Abstract: One of the biggest needs in the separations and waste handling and reduction area is a method for dewatering ion-containing solutions. Unexpectedly, it has been found that phosphazene polymers can discriminate between water and metal ions, allowing water to pass through the membrane while retaining the ions. This unexpected result, along with the inherent chemical and thermal stability of the phosphazene polymers, yields a powerful tool for separating and dewatering metal-ion-containing solutions.

Abstract: A polymeric composite may be used for forming fluid separation membranes. The fluid separation membranes may go through a separation selectivity maximum as a function of operating conditions (e.g., temperature and/or pressure). The membranes may be formed from polyamide or poly (pyrrolone-imide). Polyamides may be formed by the condensation of a tetraamine, a tetraacid, and a diamine. Poly (pyrrolone-imides) may be formed by the condensation of a polyamide.

Abstract: Method and devices for producing aqueous iodine and other halogen solutions for dietary, disinfection, sterilization and preservation purposes and the uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile liquid component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volume, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids is resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.

Abstract: A pore plugging material, for pH dependent membrane diffusion, in which cyclic olefins having phosphazene-functional moieties provide predictable erosion properties when used to plug pores in separation barriers and other porous membranes. Specific properties of the polymers are dependent on several factors, including molecular weight and identity of side groups attached to the phosphazene moiety. However, as a class, phosphazene-functional cyclic olefins provide both predictable erodibility and uniformly benign hydrolysis products and are, therefore, uniquely suitable as pore plugging polymers for separation barriers and membranes of all kinds. The invention, therefore, embraces the provision of a pH-sensitive erodible pore plugging material for pores in separation barriers and membranes of all kinds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of acetals and ketals by reacting an aldehyde or Ketone with an alcohol in the presence of solid acid and removing water by pervaporation. Manufacturing equipment for the preparation of acetals and ketones is also provided.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided comprising a porous substrate membrane coated with a membrane comprising N-acetylated chitosan. The N-acetylated chitosan is characterized by a degree of N-acetylation greater than 50% and less than 90%. The porous substrate membrane includes any of polyvinylidene fluoride, polysulfone, and a ceramic. In this respect, composite membrane is provided comprising: a first layer including N-acetylated chitosan, and a second layer including a porous substrate membrane, wherein the first layer is coated upon the second layer. A method of forming a composite membrane is also provided comprising the steps of: forming a porous substrate membrane, depositing chitosan solution on the porous substrate membrane to form a first intermediate, drying the first intermediate to form an intermediate composite membrane including a chitosan membrane, and acetylating the chitosan membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of free, emulsified, or dissolved water from liquids of low volatility, such as oil, is shown. The liquid of low volatility is removed by contacting the fluid stream of concern with one side of a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane divides a separation chamber into a feed side into which the stream of fluid is fed, and a permeate side from which the water is removed. The permeate side of the chamber is maintained at a low partial pressure of water through presence of vacuum, or by use of a sweep gas.

Abstract: Composite membranes capable of separating p-xylene from mixtures including p-xylene and m-xylene, and processes for purifying p-xylene using the membranes, are disclosed. The membranes are polymer membranes with a thickness of between about 10 and 1000 microns that include non-interconnected zeolite particles less than 5 microns. In one embodiment, a relatively thin polymer layer (0.5-3 microns) that includes zeolite particles is adjacent to a relatively thick polymer layer which may or may not include zeolite particles, where the thickness of the two layers is between about 10 and 1000 microns. The preferred ratio of zeolite/polymer is about 0.2 by weight. A preferred method for preparing the composite is by dispersing the zeolite in a polymer solution, casting a film of the polymer solution, and evaporating the solvent to form a polymeric film. The polymer permits passage of p-xylene and m-xylene in the vapor state, such that p-xylene diffuses at the same or a faster rate through the polymer.

Abstract: An evaporative process employing an undulating flexible membrane (4) as an evaporative surface onto which a vaporizing gas (2) such as, but not limited to, air, contacts a liquid solution (1, 5) such as, but not limited to, water, and evaporation occurs. The membrane (4) is supported (3) with sufficient laxity to permit wavelike undulating motion of the membrane brought about primarily by the evaporative airflow (2) itself. The differential flexing and motion of the undulating membrane (4) results in a breaking and peeling away of any normally fouling scaling or plugging solids which have precipitated or accumulated on the membrane surface (4). The undulation of the flexible membrane (4) thereby providing a self cleaning action. The self cleaning action of the membrane (4) assures successful application to evaporative processes with solutions (1, 5) which are prone to scaling, fouling, plugging or solutes buildup.

Abstract: An enzyme is immobilized on a solid support and can react selectively with one enantiomer in an enantiomeric mixture. A methods of using the enzyme immobilized solid support in conjunct with a separating means to separate enantiomeric mixtures is described. An apparatus for separating an enantiomeric mixture using an enzyme immobilized on a solid support is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a hydrophilic membrane to provide by the process of pervaporation through the membrane water suitable for agricultural irrigation, industrial use, hydrating or rehydrating of food or agricultural or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also relates to a water purification apparatus which includes the hydrophilic membrane, comprising one or more layers of hydrophilic polymers, to purify water which may contain suspended or dissolved impurities and solids, including but not limited to seawater, brackish water and other kinds of polluted water.

Abstract: A ceramic-supported polymer membrane is disclosed where a porous ceramic membrane support of average pore size no larger than 500 Å is activated by attaching a vinyl terminated lower alkoxy silane to the surface of the ceramic membrane pores. The resulting membrane retains at least 10 micromoles of the vinyl terminated loweralkoxy silane per square meter of the ceramic membrane surface. A method for optimizing the amount of vinyl loweralkoxy silane reacted with the ceramic support surface is also disclosed. The large amount of vinyl terminated loweralkoxy silane which is chemically bonded to the surface of the ceramic porous support produces activated ceramic membrane support surface which is useful for graft polymerization of vinyl monomers onto the porous ceramic membrane support surface. A vinyl monomer is then graft polymerized onto the activated membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of free, emulsified, or dissolved water from liquids of low volatility, such as oil, is shown. The liquid of low volatility is removed by contacting the fluid stream of concern with one side of a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane divides a separation chamber into a feed side into which the stream of fluid is fed, and a permeate side from which the water is removed. The permeate side of the chamber is maintained at a low partial pressure of water through presence of vacuum, or by use of a sweep gas.

Abstract: A novel process for the regeneration of PTMSP membranes is disclosed. The regeneration process includes washing a fouled PTMSP membrane with a solution containing at least about 50% butanol in water for a time sufficient to increase the flux and/or selectivity of the membrane. This regeneration process with a butanol containing solution significantly improves both the flux and selectivity of the PTMSP membrane and can regenerate the flux of the PTMSP membrane to the level of a previously unused membrane.

Abstract: A method for dewatering and/or degassing a hydraulic fluid includes separating gases and water in the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid by pervaporation at a membrane that is permeable to the gas and the water and that is impermeable to hydraulic fluid, while maintaining a partial pressure drop for the gas and the water near the membrane.

Abstract: A solvent separator includes an introduction member which introduces a mixture including chlorine containing organic solvent and water; a separation unit including a separation member made of a water-repellent and/or lipophilic porous material, which carries out the separation of the mixture; a water drainage member through which water separated by the separation unit is discharged; and a solvent drainage member through which the chlorine containing organic solvent separated by the separation unit is discharged. Also, a method and a device for treating waste liquid are provided by which chlorine containing organic solvent present in waste liquid is selectively separated, decomposed by a photocatalyst, and converted into a harmless substrate.

Abstract: A porous composite structure, and in particular a membrane, for separating fluids is described. The composite structure comprises at least a porous support and a zeolite layer applied to the support and the zeolite is a zeolite of the T type or of an erionite type.

Abstract: Water- and ion-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated statistical arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and at least one olefin monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated, are used as proton-conducting membranes for production of electricity, as water-conducting membranes for humidification of fuel gases in fuel cells and heat and moisture exchange in heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems. Water-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated are used for desalination of seawater.

Abstract: A method of treating an aqueous stream having inorganic material dissolved therein, the method comprising the steps of: (a) adding organic solvent to the aqueous stream in an amount effective to form an inorganic precipitate comprising at least a portion of the inorganic material; (b) removing at least most of the organic solvent from the aqueous stream by vacuum membrane distillation; and (c) after step (b), removing at least most of the inorganic precipitate from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: Aqueous streams containing organic and/or inorganic contaminants are purified by the removal of the contaminant by contacting the aqueous stream with a membrane formed from a porous, crystalline titanium silicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring mass between a flow of a first fluid, preferably a gas phase such as a combustion flue gas, and a flow of a second fluid, preferably a liquid phase, where the first fluid is contacted with the outer surface of porous (semi-permeable) membranes, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon ®) membranes, in the form of hollow fibres having gas-containing pores and contacting the second fluid with the inner surface of the membranes. Useful membranes are characterized in that they e.g. have a porosity (&egr;) of at least 0.50, a mass transfer coefficient of e.g. at least 3 cm/s, and a tortuosity factor of e.g. at the most 1.4/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is lower than 0.80 and at the most 1.3/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is 0.80 or higher. The membranes may also be arranged in hollow tubular members where the mass transfer coefficient of the membranes is at least one tenth of the mass transfer coefficient of the gas phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring mass between a flow of a first fluid, preferably a gas phase such as a combustion flue gas, and flow of a second fluid, preferably a liquid phase, where the first fluid is contacted with the outer surface of porous (semi-permeable) membranes, e.g. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®) membranes, in the form of hollow fibers having gas-containing pores and containing the second fluid with the inner surface of the membranes. Useful membranes are characterized in that they e.g. have a porosity (&egr;) of at least 0.50, a mass transfer coefficient of e.g. at least 3 cm/s, and a tortuosity factor of e.g. at the most 1.4/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is lower than 0.80 and at the most 1.3/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is 0.80 or higher. The membranes may also be arranged in hollow tubular members where the mass transfer coefficient of the membranes is at least on tenth of the mass transfer coefficient of the gas phase.

Abstract: Pervaporation or vapor permeation apparatus and method having a separator module located in an unpressurized tank. The module has a plurality of stacked, disk-like separator elements mounted on a central, axial permeate removal tube. The separator elements have a central permeate transport plate, a pervaporation membrane enveloping the permeate transport plate and annular sealing rings located between adjacent membranes, so that fluid has to pass through the membranes to enter the permeate removal tube. A vacuum applied to the permeate removal tube draws permeate through the pervaporation membranes and permeate transport plates into the permeate removal tube. The permeate can be condensed right in the permeate removal tube by direct contact condensation using chilled liquid permeate, however an external condenser can be used. Jets of solution or bubbles of permeate vapor passing between the separator elements reduce or prevent concentration polarization.

Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volumes, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids to resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.

Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile liquid component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volume, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids is resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.

Abstract: An improved membrane pervaporation and vapor permeation system is disclosed in which the vacuum is produced by a fluid passing through a Venturi-type nozzle. The fluid is chosen from solvents that have an affinity for the permeate molecules. It is applicable over of process feed rates, can be used with either organic or aqueous systems and conserves energy relative to existing technology.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing tumor cells from tumor cell-contaminated stem cells products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method relies on an in-line filtration device that includes a tumor cell reduction filter means, preferably comprised of one or more tumor cell reduction filter pads. Preferably, the tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in filter cells while allowing for at least a 30% recovery of stem cells in a filtered stem cell product.

Abstract: Provided is a membrane separation method for separating a first component (106) from a second component (108) in a fluid mixture (102). The method is particularly useful for separating a more highly unsaturated organic compound from a less highly unsaturated organic compound of a saturated organic compound, as well as making other separations. A membrane is used that includes first chemical groups, that are ionic and associated with ion exchange sites in the membrane, a second chemical group that modify the electronic environment of the ion exchange sites to enhance facilitated transport through the membrane. An example membrane is a silver (I)-form Nafion™-poly(pyrrole) composite membrane. Also provided are a membrane (112), and apparatus (110) for use with the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fractionating organic circuit board manufacture process solutions by means of at least one very fine filtration step. In the process of the present invention, the dissolved substances present in the process solutions are separated, for example by ultrafiltration, from the organic process solvent, e.g., ethyidiglycol, to permit their respective reuse. The process of the present invention advantageously provides for considerable savings in terms of costs of material and energy and also for a considerable reduction in or even complete avoidance of waste.

Abstract: Pervaporation membranes are used for removing volatile organic compounds from wastewaters. These pervaporation membranes are prepared by dispersing at least one hydrophobic adsorbent such as activated carbon uniformly into a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Emulsions containing dense gas, liquid and a surfactant which may have been used for extraction of a solute from a substance or for other purposes are demulsified by passage through a membrane contactor. An emulsion flow path in the contactor is separated from a dense gas and surfactant flow path by membrane having pores which enable passage of the dense gas and surfactant constituents of the emulsion through the membrane while inhibiting passage of the liquid and any solute which may be therein. The membrane may be a plurality of hollow fibers. A portion of the recovered dense gas may be vaporized, temperature adjusted and be repressurized and be redirected into the dense gas and surfactant flow path to increase processing rate. Recovered dense gas and surfactant may be returned to the emulsion source for reuse therein.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers in hydrocarbon solutions are emulsified in aqueous liquids and converted to latices by partitioning the emulsion through a membrane of selective permeability to the hydrocarbon solvent relative to both water and the polymer, thereby removing the hydrocarbon solvent from the emulsion. The foaming that is often associated with removing hydrocarbon solvent from aqueous emulsions by conventional means is thus avoided. Membrane partitioning mechanisms that are useful for this application include those involving both nonporous and microporous membranes, those passing the solvent both as a liquid and as a gas, those drawing off the permeate as both a liquid and a gas, and various combinations of these methods.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCS) can be removed from surfactant solutions using pervaporation with hydrophobic pervaporation membranes. This process can be used to remove volatile non-laqueous phase liquids from surfactant-based soil washing and soil flushing solutions for recovery of the volatile compounds and reuse of the surfactant. The process of the present invention can also be used to separate VOCs from industrial process streams containing surfactants for in-process recycling and reclamation of the VOCs and/or surfactants. In addition, the process of the present invention can be used to separate VOCs from industrial waste streams containing surfactants for waste volume reduction or for recovery/recycle of the VOCs and/or surfactant.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing water from water containing liquids in which a chamber with walls formed from a zeolite membrane can be immersed in the liquid mixture so that water passes into the interior of the chamber where it can be removed.

Abstract: A pervaporation process for selectively removing a component from a multicomponent aqueous solution which is practiced with an assembly comprising a feed chamber for holding and introducting the multicomponent aqueous solution to be treated therein, the feed chamber having a pressure, an exit chamber having a pressure, and located adjacent to the feed chamber and downstream thereof; at least one membrane composite located between the feed chamber and the exit chamber and adapted for fluid registry therewith, the membrane composite comprised of a porous membrane having a first and second surface, and a nonporous membrane permanently disposed on the second surface of the porous membrane, and having a permeability selective to the component, the membrane composite aligned such that the nonporous membrane is connected to the feed chamber; and a vacuum pump connected to the exit chamber for evacuating the component from the chamber.

Abstract: A process as been found for the removal of water from reaction mixtures of acids or acid anhydrides or of aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solutions with alcohols using vapor permeation/pervaporation at the boiling point of the reaction mixture, which includes initially introducing the lowest-boiling educt in less than the stoichiometric amount, based on the other particular educt, together with this other educt, heating the reaction mixture to the boiling point and freeing the vapor mixture, which is formed from the boiling reaction mixture and includes chiefly water and the lowest-boiling component, from water on a membrane, recycling the vapor mixture which has been freed from water into the reaction mixture and topping up the reaction mixture with the lowest-boiling educt in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: Compositions useful in separating molecules or catalytic conversions comprise a substrate, a zeolite or zeolite-like layer, a selectivity enhancing coating in contact with the zeolite layer and optionally a permeable intermediate layer in contact with the substrate the zeolite layer being in contact either with the substrate or the optional intermediate layer.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is generated by electrochemical oxidation of sodium chlorite in an anode compartment of a cation-exchange membrane-divided cell in the presence of significant quantities of sodium chlorate and is recovered in a suitable recipient medium by passing the chlorine dioxide through a hydrophobic microporous membrane. Water balance in a continuous operation is maintained by removing water from the anolyte by transporting the same partly across the hydrophobic microporous membrane in vapor form and partly across the cation-exchange membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating oxides of heavy isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium oxide and oxides of tritium oxide) from water which is contaminated with these heavy hydrogen isotopes such as that currently being discharged from nuclear power plants. A central aspect of this invention includes an elongated length of hollow core fiber (HCF). By pumping the contaminated water into the HCF on either a static or a dynamic flowing basis, significant amounts of the oxides of heavy hydrogen isotopes remain in the HCF for subsequent disposal, the water discharging from the exit end thereof being substantially lower in heavy hydrogen isotope content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membranes useful in the separation of water from a solution containing volatile organic compounds and water. The membranes may be used in dehydrating an organic/water mixture to purify an organic when an organic is of interest or, alternatively, producing pure water from an organic/water mixture when clean water is of interest. The membranes include a hydrophilic base polymer, an optional pore-forming polymer and a surface modifying macromolecule (SMM) which imparts surface hydrophobicity to the membrane.

Abstract: An osmotic concentration process for selectively extracting one or more volatile components from other components in a liquid mixture across a membrane structure which includes a semipermeable barrier film attached to a non-liquid-wettable microporous membrane is disclosed. The process includes the steps of:(a) contacting the liquid mixture with a surface of the semipermeable barrier film;(b) contacting a surface of the non-liquid-wettable microporous membrane with an extracting liquid in which one or more volatile components is soluble; and(c) collecting the remaining liquid mixture. As a result of the process the volatile component or components are extracted from the liquid mixture, passed through the membrane structure in a vapor phase and are dissolved in the extracting liquid. Also disclosed is a membrane arrangement for use in osmotic concentration of aqueous solution such as juice and other beverages, is constituted by a water-permeable sheet attached to a non-water-wettable microporous membrane.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to tremendously reduce the bulk volume of contaminants obtained from an effluent stream produced subsurface remediation. The chemicals used for the subsurface remediation are reclaimed for recycling to the remediation process. Additional reductions in contaminant bulk volume are achieved by the ultra-violet light destruction of halogenated hydrocarbons, and the complete oxidation of hydrophobic fuel hydrocarbons and hydrophilic hydrocarbons. The contaminated bulk volume will arise primarily from the disposal of the toxic metal ions. The entire process is modular, so if there are any technological breakthroughs in one or more of the component process modules, such modules can be readily replaced.

Abstract: The diffusion through a membrane assaying apparatus and method facilitates rapid detection of small or larger molecular weight substances such as hazardous wastes, toxic chemicals or the like by using a semipermeable membrane having a predetermined molecular weight cutoff. The semipermeable membrane is provided as part of a container having a removable barrier which facilitates control of diffusion through the membrane. The assaying method includes the use of a reaction mechanism for detection of a predetermined substance. The reaction mechanism includes one or more reagents which are designed to either react or compete for a substance for which assaying is being performed. By selecting the proper reagents and molecular weight cutoff of the semipermeable membrane, the presence or absence of a reaction such as a color change or production of vapor provides indication whether the substance being assaying for is present in the test sample.

Abstract: A method of adding or removing a gas to or from a solution of the gas in a liquid involves transferring the gas between the liquid and another fluid through a membrane unit. The membrane unit includes a membrane which is (i) substantially impermeable to the solvent and having a permeability to oxygen of at least 100 barrers; (ii) formed from an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole; and (iii) is maintained at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the copolymer. The fluid can be another liquid or a gas. The novel method provides very high rates of gas transmission between liquids and permits gasifying liquids without resort to sparging bubbles through the liquid. The method thus can gasify liquid with superior efficiency and without excessive agitation due to bubbling.

Abstract: A method for the on-site reprocessing of isopropyl alcohol used in semiconductor manufacturing, to generate an ultradry and ultrapure isopropyl alcohol. This ultradry and ultrapure isopropyl alcohol is produced through a pervaporation step, followed by double distillation. In the first distillation step, an autonomous azeotropic self-stripping distillation column is used to produce an ultradry and partially purified isopropyl alcohol. In the next step, the isopropyl alcohol is distilled in an overhead product distillation column, to produce an ultrapure and ultradry isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, if the feed isopropyl alcohol contains less than 2000 ppm water, the pervaporation step may be omitted.The resulting isopropyl alcohol has between a high of 100 parts per million (ppm) and a low of 0.1 ppm of water in the isopropyl alcohol. It also has zero particles per milliliter of a size larger than 2.0 microns, zero to 2 particles per milliliter of a size of 0.5 micron to 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite membrane for removing water from dilute organic or inorganic acids by pervaporation or vapor permeation. The composite membrane in accordance with the invention is of a porous carrier layer, a porous backing layer, and a non-porous separating layer, which consists of a PVC-PCac copolymer having a PVac content of 10 to 25% by weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for osmotic distillation employing dehydrating aqueous solutions of potassium salts of phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, acetate, and blends thereof. Methods are also provided for the simultaneous osmotic distillation and removal of carbon dioxide from a sample of relatively low osmotic pressure employing alkaline potassium orthophosphate and pyrophosphate dehydrating solutions.

Abstract: A water purifier which works in accordance with the membrane distillation principle includes a degassor for degassing incoming crude water prior to commencing the membrane distillation precess; a membrane for the membrane distillation of degassed water; and an outlet which functions to discharge a residual quantity of degassed undistilled water when a degassed undistilled water level has fallen to a predetermined lower level in a container which receives the crude water to be purified. The container is provided with an upper level sensor and a lower level sensor and a temperature sensor. The upper level sensor functions to activate the start of circulator for the circulation of crude water through the degassor, and also to activate the start of crude water heater. When the level of water in the container falls, the lower level sensor functions to activate opening of the outlet means so as to discharge remaining undistilled water.

Abstract: A method and a device for emitting small volumes of gas from a substance in condensed form to the surroundings at a controllable rate. The condensed substance is in a container which is in communication with the surroundings via a gas permeable membrane and a capillary. The geometry of the capillary determines the rate of emission of the gas to the surroundings.