Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods for reduction and/or removal of one or more contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, chromium, phosphorous, phosphorous compounds, nitrogen, nitrogen compounds) from a feed composition (e.g., a fluid). Apparatus, systems, and methods, in some embodiments, may be operable to decontaminate a fluid with comparatively little or no contaminant containing waste fluid.

Abstract: The inventive process scheme and its various embodiments described herein will comprise filtering a selenium containing water by reverse osmosis or nanofiltration to produce a primary permeate stream at least meeting the water stream effluent discharge requirements of the location and a concentrate stream containing the removed selenium and other species, a RO or NF concentrate treatment specific to the case which will treat and reduce the selenium content of the concentrate, optionally in conjunction with a sulfate removal process, and result in a highly concentrated sludge or other output, and a selenium depleted aqueous overflow stream, a portion of which will be combined with the primary permeate stream so that the selenium content of the combined stream does not exceed the local requirement, and the reminder of the selenium depleted aqueous overflow stream will be returned to be combined with the selenium containing water entering the inlet of the primary reverse osmosis treatment.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for simultaneously recovering coagulant and acid in a water treatment system. Sludge produced by the water treatment system is contacted with acid to form acidified solids. The acidified solids flow into a combined membrane treatment tank having both cation and anion exchange membranes. Metal cations from the acidified solids cell diffuse across the cation exchange membranes to form recovered coagulant, while anions from the acidified solids diffuse across the anion exchange membranes to form recovered acid. The diffusion rate of the metal cations across the cation exchange membranes may be equal to or greater than the diffusion rate of the anions across the anion exchange membranes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the direct transesterification and extraction of bio-lipids and bio-oils in the production of biofuel, particularly fatty acid methyl ester products.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods. Embodiments provide water treatment systems which comprise first oxidation, particulate filtration, and membrane filtration subsystems in that order. Systems also comprise recirculation paths and sensors for these subsystems. A controller determines whether to recirculate water to a previous subsystem in the order. Systems can comprise downstream second oxidation, high pressure membrane, ion exchange, activated carbon subsystems and/or ultraviolet contactors. Systems with high pressure membranes can comprise a pump before the high pressure membranes, a booster pump of the high pressure membrane subsystem, and a damping tank. In such systems the controller maintains a pressure in the damping tank. High pressure membrane subsystems can further comprise nanofiltration membranes and RO membranes. Systems can comprise bypass paths for some/all of the subsystems. For such systems, the controller further determines, whether to bypass these subsystems.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochloritc, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing mercury from mercury containing materials, such as feedstreams, natural gas streams, natural gas condensates, and so forth. The method involves passing a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) stream containing mercury along a polymeric membrane contact module, while a cleaning or scrubbing solution passes along the other side of the membrane. The scrubbing solution facilitates removal of mercury from the first solution via, e.g., mercury reactive components contained in it.

Abstract: A novel method for improving water recovery from desalination systems by the removal of cations and/or anions using ion exchange (IX) technology. The system described herein is particularly useful for water recovery in brackish ecosystems and is unique in that important features include recycling, regeneration, and recovery of key components, thereby reducing costs and waste products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for collectively separating all the actinides (III), (IV), (V) and (VI) present in a strongly acidic aqueous phase, from the fission products, and in particular from the lanthanides, which are also present in this phase, using two extractants that operate in unconnected chemical fields. Applications: reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels, especially to recover plutonium, neptunium, americium, curium and, possibly, uranium present in trace amounts, in a grouped manner but selectively with respect to the lanthanides, from a solution for dissolution of an irradiated nuclear fuel, downstream of a uranium extraction cycle.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a highly versatile aqueous solution having remarkably improved membrane filterability, which can be stably membrane-filtered in a short time, an aqueous solution prepared by the preparation method, a method for culturing cells using the aqueous solution which is prepared by the preparation method, a method for producing a physiologically active substance using the culturing method, a physiologically active substance produced by the method for producing a physiologically active substance, a method for performing membrane filtration of the aqueous solution which is prepared by the preparation method of the aqueous solution, a method for improving membrane filterability of the aqueous solution, and a method for producing the physiologically active substance by preparing the aqueous solution, performing membrane filtration of the aqueous solution, and then culturing cells using the resulting aqueous solution.

Abstract: Sorbent cartridges having a polystyrene sulfonate resin saturated with calcium ions for the performance of kidney replacement therapy are disclosed. Systems and methods having or using a sorbent cartridge, a dialyzer, control components, a cartridge having a polystyrene sulfonate resin, and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment are disclosed. A system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The system provides for the monitoring of an inlet and outlet conductivity of the sorbent cartridge to quantify or monitor the removal of urea by the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: A membrane filtration process includes pretreating an influent solution to remove suspended solids, to produce a pretreated solution. pH of the pretreated solution is adjusted to at least 8.3 or lower by injecting CO2 into the pretreated solution, to produce a conditioned solution. Injecting CO2 also serves to supplement bicarbonate in the conditioned solution. The conditioned solution is flowed through a membrane filtration unit, to produce a permeate solution and a retentate solution. The membrane filtration unit comprises reverse osmosis membranes or nanofiltration membranes, or both. The retentate solution is then treated to cause precipitation, to produce a supernatant solution and a reject solution. At least a portion of the supernatant solution is recirculated by combining it with the influent solution prior to the step of pretreating.

Abstract: The blood treatment apparatus described herein include a plurality of treatment solution reservoirs connected to a junction which feeds an output controller through an output line. The reservoirs feed the junction through one or more liquid-gas separation filters that limit or prevent air from passing. One or more of the reservoirs can typically be emptied during a treatment session without drawing air into the system.

Abstract: We provide a process for treatment of produced water, including but not limited to water produced by a “steam flood” process for extraction of oil from oil sands, including the removal of color from the water. This removal may be accomplished through addition of color-removal polymers and flocculents. This process may also be useful for other water treatment processes including reverse osmosis and filtration.

Abstract: Concentrate for a dialysis liquid, at least comprising one acid and one physiologically acceptable electrolyte, characterized in that the acid comprises at least one acidic ion exchanger or is an acidic ion exchanger.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a compound of Formula (II), HO—R1—ONO2 (II) wherein R1 is a straight chain alkyl radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, in a two-phase solvent system, comprising contacting a compound of Formula (I), HO—R1—OH (I) wherein R1 is as defined above, with nitric acid in the presence of a first solvent, wherein the compound of Formula (II) is continuously extracted into a second solvent, and the reaction is carried out in a mixing microreactor which provides a power loss of at least 1.3 times the power loss provided under identical conditions by a circular cross-section straight-channel microreactor having an internal diameter equal to the average hydraulic diameter of the mixing microreactor and a length equal to the length of the mixing microreactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for enriching water, in particular drinking water, with magnesium ions. In order to enable enrichment of water with magnesium ions in exchange for calcium ions and/or heavy metal ions during treatment of water, and in particular of drinking water, it is proposed according to the invention to pass the water through an ion exchanger which contains a weakly acidic ion exchange material, wherein at least a part of its ion exchange capacity is loaded with magnesium ions.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.

Abstract: A cooling tower blow-down, groundwater and wastewater re-use process and system is provided, which system may further include a cooling tower evaporation recovery system and process. Thus, blow-down from cooling equipment may be reused by appropriate treatment of the blow-down water, or treatment of other sources of water such as groundwater or wastewater, for use as make-up water in a cooling tower or other cooling equipment, and the capture of evaporation from cooling equipment is conducted to increase the efficiency and lower costs in the operation of such equipment.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for completely recovering the reusable components of an abrasive slurry used in slicing crystalline materials of silicon, quartz or ceramics when it becomes exhausted and enriched with undesired waste matter. The process consists of an initial centrifuge separation of the exhausted slurry as such and of a wet size-sorting treatment of the fraction containing the abrasive grains obtained from the centrifuge, carried out in a battery of hydrocyclones or centrifuges connected in series. The section for the recovery and purification of the abrasive grains comprises a multifunctional apparatus that performs all the required operations within a single pressure vessel.

Abstract: A tanning wastewater treatment and recycling method based on nano-catalytic electrolysis technology and membrane technology relates to a tanning wastewater treatment. The tanning wastewater treatment and recycling method based on the nano-catalytic electrolysis technology and the membrane technology and a device thereof has a high COD removal rate, a low chemicals consumption, few sludges, thorough treatment, and a high reuse rate of water. The tanning wastewater treatment and recycling device based on the nano-catalytic electrolysis technology and the membrane technology includes: a coarse grid filtering machine, a regulating pool, a hydraulic sieve, a nano-catalytic electrolytic machine, a reaction pool, a sedimentation pool, an air flotation device, a biochemical pool, a secondary sedimentation pool, a secondary nano-catalytic electrolytic machine, a filter and a membrane system.

Abstract: A blood purification device includes: a blood circuit including a blood removal-side circuit that carries blood taken from a subject to a plasma separator, and a blood reinfusion-side circuit that returns the blood passing through the plasma separator to the subject; a circulating circuit that connects the blood reinfusion-side circuit to the blood removal-side circuit; a plasma circuit that carries plasma components separated by the plasma separator; and a control unit that controls blood flow so that a portion of the blood flowing in the blood reinfusion-side circuit is circulated to the circulating circuit to be flown to the blood removal-side circuit when the blood in the blood circuit is being pumped and a portion of the plasma components separated by the plasma separator is being pumped to the plasma circuit.

Abstract: The present invention may be used in systems and methods for brine treatment scaling control in a water treatment system. A concentrated brine stream influent may be treated in an electrodialysis-reversal process to produce a concentrated brine stream effluent and a lower salinity diluent water, which may be potable water effluent. The concentrated brine stream effluent may be processed in a brine treatment scaling control system that may have a mixing vessel and a membrane filter with the mixing vessel seeded with calcium sulfate. A lowered salinity brine stream effluent may be produced for return to the electrodialysis-reversal process to allow operation at greater overall recovery and an elevated concentrated brine stream may be produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for purification of oil contaminated water, particularly of reservoir water from oil production, comprising a depression for receiving the contaminated water, wherein a first partial separation of oil particles and water is carried out within the depression, so that, on the one hand, the oil and, on the other hand, the water reduced in oil content are drained off from the depression, wherein the oil content-reduced water is guided from the depression to an ultrafiltration device, wherein a precipitant is added to the oil content-reduced water before introducing the oil content-reduced water into the ultrafiltration device, and wherein the oil content-reduced water in the ultrafiltration device is separated into a clearwater phase and an oil-enriched phase using a membrane made of polymers, and wherein the oil-enriched phase is guided back to the depression, and the clarification water phase is drained off.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and extracting a liquid sample by sorbing an aqueous liquid sample, including an organic analyte and an acid or a base, in a solid sorbent material, and at least partially neutralizing the acid or base by reaction with neutralizing ions retained on a support surface, and contacting the liquid sample-sorbed sorbent material at elevated temperature and pressure with an organic solvent to extract the analyte into said solvent, preferably in a vessel having an extraction chamber with a zirconium metal interior surface.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising water and at least one ionic liquid, and also to devices capable of executing an absorption cycle using such compositions as a refrigerant pair. This invention also provides a method of cooling using an absorption cycle comprising water as the refrigerant and at least one ionic liquid as the absorbent. The present invention also provides a method of heating using an absorption cycle comprising water as the refrigerant and at least one ionic liquid.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: A water treatment process for substantially removing one or more ionic species from a feed water includes an ion containing aqueous solution to produce a treated water product, the process including: (a) a sorption step, including contacting a solid sorbent with said feed water to produce a solution depleted in said one or more ionic species and a loaded sorbent; (b) a concentrating step, includes concentrating an inlet stream including the ionic species depleted solution to produce a concentrate rich in said one or more ionic species and said treated water product; and (c) a desorbing step, including contacting said loaded sorbent with an aqueous desorbant including said concentrate to thereby desorb at least some of said one or more ionic species from said loaded sorbent.

Abstract: A process of producing ultrapure water includes passing a water stream through a plurality of treatment stages in which inorganic and organic species which are present in the water are separated from the water stream; and adding an aqueous hypobromite solution to the water stream in at least one of the stages.

Abstract: Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and processes employing a low energy forward osmosis membrane water processing system to simultaneously (1) detoxify reverse osmosis (RO) residual (reject) brines from ground water treatment, and (2) expand available industrial and agricultural ground water supplies.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.

Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a lysed or non-lysed Yeast slurry using a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates various devices that are configured to separate a sample, which contains more than one unique species, into any desired number of sub-samples by passing the sample across a like number of separation media configured for a first separation protocol. Each of the sub-samples may be further separated by an additional separation protocol, thereby creating a plurality of mini-samples, each of which may be further separated and/or analyzed. The invention also contemplates using a simple method of using conduits to form a fluid path that passes through a plurality of separation media, each of which media is configured to isolate a particular sub-sample. After various sub-samples of the sample are isolated by the various separation media, the conduits may be removed, thereby enabling each of the isolated sub-samples to be further separated and/or analyzed independent of any other sub-sample.

Abstract: A water filtration device for the production of medical grade water for injection from a potable water source is provided including only the following two filter components: 1) a mixed ion bed resin filter and 2) a semi-permeable reverse osmosis membrane filter. This device provides a low cost, onsite method of purifying potable water into medical grade water for injection satisfying United States Pharmacopeia Water For Injection (USP WFI) standards.

Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The novel non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.

Abstract: Methods and systems based on membrane separation processes for removal of field chemicals are provided. In certain embodiments, methods and systems for water impurity removal include introducing contaminated water into membrane separation devices, which comprise ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, or a reverse osmosis membranes. In some embodiments, the reverse osmosis system comprises a semi-permeable membrane capable of rejecting substantially all of the monovalent ions, divalent ions, and organic molecules. Examples of impurities which may be removed by this system include kinetic hydrate inhibitor and/or corrosion inhibitor. In certain embodiments, the impurity removal system may comprise one or more impurity removal stages. Some embodiments of the present invention feature a high field chemical removal rate of from about 84 percent to about 99.9 percent, depending on the choice of membranes.

Abstract: An organic oil boom is a method for containing pollution floating on water or the sea. The invention describes a method that makes it possible to isolate pollution as, for example, oil, from the surrounding environment. Spraying a viscous liquid such as an alginate or chitosan solution over and around the oil results in isolation of the oil from the seawater as the mixture has a density that is lighter than seawater and heavier than oil. To isolate the oil also from the air, a gas is added so that the density of the mixture is lower than the density of the oil. The addition of a multivalent cation solution such as calcium ions will, under the right pH conditions, polymerise the viscous liquid, thus forming a solid polymer film which surrounds the oil and isolates it from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Methods for making sulfide scavenging compositions are provided. The compositions are secondary amine-formaldehyde adduct (SAFA) scavengers comprising less than about 40 wt % N-methyl secondary amines therein. The methods include reacting secondary amines with formaldehyde. Methods for removing sulfides from fluid streams are also provided. The methods include adding secondary amine-formaldehyde adduct (SAFA) scavengers to fluid streams. SAFA scavengers comprising less than about 40 wt % N-methyl secondary amines of the total weight of SAFA scavengers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for converting contaminated water, such as produced water, frack flow back water, and other contaminated water from industrial sources into fresh, non-contaminated, or potable water includes a registration and verification unit for registering intake water loads and verifying their content; a receiving system for temporarily isolating each load; an equalization basin for creating an homogenized water source; an electro-coagulation unit in which one or more of the voltage, current, pulse frequency and application time are variable and controlled by one or more of a conductivity sensor; a pH sensor; a level sensor; an ultrafiltration unit for removing organics; a nanofiltration unit; a reverse osmosis unit, and an electrodyalisis unit. The processed concentrate remaining after the water is converted is dewatered via a forward osmosis unit.

Abstract: A water purification system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit recirculation of the retentate or reject water from the retentate outlet of the filter to the inlet of the filter. A first pump is configured to pump source water into the feed water path of the filter, and to raise the fluid pressure in the feed water path and recirculation path. A second pump is configured to recirculate water from the retentate outlet of the filter to the inlet of the filter at a flow rate substantially higher than the flow rate of water generated by the first pump. A drain path connected to the recirculation path or feed water path may include a flow restrictor to permit removal of highly concentrated reject water while maintaining a minimum fluid pressure within the recirculation flowpath.

Abstract: A method for extracting nickel and lithium includes solvent extraction step of using three or more extraction stages to subject a solution containing lithium and nickel to solvent extraction with 2-Ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester at a pH of 8.0 to 8.5, whereby the nickel and the lithium are co-extracted into a resultant organic phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing steam comprising the successive steps of: providing feedwater containing carbonate and/or sulfate ions; adding a crystallizing reagent able to react with carbonate and/or sulfate ions to the feedwater, in order to produce carbonate and/or sulfate crystals; filtering the feedwater with a ceramic membrane to produce a permeate stream; supplying the permeate stream to a boiler; and generating steam in the boiler. The invention also relates to an installation adapted for implementing said method, as well as to a process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation using the abovementioned method for producing steam.

Abstract: A composition is provided for lowering a pH of a drilling fluid. The composition includes HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone. A method of using the composition includes adding the composition to a drilling fluid for a well to assist in lowering a pH thereof. Methods are also provided for performing hydraulic fracturing of an oil or a gas well, for adjusting a pH of a drilling fluid, for adjusting and maintaining a pH of a process fluid, for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate, for removing a foulant in a fluid-handling element, and for adjusting a pH and lowering a salt level of turf.

Abstract: A blood filtration device, system, and method that can and selectively remove or reduce an unwanted, in certain cases unknown, substance from a patient's blood stream. More specifically, a specific size or size range of unwanted substance is selectively removed. The unwanted substance includes one or more of a pathogen, a toxin, an activated cell, and an administered drug. The device and system employ a microfluidic separation device that minimizes thrombogenesis and can permit the use of anticoagulants to be avoided. The device or system can be portable and can include its own power supply. Sensors in the system may monitor for the presence and/or concentration of unwanted species including pathogens or drugs and invoke a blood cleansing process responsively to the sensor signals in closed loop control process. The control may combine the infusion of therapeutic agents into the blood of a patient as well.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a polymer backbone. The polymer backbone has a plurality of carbon atoms. There are two lipophobic carboxylate groups or carboxylic acid groups per repeating unit being coupled to separate carbon atoms of the backbone. The polymer may be used to recover metals by chelation and then burning away the polymer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of removing a deleterious substance bound to a protein in blood of a patient by introducing a displacer substance into the blood under conditions in which the displacer substance replaces deleterious substance bound to the protein, thereby resulting in additional unbound deleterious substance in the blood, and removing unbound deleterious substance from the blood by extracorporeal renal replacement treatment.