Abstract: A cartridge having at least one layer containing sodium zirconium phosphate and at least one layer containing a combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide is described. Methods of using the cartridge for water purification are also described.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water recovery method and an FO draw solution that reduce the energy consumption required for water recovery, increase the osmotic pressure of a draw solution, recover the water from a DS mixed solution relatively easily, and reduce a solute that remains in the water, and simultaneously reduce fouling of the FO membrane. The water recovery method may include inflowing water into a draw solution by partitioning a feed solution including water and a draw solution, including a basic temperature-sensitive polymer and an acidic gas dissolved therein and having higher osmotic pressure than the feed solution, with a forward osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A treatment system and a method for removal of at least one halogenated compound, such as PCBs, found in contaminated systems are provided. The treatment system includes a polymer blanket for receiving at least one non-polar solvent. The halogenated compound permeates into or through a wall of the polymer blanket where it is solubilized with at least one non-polar solvent received by said polymer blanket forming a halogenated solvent mixture. This treatment system and method provides for the in situ removal of halogenated compounds from the contaminated system. In one embodiment, the halogenated solvent mixture is subjected to subsequent processes which destroy and/or degrade the halogenated compound.

Abstract: A water recovery method for improving water recovery efficiency may include inflowing a low concentration solution including water into an in-series flow path. The in-series flow path may include a plurality of flow paths for a low concentration solution coupled in series. The method may additionally include inflowing a high concentration solution having the same concentration into a plurality of flow paths for a high concentration solution. Each of the plurality of flow paths for the high concentration solution may be connected to each of plurality of flow paths for the low concentration solution via a respective semipermeable membrane being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An enhanced process for semipermeable membrane performance. Counter flowing chambers on either side of a semipermeable membrane is disclosed. Each comprise turbulent flow injectors and flow deflector cells giving rise to swirling and turbulent boundary layer conditions. The disclosed invention obviates concentration polarization in osmotic systems and maximizes flux (fluid flow) through the semipermeable membrane. This invention fills a need in large volume, forward osmosis water purification systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.

Abstract: A process for replacing the continuous phase of a nanoparticle dispersion with a less polar phase, includes filtering the dispersion through a semi-permeable membrane filter to remove the continuous phase, and introducing a less polar phase.

Abstract: A dialysis device, and a method of dialyzing a sample, are provided. The dialysis device includes a body having a first and a second major side, a first and a second retaining ring disposed on the first and second major sides, and a first and second dialysis membrane disposed, and held between the first and second major sides and the first and second retaining rings. The dialysis device is configured to receive a sample to enable dialysis of the sample across the membranes.

Abstract: A total solvent use amount is reduced while a final concentration of a specific element of a separation target in a target fluid is reliably decreased to a target value or less. In a separation method, a solvent greater than a theoretical amount of a solvent necessary for decreasing a concentration of a specific element in an extraction remaining liquid supplied from a second extraction stage as an immediately previous stage to the target value is supplied to a third micro channel of a third extraction stage as a final stage, an extraction liquid separated by a third settler of the third extraction stage as the final stage is distributed to a first extraction stage and the second extraction stage, and the extraction liquid distributed to a first micro channel of the first extraction stage and a second micro channel of the second extraction stage are used as solvent.

Abstract: A process for removing a solvent from a source solution, said process comprising a) contacting the source solution with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, b) contacting a draw solution having a higher osmotic pressure (higher solute concentration) than the source solution with the opposite side of the membrane, such that solvent from the source solution passes across the membrane to dilute the draw solution by direct osmosis, c) removing solvent from the diluted draw solution to regenerate the draw solution, and d) recycling the regenerated draw solution to step a), characterized in that a portion of the draw solution is discarded or treated before and/or after the draw solution is regenerated in step c) so as to reduce the concentration of any solute species present in the draw solution from the source solution.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a solution is provided. In at least one first membrane unit, a feed flow is separated into a permeate flow and a retentate flow. According to the invention, at least part of the retentate flow is fed to at least one second membrane unit. In the second membrane unit, retentate is located on one side of a membrane. Located on the other side is a solution in which the concentration of dissolved substances of which is lower than that of the retentate. Thus solvent of the solution passes through the membrane and thins the retentate.

Abstract: Described herein is a submerged plate membrane device intended for use in forward osmosis processes, particularly for concentrating various process streams such as those in ponds. Particular examples of feed streams that may be concentrated are for example the following feed solutions: brines, seawater, drilling mud, waste water, bio-digestate, and the like. Thus, the process and device described herein are useful for de-watering, and thus concentrating, the content of solar evaporation ponds and drilling mud ponds.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thin film composite membranes (TFC membranes) comprising a substrate layer (S) based on a sulfonated polyphenylenesulfone, and a polyamide film layer (F) and further to a method for their preparation. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to osmosis processes, in particular to forward osmosis (FO) processes, using said membrane.

Abstract: A process that can alleviate the internal concentration polarization and can enhance membrane performance of a forward osmosis system includes the steps of passing a fluid in a forward osmosis system from a feed solution with a first osmotic pressure, through a membrane into a draw solution comprising a draw solute with a second osmotic pressure, where the first osmotic pressure is lower than the second osmotic pressure, the membrane includes an active layer and a support layer, and the membrane is oriented such that the active layer of the membrane faces a draw side, and the support layer faces a feed side; and applying an external force to the fluid on the feed side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method of pneumatically operating a dialysis system includes (i) pumping air in a first valve state from a pneumatic pump to operate a component of the dialysis system, and (ii) recirculating air in a second valve state by pumping air from an outlet of the pneumatic pump to an inlet of the pneumatic pump to minimize at least one of a noise pitch or noise amplitude when switching from the second valve state to the first valve state.

Abstract: A liquid membrane system is disclosed in the form of a biochannel containing bulk liquid membrane (BLM), biochannel containing emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), and biochannel containing supported (immobilised) liquid membrane (SLM), or a combination thereof, wherein said liquid membrane system is based on vesicles formed from amphiphilic compounds such as lipids forming a bilayer wherein biochannels have been incorporated and wherein said vesicles further contain a stabilising oil phase. The uses of the membrane system include water extraction from liquid aqueous media by forward osmosis, e.g. for desalination of salt water.

Abstract: A method of recovering one or more insoluble oils from a liquid source using one or more membrane or membrane contactors, comprising the steps of: pumping the liquid source comprising the one or more oils to the membranes or membrane contactors, contacting the liquid source with a first surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, coalescing the one or more oils within the liquid source onto the first surface of the membrane contactors, pumping one or more recovery fluids through the membrane or membrane contactors in contact with the second surface of the membrane or membrane contactors, and removing a first stream of oil coalesced from the second surface of the membranes or membrane contactors.

Abstract: This disclosure describes draw solution compositions for FO processes which increase the available membrane area for permeation and are also amenable to reconcentration with standard techniques, such as membrane filtration and evaporative technologies. The composition are comprised of a water soluble draw solute having surface active properties, i.e., a surfactant.

Abstract: A forward osmosis apparatus includes a diluting means for bringing a feed solution and a draw solution containing a cation source and an anion source in an ionized state into contact through a semi-permeable membrane and diluting the draw solution with water separated from the feed solution by means of the semi-permeable membrane; a separating means for separating the diluted draw solution into the cation source and anion source and into water; and a dissolving means, returning the separated cation source and the separated anion source to, and dissolving the cation source and anion source in, the draw solution that has been diluted. The molecular weight of the cation source in an uncharged state is 31 or greater and the Henry's law constant of each of the anion source and cation source is 1.0×104 (Pa/mol·fraction) or greater in a standard state.

Abstract: A split thin-flow separations device can include a fluid channel having an inlet zone, an outlet zone, and a transport region between the inlet zone and outlet zone. The inlet zone includes a sample inlet and a carrier fluid inlet which are fluidly separated by an inlet splitter to minimize mixing of fluids from respective inlets in the inlet zone. The transport region can be a substantially open channel. Similar to the inlet zone, the outlet zone can include a sample outlet and a carrier outlet which are fluidly separated by an outlet splitter to segregate portions of a fluid into each of the two outlets as the fluid enters the outlet zone. A plurality of cross-flow inducers can also be oriented along a wall of the fluid channel in the transport region. The cross-flow inducers are oriented to form a cross-flow field across the transport region.

Abstract: To provide a water purifier, containing: a diluting unit configured to bring targeted water for purification into contact with an aqueous solution containing a volatile solute and a polymer via a semi-permeable membrane so as to separate water from the targeted water by the semi-permeable membrane, and configured to dilute the aqueous solution with the separated water; a separating unit configured to separate the volatile solute and the polymer from the diluted aqueous solution obtained by the diluting unit so as to obtain purified water; and a dissolving unit configured to return the separated volatile solute by the separating unit to the aqueous solution containing the polymer, and to allow the separated volatile solute to dissolve in the aqueous solution containing the polymer.

Abstract: A forward osmosis fluid purification system includes a cross-flow membrane module with a membrane, a channel on each side of the membrane which allows a feed solution and a draw solution to flow through separately, a feed side, a draw side including a draw solute, where the draw solute includes an aryl sulfonate salt. The system can be used in a process to extract water from impure water, such as wastewater or seawater. The purified water can be applied to arid land.

Abstract: Processes for removing water from organic compounds, especially polar compounds such as alcohols. The processes include a membrane-based dehydration step, using a membrane that has a dioxole-based polymer selective layer or the like and a hydrophilic selective layer, and can operate even when the stream to be treated has a high water content, such as 10 wt % or more. The processes are particularly useful for dehydrating ethanol.

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

Abstract: A forward osmosis (FO) membrane structure comprising a support based on an integrated permeate channel (IPC) fabric and a forward osmosis membrane embedded in the support is disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for working-up a reaction mixture (5) comprising polyetherol and dissolved alkali metal comprising catalyst, wherein at least alkali metal ions of the dissolved alkali metal comprising catalyst are partially or completely removed from the mixture by a membrane separation process, the process comprising following steps: (a) feeding the reaction mixture (5) comprising polyetherol and dissolved alkali metal comprising catalyst into a first chamber (1) of a separation unit (3), (b) feeding a solvent into a second chamber (7) of the separation unit (3), the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (7) being separated by a membrane (9), (c) transporting at least the alkali metal ions of the alkali metal comprising catalyst from the first chamber (1) into the second chamber by passing through the membrane (9).

Abstract: A self-regulating FO system is disclosed comprising a container containing a source water supply, a forward osmosis membrane element located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, an osmotic pump element also located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, and an osmotic agent tank located above the container. The osmotic agent tank comprises a feed tube connected to an outlet located on the bottom of the osmotic agent tank. The feed tube communicates with the osmotic agent inlet of the forward osmosis membrane unit and the osmotic agent inlet of the osmotic pump element. A return tube communicates with the drink outlet of the osmotic pump element and a port near the top of the osmotic agent tank.

Abstract: A process for separating dissolved components from a solution, said process comprising a) introducing a first solution into a solar pond and irradiating the solution with solar energy, such that temperature and concentration gradients are established, whereby the temperature and concentration of solute at the base of the pond is greater than the temperature and concentration of solute at the surface of the pond, b) introducing a portion of the first solution from the pond into a first osmosis unit, and contacting the portion with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, c) contacting the other side of the selectively permeable membrane with a second solution having a lower solute concentration than the portion of first solution from the pond, such that solvent from the second solution passes across the membrane to dilute and pressurize the portion of first solution, d) removing the diluted portion of first solution from the first osmosis unit, and e) using the pressure generated in the diluted portion of

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite membrane for nanofiltration of a feed stream solution comprising a solvent and dissolved solutes and showing preferential rejection of the solutes. The composite membrane comprises a thin polymeric film formed by interfacial polymerisation on a support membrane. The support membrane is further impregnated with a conditioning agent and is stable in polar aprotic solvents. The composite membrane is optionally treated in a quenching medium, where the interfacial polymerisation reaction can be quenched and, in certain embodiments, membrane chemistry can be modified. Finally the composite membrane is treated with an activating solvent prior to nanofiltration.

Abstract: A serviceable device for filtering lubricating oil includes an inlet and an outlet, a first filtering element and an absorption filtering element. The absorption filtering element is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant present in the lubricating oil when in contact with the absorption filtering element. A flow path for the lubricating oil is from the inlet, through the first filtering element, and out the outlet. The flow path further includes lubricating oil contact with the absorption filtering element.

Abstract: A method of removing a fermentation inhibitor from an aqueous mixture of hydrolysis products from cellulosic biomass is disclosed. The method includes providing an aqueous mixture of hydrolysis products from cellulosic biomass, the hydrolysis products comprising at least one of pentose or hexose sugars and a fermentation inhibitor that inhibits a microorganism otherwise capable of fermenting pentose or hexose sugars; and at least partially extracting the fermentation inhibitor from the aqueous mixture with a first extractant by a first liquid-liquid extraction through a first porous membrane to provide a first extract and a raffmate, the first extractant having a water solubility of less than one percent by weight. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture contains an insufficient amount of the microorganism to ferment the aqueous mixture. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture is a fermentation broth. A membrane solvent extraction system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature followed by ultra-filtration (UF filtration) may be combined with forward osmosis (FO) to treat water. Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment.

Abstract: A method of purifying a surfactant for use in a pharmaceutical formulation, which comprises mixing the surfactant with a solvent and bringing said mixture into contact with a semi-permeable membrane so as to allow impurities present in the surfactant and having a molecular weight lower than the molecular weight cut-off of the membrane to pass through the membrane, whilst retaining the purified surfactant.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid. The method comprises providing a feed liquid comprising at least one solvent and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A single-phase draw solution comprising at least one of an aminium salt, an amidinium salt, and a guanidinium salt is provided to a second side of the membrane. The at least one solvent is osmosed across the membrane and into the single-phase draw solution to form a diluted single-phase draw solution. At least one of CO2, CS2, and COS is removed from the diluted single-phase draw solution to form a first multiple-phase solution comprising a first liquid phase comprising the at least one solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising at least one of an amine compound, an amidine compound, and a guanidine compound. A liquid purification system is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating an aqueous liquid. The method comprises providing an aqueous feed liquid comprising water and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A draw solution comprising water and a draw solute comprising at least one of a phosphazene compound and a triazine compound is provided to a second side of the membrane. At least a portion of the water of the aqueous feed liquid is osmosed across the membrane and into the draw solution to form a diluted draw solution comprising water and the draw solute. The water of the diluted draw solution is separated from the draw solute of the diluted draw solution to form a purified water product. Draw solutes comprising phosphazene compounds and draw solutes comprising triazine compounds are also disclosed, as are methods of forming the draw solutes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dialysis therapies are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for dialysis treatment comprising first and second fluid flow pathways in a parallel arrangement. The first fluid flow pathway contains a first cation exchange resin, wherein greater than 90% of exchange sites of the first cation exchange resin are populated with hydrogen ions. The second fluid flow pathway contains a second cation exchange resin, wherein greater than 90% of exchange sites of the second cation exchange resin are populated with sodium ions. The apparatus can be used to maintain a constant and safe level of sodium in a constantly regenerated dialysis fluid over an extended period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for desalinating water is presented. The invention relates to recovery of water from impaired water sources by using FO and seawater as draw solution (DS). The seawater becomes diluted over time and can be easily desalinated at very low pressures. Thus, a device consumes less energy when recovering water. The apparatus, system and method comprise an immersed forward osmosis cell.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for venting gases from a container containing mixture of salt concentrate and fluid for use in dialysis, including venting the gases to a hydrochamber disposed upstream of the container.

Abstract: A balancing unit for medical fluids includes at least one balancing chamber and at least one conveying unit for filling the balancing chamber, in which the conveying unit is a pressure controlled conveying unit and/or is designed and provided for being operated in at least one operating state as a constant-pressure source. An external medical functional unit, a treatment apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Improved systems and processes for forward osmosis water purification or desalination are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment a process for purifying contaminated water is provided wherein a contaminated feed solution stream comprising water and with a first osmotic pressure is passed through a semipermeable membrane to a draw side having a draw solution stream with a second osmotic pressure on a draw side of the semipermeable membrane. The diluted draw solution stream is heated, agglomerated and cooled to produce a cooled single phase water rich stream that is purified to produce a water product stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for conveying a fluid to a filter unit of a medical treatment apparatus, in particular for conveying a dialysing fluid to a treatment unit, in particular a dialyser or filter of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The device comprises a balancing unit and a recirculation unit, which comprises one or more chambers. With the balancing unit, it is possible to supply fresh fluid continuously to the recirculation circuit and to discharge used fluid from the recirculation circuit. The supply and discharge of fresh and used dialysing fluid can take place at a flow rate other than the flow rate at which the fluid circulates in the recirculation circuit via the filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipetidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.