Abstract: Provided herein is forward osmosis-based water purification process, that includes contacting a solution of a soluble draw agent with a dehydrated insoluble draw agent, separating the now hydrated insoluble draw agent from the now concentrated draw solution, and exerting a stimulus on the hydrated insoluble draw agent for extracting water therefrom, thereby regenerating a dehydrated insoluble draw agent, wherein the osmotic concentration (osmolality) of the insoluble draw agent is greater than the osmotic concentration of the diluted draw solution, and the insoluble draw agent is impermeable to the soluble draw agent.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.

Abstract: An induced symbiotic osmosis system and method for treating produced fluids from a hydraulic fracturing process or system for symbiotic fluids fractionation, salinity power generation, brines and salts solution reverse osmosis. The system includes a reverse osmosis membrane assembly to create potable water from produced water. The membrane assembly includes a hollow fiber or flat sheet membrane and headers to transfer desalinated water therefrom. The system can include an electro coagulation system, an ultra or nano filtration system, and a desalter to treat the produced water or brine. A heat exchanger can be positioned between adjacent reverse osmosis membrane assemblies. An osmotic power generation unit can create electrical power by receiving and utilizing produce water and brine water from a brine storage. The system reduces the release of global warming contributing gases associated with hydraulic fracturing, while producing potable water and power.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for semi-permeable membrane cleaning in particular, applying series of pulsed water stroke, made simultaneously with osmosis backward flow causing superposed membrane directional shaking and fouling detachment. Pulsed water stroke provided by water stroke generator as several momentum sharp changes in gauge pressure and induce velocity pulse of residual brine flow. The pulsed water strokes ideally induce resonance in the membrane.

Abstract: A vibrating device for a filter-plate assembly for liquid filtration having a vessel housing for the filter-plate assembly and one or more flexible volume chambers being filled with gas. The volume chambers are adapted to expand and/or compress the volumes of the chambers inside the vessel housing allowing the liquid in the vessel chamber to move relative to the surface of the filter-plates when the vessel housing including the filter-plate assembly is subjected to a vibrating motion.

Abstract: A dosing pump (19) doses antiscalant into a membrane-based water treatment system (1). The dosing pump (19) includes a displacement body for pumping antiscalant into the membrane-based water treatment system (1) in doses. A motor drives the displacement body. A control module controls the motor. The control module is configured to vary the dosage of antiscalant pumped into the water treatment system (1) based on a temperature corrected system variable (SVTc) being based on a plurality of operating variables of the water treatment system (1).

Abstract: Methods of cleaning and sanitizing membrane modules within a membrane system are provided. A cleaning solution is circulated through the membrane system for about 2 to about 30 minutes. The cleaning solution includes organic acid and surfactant. A sanitizing solution is added to the cleaning solution to produce a boosted antimicrobial solution comprising an oxidizer. The boosted antimicrobial solution is then circulated through the membrane system for about 1 to about 20 minutes. The methods described are effective for reducing and removing bacterial spores and biofilms from membranes and improving membrane compatibility of effective cleaning and sanitizing solutions.

Abstract: A draw solute for a forward osmosis process, the draw solute comprising: a thermally responsive ionic compound having at least one of: a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), the draw solute being regeneratable from a diluted aqueous draw solution after forward osmosis via one of: liquid-liquid phase separation and solid-liquid phase separation, the draw solute being regeneratable when the diluted aqueous draw solution is at a temperature selected from one of: above the LCST and below the UCST.

Abstract: A method for treating produced water in a system for treating wastewater is disclosed. The system includes a reverse osmosis unit for removing dissolved solids. The reverse osmosis unit produces a permeate and concentrate. To reduce the fouling potential of the membranes associated with the reverse osmosis unit and/or to increase membrane lifetime and/or to increase system recovery, at least a portion of the concentrate is recycled and mixed with the wastewater stream at a point upstream of the reverse osmosis unit.

Abstract: Provided is a porous membrane which has a high water permeability performance, a high blocking performance, and a durability performance against loads of long-term and high operation pressures, which are suitable for filtering applications. The porous membrane includes one surface to be on a side of a filtrate; and the other surface to be on a side of a liquid to be filtered, wherein a surface pore diameter index of the one surface is 2.5 or more, the surface pore diameter index being determined by dividing a pore diameter in a top surface by a pore diameter in a second top surface.

Abstract: A system for and method of cleaning polymeric and ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes in hollow fiber, flat sheet, and tubular membrane units is provided. The method includes using a reducing agent, specifically ascorbic acid, based formulation. The method also includes certain protocols useful in conducting such cleanings. The system includes features for facilitating the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and mineral deposits on membranes are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions are generated in situ or on site generation for the reduction and prevention, of biofilms and the mitigation of mineral buildup on the membranes. The compositions according to the invention are compatible with the membranes under application of use conditions.

Abstract: The porous hollow-fiber membrane of the present invention comprises a fluororesin polymer, and has columnar structures oriented in the longitudinal direction thereof. In the porous hollow-fiber membrane, molecular chains of the fluororesin polymer have been oriented in the longitudinal direction of the porous hollow-fiber membrane and have an average value ? of Raman orientation parameter of 1.5-4.0.

Abstract: A filter arrangement with a top element and a bottom element and a filter element therebetween captures oversized particles on the upper surface of the filter element and tangentially rinses these particles using an elution fluid to provide a concentration of particles in a relatively low volume of fluid for further analysis. In an intermediate step, the particles captured by the filter may be rinsed with a rinsing fluid such as water to pass additional undersized particles through the filter, thereby providing a purer sample. To improve efficiency, check valves may be used for passageways with one-way flow. Additionally, a configuration of three-way stopcocks may also be utilized. Finally, a sandwich arrangement is possible, wherein a single bottom element is sandwiched between two opposing top elements.

Abstract: A membrane separation process is described. The process comprises pumping of a fluid stream through a membrane module to produce a permeate during a plurality of membrane operating cycles. Each membrane operating cycle comprises a filtration cycle and a relaxation cycle. Concentration polarisation is controlled during the process by controlling duration of filtration cycles and relaxation cycles to relatively short duration to maintain the degree of concentration polarisation below a target.

Abstract: A membrane filtration system with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) elements is adapted to provide high recovery from difficult wastewater. The system has a plurality of stages. The system is configured to provide concentrate staging. The last stage also has concentrate recirculation. The valves and pumps of the system are arranged such that the order of flow and a recirculation pump may be switched between the first stage and the last stage at some times.

Abstract: A method of treatment of liquid in a liquid treatment system comprising: at least one liquid treatment module including at least one membrane and having a feed liquid inlet at a feed side of said at least one membrane, a permeate outlet at a permeate side of said at least one membrane, and a concentrate outlet at a brine side of said at least one membrane; a high pressure pump operative for pressurizing feed liquid to be received at said feed liquid inlet; and a system controller for controlling operation of the system including providing instructions to operate said high pressure pump in one of at least two operation modes including: a first mode in which the high pressure pump maintains a fixed flow rate of the feed liquid at said feed liquid inlet or of a permeate liquid at said permeate outlet, while energy consumption of said high pressure pump being a function of variations of a first operational parameter measured in the system and indicative of salinity of liquid within said at least one liquid treatm

Abstract: A membrane filtration system with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) elements is adapted to provide high recovery from difficult wastewater. The system has a plurality of stages. The system is configured to provide concentrate staging. The last stage also has concentrate recirculation. The valves and pumps of the system are arranged such that the order of flow and a recirculation pump may be switched between the first stage and the last stage at some times.

Abstract: Provided are a plate-type filter module for water treatment and a filter assembly for water treatment comprising the same. The plate-type filter module for water treatment according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of filter units having a predetermined area and formed in a plate shape; a block frame to which the plurality of filter units is engaged so that the filter units are kept parallel to each other; and a collecting/receiving tube fixed on one side of the block frame and including a plurality of first fittings respectively connected to the plurality of the filter units to allow filtered water produced in the filter units to be introduced thereinto and at least one second fitting for discharging the filtered water introduced through the plurality of first fittings to the outside.

Abstract: Nanotube compositions may be employed in many different forms alone, and/or with surfactants, with antiviral metals, with antigens, and/or with various drugs to control pathogens like viruses e.g., SARS COVID-2, bacteria, mold, fungi, chemical or biological agents etc in masks or other personal protection equipment. The personal protection equipment such as masks reduce, control, absorb, deactivate, detoxify, and/or kill the pathogens such that a pathogen or pathogens deleterious effects are reduced and/or eliminated to a user of the mask.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a feed pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first turbocharger uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second turbocharger. A second turbocharger uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flow meter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flow meter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream or the feed stream. A motor drives the first turbocharger or the feed pump. A controller controls the motor in response to the flow signals.

Abstract: An enclosure for containing a portable hemodialysis unit includes a housing suitable to support components for performing hemodialysis including a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer. The housing may have a front panel at which blood circuit connections and dialysate fluidic connections are located, e.g., blood line connections for patient blood access, connections for a reagent supply, dialyzer connections for both blood flow and dialysate, etc. The enclosure may also include a pair of vertical, side-by-side doors hingedly mounted to the housing. With the doors in the closed position, access to the patient access and dialysate fluidic connections may be blocked, and the doors may allow for the retention of heat in the housing suitable for disinfection during a disinfection cycle.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid includes a step of filtering a saccharified liquid derived from cellulose-containing biomass, through a nanofiltration membrane and/or reverse osmosis membrane; and a two-step washing step of washing the nanofiltration membrane and/or reverse osmosis membrane after the filtration, with an acid washing liquid and then with an alkali washing liquid; is provided. The method of producing a sugar liquid in which a cellulose-derived sugar liquid is processed through a nanofiltration membrane and/or reverse osmosis membrane is/are effectively washed in a contaminated separation membrane(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of flushing a dialyzer with a flushing liquid, wherein the dialyzer is arranged in a dialyzate-side circuit of a blood treatment device and wherein the dialyzer has at least one dialyzate-side chamber which has at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the flushing liquid and which is flowed through by the flushing liquid, wherein at least one property of the flushing liquid is measured at the outlet of the dialyzer or downstream of the dialyzer in the dialyzate-side circuit to obtain one or more outlet-side measured values, wherein the property depends on the quantity of the air in the flushing liquid.

Abstract: The present patent document discloses filters and methods of filtering bucket wash water by stacking identical filters in a rotated position. In preferred embodiments, the method comprises: placing a first filter in a bucket; placing an identical second filter on top of the first filter wherein: the second filter is rotated by a radial angle with respect to the first filter and a first pair of tapered passages on the second filter that are longer than typical passages on the second filter are inserted into a second pair of tapered passages on the first filter such that a typical passage on the second filter is held above the first filter and a typical passage on the second filter does not axially align with a typical passage on the first filter.

Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and mineral deposits on membranes are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions are generated in situ or on site generation for the reduction and prevention, of biofilms and the mitigation of mineral buildup on the membranes. The compositions according to the invention are compatible with the membranes under application of use conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating and preserving biomolecules of a biological fluid sample.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid input, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet; The system further includes a charge pump, a plurality of valves and a tank having a volume comprising a movable partition dividing the volume into a first volume and a second volume. The plurality of valves selectively couples the charge pump to the first volume or the second volume and the brine outlet to the second volume or the first volume respectively.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of microfluidic filtering includes activating a first fluid pump within a microfluidic channel to cause a forward flow of fluid through the microfluidic channel and through a filter of a filter loop. The filter loop intersects the microfluidic channel at a loop entry and at a loop exit. The method includes activating a second fluid pump to cause a reverse flow of fluid through the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes 1) a filtration device including a filtration module to generate a filtrate from an input stream; 2) a desalination device fluidly connected to the filtration device; and 3) a controller configured to direct operation of the filtration device and the desalination device. In a first mode of operation, the filtration module is configured to perform filtration as part of generating the filtrate. In a second mode of operation, the filtration module is configured to receive an output from the desalination device such that the output backwashes the filtration module. The controller is configured to monitor a change in membrane resistance of the filtration module during the first mode of operation, and is configured to trigger the filtration module to enter the second mode of operation based on the change in membrane resistance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment.

Abstract: A method of operating osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) includes the steps of feeding the synthetic wastewater from wastewater tank to the reactor with the help of wastewater pump, and transferring of diluted draw solution through TuNFO membrane to the draw solution tank. The draw solution is diluted through passing of high flux water from the reactor into the membrane by means of osmotic force and vacuum force obtained by operating the vacuum pump at higher velocity than the force pump.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.

Abstract: Additively manufactured ceramic filters are disclosed. A plurality of pores, each having a uniform geometry, are arranged between an inlet surface and an outlet surface of a single unit of ceramic such that the plurality of pores change in size uniformly from the inlet surface to the outlet surface. The pores are respectively interconnected, and the size, shape, orientation, and/or interconnection of the pores are chosen to provide hydrodynamic features that provide effective filtration for a given liquid and contamination. The pores are additively manufactured with optimized precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of purging gas bubbles from at least one target zone of an extracorporeal blood circuit, preferably of an extracorporeal blood circuit of a dialysis machine, with a flushing liquid, wherein the flow rate and/or the pressure of the flushing liquid in the extracorporeal blood circuit is/are inconstant at least at times during the flushing process; and/or wherein the flow rate of the flushing liquid in the extracorporeal blood circuit lies above a range of possible flow rates at least at times during the flushing process, which range is used during the treatment for the blood. The invention furthermore relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment unit having an extracorporeal blood circuit, a pump and a control unit, with the control unit being configured to carry out a flushing process in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A siphon-type air diffusion device for intermittently performing aeration, comprising: at least two siphon-type air diffusion pipes; and an air supply member that supplies air to the siphon-type air diffusion pipes, wherein the siphon-type air diffusion pipe includes a siphon chamber which includes a first siphon chamber and a second siphon chamber on the downstream side of the first siphon chamber, a communication portion which communicates the first siphon chamber and the second siphon chamber with each other, an air diffusion hole which is provided on the downstream side of the siphon chamber, a path which extends from the siphon chamber to the air diffusion hole, and a treatment water inlet which is provided on the upstream side of the siphon chamber, wherein the air supply member includes a distribution pipe which extends in an arrangement direction of the siphon-type air diffusion pipe, and an introduction portion which is branched from the distribution pipe and includes at least one air supply port sup

Abstract: In a first membrane filtration module comprises a membrane module comprising a plurality of permeable hollow membranes; a fluid distribution device adapted to removably surround at least a portion of the membranes of the membrane module, the fluid distribution device comprising a plurality of through-hole openings for distributing a fluid, and the fluid distribution device adapted to distribute a flow of fluid along a surface of the permeable hollow membranes. In a second membrane filtration device comprises a membrane module comprising a plurality of permeable hollow membranes, each of the permeable hollow membranes having a surface; and a gas distribution device: adapted to distribute gas bubbles to the surface of the permeable hollow membrane, adapted to removably surround at least a portion of the plurality of permeable hollow membranes, and defining a plurality of through openings for distributing the gas bubbles to the membranes.

Abstract: Provided is a seawater desalination system including reverse osmosis membrane modules each including: a reverse osmosis membrane; and a pressure vessel installing the reverse osmosis membrane, and configured to obtain permeated water and concentrated water using the reverse osmosis membranes housed in the reverse osmosis membrane modules by supplying seawater to the reverse osmosis membrane modules. The seawater desalination system includes a module group including the reverse osmosis membrane modules connected together in parallel. The seawater is supplied to each of the reverse osmosis membrane modules by being supplied to the module group through first and second seawater supply routes. The first and second seawater supply routes are each provided with a liquid transport pump configured to supply the seawater flowing through the seawater supply route to the module group.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a one-liquid stabilized hypobromous acid composition which contains substantially no bromate ions, has excellent sterilization performance, exhibits almost no corrosiveness relative to metals, and displays excellent storage stability. This method for producing the stabilized hypobromous acid composition includes a step in which a reaction is induced by adding, under an inert gas atmosphere, bromine to a mixed solution including water, an alkali hydroxide, and sulfamic acid, wherein the proportion of bromine added is not more than 25 wt % relative to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A water purification system (1) includes a composite filter cartridge (100) that includes a pretreatment filter cartridge (110) and a filtration membrane assembly (120), and is provided with a raw water inlet (130), a pretreatment water outlet (140), a pressurizing pretreatment water inlet (150), a pure water outlet (160) and a condensed water outlet (170); a raw water inlet pipe (200) connected with the raw water inlet (130); a pure water outlet pipe (300) connected with the pure water outlet (160); a condensed water outlet pipe (400) connected with the condensed water outlet (170); a pretreatment water outlet pipe (500) connected with the pretreatment water outlet (140); a pressurizing pretreatment water inlet pipe (600) connected with the pressurizing pretreatment water inlet (150) and the pretreatment water outlet pipe (500) respectively; and a booster pump (900) disposed on the pretreatment water outlet pipe (500).

Abstract: Pleated, tapered, and spiral-wound cross-flow filter elements are described. The filter elements have pleated and tapered membrane leaves. The pleated and tapered membrane leaves maintain retentate fluid velocity in high permeate flux applications.

Abstract: Components, systems, and methods for producing highly hydrophilitic, functionalized inorganic filtration membranes, pre-treating organic and biological-containing waste waters for minimal membrane fouling and scaling when processed using such functionalized membranes, and use of such functionalized membranes of the present invention in filtration systems for separating such pre-treated waste waters, all with respect to optimal permeate production rates, purity of permeate and resistance to fouling and scale formation on the membranes.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of treating a fabric article so that it has a characteristic smell normally associated with garments that have been exposed to natural sunlight, the method comprising positioning a fabric article (1) to be treated in an enclosure (8) and irradiating said fabric article positioned in said enclosure with ultraviolet light with a wavelength of between 280 nm and 400 nm and so that it is subjected to a predetermined radiant exposure. A device for treating a fabric article to replicate the characteristic effect of exposing said fabric article to natural sunlight is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: A sensing and storage system for fluid balance during dialysis is provided. The sensing and storage system has flow sensors on either side of a dialyzer in a controlled volume dialysate flow path. The sensors are positioned so that no fluid can be added to or removed from the dialysate flow path between the sensors except for that which is added or removed by action of a control pump. The sensing and storage system can have a fluid removal line for the removal of fluid from the dialysate flow loop.

Abstract: A method of operating a pressure-retarded osmosis plant, the plant comprising at least one osmosis element having a semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane defining a feed side and a permeate side of the osmosis element, the method comprising, in a first mode of operation, supplying a feed stream having a relatively high concentration of solute to the feed side, supplying a permeate stream having a relatively low concentration of solute to an inlet of the permeate side, and receiving a feed outlet stream from the feed side wherein permeate has passed through the semi-permeable membrane from the permeate side to the feed side, in a second mode of operation, supplying a backwash stream having a relatively low concentration to the feed side of the osmosis element such that water passes through the semi-permeable membrane, and receiving a permeate outlet stream from an outlet of the permeate side, the method further comprising alternately performing the first mode of operation, to perform a productio

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrafiltration membrane comprising a sulfone polymer membrane matrix with pores and an organic polymer sealing layer, wherein the pores are filled with nanoadsorbents. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the ultrafiltration membrane, which includes the following steps: (1) synthesizing nanoadsorbents; (2) preparing the sulfone polymer membrane matrix by immersion-precipitation phase inversion; and (3) immobilizing nanoadsorbents in the pores of the sulfone polymer membrane matrix by reverse filling, then sealing the pores with organic polymers to form a multifunctional ultrafiltration membrane. In the present invention, colloidal gold, polyethylene glycol molecules and Pb(II) ions (and so forth) are utilized as models of viruses, macromolecular organic pollutants, and small molecular pollutants, respectively.

Abstract: In order to treat a flow of waste water, there is applied to this flow, after at most an optional pre-treatment of screening/degritting or deoiling, a filtration treatment by means of microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes, by causing the flow to circulate tangentially to the membranes at a velocity of at least 0.1 m/s, in the presence of an organic sequestering agent composed based on organic phosphate at a concentration that is effective for sequestering metal ions contained in the flow and minimizing the formation of calcium carbonate, with a differential pressure on either side of the membranes that is less than or equal to 5 bar.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is provided with membrane modules comprising multiple membrane elements, a frame body accommodating the membrane modules stacked in multiple stages, a stopper for closing an end portion of the frame body to prevent the membrane modules accommodated in the frame from being released, and elastic members which, arranged in a state of elastic deformation in the vertical direction in the frame with the end portion of the frame being closed, suppress vertical vibration of the membrane modules accommodated in the frame, whereby making it possible to avoid vibration of the membrane modules inside the frame body even if the volume of the membrane modules accommodated in the frame body varies.