Abstract: A method for treating potato wastewater comprising the steps of pretreating a potato wastewater stream including suspended and dissolved solids with an alpha amylase enzyme to hydrolyze starch in the wastewater, ultra-filtering the enzyme-treated wastewater from step (a) to filter and remove a portion of the suspended solids in a first concentrate stream separated from the wastewater, and reverse osmosis-filtering the ultra-filtered wastewater from step (b) to remove at least about 70% of the wastewater dissolved and suspended solids in a second concentrate stream.

Abstract: This invention discloses a cost-effective process for separating contaminants and a wide-range of fouling material from surface water, ground water and from industrial effluents. Having undergone effective pre-treatment, the water can be purified further by using high-surface area spirally wound micro-filtration (MF), ultra-filtration (UF), nano-filtration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. High-quality potable water free from pathogen and other contaminants is thus produced at low-cost from the pre-treated surface water and ground-water. Conversely, pre-treated industrial effluents are further purified at a relatively low-cost using NF or RO membranes, thus producing water suitable for recycle or surface discharge. The process of this invention uses cationic inorganic and/or polymeric flocculants to coagulate and flocculate the water-borne colloidal matter (e.g. clays, iron hydroxides, naturally occurring matter (NOM's), etc.

Abstract: In a treatment system, a spiral wound type membrane module is provided on a preceding stage of a reverse osmosis membrane separation device for performing pretreatment with the spiral wound type membrane module. The spiral wound type membrane module is formed by charging a pressure vessel with a spiral wound type membrane element. The spiral wound type membrane element is formed by covering a spiral membrane component, prepared by winding a plurality of independent or continuous envelope-like membranes on the outer peripheral surface of a water collection pipe, with a separation membrane and further covering the same with an outer peripheral passage forming member.

Abstract: Filtration methods comprise virus-filtering a solution containing at least one macromolecule. The total salt content of the solution is within the range of from about 0.2M to 2M or within the range of from about 0.2M up to saturation with the salt.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

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: The invention relates to a process for the purification and/or treatment of suspensions, which include at least one or more precious metals and/or rare earths or other elements in the form of a precipitate or solid and/or also in dissolved form, which includes the following steps:

Abstract: A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures and turbulent flow without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

Abstract: A method of producing high purity water using weak acid cation exchange for dealkalization and a double pass reverse osmosis membrane system having enhanced membrane life.

Abstract: Charged membranes comprise a porous substrate and a cross-linked polyelectrolyte or hydrogel located in the pores of the substrate and are useful in a variety of membrane separation processes, including pressure driven membrane separation, diffusion dialysis, Donnan dialysis, electrodialysis, electrochemical synthesis and prevaporation. Certain of the membranes are novel.

Abstract: A method of producing high purity water using dealkalization and a double pass reverse osmosis membrane system having enhanced membrane life.

Abstract: An electro-regenerating type apparatus for producing deionized water, which comprises an electrodialyzer having cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes alternately arranged between an anode compartment provided with an anode and a cathode compartment provided with a cathode, demineralizing compartments compartmentalized with the anion exchange membranes on the anode side and compartmentalized with the cation exchange membranes on the cathode side, and concentrating compartments compartmentalized with the cation exchange membranes on the anode side and compartmentalized with the anion exchange membranes on the cathode side, the electrodialyzer having ion exchangers accommodated in the demineralizing compartments, wherein a porous anion exchanger layer having a porosity of from 20 to 95%, a maximum pore size of from 0.01 to 500 &mgr;m and a thickness of at least five times the maximum pore size and from 10 &mgr;m to 10 mm, is provided on the anode side of each anion exchange membrane.

Abstract: A solvent purification system and method of reducing the contamination level thereof are provided. Contaminated solvent is directed under pressure across at least one cross-flow membrane unit, and the waste stream therefrom is conveyed through at least one membrane precipitator unit to precipitate out contaminant, or selectively precipitate out solutes.

Abstract: In a membrane treatment method, raw liquid is supplied to a circulation tank, and circulation liquid is supplied into an inter-membrane passage between filtration membranes disposed within a membrane apparatus, which is disposed separately from the circulation tank. Filtrate is obtained from the circulation liquid within the inter-membrane passages via the filtration membranes, and the circulation liquid is circulated by a circulation pump disposed between the circulation tank and the membrane apparatus, while returning the remaining circulation liquid to the circulation tank. A portion of the circulation liquid overflows from the circulation tank. A membrane treatment apparatus comprises a membrane apparatus, a circulation tank, and a circulation pump. The membrane apparatus includes filtration membranes disposed to form an inter-membrane passage between the filtration membranes. The membrane apparatus takes out filtrate from circulation liquid in the inter-membrane passage.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture of a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing potable water from an aqueous feed such as seawater utilizing a pressure vessel designed for operation in the range of about 250 psig to about 350 psig having reverse osmosis (RO) separation elements disposed upstream of at least one nanofiltrate separation element. The supply of seawater at such pressure creates no permeate flow through the RO membranes, so the seawater flushes the feed side of the RO elements on its way to the NF element where very substantial permeate flux occurs, producing a NF permeate substantially depleted in divalent ions and optionally moderately depleted in monovalent ions. The NF permeate is collected in a holding tank having liquid level switches, and when a desired level is reached, a control system causes the pump to draw suction from the holding tank while shutting off feed from the seawater source.

Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus and a process for recycling used engine coolant employs a combination of filtration, dissolved air floatation, centrifugation (hydrocyclone separation), semi-permeable nano filtration, reverse osmosis, and continuous deionization for separating ethylene glycol, with or without propylene glycol, and water from used engine coolant. The engine coolant is pre-filtered through a series of filters. The filters remove particulate contaminates. This filtered fluid is then subjected to dissolved air floatation and/or centrifugation to remove organic petroleum contaminants. Then, it is pressurized prior to being passed through semi-permeable nano filtration. The nano filtration separates the feed stream into a ultra filtration solution and a concentrated waste solution. The concentrate solution is returned to a centrifuged coolant tank for continuous circulation through the nano filtration device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for a multistage reverse osmosis separation which comprises reverse osmosis membrane module units arranged at multistage with a booster pump provided in the concentrate flow channel between reverse osmosis membrane module unit, wherein the total effective reverse osmosis membrane area of a module unit is in the range of 20-80% of that of the preceding module unit. The object of this invention is to provide apparatus and separation method that produce low-concentration solution from high-concentration solution with a high recovery ratio, small energy requirements, and high stability.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: A process for removing heavy metal ions or cyanide ions from a waste water stream originating in a metal plating plant or a mine comprising the steps of pretreatment in which the waste water stream is first pretreated by removing particulates, fats and oils; filtration by means of a first sand filter to remove suspended particulates down to 50 microns, a second bag filter to remove suspended particulates down to 3.5 microns, a third micro filter to remove particulates down to 0.

Abstract: A method for purifying commercial alkali metal silicate solutions involves passing the alkali metal silicate solution through a nanofiltration device having a membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of between about 400 to about 3,000 daltons. Preferably, the molecular weight cutoff is between about 400 and about 1,000 daltons and, more preferably, between about 400 and about 800 daltons. In this way, a large portion of impurities in alkali metal silicate solutions, which tend to become associated with higher molecular weight silicates, can be removed. A pressure differential may be used to drive the solution across the device, from which a permeate is withdrawn as a purified alkali metal silicate solution. The retentate from the device is preferably recycled to the feed alkali metal silicate solution to form a mixture, and the mixture is introduced to the nanofiltration device.

Abstract: A method of producing milling adjuvants and/or dispersing agents, with the use of a separation apparatus which is comprised of one or more organic and/or mineral membranes; a milling adjuvant and/or dispersing agent produced by said method; and use of said adjuvant/agent in preparing an aqueous suspension of mineral particles; and the use of the aqueous suspension in applications involving pigments.

Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. Also, the feedwater is maintained in a temperature range of 45.degree. to 80.degree. F. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.

Abstract: A method for producing high purity product water using a three pass reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: Biological fluid processing assemblies having a gas inlet and/or a gas outlet are disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.

Abstract: A polishing agent recovery and reuse method and device for the same removes large impurities by a filtration device, concentrates by an ultrafiltration device, and continuously recovers polishing agent. Polishing agent used in polishing a semiconductor board or a coating formed on top of a semiconductor board is collected in a pre-processing container after use. Large impurities are removed by a dual fine filtration device. The resulting filtrate is concentrated by an ultrafiltration device. The concentrated solution may then be mixed with filtrate from the dual fine filtration device to further concentrate the polishing agent. The concentration of the polishing agent in the concentrated solution, the pH, and the temperature of the solution are continuously monitored and controlled. The filtrate of the ultrafiltration device is further treated to remove impurities, resulting in pure or ultrapure water. The recovered polishing agent may be reused in further polishing steps.

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: The present invention relates to a method for industrial production of a peptide preparation having specific specifications by hydrolysis of a protein material, preferably based on whey. The method comprises several steps, which makes it easy to control the method so as to obtain a product which, e.g. because of low mineral content, is well suited for peritoneal dialysis and parenteral feeding. The method gives a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble organic and inorganic contaminants from refinery wastewater streams employing ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis is provided. Permeate from the ultrafiltration step is first passed through a sequential softening system to remove divalent and trivalent metal cations prior to being passed to the reverse osmosis step to prevent fouling therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating milk products to reduce the bacteria and fat therein and/or to recover proteins therefrom. In particular, the present invention provides a method of treating a milk product comprising dynamically filtering the milk product (particularly skim milk or whey) through a filtration medium having a pore rating of about 0.1-1 .mu.m to produce a fat-depleted milk product permeate. The present invention also provides a method of concentrating a protein in a milk product comprising dynamically filtering the milk product through a filtration medium to form a protein-enriched retentate or a protein-enriched permeate. This method can be repeated with the protein-enriched fraction using filtration media of increasingly smaller pore ratings in order to recover particular proteins or combinations of proteins (from among many proteins in the milk product).

Abstract: A method of producing milling adjuvants and/or dispersing agents, with the use of a separation apparatus which is comprised of one or more organic and/or mineral membranes; a milling adjuvant and/or dispersing agent produced by said method; and use of said adjuvant/agent in preparing an aqueous suspension of mineral particles; and the use of the aqueous suspension in applications involving pigments.

Abstract: A method for separating and recovering an objective component from a crude liquid by a membrane in a semi-batch system, including the steps of: at least two stages of adding a washing liquid to the crude liquid stored in a container and mixing the washing liquid with the crude liquid to form a mixture of the crude liquid and the washing liquid, wherein successive ones of the at least two stages are separated by a time lag, wherein the successive ones use washing liquids at different concentrations, in descending order, of the objective component concentration, and further wherein a last one of the plural stages uses only a washing liquid having essentially a zero concentration of the objective component; and for each of the plural stages, performing a step of membrane treatment of the mixture to transfer the objective component from the crude liquid to a permeated liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production and utilization of water-soluble salts selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of carboxylic acids and water-soluble salts of amino acids, comprising reacting an aqueous feed solution containing an amino or carboxylic acid or their anions with a water-soluble base, in indirect contact via a semi-permeable membrane, the membrane being permselective to amino acids, carboxylic acids and their anions over cations and non-ionized species, whereby there is formed a salt solution of the acid containing less impurities per anion than the feed solution and utilizing the salt values from the formed salt solution of the acid.

Abstract: Metal ions and/or complexes of metal ions are removed from a solution by formation of an insoluble chelated complex of the metal ions and a polymeric precipitating agent. A two-step process of mixing the influent with the precipitating agent is used to induce rapid precipitation and obtain large, self-agglomerated precipitate without addition of flocculating agent and/or pH adjustment. In addition, parallel loops are employed to simultaneously discharge treated metal-free solution and effectively collect/remove the precipitate-containing sludge without interfering with each other. The metal capturing capacity of the polymeric precipitant is maximized by forcing the influent solution through layers of the collected precipitate and by recycling unsaturated metal-precipitant complexes in the processing loop.

Abstract: A process is described for clarifying a crude inulin extract by ultrafiltration and separating an aqueous inulin solution containing carbohydrates having a range of degrees of polymerization into fractions having different average degrees of polymerization which comprises subjecting an aqueous inulin solution to ultrafiltration through a membrane having a predetermined pore size whereby inulin fractions having average degrees of polymerization less than a predetermined value pass through said membrane as permeate and inulin fractions having average degrees of polymerization greater than said predetermined value are collected as retentate.

Abstract: An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed. In a process in which corn kernels are steeped in an aqueous solution and are milled to facilitate the separation of the components thereof, in which starch from the corn is separated from gluten, and in which at least one aqueous gluten-containing stream is generated, the improvement comprises membrane filtration of an aqueous gluten-containing stream, producing a gluten-enriched retentate, and removing water from the gluten-enriched retentate, thereby producing a substantially dry gluten product. This improved process provides an economical means of recovering a higher percentage of the available protein for inclusion in high value products.

Abstract: A method of producing milling adjuvants and/or dispersing agents, with the use of a separation apparatus which is comprised of one or more organic and/or mineral membranes; a milling adjuvant and/or dispersing agent produced by said method; and use of said adjuvant/agent in preparing an aqueous suspension of mineral particles; and the use of the aqueous suspension in applications involving pigments.

Abstract: A desalination system using hydrostatic pressure formed in a vertical mine shaft to function reverse osmosis membranes plumbed so that permeate water from the last membrane is input water to the next. The hydrostatic pressure forces the brine water from the first membrane nearly to the earth's surface. The second brine water is likely usable as drinking water. The final product water is pure enough to be agriculturally usable.

Abstract: A plurality of reverse osmosis units each having a cavity and a membrane are placed within a deep channel. The channel contains an unpurified liquid, and the membranes communicate directly with the unpurified liquid in the channel. The level of unpurified liquid is such that the differential pressure across the membranes is sufficient to cause purified liquid to accumulate in the cavities, from which it is emptied and pumped to the surface. The high pressure sides of the membranes are flushed by unpurified liquid being pumped through the channel. In this manner, a relatively large percentage of the channel diameter can be utilized, and the mechanisms can be implied over prior systems in which unpurified and purified liquids are piped from one reverse osmosis unit to another.

Abstract: A process and apparaus for recovery water from raw sewage extracted directly from the sewer including a screen(2) operable to obtain from raw sewage a screened effluent having a maximum particle size of no more than 900 microns. The apparatus also comprises a first membrane separator(5) which is operable to filter the suspended solids from some or all of the screened effluent. The process also includes a second membrane separator preferably in the form of reverse osmosis filter(8).

Abstract: Method for sulphate removal from concentrated MgCl.sub.2 solutions, where the solution is subjected to a high pressure nanofiltration process applying membranes having a dominantly negative surface charge.

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 low cost efficient method and system for treating animal waste and in particular pig and swine solid and liquid manure to allow removable of undesirable odors and return of sludge and liquid safely to the environment to eliminate or reduce pollution. The method and system include collecting the manure into a central tank and using a continuous process to compress the manure to separate liquid from the solid sludge and transferring the separated liquid to a separate holding tank. The dried out sludge is collected as a residual and can be safely returned to the environment. Calcium carbonate may be added to the residual sludge to reduce odor. A polymer may be added to the pressing stage of the sludge to enhance liquid sludge separation. The separated liquid is then treated with a pressure filter membrane to remove undesirable elements from the liquid after which is filtered and is returned safely to the environment either to a natural stream to a sewage system or for agricultural uses.

Abstract: Biological fluid processing assemblies having a gas inlet and/or a gas outlet are disclosed.

Abstract: Nanofiltration processes using one or more conventional nanofiltration membrane modules under a positive applied pressure is used to selectively change the concentration of one solute, such as sodium chloride or sodium chlorate providing monovalent ions, from another solute such as sodium sulfate or sodium dichromate to provide multivalent ions in high salt aqueous concentrations. The process is particularly useful in favourably lowering the concentration of undesirable ions, particularly, of silica and dichromate ions in chloralkali and chlorate brine containing solutions and favourably raising the sodium sulphate level relative to sodium chloride in chloralkali liquor.

Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.