Abstract: Water treatment systems including electrically-driven and pressure-driven separation apparatus configured to produce a first treated water suitable for use as irrigation water and a second treated water suitable for use as potable water from one of brackish water and saline water and methods of operation of same.

Abstract: A valved raw liquid supply line, which is connected to a filtration unit including a liquid purification unit with an inlet and with outlets for purified liquid and drain liquid, a mixing device, a means for maintaining pressure, a means for maintaining a recirculating flow of liquid, which is located on a line supplying a mixture of raw liquid and concentrate upstream of the liquid purification unit, a recirculating line, a purified liquid line, a drain liquid line, and a control unit, which is connected to the means for maintaining pressure, pressure monitor, the raw liquid supply valve and a drain liquid discharge valve. The means for maintaining pressure is located on a raw liquid supply line upstream of the liquid mixing device. The technical result is a longer system working life, more efficient use of raw liquid, and reduced energy expenditure.

Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly includes a filter housing having first and second ends and a connector for fluid communication with a fluid storage vessel. A filter element is disposable within the filter housing, and first and second pumps are coupled at the first and second ends of the filter housing. A controller may coordinate the operation of the first and second pumps to induce alternating tangential flow of fluid between the filter housing and the first and second pumps. At least one of the first and second pumps is a diaphragm pump or a plunger pump. The fluid storage vessel can be a bioreactor.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition suitable for use in bone and soft tissue reparative procedures is provided for herein. Methods for preparing osteogenic composition from blood and bone marrow are also provided for. The osteogenic compositions contain therapeutically effective concentrations of one or more osteogenic agents such as BMP-2, TGF-?, PDGF and VEGF.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a functional fluid gating control system, which comprises a porous membrane and a functional fluid. The functional fluid at least partially infiltrates the porous membrane and cooperates to form a fluid gating pathway. The functional fluid and/or the porous membrane responds to at least one stimulus and undergoes a physical change or a chemical change to change the threshold pressure of the transport substance. A transport fluid being immiscible with the functional fluid is controlled to pass through the fluid gating system, and thus controllable transport and multiphase separation of materials are achieved. The stimulus of the present disclosure comprises a wide range of sources, and the stimulus responsiveness of the functional fluid and the porous membrane can be randomly and freely combined to adapt to multiple stimuli from complex external conditions and achieve intelligent controllability.

Abstract: Provided is a reverse osmosis treatment system capable of simultaneously and efficiently recovering energy generated both at brine and permeate sides. The system comprises a branched portion configured to divide second to-be-treated water into third and fourth to-be-treated water; a high-pressure pump configured to pressurize the third to-be-treated water thereby to feed fifth to-be-treated water having a higher pressure than the to-be-treated water before divided; a displacement type of first energy recovery device configured to exchange pressures between the fourth to-be-treated water and brine thus separated by a reverse osmosis treatment device, thereby to produce sixth to-be-treated water having a higher pressure than the fourth one; and a second energy recovery device configured to raise a pressure of the third to-be-treated water located at a downstream side of the branched portion with a pressure of first permeate thus separated by the reverse osmosis treatment device.

Abstract: A pump adapted for use in desalination systems that has four cylinders, with a double acting piston in each cylinder. Each cylinder and piston thereby defines a feed chamber and a recovery chamber. The pistons are connected to a common drive. The connection to the common drive is such that the pistons reciprocate in a sequence equally spaced in time. Reciprocating valving for each piston is driven by the common drive to be 90 degrees out of phase with the respective piston. The valving connects the recovery chamber alternately to an inlet manifold for an intake stroke of the piston relative to the recovery chamber, and to an outlet manifold for a discharge stroke of the piston relative to the recovery chamber. There is a brief period of closure coinciding with top dead centre and bottom dead centre of the piston, during which the recovery chamber is blocked off from both the inlet and outlet manifolds.

Abstract: Methods of filtering a liquid feed are disclosed. In one version, the method comprises passing a liquid feed through a single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) system and recovering the retentate and permeate from the system in separate containers without recirculation through the SPTFF system. In another version, the method of filtering a liquid feed, comprises passing a liquid feed through a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system, recovering permeate and a portion of the retentate from the system in separate containers without recirculation through the TFF system, and recirculating the remainder of the retentate through the TFF system at least once. The methods can be performed using an SPTFF or a TFF system that comprises manifold segments to serialize the flow path of the feed and retentate without requiring diverter plates.

Abstract: A molecular sieve that has high selectivity and enables high-speed molecular permeation is provided. The molecular sieve has a nanowindow formed lacking a portion of carbon atoms in graphene, and one or more heteroatoms substituting for one or more carbon atoms that constitute a rim of this nanowindow, in which an electrostatic field is induced within the nanowindow by the heteroatoms, the rim of the nanowindow is relaxed in cooperation with a permeating molecule having a van der Waals' radius larger than the nanowindow, and the molecular sieve becomes permeable to the permeating molecule.

Abstract: Laundry, industrial or food processing wastewater is purified to the degree that it can be reused. Water quality is ensured through the final process of reverse osmosis (“RO”) which removes dissolved contaminants such as mineral hardness, soils and residual detergents. The process combines a ceramic tubular cross-flow membrane filter to remove the suspended solids, oils and greases ahead of the RO. The RO process employs high temperature, low fouling membranes. This enables the RO process to operate sustainably, i.e. without fouling, plugging or membrane degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for treatment of produced or process water from hydrocarbon production to reduce the volume of the produced or process water while simultaneously reducing the salinity of a highly saline stream, for example, the brine from a seawater desalination plant. The method includes causing a feed stream comprising produced or process water to flow through the lumen of a hollow fiber osmotic membrane 4 which is immersed in an open channel 2 or tank of flowing draw solution 6 which has high salinity. In this way, water from the feed stream is drawn through the osmotic membrane 4 by an osmotic pressure differential caused by the difference in salinity between the feed stream and the draw solution 6.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus for closed circuit batch-RO desalination comprising a RO-skid with membrane elements and circulation means for the recycling of RO concentrate through membranes and a designed hydraulic-arm with a disc separating between a section of pressurized hydraulic fluid created by a high pressure hydraulic pump under fixed flow and variable pressure conditions and a section of RO recycled concentrates. The batch desalination sequence is completed when the entire hydraulic-arm volume is filled with hydraulic fluid and thereafter, desalination is stopped, said apparatus decompressed, brine removed and hydraulic-arm recharged with fresh feed before the initiation of a new batch sequence. The inventive apparatus enables RO desalination under the lowest energy and highest recovery prospects not possible by any other RO technique.

Abstract: A method for desalination of hot supersaturated water having a temperature of between 40° C. and 80°, includes contacting the hot water with a reverse osmosis membrane which is resistant to temperatures of between 40 and 80° C. without a prior cooling step.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for distilling a fluid by exposing the fluid to a porous membrane that includes a surface capable of generating heat. In some embodiments, the heat generated at the surface propagates the distilling of the fluid by converting the fluid to a vapor that flows through the porous membrane and condenses to a distillate. In some embodiments, the surface capable of generating heat is associated with a photo-thermal composition that generates the heat at the surface by converting light energy from a light source to thermal energy. In some embodiments, the photo-thermal composition includes, without limitation, noble metals, semiconducting materials, dielectric materials, carbon-based materials, composite materials, nanocomposite materials, nanoparticles, hydrophilic materials, polymers, fibers, meshes, fiber meshes, hydrogels, hydrogel meshes, nanomaterials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A frac system that includes a hydraulic energy transfer system configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and a second fluid.

Abstract: An environmental water system may include an ultrafiltration membrane, a reserves osmosis (RO) system, a waste water tank, a mixer, a total dissolved solids (TDS) controller valve, a connector, and a water tap. The environmental water system can provide pure water which is filtered through the ultrafiltration membrane and RO system. Also, a user can operate the TDS controller valve depending on the actual use requirement so as to have different TDS values of water from the water tap.

Abstract: Devices for the preparation of depleted blood products that provide for the depletion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, or oxygen and carbon dioxide are described. In addition, devices for the replenishment of oxygen and other gases to an anaerobic blood product are described. Methods and systems incorporating depletion and addition devices are provided to optimize the preparation, storage and transfusion of blood products to a recipient are described.

Abstract: A system for recovery of animal byproducts and providing water reuse from an animal processing plant waste stream. In one embodiment of the invention there is an equalization tank forming part of an animal processing plant that is mechanically filtered to recover animal byproducts from a water mixture in the equalization tank. In another aspect of the invention there is a skimmer tank that contains a skimmer mixture with water and animal byproducts. The system mechanically separates the animal byproducts from the skimmer mixture in a manner that is suitable for human consumption. The system also allows the separated water to be reused in the animal processing plant.

Abstract: A pump in desalination systems has four cylinders, each having a double acting piston. Each cylinder and piston defines a feed chamber and a recovery chamber. The pistons connect to a common drive. The connection to the common drive is such that the pistons reciprocate in a sequence equally spaced in time. Reciprocating valving for each piston is driven by the common drive to be 90 degrees out of phase with the respective piston. The valving connects the recovery chamber alternately to an inlet manifold for an intake stroke of the piston relative to the recovery chamber, and to an outlet manifold for a discharge stroke of the piston relative to the recovery chamber. A brief period of closure coincides with top dead centre and bottom dead centre of the piston, during which the recovery chamber is blocked off from both the inlet and outlet manifolds. The reciprocating valving is midway between its top dead centre and bottom dead centre during the period of closure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal filtration apparatus including a casing, a shaft, a stand tube, a rotor, and a stereoscopic filter. The shaft is vertically installed in the casing and guides a fluid to an upper end of the casing. The stand tube rotates about the shaft and sprays the fluid to the upper end of the casing. The rotor rotates along with the stand tube and forms a space in the casing to receive and filter the fluid sprayed from the stand tube. The stereoscopic filter includes a plate member and wire members. The plate member is rolled up around the stand tube and is installed in the rotor. The wire member is installed between layers of the plate member to secure a gap between the layers of the plate member and forms a filter layer to filter the fluid that flows between the layers of the plate member.

Abstract: A method for treating water including intaking a first amount of water from a first source into a plurality of treatment blocks, treating the first amount of water, outputting aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks, separating the aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks into aqueous permeate streams and concentrate reject streams, monitoring each of the aqueous permeate streams, controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of treatment blocks based on predefined water-characteristic tolerances that fall within a predetermined concentration range based on the different qualities of the aqueous permeate streams, outputting a product water stream into an injection water reservoir or blend point, the product water stream including the aqueous permeate stream, intaking a second amount of water from a second source, treating the second amount of water, and discharging the dischargeable water stream.

Abstract: A system, module and method for continuous or batch single-pass countercurrent tangential chromatography are disclosed for bind/elute and negative chromatography applications. The system includes binding, washing, elution (for bind/elute), regeneration, and equilibration single-pass modules. The resin slurry flows in a continuous single pass at steady-state through each module, while corresponding buffers flow countercurrent to the slurry facilitating efficient product and impurity extraction. The module and system include retentate pumps for better process robustness and control. A resin tank configured to be reversibly isolated from the single-pass modules facilitates a closed and disposable system.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for regulating an ultrafiltration in a dialysis treatment, in which the blood to be ultrafiltered in an extracorporeal blood circulation (109) flows through a blood chamber (110) of a dialyzer (113), which is subdivided by a semipermeable membrane (111) into a blood chamber (110) and a dialysis fluid chamber (108), and dialysis fluid in a dialysis fluid circulation (109) flows through the dialysis fluid chamber (108) of the dialyzer (113).

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A feed of at least one of (a) a source liquid including a solvent with a dissolved impurity and (b) a retentate of the source liquid is pumped in a substantially closed loop through a liquid-separation module. The liquid-separation module includes a membrane that passes at least partially purified solvent to a permeate side of the membrane while diverting the impurity in a retentate on the retentate side of the membrane. The purified solvent is extracted from the permeate side of the membrane; and the retentate from the liquid-separation module is pumped to or through a pressurized reservoir with a variable volume for the feed component and recirculated as a component of the feed. Over time, the volume for the feed is reduced and the pressure applied to the feed in the reservoir is increased to balance against an increasing difference in osmotic pressure across the membrane.

Abstract: A method of aerosol integrity testing of filters, capable of detecting single defects that are less than 20 ?m in diameter, and even as small as 2 ?m in diameter, in liquid sterilizing grade filters such as filter cartridges. The method challenges the filter in a dry state with a particle stream of aerosol particles of the appropriate size and in the appropriate concentration, such that at least one or more of the particles in the stream will penetrate a defective region or regions within the membrane but will not penetrate in the integral region of the membrane. Wetting of the filter is not required.

Abstract: A method of aerosol integrity testing of filters, capable of detecting single defects that are less than 20 ?m in diameter, and even as small as 2 ?m in diameter, in liquid sterilizing grade filters such as filter cartridges. The method challenges the filter in a dry state with a particle stream of aerosol particles of the appropriate size and in the appropriate concentration, such that at least one or more of the particles in the stream will penetrate a defective region or regions within the membrane but will not penetrate in the integral region of the membrane. Wetting of the filter is not required.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the separation of dicarboxylic acids from aqueous mixtures of CV8C24 mono- and dicarboxylic acids. In particular this invention relates to a process for the separation and purification of the said mixtures which uses an ultrafiltration stage.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for controlling a spinning membrane separator so as to limit fouling of the membrane by changing the rotation rate of the spinning membrane in response to the fouling rate, while maintaining a constant outlet cellular concentration. Increasing the spinner rotation rate will increase the strength of the Taylor vortices generated within the separator by the spinning of the membrane, which should reduce fouling of the membrane. The goal of the method is to rotate the spinning membrane at the slowest rate possible without unacceptable fouling. Two specific methods to control fouling are disclosed. In a first, unidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane is only increased in response to undesirable fouling in order to prevent the fouling from continuing. In a second, bidirectional method, the spin rate of the membrane may be either increased or decreased in response to the measured fouling rate in order to maintain the fouling rate within a desired range.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of a membrane wall in a distillation apparatus, wherein a distillation apparatus having one or more evaporation and condensation stages is provided, each evaporation and condensation stage having at least one flow channel conducting a liquid, said flow channel being at least partially confined by a vapor-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane wall, wherein vapor emerging from the liquid passes through the membrane wall. The liquid is removed from the at least one flow channel, wherein, after the removal of the liquid, the membrane wall is surrounded on both sides by a gas atmosphere, but is still wetted with liquid, and this liquid is removed by adjusting the gas atmosphere surrounding the membrane wall such that the partial pressure of the liquid in the gas atmosphere is lower than the vapor pressure of the liquid wetting the membrane wall.

Abstract: A blood pump system and methods for the use and operation of such a blood system is described, wherein the blood pump system includes an implantable pump and an implantable flow measurement device. A processing device receives indications of a number of pump parameters such as pump voltage, pump current and pump speed. Flow rate is determined based on the pump parameters, and this determined flow rate is compared to the actual flow rate as measured by the flow measurement device. In certain embodiments, the flow measurement device may be periodically energized to make the comparison, then powered off to reduce power consumption. The time period in which the flow measurement device is powered off is based on the difference between the determined and the actual flow rates.

Abstract: A guide member for directing gas bubble flow along a membrane surface, the guide member having first and second side edges defining a channel for gas bubbles to flow along, the channel having an open bottom end through which the gas bubbles can enter the channel and an open top end through which the bubbles can exit the channel, and a diverting means adjacent the channel bottom end arranged to direct at least some of the incident gas bubbles in a first direction towards the channel bottom end. A membrane module assembly and a membrane filter system including the guide member.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, including a hydronic sensorless pumping system, that features a signal processor or processing module configured to receive signaling containing information about motor readout values of power and speed, and also about pump and system characteristics equations together with empirical power equations that are constructed by a polynomial best-fit function together with pump affinity laws based upon a pump curve published by a pump manufacturer; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a pump or system pressure and a flow rate at the motor readout values of power and speed, based upon the signaling received.

Abstract: An apparatus and process of using existing process water sources such as cooling towers, fountains, and waterfalls is provided in which the water sources are utilized as monitoring system for the detection of environmental agents which may be present in the environment. The process water is associated with structures and have an inherent filtering or absorbing capability available in the materials and therefore can be used as a rapid screening tool for quality and quantitative assessment of environmental agents.

Abstract: An oil removal device for removing oil from a stream (103) of oil-separated sample droplets (104) is disclosed. The oil removal device comprises a sample delivery channel (101) for conducting the stream of sample droplets to an outlet (102). A porous, hydrophobic and oleophilic absorber element (106) is arranged at the outlet of the sample delivery channel so as to absorb the oil phase (105) from the stream of oil-separated sample droplets. The oil removal device can be used in two-dimensional separation techniques such as LC-MS, LC-CE, CE-CE etc.

Abstract: A water treatment method includes: withdrawing water from the environment; filtering the withdrawn water in a membrane filtration unit; extracting a production flow from an underground formation containing hydrocarbons; separating and collecting production water from the production flow; filtering the production flow in the membrane filtration unit; collecting a treated water flow from the membrane filtration unit. An installation adapted for applying this method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and methods including a main treatment unit and an auxiliary treatment unit, along with one or more sensors for determining a parameter related to a pressure drop across the auxiliary treatment unit, and a control unit configured to control a flow regulator at least based on the parameter value.

Abstract: A cycling ultra-thin channel filtration (cUTF) method, system and module are disclosed for concentration and purification of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a cUTF system includes a cUTF module and a cycle controller to load a feed aliquot of a feed stream into the cUTF module inducing permeation of the feed stream to build a boundary layer by pressurizing the feed stream, to stop permeation and to recover a retentate aliquot in a repeating cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of hydraulic energy by direct osmosis from two saline solutions having different concentrations made to pass through one or more modules of semipermeable membranes having a double inlet and outlet port, originally designed to execute the process of inverse osmosis, without a requirement to realise any technical modification to said modules of membranes. In this manner, an osmotic potential is produced in the membranes creating a current of solution having a pressure sufficient to produce hydraulic energy. A further object of the present invention is the installation designed to produce hydraulic energy according to the stated procedure and the use thereof, together with a desalination plant and a tertiary waste water treatment plant comprising the installation to produce hydraulic energy.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilised using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilisation of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: A method for the depletion of at least one component of a fluid medium includes increasing the concentration of the at least one component to be depleted before its depletion. An apparatus for the depletion of the at least one component of the fluid medium has a concentration increasing unit for increasing the concentration of the component of the fluid medium to be depleted and a depletion unit disposed downstream thereof and in fluid communication therewith for the subsequent reduction in the concentration of the component to be depleted.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition suitable for use in bone and soft tissue reparative procedures is provided for herein. Methods for preparing osteogenic composition from blood and bone marrow are also provided for. The osteogenic compositions contain therapeutically effective concentrations of one or more osteogenic agents such as BMP-2, TGF-?, PDGF and VEGF.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retentate for the presence of at least one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter. While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.

Abstract: Asymmetric microporous membranes with localized asymmetries, devices including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed. The asymmetric microporous membranes have a first surface and a second surface and an interior bulk defined by the first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface has at least a first region and a second region, the first region having a first porosity comprising a first mean pore size, and the second region having a second porosity comprising a second mean pore size, wherein the ratio of first mean pore size to the second mean pore size is at least about 5:1.

Abstract: An air quality control system (AQCS) useful for processing a gas stream, such as a flue gas stream emitted from a fossil fuel fired boiler, for at least partial removal of acidic and like pollutants therefrom. The air quality control system includes a CDS reactor useful using a reducing agent slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel processes for producing ethanol from citrus waste using suitable solvent extractions to reduce the presence of fermentation inhibiting compounds, such as limonene, from citrus waste. The extraction can be performed before or after the polysaccharides present in aqueous mixtures comprising citrus waste are converted into fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A method is provided for changing a property of a sample. A sample, comprising particles suspended within a sample fluid, is introduced into a channel which comprises two walls that are permeable to a flow of fluid. A cross-flow is introduced at a predetermined temperature and of a predetermined chemical composition into the channel through a wall. This cross-flow flows at a first velocity and exits in a first direction through the other wall. An imposed field is applied on the particles in a second direction counter to the first direction of the cross-flow. The imposed field causes the particles to migrate at a second velocity opposite and/or equal to the first velocity of the cross-flow. Particles that are approximately balanced by the first and second velocities travel through the channel and are discharged in a fluid of predetermined chemical composition and at the predetermined temperature of the cross-flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for purifying a molecule of interest from a heterogeneous clarified fluid mixture. The apparatus of the invention generally comprises a continuous perfusion fermentation system, a continuous particle removal system integrated with the perfusion fermentation system; and a continuous purification system integrated with the particle removal system, which is maintained under sterile conditions. The process comprises filtering a heterogeneous clarified fluid mixture by continuous ultrafiltration at a specific flow rate below the transition point of the molecule of interest in the pressure-dependent region of the flux versus TMP curve, wherein the specific flow rate is maintained substantially constant throughout the continuous ultrafiltration.