Abstract: A method is disclosed for scaling control in a membrane system operation. The method can be performed by a model in the control system of a plant. The method can include selecting one or more antiscalants corresponding to one or more components of the scale, based on one or more of feed water condition, membrane material, membrane fouling status and a kinetic study relating to a reaction between the antiscalants and the components of the scale. The composition of one or more selected antiscalants can be estimated based on an overall scaling rate constant.

Abstract: Cross-linked tetrapolymers made up of different diallyl zwitterionic diallyl quaternary ammonium salt monomers, with one of them functioning as a cross-linking monomer. The cross-linked terpolymers include a repeating unit with multiple ligand centers that different metal ions can bind to. The cross-linked tetrapolymers are cationic, zwitterionic and anionic, and can be in either an acidic form or a basic form. A method of removing metal ions from an aqueous solution with these cross-linked tetrapolymers is also described.

Abstract: Cross-linked cyclocopolymers made up of one or more quaternary ammonium salts and sulfur dioxide as monomers. One of the quaternary ammonium salts is also an aspartic acid derivative. The cross-linked copolymers include a repeating unit with multiple chelating centers that different metal ions can bind to. The cross-linked copolymers are zwitterionic or anionic, and can be in either an acidic form or a basic form. A method for removing metal ions from an aqueous sample with these cross-linked copolymers is also described.

Abstract: Provided is a fresh water generation system which filters biotreated water produced by microbiologically treating waste water via a primary semi-permeable membrane (8), and then mixes concentrated water rejected by the filtration with seawater, thereby to filter the mixed water via a secondary semi-permeable membrane (14). This system enables frequencies of chemical cleaning and replacement of the secondary semi-permeable membrane to be reduced. The fresh water generation system comprises: a primary semi-permeable membrane apparatus (9) which separates microorganism treating waste water into permeated water and concentrated water; a secondary semi-permeable membrane apparatus (13) which filters mixed water prepared by mixing the concentrated water into seawater. In the fresh water generation system, the primary semi-permeable membrane (8) has an equal to or a higher microorganism adhesive property than the secondary semi-permeable membrane (14).

Abstract: In a sterilizing method for a drink filling system provided with a drink supply pipe line (7) for feeding drink into a filling machine (2) through a heating sterilizing section (18), wherein hot water or heated steam is fed to the drink supply pipe line (7), F-values are calculated while detecting temperature at a plurality portions of the drink supply pipe line at every predetermined time interval, and a sterilizing process is ended at a time when a minimum F-value reaches an aimed value. According to such method, a working time till the starting of drink filling work or a producing interval time can be shortened.

Abstract: A method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal treatment of blood of a patient by use of a blood treatment apparatus includes activating or controlling a control device which is provided and configured to bring the blood treatment apparatus into a state in which the blood treatment session of the patient can be interrupted with the intention to continue the blood treatment session. The present invention further provides a control device, a blood treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product as well as a computer program.

Abstract: Periodically operating a forward osmosis (FO) semi-permeable membrane element in reverse osmosis (RO), to yield product extraction on a feed side of the membrane, to flush out a concentration polarization (salt concentration of the feed side and dilution of draw solution on the draw side) across the membrane. Utilizing treated waste water to generate the flushing solution of low osmotic pressure, and gauge pressurizing the flushing solution to the gauge pressure of the draw solution to keep a constant gauge pressure of the solutions. FO process is interrupted every 5-20 minutes for a 10-60 seconds long flushing RO process, thereby increasing the FO throughput five fold and recovering power from the increased throughput, i.e. from the osmotic pressure of the brine.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus has a dialysate circuit 4 which is cleaned after dialysis by both opening/closing valves V101 and V102 being closed after a dialysate in the dialysate circuit 4 is replaced with a cleaning liquid. The opening/closing valve V12 is opened, and the cleaning liquid is circulated by pumps P1 and P4 while being heated by a heater H1, to clean the inside of the dialysate circuit 4. A deaeration tank 31 is provided downstream of the pump P1. Air bubbles generated from the cleaning liquid serving as hot water are deaerated by the deaeration tank 31 and are then discharged into a gas storage tank 48 via a deaeration passage 32. The pumps P1 and P4 can be reliably prevented from being unable to operate with the air bubbles generated from the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting hard surfaces in an area such as a hospital room including a light source emitting UV light and a reflector mounted behind the light source for concentrating and directing the light toward a target. The light source and reflector rotate to direct the concentrated beam around a room, thereby making more efficient use of the energy being emitted.

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: Cross-linked cyclocopolymers made up of one or more quaternary ammonium salts and sulfur dioxide as monomers. One of the quaternary ammonium salts is also an aspartic acid derivative. The cross-linked copolymers include a repeating unit with multiple chelating centers that different metal ions can bind to. The cross-linked copolymers are zwitterionic or anionic, and can be in either an acidic form or a basic form. A method for removing metal ions from an aqueous sample with these cross-linked copolymers is also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing yeast fermented beverage is provided, comprising (a) fermenting wort with yeast to produce a fermented liquid containing yeast, alcohol, polyphenols and protein; (b) optionally removing the yeast; (c) combining the fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles to bind at least a fraction of the polyphenols and/or proteins, wherein at least 80 wt. % of the PVPP particles have a diameter of 5-300 ?m; (d) removing a slurry containing the PVPP particles; (e) filtering the slurry over a filter having a pore size of 0.1-80 ?m to produce a PVPP-enriched retentate and a PVPP-depleted filtrate; (f) regenerating the PVPP particles in the PVPP-enriched retentate by desorbing and separating the polyphenols and/or protein from the PVPP-particles; and (f) optionally, further refining and recirculating the regenerated PVPP particles to step (c). The method can be operated with single use PVPP or regenerable PVPP and does not require capacious filter hardware.

Abstract: A method of preparing a yeast fermented beverage is disclosed, comprising: (a) fermenting wort with yeast to produce a fermented liquid; (b) optionally removing the yeast; (c) mixing the fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles; (d) filtering the fermented liquid over a first membrane filter without employing a filter aid; (e) combining a first retentate with an aqueous regeneration liquid to desorb polyphenols and/or protein from the PVPP particles, wherein the aqueous regeneration liquid has a pH of at least 10.0; (f) filtering the combination retentate and regeneration liquid over a second membrane filter without employing a filter aid; and (g) after, optional further refining the regenerated PVPP particles from the second retentate, and recirculating the particles to step (c); wherein macromolecular components contained in the first retentate and/or retained on the second filter are degraded using a degradative agent selected from oxidants, enzymes and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting clogging of a fluid filter is disclosed. The method includes measuring, at successive sampling instants, the pressure difference ?P from upstream to downstream across the filter, calculating the first time derivative {?P}? of the pressure difference ?P at different instants, and sending a clogging signal Sc representative of the filter being clogged when the first derivative {?P}? is equal to zero.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a process and apparatus for cleaning and/or regeneration of permeable or semipermeable membranes comprising modulating pressure of a feed stream feeding the permeable or semipermeable membrane and providing intermittent pressure pulses for cleaning and/or regeneration of the permeable or semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a passive water volume flux of at least 10 L/m2·h·psi, wherein the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m, thereby retaining at least one biological organism on the surface of the membrane; and detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: A gas sparger produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. Optionally, a cover over an outlet from the conduit may break up or distribute the released gas. A large sparger for use with a commercial membrane module can comprise a plurality of smaller units.

Abstract: A zwitterionic monomer and corresponding cyclopolymerized polyzwitterion (±) (PZ) containing, on each repeating unit, both phosphonate and sulfonate functionalities. Phosphonate ester hydrolysis in PZ gave a pH-responsive polyzwitterionic acid (±) (PZA). The PZA under pH-induced transformation was converted into polyzwitterion/anion (±?) (PZAN) and polyzwitterion/dianion (±=) (PZDAN).

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialyzer, a sorbent cartridge configured to clean used dialysate from the dialyzer, a dialysate pump actuator configured to pump dialysate to the dialyzer, and a conductivity sensor located adjacent to a temperature sensor. The dialysis system also includes a disposable cassette configured to carry dialysate pumped by the dialysate pump actuator. The disposable cassette includes a combined conductivity and temperature sensor fluid chamber separate from the conductivity sensor and the temperature sensor and located so as to operate with the conductivity sensor and the temperature sensor, respectively, when mounted for operation.

Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: Integrated controller and method for a water filtration system. The system can include a membrane filter, a valve coupled to the membrane filter, and a water softener and/or a media filter. The filtration system can include a controller coupled to membrane filter and coupled to the water softener and/or the media filter. The controller can include a flow meter and a switch. The flow meter can be coupled to the membrane filter and the water softener and/or the media filter. The switch can be electrically connected to the valve. In some embodiments, the controller can cause the switch to flush the membrane filter only when the water softener and/or the media filter is not being regenerated.

Abstract: A water producing system which is provided with a semi-permeable membrane treatment process A100 to produce membrane permeate A3 and concentrate A, a semi-permeable membrane treatment processB200 which is equipped with a treatment target water B branching means for branching treatment target water B2 into two or more to produce a membrane B5 and concentrate B6, and a semi-permeable membrane treatment process C300 which is equipped with a first water mixing means for mixing one of the treatment target water B with at least part of the concentrate A, and subjects the mixed water to the semi-permeable membrane treatment to produce membrane permeate C7 and concentrate C8, thereby producing fresh water from a plurality of kinds of raw water which differ in osmotic pressure.

Abstract: Improved systems and processes for forward osmosis water purification or desalination are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment a process for purifying contaminated water is provided wherein a contaminated feed solution stream comprising water and with a first osmotic pressure is passed through a semipermeable membrane to a draw side having a draw solution stream with a second osmotic pressure on a draw side of the semipermeable membrane. The diluted draw solution stream is heated, agglomerated and cooled to produce a cooled single phase water rich stream that is purified to produce a water product stream.

Abstract: A filtering method using a filtering system is disclosed, which is capable of accomplishing a first water bath into which a first membrane cassette and a first membrane cassette for concentrate are submerged, a second water bath into which a second membrane cassette and a second membrane cassette for concentrate are submerged, a first pump for supplying a first negative pressure to the first membrane cassette, a second pump for supplying a second negative pressure to the second membrane cassette, and a common pump for supplying a third negative pressure to the first and second membrane cassettes for concentrate, stopping an operation of the first pump; interrupting the third negative pressure supplied from the common pump to the first membrane cassette for concentrate; and cleaning the first membrane cassette and the first membrane cassette for concentrate.

Abstract: A scale inhibition method for injecting an alkaline agent and a chelating agent into a fluid containing at least silica and calcium ions, and inhibiting generation of scale, includes feeding the chelating agent and the alkaline agent into piping channeling the fluid, mixing the fluid while causing the fluid to flow in a chemical-mixing part provided in the piping, and when either a pressure difference between the pressures or a flow rate difference between the rates of fluid flow at an inlet and an outlet of the chemical-mixing part exceeds a preset upper threshold, increasing the amount of the chelating agent fed, and feeding the chelating agent at an increased feed amount until the pressure difference or flow rate difference falls below a preset lower threshold.

Abstract: A method of early detection of scaling on internal surfaces of conduits of water processing equipment, is provided herein. The method includes: transmitting ultrasonic signals through the wall of the conduits; deriving data samples from received ultrasonic signals or reflections thereof; calculating a moving average of the scatter of the ultrasonic signals, over time, based on the data samples; applying a statistical operand to the moving average, to yield a statistical distribution metric; determining a dynamic window defined by: (i) an upper boundary being the moving average plus at least a fraction of the statistical distribution metric and (ii) a lower boundary being the moving average minus the at least a fraction of the statistical distribution metric; generating a trend line being a smooth fitting of the derived samples; and monitoring the trend line within the window to detect a crossover of the trend line at either of the boundaries.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) generate a number of peritoneal dialysis therapy regimens that meet at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept a filter input; and (iii) filter the generated therapy regimens according to the filter input to refine the number of therapy regimens available for selection.

Abstract: A filtration method, that includes: (A) filtering a liquid having particles with a resin media filter; and (B) applying ultrasonic waves at a frequency of at least 30 kHz to the resin media filter during the filtering (A) or after completion of the filtering (A) to regenerate the resin media filter, where: i) a material of the resin media filter is nylon, polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone, polyether sulfone, and/or cellulose, ii) for the regeneration of the resin media filter, the applying results in a filter regeneration ratio of at least 0.40; iii) on a surface of the resin media filter, a support material comprising a mesh resin layer is disposed; and iv) the resin media filter is present in a filter housing having a three-dimensional shape and an ultrasonic vibrator, which generates the ultrasonic waves, is present on a lateral side of said filter housing.

Abstract: A fluid warmer for tempering a medical fluid guided in a fluid line includes a first and second resistance heating element for alternating voltage and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the two resistance heating elements and includes a holder for the fluid line. Each resistance heating element has a first and second electrical line connector, respectively, for connection of the resistance heating element to an alternating voltage source. Each electrical line connector has a respective drivable first switch. A respectively inversely phased alternating voltage or in-phase alternating voltage is applied to each resistance heating element during the tempering mode, wherein a compensation alternating voltage which is substantially inversely phased with respect to the heating alternating voltage is additionally applied to the heat exchanger using a compensation circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of removing contaminating microcystins toxins from preparations of blue-green algae. It also relates to methods of purifying phycocyanin from blue-green algae extracts.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel apparatus and method for preparing a solution of a shear sensitive material.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus (10) for treating a fluid comprises a vessel (12), a first partition plate (18) dividing the vessel into first and second chambers (22, 26) and defining a through hole (40), and a filtration module (30) located within the second chamber (26) and including a body section (32) defining an outer diameter which is greater than the diameter of the through hole (40) in the first partition plate (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a reducing connector (36) having a first end secured to the body section (32) of the filtration module (30) and a second end sealed relative to the through hole (40) in the first partition plate (18) to permit communication between the filtration module (30) and the first chamber (22). In a disclosed embodiment the apparatus (10) includes a second partition plate (20) such that the vessel is divided into first, second and third chambers (22, 24, 26), wherein the filtration module (30) is mounted between the partition plates (18, 20).

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a membrane filtration system using cross-flow geometry.

Abstract: A method and device for the cleaning of spiral wound membranes. In the device two or more spiral wound membranes are included in series in pressure tubes. The membranes are cleaned by longitudinal rinsing with water, in which a well-dissolvable gas has been dissolved. In the device for the purification of an aqueous fluid with spiral wound membranes, the membranes can be longitudinal rinsed with water, in which a well-dissolvable gas has been dissolved. As gas that is well-dissolvable preferably CO2 gas or a mixture of gasses is used.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for reverse osmosis treatment of water, including seawater and brackish water. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may include, for example, ultrafiltration followed by biofoulant removal, both of which precede reverse osmosis. In preferred embodiments the system is run at a low flux. For example, a flux of 6-8 GFD may be used with seawater. Additional embodiments may provide the above process in conjunction with a reverse-osmosis membrane cleaning system. The membrane cleaning system is a “clean in place” system that includes use of the natural pressure differential in the reverse osmosis system to remove biofoulants and their precursors.

Abstract: The process includes operation as follows: putting ozone generated by an ozone generator into raw water, in a normal mode, to subject the raw water to ozone treatment; injecting a flocculant into the raw water before or after the ozone treatment; filtering the raw water by a separation membrane after the ozone treatment and the injection of the flocculant; and intermittently setting cleaning mode to put a larger quantity of cleaning ozone than that in the normal mode into the raw water so as to intermittently increase the concentration of dissolved ozone, thereby cleaning the filtration membrane.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for monitoring, controlling and optimizing fouling of a two side membrane fouling process. The method for monitoring fouling of a two side membrane fouling process can include determining the process model for the two side membrane fouling process. The parameters of the process model can be grouped based on the interactions thereof between the parameters so as to form one or more groups of parameters. At least one key performance index is estimated in relation to one or more groups of parameters. The fouling of the two side membrane fouling process is monitored correspondingly in relation to at least one key performance index.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water filter device comprised of a housing, a first cap, a membrane element, a permeate tube, a quartz sleeve and a UV lamp. The permeate tube may be designed with a plurality of uniformly-distributed permeate openings. The membrane element is disposed outside of the permeate tube. The membrane element, the permeate tube, the quartz sleeve and the UV lamp may be disposed in one housing. The quartz sleeve is disposed along the central axis of the permeate tube while the UV lamp is disposed inside or within the quartz sleeve.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a filtration apparatus comprising a tubular inorganic porous membrane and a light source disposed within the lumen of the membrane for use in, for example, enhancing oxidation of organic molecules and enhancing foulant removal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a filtration apparatus comprising a tubular porous membrane and a displacement body disposed within the lumen of the membrane. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for switching between flows of water solutions passed in groups of blocks of membrane pressure vessels arranged in parallel in a tapered flow system, wherein the system comprises a system inlet feed line, a system outlet flow line, high pressure booster pumps configured to provide a high pressure feed stream to the system; blocks of membrane pressure vessels arrayed in parallel, and a first and second bypass line each parallel to said blocks.

Abstract: A method for the filling and flushing of a blood tube set including a pump segment for a blood pump, an arterial line connected to an inlet of a dialyser, a venous line connected to an outlet of a dialyser, a substituate line connected to a substituate port and having a pump segment for a substituate pump, and a three-way connector connected to the arterial line, the venous line and a rinse port. The method includes the steps of opening the rinse port, filling and simultaneously flushing the arterial and venous lines with the substituate supplied from the substituate line via the substituate pump, while substituate is drained off via the rinse port, closing the rinse port, and circulating the substituate in the circuit of arterial line, dialyser and venous line by the blood pump.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an intermediate filtering membrane comprising: a filtering membrane having a charged or polar surface; and a transiently coupled charged compound, wherein the charged compound has an opposite charge to the membrane charge. Likewise, provided herein are methods and kits utilizing the intermediate membrane for various filtering membranes operations.

Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element and a method for cleaning a spiral wound membrane sheet are provided. The spiral wound membrane element comprising a perforated central tube; one or more membrane sleeves, each sleeve comprising two membrane sheets enclosed at two edges around a feed spacer sheet and wrapped around the central tube; a permeate carrier sheet attached to the central tube at a first edge opposite a second edge; and a seal on third and fourth edges of the permeate carrier sheet. The method comprises introducing two solution with different solute concentration to two sides of the spiral wound membrane sheet; establishing a concentration gradient between the first and second sides; communicating a first solvent from the first side to the second side to remove a foulant located on the second side of the membrane sheet and collecting a waste stream that contains the foulant.

Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.

Abstract: Method and systems, for processing biological material, that contain a biological material in a vessel; add an aggregating agent to the material in the vessel and allow the material to separate into two or more distinct submaterials; extract one or more of the submaterials from the vessel; automatically transport one or more of the submaterials remaining in the vessel to a filtration device; and collect a resulting target retentate into a target retentate receptacle.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a separation membrane module using water vapor includes: a liquid supplying step of supplying a liquid having a boiling point of 80° C. or higher at atmospheric pressure to a secondary side of the separation membrane module such that a filling ratio of the liquid in a space surrounded by a filtration portion of a separation membrane is 70% or more, the filtration portion being used for filtration; a liquid sealing step of isolating the secondary side of the separation membrane module such that the filling ratio of the liquid supplied to the secondary side in the liquid supplying step is 70% or more; and a sterilization step of sterilizing the separation membrane module by supplying water vapor to a primary side of the separation membrane module while the secondary side of the separation membrane module is isolated.

Abstract: A method includes performing a first cleaning step to clean a membrane, wherein during the first cleaning step, a first solvent passes through the membrane. After the first cleaning step, a second cleaning step is performed to clean the membrane. During the second cleaning step, a second solvent passes through the membrane. The first solvent and the second solvent are in different groups among three solvent groups, wherein the three solvent groups include a non-polar solvent group, a polar aprotic solvent group, and a polar protic solvent group.

Abstract: A planar filtration element includes a planar support structure (11) and at least one filtration layer (12, 13) made of a membrane material. The planar support structure has first and second opposite outer surfaces (111, 112) spaced apart and secured by spacing members (113) to define a drainage compartment (114) between the first and second outer surfaces. At least one of the first and second outer surfaces includes through-openings (115) for fluid connection with the drainage compartment (114), and wherein the outer surfaces (111, 112), when one disregards the through-openings, are formed of a material extending continuously throughout the outer surfaces. The filtration layer (12, 13) coats the outer surface such that the membrane material penetrates the through-openings (115) to anchor the filtration layer (12, 13) to the support structure (11).