solution and conversion of the thiosulfate to at least sulfite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for forming antimicrobial coatings, and to compounds suitable for forming the antimicrobial coatings, and to substrates coated with the antimicrobial coatings. The coatings are formed by vapour phase plasma polymerisation of metal ion complexes each having at least one polymerisable ligand, which includes a polymerisable moiety such as a C—C double bond or a C—C triple bond.

Abstract: Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable pore size filters. The variable pore size filters of the present invention comprise a fabric matrix, having a set pore size, wherein the fabric matrix is coated with a gel that expands and shrinks in response to a trigger. When the gel is expanded, the pore size of the filter is small and filtering is accomplished. When the gel is shrunken, the pore size of the filter is large and cleaning of the filter by a backwash or forward flush of fluid is accomplished.

Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Abstract: Process for producing at least one nanoporous layer of nanoparticles chosen from nanoparticles of a metal oxide, nanoparticles of metal oxides, and mixtures of said nanoparticles, on a surface of a substrate, in which at least one colloidal sol, in which said nanoparticles are dispersed and stabilized, is injected into a thermal plasma jet which sprays said nanoparticles onto said surface. Nanoporous layer and device, especially a separation device, comprizing said layer.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)1-(B)m—(C)n—??(I) in which A is derived from an alkoxyalkyl (alkyl)acrylate monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a non-ionic monomer; and 1+m+n=100,0<1, m, n<100.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new types of polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes are prepared by fabricating a polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane by dispersing molecular sieve particles in a continuous aromatic polyimide matrix with pendent hydroxyl groups ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen; and then converting the polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane to a polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membrane by heating between 200° and 600° C. under inert atmosphere or vacuum. The polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes of the present invention can be fabricated into any convenient geometry such as flat sheet (or spiral wound), tube, hollow fiber, or thin film composite.

Abstract: In the present invention high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes and methods for making and using these membranes have been developed. The cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes are prepared by: 1) first synthesizing polyimide polymers comprising pendent functional groups (e.g., —OH or —SH) ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen and cross-linkable functional groups in the polymer backbone; 2) fabricating polyimide membranes from these polymers; 3) converting the polyimide membranes to polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by heating under inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or vacuum; and 4) finally converting the membranes to high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by a crosslinking treatment, preferably UV radiation. The membranes can be fabricated into any convenient geometry.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying solid particles with functional agents to provide anti-microbial media. The anti-microbial media comprise a surface-modified inorganic component which is a reaction product of an anti-microbial component and an inorganic component. Methods of making the media include agitating inorganic base material in a processing tank substantially simultaneously with spraying the anti-microbial component into the processing tank to form a coated base material. Methods of making the media also include maintaining a ratio of the anti-microbial component to the inorganic component such that the coated base material is below its compaction point. Methods of use are also provided.