Abstract: A device for extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the device being characterized in that it comprises: a main duct for conveying a flow of said suspension, the duct being of a length that is sufficient to enable a layer of said suspension to develop that is depleted in solid phase; flow disturbance means for disturbing the flow of said suspension, said means being provided in the main duct and being adapted to cause at least one recirculation vortex to form so as to increase locally the thickness of said depleted layer; and liquid extraction means disposed in a region of the device where said suspension is enriched in liquid phase as a result of said recirculation vortex. A method of extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the method comprising injecting said suspension into such a device at a flow rate suitable for causing at least one recirculation vortex to be formed, and extracting a fraction of said suspension that is enriched in liquid as a result of said vortex.

Abstract: A method for identifying contaminants within a liquid hydrocarbon media containing contaminants includes adding an optical tag to a water wash, adding the tagged water wash to the liquid hydrocarbon media, emulsifying the liquid hydrocarbon media and analyzing the contaminants in the hydrocarbon media with a microscope. Methods for removing contaminants and evaluating treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for processing a beer stream for the recovery of oil. The method include a step of extracting oil from a beer stream into an organic phase comprising an organic solvent to provide in the organic phase at least a portion of the oil. In general, a beer stream refers to a composition containing alcohol, water, oil, and particulates, and can be a result of a fermentation process. When the beer stream is a beer stream from a fermentation process, it can be referred to as a fermentation broth even if it is no longer being subjected to fermentation. The beer stream can contain other components commonly found in a stream coming off a fermentation process such as, for example, glycerol and acetic acid. A method for producing ethanol, and an ethanol production facility are provided.

Abstract: A process for separating an aqueous emulsion including an aqueous phase and an non-aqueous phase into separated aqueous and non-aqueous phases, to provide a recovered non-aqueous phase, and to provide a recovered aqueous phase containing an acceptable level of the non-aqueous phase. In the process, at least one body, and preferably two or more bodies, of polymeric material, with a high surface area, typically a foam material or polymer chips, is used in a horizontal flow treatment system to break the emulsion and thus provide both the aqueous and non-aqueous phases as two separate flows. A wide range of polymers can be used in the system as the polymeric material including polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene. If a very low level of non-aqueous phase in the effluent is required, for example to meet potable water standards, then a Kozlowski polyurethane, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,040 is preferred as the last polymeric material body.

Abstract: Compositions for bioremediation are described. Systems and methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is to provide an improved method for preparation of microsphere from an emulsion wherein an organic phase containing an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than that of water and a hardly-water-soluble polymer is emulsified in an aqueous phase by an in-water drying method, which comprises: (1) using an apparatus equipped with a gas separation membrane; (2) supplying the emulsion to be subjected to in-water drying to one side of said gas separation membrane; (3) evaporating off the organic solvent contained in said emulsion to the other side of said gas separation membrane, which can remove the organic solvent with high efficiency and can be carried out in a closed system and hence is favorable from the environmental viewpoint.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microemulsions having, as one component thereof, electron-deficient aromatic rings, e.g.. di(trifluoromethyi) benzene, for efficient separation and/or isolation of target molecules, e.g., bupivacaine.

Abstract: A filter for reducing leukocytes and platelets from an erythrocyte preparation or a whole blood preparation which is characterized by having a filter base coated with a polymer, the content of the polymer being from 0.5 to 10 mg/m2 per unit area of the total surface of the filter base, and the polymer containing 20% or less of low-molecular weight components having a molecular weight not more than ¼ of the peak top molecular weight in the gel permeation chromatogram.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for separating enantiomers in a supported liquid membrane module by contacting the liquid membrane which may contain a carrier and a phase transfer agent with a feed fluid containing a racemic mixture whereby an enantiomer is transported into the liquid membrane and thereafter contacting the liquid membrane with a sweep fluid whereby an enantiomer is transported from the liquid membrane into the sweep fluid. The enantiomer is then recovered from the sweep fluid. The liquid membrane module is constructed in such a way that the feed fluid and the sweep fluid are adjacent to, but on opposite sides of, the liquid membrane and the feed and sweep fluids have a substantially continuous interfacial contact along the length of the liquid membrane.

Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to manipulate the chemical properties of water in order to improve the effectiveness of a desired process. The method involves heating the water in the vessel to subcritical temperatures between 100° to 374° C. while maintaining sufficient pressure to the water to maintain the water in the liquid state. Various physiochemical properties of the water can be manipulated including polarity, solute solubility, surface tension, viscosity, and the disassociation constant. The method of the present invention has various uses including extracting organics from solids and semisolids such as soil, selectively extracting desired organics from liquids, selectively separating organics using sorbent phases, enhancing reactions by controlling the disassociation constant of water, cleaning waste water, removing organics from water using activated carbon or other suitable sorbents, and degrading various compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the removal and recovery of radionuclides from waste waters and process streams. The process of the present invention utilizes a combination of a supported liquid membrane (SLM) and a strip dispersion to improve extraction of the target species while increasing membrane stability and reducing processing costs. Additionally, the invention provides a family of new extractants, alkyl phenylphosphonic acids, for the removal and recovery of radionuclides and/or metals, including the use of the new extractants in the process. The new extractant selectively removes radionuclides and metals from the feed stream to provide a concentrated strip solution of the target species.

Abstract: The invention involves the separation of actinides and lanthanides by membrane transport by means of a calixarene. To this end, a first aqueous solution containing at least one metal from the group of actinides and lanthanides to be separated is placed in the compartment 3 and a second aqueous re-extraction solution such as a 10−2 mol/L solution of HNO3 is placed in the compartment 5. The membrane 6 is a microporous membrane of which the pores are filled with a liquid organic phase (calixarene and diluent) chosen in order to favour membrane transport of the metal(s) to be separated from compartment 3 to compartment 5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a two-step process for the removal and recovery of chromium from a feed solution, such as waste water, using supported liquid membranes (SLMs). In the first step of the process, the feed solution, which contains hexavalent chromium, is treated with a first strip solution to produce a moderately concentrated Cr(VI) solution. In the second step, the moderately concentrated Cr(VI) solution is treated with a second strip solution. The process advantageously produces a treated feed solution having a decreased concentration of chromium which is acceptable for discharge or recycle and a product solution which contains a highly concentrated Cr(VI) solution having little or no sulfate contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a supported liquid membrane carrier liquid with a dielectric constant between approximately 20 and 32, more particularly between 22 and 28, and preferably about 24, and the use of that carrier liquid in a supported liquid membrane device to extract one or more chemical species from a feed liquid. The invention further comprises such a device where a temperature gradient is maintained between any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids. In another embodiment of the invention, any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids are conditioned, for example, by passing the liquids through a purifier, or replacing lost carrier liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more devices are connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: The multistage three-phase extractor is provided with ports 7, 8 for the supply and ports 10, 11 for the removal of first and second dispersed phases and has contact stages 3 arranged one below the other, which each comprise two interconnected chambers 1, 2 filled with the continuous phase, wherein the first stage is equipped with a dispersing device 5. The first chamber 1 of an upper stage is connected with the second chamber 2 of the stage therebelow. The continuous phase is supplied to the first stage via the port 11 and removed from the last stage via the port 12.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a supported liquid membrane carrier liquid with a dielectric constant between approximately 20 and 32, more particularly between 22 and 28, and preferably about 24, and the use of that carrier liquid in a supported liquid membrane device to extract one or more chemical species from a feed liquid. The invention further comprises such a device where a temperature gradient is maintained between any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids. In another embodiment of the invention, any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids are conditioned, for example, by passing the liquids through a purifier, or replacing lost carrier liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more devices are connected in series or parallel.

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: A method for forming gas or liquid aphrons with reversible surfactants or emulsifiers is described. Polymers which change their emulsifying properties upon change of pH, temperature or other condition are used to form the aphrons. The aphrons are useful for chemical reactions and separations, mass transfer processes, and for biological processes.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to manipulate the chemical properties of water in order to improve the effectiveness of a desired chemical process. The method involves heating the water in the vessel to subcritical temperatures between 100.degree. to 374.degree. C. while maintaining sufficient pressure to the water to maintain the water in the liquid state. Various physiochemical properties of the water can be manipulated including polarity, solute solubility, surface tension, viscosity, and the disassociation constant. The method of the present invention has various uses including extracting organics from solids and semisolids such as soil, selectively extracting desired organics from nonaqueous liquids, selectively separating organics using sorbent phases, enhancing reactions by controlling the disassociation constant of water, cleaning waste water, and removing organics from water using activated carbon or other suitable sorbents.

Abstract: A method for controlling vertical migration of contaminants in an aquifer includes introduction of a solubilizing solution having a surfactant and an alcohol or other light co-solvent. The surfactant is selected to solubilize the contaminant. The alcohol or other solvent is selected to provide the microemulsion with a substantially neutral buoyancy with respect to groundwater. The neutral buoyancy of the microemulsion prevents the normal downward movement which is typical of the solubilized dense non-aqueous phase liquid in surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation. Thus, the risk that any significant amount of the solubilized dense non-aqueous contaminants will migrate vertically can be controlled. The relative tendency for vertical migration may also be reduced by increasing the injection rate or injected fluid viscosity (by adding polymer), or by reducing the well spacing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for purifying solvents, by causing contaminants to be included within layers of dispersed layered materials, and then separating the restacked combined contaminant/layered material from the solvent. The methods may be utilized to remove materials suspended in the solvents, materials immiscible with the solvents, and are especially useful for separating soluble materials from the solvents within which they are dissolved. The application of these methods will be beneficial in the remediation of polluted soil and water, the desalination of water, waste oil and gray water purification, the preparation of pharmaceuticals, and many other areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to crown calix.vertline.4.vertline.arenes, their preparation process and their use for the selective extraction of cesium and actinides. These crown calixl4larenes comply with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents a group of formula X(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.m and X(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.n YX(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.n with X=O or N(R.sub.4), m=3, 4, 5 or 6, Y=cycloalkylene or arylene and n=1, 2 or 3. These crown.vertline.4.vertline.arenes, whose benzene nuclei are optionally substituted by alkyl groups, can be used as extractants, e.g. in liquid membrane form, for separating cesium from acid solutions containing sodium in a large quantity compared with the cesium quantity, e.g. irradiated fuel reprocessing plant effluents.

Abstract: A novel hollow fiber membrane-based synergistic extraction technique has been developed for removal and recovery of individual heavy metals from aqueous streams. This technique has a number of advantages over conventional solvent extraction, emulsion liquid membrane, and supported liquid membrane methods. It may be easily scaled up to meet the requirements for pollution control of heavy metals in industrial processes and selective separation hydrometallurgy.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel calixarenes of formula: ##STR1## in which m is equal to 0 or 1, n is an integer from 2 to 8, with 4.ltoreq.n(m+1).ltoreq.8,R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which can be the same or different, are alkyl or O-nitrophenoxyalkyl groups andR.sup.3 and R.sup.4, which can be the same or different, are alkyl or aryl groups.The calixarenes can be used for extracting actinides and lanthanides from aqueous solutions from spent fuel reprocessing.

Abstract: The hydrogel-forming polymers are used as absorbents for collecting and concentrating solutions. A solution to be concentrated can be contained in a dialysis membrane, with the hydrogel-forming polymer, or mixture thereof, on the outer surface of the membrane. A hydrogel-forming polymer can be added directly to the solution to be concentrated and the resulting concentrate separated from the gel by filtration of decanting. A hydrogel-forming polymer can be placed in a container formed of porous material and the container can be added to the solution to be concentrated and physically removed after concentration has occurred. Hydrogel-forming polymer can be used as a liquid collection in diagnostic membrane assay cartridges.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solvent extraction where the heavy and light phases are directed counter-currently into vertical mixing zones created by high-strength gas jets injecting gas up through the liquids to create an emulsion plume between the two liquids. The gas jets are at certain intervals along the countercurrent flow paths of the liquids with settling zones on either side of each the mixing zone. The phases disengage in the settling zones, flowing from the mixing zone in opposite countercurrent directions. The system has minimal backmixing, no moving parts, and good contact between phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to bis-crown calix[4]arenes, their preparation process and their use for the selective extraction of cesium and actinides. Bis-crown calix[4]arenes are in accordance with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 respectively represent X(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.m and X(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.n with X.dbd.O, NH and/or N(CH.sub.3), m and n=3, 4, 5 or 6, or X (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.p/2 XY(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 X).sub.p/2 with p=2 or 4 and Y=cycloalkylene or arylene. These bis-crown calix[4]arenes, whose benzene nuclei are optionally substituted by alkyl groups, can be used as an extracant, e.g. in the form of a liquid membrane, for separating cesium from acid solutions containing sodium in a large quantity compared with the cesium quantity, e.g. effluents of irradiated fuel reprocessing plants.

Abstract: A liquid emulsion membrane process for removing sulfate anions from waste water is disclosed. The liquid emulsion membrane process includes the steps of: (a) providing a liquid emulsion formed from an aqueous strip solution and an organic phase that contains an extractant capable of removing sulfate anions from waste water; (b) dispersing the liquid emulsion in globule form into a quantity of waste water containing sulfate anions to allow the organic phase in each globule of the emulsion to extract and absorb sulfate anions from the waste water and (c) separating the emulsion including its organic phase and absorbed sulfate anions from the waste water to provide waste water containing substantially no sulfate anions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved design for a moving liquid membrane module. In one embodiment, the tubular or hollow fiber module, at least one tubular or hollow fiber element is contained within a housing. This element comprises an inner tubular membrane and an outer tubular membrane. The element comprises a first tubular membrane located within a second tubular membrane of larger diameter. The membrane liquid is continuously passed through annular gap between the two tubular membranes. The feed fluid is continuously passed through the lumen of the inner tubular membrane and the purge or strip fluid is continuously passed over the outer surface of the outer tubular membrane. In a second embodiment, the spiral wound moving liquid membrane module, a spiral wound cartridge is incorporated into a housing. The cartridge is formed by wrapping at least one permeant depletion channel, one permeant enrichment channel and one membrane liquid channel around a core tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation of .beta.-amino alcohol compounds, particularly compounds known as .beta.-blockers, by employing what is known as a chiral selector compound which can achieve separation of enantiomers without requiring derivatization of the enantiomers before effecting separation.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for entrapment of a cation in a vesicle having a membrane and an acidic aqueous compartment comprising contacting the vesicle with a buffer solution comprising the cation and a lipophilic, carboxylic ionophoretic antibiotic capable of complexing with the cation and increasing the cation's permeability across the vesicle membrane, wherein there is a pH gradient between the acidic aqueous compartment and the buffer solution. The cation can be for example iron or calcium and the ionophore A23187. The pH gradient can be established across the bilayer by a relatively acidic or basic intravesicular aqueous compartment of the unilamellar vesicle and the buffer solution and the cation loads via the pH gradient. The invention also contemplates a unilamellar vesicle comprising an aqueous compartment including a cationic species in a concentration between 100 mM and 500 mM.

Abstract: A process for removing dissolved organic compounds from an aqueous solution wherein said solution is contacted with a water insoluble, liquid oligomeric or polymeric poly(amphiphilic) compound having an affinity for said organic compound.

Abstract: Carbon clusters, such as C.sub.60 and C.sub.70 fullerenes are separated by means of a recognition selector having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is O, S or NR.sub.12 wherein R.sub.12 is independently hydrogen or P.dbd.O with the proviso that when R.sub.12 is P.dbd.O, then only one such group is present and all R.sub.2 's are additionally bonded to R.sub.12,R.sub.4 is independently O, S or NH,R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl,n and o are each independently zero, 1, 2 or 3,p, q, r, s and t are each independently zero or 1,Ar is a monocyclic or ortho-fused polycyclic aromatic moiety having up to 10 carbon atoms, either of which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more lower alkyl, NO.sub.2, N(R.sub.6).sub.3.sup.30, CN COOR.sub.7, SO.sub.3 H, COR.sub.8 and OR.sub.9 wherein R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl;W is H or CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ; andm is 1 to 10.

Abstract: A fluid membrane is described, termed the electroconvective liquid crystal membrane (ECLCM), comprised of a sandwich-like configuration in which a fluid layer is contained within a structure. The structure containing the fluid layer separates distinct regions having different concentrations of one or more diffusant species and is capable of being accessed by the diffusant species. The fluid layer is comprised of any fluid in which an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow can be induced, including liquid crystals and liquid crystal-like fluids. The ECLCM includes means for applying an electric field to the fluid layer such that an EHD flow is induced within the fluid layer. The EHD flow alters the passage of the diffusant species across the ECLCM. The fluid layer may be modified by the addition of other components which act as carriers to the passage of selected diffusants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regulating the size and composition of the internal reaction medium of a membrane mimetic system using clathrate hydrate formation under gas pressure conditions. When the disclosed membrane mimetic system is in contact with a clathrate forming gas, some of the water in the internal reaction medium is converted to crystalline hydrate form, which physically and chemically isolates the water from the remainder of the internal reaction medium. In one preferred process embodiment, the membrane mimetic system is used for enzymatic polymer synthesis in an organized medium to control the size and morphology of the polymer particles formed.

Abstract: A high performance chiral selector having the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar is a monocyclic or ortho-fused polycyclic aromatic moiety having up to 10 ring carbon atoms, either of which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, NO.sub.2, N(R.sub.5).sub.3.sup.+, CN, COOR.sub.6, SO.sub.3 H and COR.sub.7 groups wherein R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are each independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 ar each independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl or phenyl;R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl or C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkenyl; andm and n are each independently zero or 1, said compound being an R or an S enantiomer or a mixture of R and S enantiomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for dissolving oxygen comprising forming a liquid membrane of an oxygen-permeable liquid on a support layer made of a hydrophobic porous material, bringing one side of the liquid membrane into contact with an oxygen-containing gas and the other side with an aqueous liquor, and thereby dissolving oxygen in the aqueous liquor; a process for culturing cells in an oxygen-containing aqueous liquor obtained by the oxygen-dissolving process; and apparatus for practicing these processes. According to the present invention, oxygen can be dissolved in an aqueous liquor efficiently and economically, and aerobic cell-culturing can be stably effected even at a high cell concentration.

Abstract: A method and a liquid membrane is disclosed, in a liquid membrane separation process, for enhancing the stability of the membrane without any significant loss in solute permeability rate through the membrane, by converting the membrane liquid to suitable non-Newtonian form by the addition of a high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions containing by weight about:20 to 80% of a dispersed aqueous phase containing about 20 to 70% of one or more aldehydes chosen from the group constituted by formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, glycolaldehyde or glyoxylic acid and 80 to 30% of an aqueous solution containing 90 to 100% water and 10 to 0% of a buffer agent pH=5.5.+-.1.5; and 80 to 20% of a continuous oil phase containing about 90 to 99 % of one or more saturated and liquid C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 hydrocarbons, and 10 to 1% of an emulsifying system constituted by one or more water-in-oil emulsifying agents and process for the elimination of hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: A liquid membrane method for removing scale deposits wherein a novel chelating composition is utilized. The composition used in the external and internal aqueous phases of said membrane comprises an aqueous solution having a pH of about 8 to about 14, and an aminocarboxylic acid or polyamine chelant. Additionally, a catalyst or synergist is used in the external phase only. Preferred chelants comprise diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or alkali salts thereof. Anions of organic and inorganic acids comprise the catalyst used in the external phase. Catalysts which can be used include fluoride, oxalate, persulfate, dithionate, hypochlorite, formate, thio, amino and hydroxy acetate anions. When the solution containing the composition is contacted with a surface containing a scale deposit, the deposit dissolves substantially more scale quicker than heretofore possible.

Abstract: The described apparatus is a multilayer liquid membrane support structure that can be used in devices for separating or purifying a desired chemical species. A inner layer is sandwiched between two outer layers to provide a porous support for a liquid membrane subject to oscillatory motion at a frequency selected to promote enhanced mass transport of the chemical species across the liquid membrane. The pores of the inner layer are selected to have an average pore diameter less than the pores of the outer layers.

Abstract: The water filtration system according to the present invention includes a containment vessel(s) in which a filtration matrix is contained. The filtration matrix comprises a plurality of particles on which a regenerative membrane is formed directly on the surface. Through extensive experimentation, it has been found that the conditions suitable for reducing iron and manganese from water entering the vessel can be performed simply by controlling the amount of Fe.sup.3+ and pH in raw water entering the containment vessel. This is true even though the chemical characteristics of the underground water are changing.In one embodiment, the matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric particles selected from particles having specific gravity ranging from about 1.4 to about 2.7. Further, the particles have a nonuniformity coefficient no greater than about 2, and an average particle diameter ranging from about 1.0 mm to about 1.6 mm.

Abstract: A supported liquid membrane system for the separation of a preselected chemical species within a feedstream, preferably an aqueous feedstream, includes a feed compartment containing a feed solution having at least one preselected chemical species therein, a stripping compartment containing a stripping solution therein, and a microporous polybenzimidazole membrane situated between the compartments, the microporous polybenzimidazole membrane containing an extractant mixture selective for the preselected chemical species within the membrane pores is disclosed along with a method of separating preselected chemical species from a feedstream with such a system, and a supported liquid membrane for use in such a system.

Abstract: Barium sulfate scale is dissolved by contacting the scale with an aqueous solvent having a pH of about 8 to about 14, containing a chelating agent comprising a polyaminopolycarboxylic acid or salt of such an acid, and a synergist anion. The aqueous solvent containing the dissolved scale is regenerated by first acidifying the aqueous solvent sufficiently to generate free alkaline earth metal ions. The aqueous solvent is then mixed with a liquid membrane emulsion enveloped around droplets of an internal aqueous phase containing an anion that forms an insoluble precipitate with the free alkaline earth metal ions. The scale-free aqueous solvent is separated from the emulsion by gravity and recovered for reuse.In another embodiment, the internal aqueous phase may contain a chelating agent to remove the free alkaline earth metal ions by forming a stable complex with the ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the high yield, cost efficient means of separating enantiomers. The process utilizes a supported liquid membrane and a chiral carrier which selectively complexes with one of the two enantiomeric optical configurations. The invention is also directed to an apparatus adaptable to the continuous and staged separation of enantiomers. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a semi-permeable barrier and source and receiving locations each of which may be kept at temperatures which facilitate the complexation and dissociation processes.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.