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: A water purifier under the present invention comprises a filtering pot, a purifying pot, a sterilizing pot, and related connecting pipes, as well as a control circuit. The filtering pot filters iron rust, mud pigment, floating particles, and so forth. The purifying pot removes odor, chloride, pesticide residuals, chemicals, and so forth. The sterilizing pot mineralizes the water, sterilizes bacteria and virus, delicates the water molecule, and co-operates with the control circuit, to provide a water purifier with high bactericidal and viral elimination rate and self-monitoring and energy saving functions.

Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as a 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, provide a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid hold-up volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.

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

Abstract: A laminated zeolite composite is provided, including a MFI membrane constituted by a MFI type zeolite having a SiO2/Al2O3 (molar ratio) of 40 to 100, and a porous substrate constituted by a MFI type zeolite having a SiO2/Al2O3 (molar ratio) of 20 to 400, wherein the MFI membrane is formed on the porous substrate. The composite has high separation characteristics and high permeability.

Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one non-terminal hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorption membranes, comprising microporous polymer membranes into which are incorporated porous silicon dioxide particles modified with hydrocarbon ligands having 2 to 24 carbon atoms as adsorbent particles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing the inventive adsorption membranes as well as devices which comprise the inventive adsorption membranes.

Abstract: A method for catalytically cleaning an exhaust gas, including receiving the exhaust gas in an inlet channel, blocking the exhaust gas in the inlet channel, diffusing the exhaust gas through a porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall of the inlet channel, reacting the exhaust gas with at least one catalyst material to at least partially remove nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide therefrom, the at least one catalyst material being disposed on the porous wall, trapping particulate matter in the porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall, receiving the diffused exhaust gas into an outlet channel, and transitioning the exhaust gas from the outlet channel to the atmosphere.

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: Measurement in the frequency range 3 mHz–106 Hz of the dielectric characteristics of emeraldine base polyaniline dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and cast into bulk free-standing polymer films shows features similar to those reported by others and which are a result of microphase separation into reduced and oxidized repeat units. However, upon confinement into the cylindrical pores, of average diameter 20 nm, of a porous membrane such features of microphase separation do not occur. The microphase separation observed in the bulk polymer is suppressed by strong pinning of the charge carriers due to interactions of the polymer with pore walls together with constrained chain packing and a non-uniform rate of evaporation of the NMP solvent from the pores. This enhances the bulk conductivity after doping by reducing the internal intra-chain disorder introduced by microphase separation.

Abstract: A method for making a weak cation-exchange (carboxylic acid) medium comprising contacting a solution of a functional organic polymer having carbon to carbon double bond unsaturation and having weak cationic exchange functional moieties or precursors thereof in a solvent with a substrate having an organic polymer surface, evaporating said solvent and breaking said double bond under conditions to cause the functional organic polymer to covalently bond to the substrate surface and to cross-link to form a cross-linked functional polymer layer covalently bound to the substrate surface. The medium produced by the method.

Abstract: A fluid supply media includes a material having pores and a lamellae inhibiting agent retained relative to the material proximate to the pores.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the removal of organic substances and/or nitrogen sources from an aqueous medium by exposing the aqueous medium to the action of microorganisms supported on a gas permeable, water impermeable layer, or on and/or in a three dimensional microbial support layer, that is proximate a gas delivery layer through which gas, preferably, oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the gas permeable layer such that it diffuses through the gas permeable layer and is supplied to the microorganisms.

Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.

Abstract: An antibacterial member is constituted such that a propolis component is contained in, or adhered to, a water-insoluble base member. This antibacterial member is mixed into a filter member to be disposed in a flow passage in an antibacterial filter. Water in the antibacterial filter receives the antibacterial action from the propolis component when coming in contact with the antibacterial member. Thus, microorganisms in water is extinguished, and generation and propagation of germs, bacteria, algae and the like are suppressed.

Abstract: For use in a pool or spa, the combination comprising, filter structure in the path of pool or spa water flow, substance in direct contact with a surface or surfaces of said filter structure, to contact said flow, said substance characterized as being one of the following: i) bacteria inhibiting ii) an algaecide iii) an algaestat iv) a sanitizer v) a bacteriostat

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: Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Abstract: The use of an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising dispersed particles of at least one polymer A1 obtainable by free-radical emulsion polymerization in the presence of a polymer A2 synthesized from from 50 to 99.5% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic and/or dicarboxylic acid, from 0.5 to 50% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound selected from the esters of ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids and the monoesters and diesters of ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with an amine containing at least one hydroxyl group, up to 20% by weight of at least one further monomer as a binder for producing filter materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering bioproducts from a feed solution. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a module housing, a membrane means disposed in the housing for filtering the bioproducts from the feed solution wherein a portion of the membrane means is coated with a polymeric coating, and an adsorbent bed disposed in the housing for retaining the bioproducts which permeate through the membrane, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow fractionation and purification of the retained bioproducts from the bed by elution.

Abstract: Water purifier includes a container having a room, a filtering material disposed in the room for purifying water for catching particles and fungi such as polio viruses. The filtering material is a sintered activated carbon block filter having pores. The filtering material preferably has a first filtering material and a second filtering material. One thing out of the first filtering material and the second filtering material is formed of a sintered activated carbon block filter whose average pore diameter is relatively small and whose amount of penetrating water is relatively small per unit time. Another thing out of the first filtering material and the second filtering material is formed of a sintered activated carbon block filter whose average pore diameter is relatively large and whose amount of penetrating water is relatively large per unit time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of ceramics and to ceramic multilayer filters, such as used for separating gases. The invention provides ceramic multilayer filters which are more economical to produce. To this end, the inventive ceramic multilayer filters include at least two layers of different particle size, the particle surfaces of all of the ceramic particles being completely or partially perfused with a material and spot and/or surface joints being formed between particles. The invention also provides a method for producing ceramic multilayer filters of this type, according to which slips are produced from at least two ceramic powders of different particle size, the particles of the ceramic powders being perfused with a material or a material in powder form being added to the ceramic slips. One or more layers are formed from the slips and then dried. At least two layers are placed one above the other and/or joined to each other and together are subjected to a temperature increase.

Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.

Abstract: A screen assembly in which the screen (10) is in the form of an inverted semi-circular trough the foul flow (A) to be screened approaching the underside of the screen so that debris which is filtered falls away from the screen by gravity so minimising blockages and “blinding” of the screen. A helical sweeper (20) is provided to minimise adherence to the screen.

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: A transparent pipe trap with means of enhancing the biodegradation of sink effluents in a household sink uses a screen located “downstream” from the trap to deflect valuable items into the trap. The trap is easily drained and easily removed, for convenient retrieval of valuable items, such as rings, which are lost down a sink or other drain. The invention also promotes the biodegradation of sink effluents through time-release biodegradation substances in the cup and/or coated upon the screen.

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 invention relates to a filter element with improved corrosion and heat resistance and structural properties to be used in filtering solids containing material in order to achieve a filter cake of solid material on at least one external surface area of the filter element. According to the invention, at least one part of the external surface area of the filter element separated from the external surface area for forming the filter cake is provided with at least one corrosion and heat resistant polymer-based material.

Abstract: Sulfonamide polymer matrices and their various uses are disclosed. Among the uses is the configuration of the matrix with a porous support membrane to form a semipermeable membrane of the invention. The matrix of the invention is ultrathin, dense and substantially free of defects. The matrix configuration as the semipermeable membrane shows improved permeate flux and retention values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite reverse osmosis membrane as a polyamide membrane including a side chain amino group such as a residue of a polyvinyl alcohol-based amine compound represented by Formula 1. Such a membrane can remove organic impurities under a low pressure, providing an economical method for removal of impurities. An aqueous solution including a polyvinyl alcohol-based amine compound having a side chain amino group represented by Formula 1 is applied on a polysulfone-based ultrafiltration membrane as a microporous support. Next, trimesic acid chloride solution is applied causing interfacial polycondensation, which generates a reverse osmosis membrane. When this composite reverse osmosis membrane is evaluated by using a pH 6.5 aqueous solution including 500 mg/l of sodium chloride at an operation pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and at a temperature of 25° C., the permeable flux is at least 1.5 m3/m2·d, and the salt rejection is 80% or less.

Abstract: A apparatus for supplying drinking-water has a drinking-water storage unit, a drinking-water supply system capable of introducing the drinking-water into a drinking cup from the drinking-water storage unit, and an antimicrobial member provided in the drinking-water supply system. This allows easy bacteriostasis or sterilization of the drinking-water poured from the nozzle. Further, an activity effect of the antimicrobial member inhibits the growth of bacteria in the drinking-water supply system.

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 invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: Filters and filter materials for removing microorganisms from a fluid are provided along with processes for using the same. The filters include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, wherein the filter material is formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles having an activated coating with a lignosulfonate.

Abstract: Multi-layer microfluidic devices incorporating a filter element are provided. A filter element is compressively restrained between device layers, such that the compression promotes a tight seal between device layers and resists fluid leakage around the filter element.

Abstract: An improved process for producing bonded activated carbon structures utilizing microwave radiation is provided. The structures are produced by exposing a particulate mixture comprised of activated carbon particles and polyolefin resin binder particles in a microwave transparent mold to increase the temperature of the activated carbon particles 3 to 30° C. above the crystalline melting point of the polyolefin resin binder and thereafter compressing the mixture to increase contact between the particles and lowering the temperature of the particulate mixture below the melting point of the polyolefin while maintaining point bond formation conditions. The bonded structures may be separated from the container and used as such or the bonded structure and container in which it is formed may be retained and used as a unit.

Abstract: A filtering device incorporating nanoparticles that are known to be capable of destroying bacteria, fungi, viruses, or toxins. The nanoparticles are combined with a filter. The nanoparticles may be pellets adjacent to the filter, a powder of nanoparticles coating at least one side of a filter, or impregnated into a filter. Optionally, two or more filters are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet. Preferably, at least one filter has an electrical charge that is the same as the electrical charge of at least one target particle. Also preferably, coating is accomplished by having a filter to be coated carry an electrical charge that is opposite to an electrical charge carried by the nanoparticles in the powder. Optionally, a filter can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

Abstract: A biosorbent composition, process of preparing and use thereof wherein the biosorbent composition comprises a chitosan-coated substrate. Useful substrates include support materials such as a ceramic support material. The biosorbent composition of the instant invention is useful in treating aqueous systems, including wastewater and aqueous waste streams, by removing undesired heavy metals.

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 mateial 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: This invention relates generally to composite materials and to devices which may alter fluid parameters. Devices incorporating the composite materials of the invention are used to deliver, remove, and generate, fluid treatment agents, and combinations thereof. These materials and devices are applicable to many different fluid processing situations including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, emission treatment, pollution cleanup, and sensing fluid composition. In its more particular aspects, the invention relates to the field of composites that may be widely tailored for many different treatment applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a filter medium 1 comprising at least 5,000 thermoplastic synthetic resin monofilaments 2 of 0.03 to 0.001 mm in diameter aligned in parallel orderly in a tape-like form, said monofilaments being linked with each other in the longer direction thereof to form a plurality or number of linkage band portions crossing therewith at almost right angles in substantial width direction thereof so as to keep the thus aligned monofilaments in parallel.

Abstract: Fluid filtration devices that include nylon membranes are provided according to the present disclosure that maintain thorough wetting of a membrane through the end cap bonding process. The fluid filtration device typically includes a pleated microporous nylon filter media and polypropylene end caps. The pleated microporous filter media is treated with hydrophilic polymeric surface treatments at the ends thereof prior to contact with molten polypropylene end caps, thereby maintaining the ability to integrity test the filtration device in water. Exemplary polymeric surface treatments include solutions and dispersions of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethyleneimine, a combination of 1-4 butanediol diglycidyl ether and ethylene amine, and a quaternary amine polyepichlorohydrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metallic filter units 1, in particular, although not exclusively, for use in industrial environments, with improved resistance to degradation. The metallic filtration material 2 is coated with a protective material to reduce degradation thereof during use.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in particulate filtering applications is disclosed. The filter medium is formed from a substrate capable of retaining the desired physical structure of the filter medium under the conditions of the filtering application, including temperature. A polyimide based stiffening agent adapted for treating the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A process for forming an open cell alumina filter, the filter formed thereby and a method of filter using the filter. The process comprising the steps of forming a ceramic slurry comprising hydrated alumina, selected from bauxite and aluminum hydroxide, and ammonia stabilized colloidal silica. Voids are formed in the ceramic precursor slurry by an organic material to form a wet body. The wet body is heated to a temperature above a volatilisation temperature of the organic material but less than 1250° C. to form a green ceramic. The green ceramic is heated to a temperature of less than 1250° C. to form the open cell alumina filter. The alumina is &ggr;-phase alumina.

Abstract: A non-contaminating paint strainer is comprised of a conical receptacle having a conical tapering side wall. The side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The conical receptacle defines a lower filtration portion having an aperture provided with reinforcing ribs formed integral with the side wall and extending into the aperture. A filtration mesh screen is secured to the outer surface of the tapering side wall adjacent the aperture and to an outer surface of the reinforcing ribs by glue applied solely to the outer surface of the side wall and outer surface of the reinforcing rib, whereby paint being filtered by the conical receptacle will be in contact solely with the inner surface, free of the glue. Any ink printing is provided on the outer surface of the conical side wall above the mesh screen.

Abstract: Described are a filter material which contains heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers and is characterized in that the heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers are drawn, heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers having a draw ratio which is in the range form 1.2 to 8, and also a process for producing same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wet-strength filter, especially a depth filter with a high swelling capacity, comprising an open-pored filter matrix containing cellulose fibers and having cavities, the cellulose fibers having chemically bonded polyisocyanate on the surface. Preferably, the filter matrix contains finely dispersed microparticles in its cavities. The invention also relates to a method for producing a filter of this type and to the use thereof in the food, beverages and pharmaceutical industries.

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.