Diffusing Or Passing Through Septum Selective As To Material Of A Component In Liquid/liquid Solvent Or Colloidal Extraction Patents (Class 210/644)
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Publication number: 20030080057Abstract: A separation system comprising a stationary phase, a double stranded conductive polymer system contacting the stationary phase and means to place a mobile phase carrying a component to be separated from the mobile into contacting relationship with the polymer system whereby the component is captured by the polymer. The double stranded polymer is comprised of a -conjugated polymer and a polyelectrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Sze Cheng Yang, Phyllis R. Brown, Christina S. Robb, Patrick McCarthy
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Publication number: 20030075505Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating out substances dissolved and/or undissolved in fluid media. The method is characterized by it being a suitable combination of a membrane filtration technique and an adsorption technique. This enhances the flow and purification capacity by a multiple factor in making a compact, lightweight system possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Konrad Leonhard, Peter Janknecht, Karin Thudt
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Publication number: 20030075506Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for removing solutes from a solution using a nano-filtration means to provide a treated solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Bryan R Tudhope
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Publication number: 20030066800Abstract: Disclosed is a method of small particle precipitation, retention and dispersion of a solid or semi-solid material onto or into a carrier material. In this method, solute particles are precipitated from a pressurized gaseous fluid solution or a liquid solution and effectively retained and dispersed within a carrier material. This technique can be advantageously used in pharmaceutical processing to produce a blend of solid or semi-solid material particles and carrier material, a granulation of the solid or semi-solid material particles with carrier material, carrier material partially or fully coated with the solid or semi-solid material particles, or mixtures thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Said Saim, Stephen Horhota, Kenneth James Koenig, David Joseph Bochniak
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Patent number: 6517725Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of free, emulsified, or dissolved water from liquids of low volatility, such as oil, is shown. The liquid of low volatility is removed by contacting the fluid stream of concern with one side of a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane divides a separation chamber into a feed side into which the stream of fluid is fed, and a permeate side from which the water is removed. The permeate side of the chamber is maintained at a low partial pressure of water through presence of vacuum, or by use of a sweep gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Porous MediaInventors: Michael R. Spearman, John H. Burban, Mathews Thundyil, Majid Zia
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Publication number: 20030024878Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of dispersions and is particularly suitable for making dispersions with a viscous or solid dispersed phase in a continuous phase with a lower viscosity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Baltussen, Jan Visser
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Publication number: 20030024877Abstract: A device allowing rapid and gentle concentration of cells at essentially unit gravity using solvent flow, under hydrostatic pressures equivalent to as little as ≦1 cm of water, through capillary-pore walls, more or less vertical, of a construct serving as both the separation device and receptacle for accumulating cells. The device can be used in a batch or continuous mode. The device contains a solid lower end fabricated with a shape to facilitate collection of the desired cells in an appropriate volume, and a more or less vertical active wall, extending upward from the solid lower end and providing an appropriate surface area with pores having a diameter appropriate for retention of the desired cells and outward passage of all smaller cells or solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Rupert P. Amann, Roy H. Hammerstedt
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Patent number: 6514412Abstract: An active fluid separation device for removing a constituent of a fluid mixture. The separation device formed from a first polymeric structured layer having a plurality of flow channels defined in one surface, and a selectively permeable fluid separation media covering at least some of the flow channels. An external source is also included to provide a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of the fluid through the separation media, thereby removing a constituent component of the fluid mixture. A manifold in fluid contact with the flow channels of the structured layer may also be used to operatively permit the source to provide the potential over the flow channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas I. Insley, Raymond P. Johnston
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Publication number: 20030010716Abstract: Systems and processes are provided that are useful for separating components from feed streams containing multiple components. Systems and processes of the present invention are based on simulated moving bed technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: Purdue Research FoundationInventor: Phillip C. Wankat
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Patent number: 6506304Abstract: A method for recovering supercritical extractant, such as supercritical CO2, from a mixture containing the supercritical extractant and a solute is disclosed, which includes contacting the mixture with a molecular sieve membrane at a temperature and a pressure in a critical region of the extractant and near a critical point of the extractant so that a permeate rich in the extractant and a retentate having a enriched concentration of the solute in the extractant are generated. The molecular sieve membrane has a pore size significantly larger than a size of the extractant provided that the pore size is less than and close to sizes of clusters formed of the solute and the extractant at the temperature and the pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventors: Chung-Sung Tan, Yu-Wen Chiu
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Patent number: 6500337Abstract: A device of oil removal and transport comprising a bulk material having an inlet region and an outlet region, which is in liquid communication with a reservoir. A membrane is hermitically sealed to or about the inlet region, wherein the membrane is liquid permeable and has an average pore size not greater than 100 micrometers. The invention also relates to a method of oil removal and transport using this device.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Mattias Schmidt, Andrew Julian Wnuk
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Patent number: 6497675Abstract: A device for extracorporeal treatment of physiological fluids of organism has means forming a filtration membrane for filtering smaller-size components of a physiological fluid withdrawn from a patient from larger-size components of the same, a bed of particulate adsorbing material with which the smaller-size components are contacted for purification, and means for combining the purified smaller-size components of the fluid with the larger-size components of the fluid for returning the thusly treated fluid to a patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Renal Tech International LLCInventor: Vadim Davankov
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Patent number: 6495047Abstract: Alum, used as a coagulant in water treatment, is recovered from clarifier sludge by adjusting the pH of the sludge downward to produce an aqueous clarifier sludge solution, and contacting the aqueous clarifier sludge solution with one side of a semi-permeable cation exchange membrane while contacting the other side of the membrane with an acidic sweep solution. By virtue of the Donnan co-ion exclusion phenomenon, aluminum ions, which are trivalent, pass readily through the membrane, in preference to divalent and monovalent cations, and consequently heavy metal carryover is relatively low. Organic matter carryover is substantially excluded, and consequently, the recovered alum can be reused without the potential for trihalomethane formation. The reactor is preferably in the form of a stack of spaced membranes, with the aqueous clarifier sludge solution and the acid sweep solution flowing through alternate spaces. The same process can be used for recovery of ferric iron coagulants.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventors: Arup K. SenGupta, Prakhar Prakash
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Publication number: 20020179529Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating residual water from a solvent. The device comprises a reservoir containing a solution comprising solvent containing residual water, the reservoir having an opening to allow the solution to drain from the reservoir. A membrane layer is provided comprising a layer of fluropolymer material, said membrane material having a IPA Bubble Point of ≧25 psi. The membrane is positioned in series with the reservoir opening. Vacuum is generated on one side of the membrane layer wherein the solvent containing water passes through the membrane therein removing water from the solvent to provide a solvent with a water level of less than or equal to 1.0 ppm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Robert S. Johnson
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Patent number: 6488856Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying a liquid hydrocarbon product consisting of 5% by weight or less of high molecular weight contaminants having a molecular weight of at least 1000, wherein the product stream is contacted with a hydrophobic non-porous or nano-filtration membrane and the purified product stream is recovered as the permeate. Various liquid hydrocarbon products can be treated including process streams containing as the main product styrene, isoprene, butadiene, pentadiene, dicyclopentadiene, piperylene, C2-C5 mono-olefins or acrylates.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Paul Cossee, Eduard Rudolf Geus, Edward Jan Van Den Heuvel, Cornelis Everardus Weber
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Publication number: 20020158016Abstract: A modular separation system wherein a separation unit is separate from a mounting device that accommodates the separation unit in a separation apparatus. The mounting device is an integral part of the separation apparatus. A method for fluid-fluid extraction of an analyte from a sample fluid to a receiving fluid in a separation apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Jan Norberg, Eddie Thordarson, Patrik Soderlund, Fredik Hakansson, Shadi Yazarlo, Lars-Ake Larsson, Johan Berhin
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Patent number: 6471867Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Yoshio Sugaya, Yukio Matsumura, Hiroshi Toda
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Publication number: 20020139749Abstract: A method for recovering supercritical extractant, such as supercritical CO2, from a mixture containing the supercritical extractant and a solute is disclosed, which includes contacting the mixture with a molecular sieve membrane at a temperature and a pressure in a critical region of the extractant and near a critical point of the extractant so that a permeate rich in the extractant and a retentate having a enriched concentration of the solute in the extractant are generated. The molecular sieve membrane has a pore size significantly larger than a size of the extractant provided that the pore size is less than and close to sizes of clusters formed of the solute and the extractant at the temperature and the pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Chung-Sung Tan, Yu-Wen Chiu
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Patent number: 6454958Abstract: A method of operating a milling bath wherein a metal workpiece to be milled is immersed in a milling bath containing a milling medium, the metal oxidizing owing to a chemical reaction between the metal and milling medium and being transformed into a soluble complex. The resultant mixture is subjected to a separation process which separates the excess milling medium from the complex, the recovered milling medium being used for the further operation of milling baths and the complex being subjected to a preparation process. A mixture of dissolved complexed metallic ions and milling medium is removed from the milling bath at a concentration of dissolved complexed metallic ions which is far below the saturation limit thereof. The separation process is a nanofiltration process in which the milling medium is separated from the mixture according to the principle of reverse osmosis, the residue simultaneously being concentrated with complexed metallic ions.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Karsten Loehr
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Publication number: 20020108907Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Robert D. Van Reis
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Patent number: 6419829Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Spectrum Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sa V. Ho, P. Wayne Sheridan
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Patent number: 6409921Abstract: Process for producing hydrophobic polyolefinic membranes for gas exchange via thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation is disclosed. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system, of a compound A and a compound B having a viscosity less than 60 mPa s, is extruded to form a shaped object. The compound A is a solvent and compound B preferably a non-solvent of the polymer, and the boiling point of compound A is at least 50° C. higher than that of compound B. After the shaped object leaves the die, at least one surface thereof is subjected to an atmosphere promoting evaporation of compound B, and the shaped object is subsequently cooled until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Membrana GmbHInventors: Marcus O. Müller, Erich Kessler, Ralf R. Hornscheidt, Frank Wiese, Armin J. Lang
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Patent number: 6399357Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Biovitrum ABInventor: Stefan Winge
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Patent number: 6391205Abstract: Desalinization of seawater is accomplished through the use of a forward osmosis process, which relies on a series of steps involving the opposition of various aqueous solutions across semi-permeable membranes. The process takes advantage of solutes having highly temperature dependent solubilities, as well as the relatively temperature indifferent solubility of NaCl(aq), the primary solute present in seawater. At least one utilized solute has a solubility directly dependent on temperature, and at least one utilized solute has a solubility inversely dependent on temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Robert Lloyd McGinnis
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Patent number: 6384185Abstract: A process for purifying a polycarbonate resin solution which comprises passing a water-in-oil dispersion type (W/O) emulsion composed of a mixture of an organic solvent solution containing a polycarbonate resin with a aqueous solution and having water particles with an average diameter of 1 to 100 &mgr;m in an oil through a metallic filter having a filtering precision of 10 to 200 &mgr;m, and then, settling the mixture for 1 to 30 minutes to perform separation between the organic solvent solution containing a polycarbonate resin and the aqueous solution containing contaminations.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.Inventors: Minoru Inada, Tatsuhide Hosomi, Toshiaki Asoh, Makoto Mizutani
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Patent number: 6368509Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dialysis, desalting, purification or concentration of proteins. The device includes an upper hollow chamber, a middle detachable air-tight seal and a lower semipermeable membrane sac. The upper and lower parts are connected to each other by one or more apertures situated in the detachable air-tight seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: National Research Development CorporationInventors: Parikshit Bansal, Krishan Lal Bhatia
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Publication number: 20020014457Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water, said process comprising bringing the admixture into contact with a molecular sieve, characterized in that the molecular sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Eric Nicholas Coker, Richard Duncan Oldroyd, Warren John Smith
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Patent number: 6309550Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring mass between a flow of a first fluid, preferably a gas phase such as a combustion flue gas, and flow of a second fluid, preferably a liquid phase, where the first fluid is contacted with the outer surface of porous (semi-permeable) membranes, e.g. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®) membranes, in the form of hollow fibers having gas-containing pores and containing the second fluid with the inner surface of the membranes. Useful membranes are characterized in that they e.g. have a porosity (&egr;) of at least 0.50, a mass transfer coefficient of e.g. at least 3 cm/s, and a tortuosity factor of e.g. at the most 1.4/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is lower than 0.80 and at the most 1.3/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is 0.80 or higher. The membranes may also be arranged in hollow tubular members where the mass transfer coefficient of the membranes is at least on tenth of the mass transfer coefficient of the gas phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: FLS Miljo A/SInventors: Steen Brummerstedt Iversen, Vinay Kumar Bhatia, Kim Dam-Johansen, Gunnar Jonsson
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Patent number: 6306305Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids comprises channels defining first and second primary flow paths for permitting fluid flow of the respective first and second fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to or adjacent one another and communicate with one another at a region where the flow paths are constructed and arranged so as to permit the fluids to form a stable interface between them. At least one of the fluids is induced to flow in a secondary direction perpendicular to the direction of its primary flow path at the region either by bending the primary flow path around a curve, or by positioning flow detectors within the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plcInventor: Michael Jonathan Harper
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Patent number: 6299777Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volumes, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids to resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: CMS Technology Holdings, Inc.Inventor: John J. Bowser
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Publication number: 20010025819Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile liquid component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volume, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids is resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventor: John J. Bowser
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Patent number: 6294092Abstract: A container comprising a flexible semi-permeable composite membrane structure is described, as well as its applications. The membrane has a low molecular weight cut-off, comprises a flexible support layer thick enough to give strength to the membrane structure and having a relatively high molecular weight cut-off and, on at least one surface of the said support layer, a second layer having a relatively low molecular weight cut-off and is thin enough to allow a workable flux. Said container may be used for the preparation of rehydrated solute solutions, rehydrated blood or blood substitutes, nutritional solutions, solutions for medical purpose or of pure water.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: UCB, S.A.Inventors: Jean-Yves Salviato, Colin Marshall, Darren Nash, Lesley Sealby
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Publication number: 20010006158Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventors: Sa V. Ho, P. Wayne Sheridan
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Patent number: 6245239Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Pierre Cote, Arnold Janson, Hamid Rabie, Manwinder Singh
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Patent number: 6238566Abstract: Proposed is an improvement in a multi-stage solvent extraction process of a metal value such as rare earth elements from an acidic feed solution containing the metal value in the form of a water-soluble salt by bringing the aqueous solution into contact with a water-immiscible organic extractant solution containing an extractant compound which releases an acid when combined with the metal ions.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norifumi Yoshida, Jun-ichi Nakayama
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Patent number: 6217772Abstract: A method and a device for dialysis having a dialysis reservoir and a collection reservoir. A sample is placed in the dialysis reservoir for dialysis. After dialysis, dialysis reservoir is centrifuged and the dialyzed sample is collected in the collection reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Aftab Alam
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Patent number: 6183645Abstract: An apparatus and method for phase separation of two materials is disclosed. The two materials to be separated are positioned in an extraction cartridge and passed through a filter device, the filter device includes a filter disk member positioned adjacent at least one and preferably two frit members. A drying cartridge may be used to dry the separated liquid material after it leaves the extraction cartridge. The invention can be used for reaction workup, quenching, product isolation and purification.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Sheila H. DeWitt
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Patent number: 6162360Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventors: Sa V. Ho, P. Wayne Sheridan
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Patent number: 6149817Abstract: A shell-less fluid contactor and a process for transferring a fluid component between a shell-side fluid and a lumen-side fluid. The shell-side fluid is introduced through a fluid distribution tube and discharged from the tube into contact with a surrounding bundle of microporous hollow fiber membranes. A fluid component is transferred by diffusion, through the walls of the hollow fiber membranes, from the shell-side fluid to the lumen-side fluid. Multiple contactors can be combined into an assembly for multi-stage processing of fluids.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Celgard Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Peterson, Charles James Runkle, Amitava Sengupta, Frederick E. Wiesler
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Patent number: 6129843Abstract: A device is provided for removing and concentrating neutral mercury species from air and water. The device includes a nonporous polymeric membrane, preferably in the form of a flattened tube, for capturing and removing the neutral mercury species from the environment and a sequestration medium contained within the tube for transforming the neutral mercury species captured by the tube into a stabilized mercury species. The sequestration medium can comprise an acidic oxidant for transforming the neutral mercury species into a ionic soluble mercury species or a complexing agent for transforming the mercury species into a complexed soluble mercury species. The nonporous membrane can be made of a number of different synthetic polymers including polyethylene. The device is ideally suited for the passive integrative sequestration of neutral mercury species from a wide variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventors: Jimmie D. Petty, William G. Brumbaugh, James N. Huckins, Thomas W. May
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Patent number: 6090289Abstract: Structures comprising an upper crystalline molecular sieve layer on a support, the crystals being at least partially oriented normal to the plane of the layer, there being a dense intermediate crystalline molecular sieve layer between the support and upper layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.Inventors: Johannes Petrus Verduijn, Antonie Jan Bons, Marc Henri Carolina Anthonis, Lothar Ruediger Czarnetzki, Wilfried Jozef Mortier
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Patent number: 6075073Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Apex Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. McGlothlin, Eric V. Schmid
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Patent number: 5961832Abstract: In order to facilitate diffusive transfer of an entity such as a solute between immiscible fluids and subsequent separation of the liquids without mixing, a method and an apparatus are disclosed and have first and second flow paths carrying first and second immiscible fluids on opposite sides of a foraminous sheet. The height of the apertures in the sheet is not greater than 200 micrometers (measured perpendicular to the width of the sheet and to the direction of fluid flow), and a stable interface is formed between the fluids within each aperture with a significant amount of fluid flow immediately adjacent the interface. Diffusive transfer takes place across the interface, and subsequently the fluids flow away from the region without mixing. The width of the flow paths measured perpendicular to sheet lies between 10 and 500 micrometers. The walls of each aperture may be parallel or tapered.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Central Research Laboratories LimitedInventors: John Edward Andrew Shaw, Richard Iain Simpson, Adrian James Bull, Adrian Mark Simper, Robert George Godfrey Holmes
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Patent number: 5951868Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for separating a hydrocarbon containing material such as crude oil from water. The system of the present invention includes a treatment tank, a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon contain material being separated within the tank for separating the hydrocarbon containing material from said water without any mixing and with a minimum level of turbulence, and a distribution system for introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid. The method of the present invention broadly comprises the steps of providing a treatment tank having a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon containing material and separating the hydrocarbon containing material from the water without any mixing and with a minimum of turbulence by introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Intevep, S.A.Inventor: Aaron Padron
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Patent number: 5938929Abstract: Respective hollow fiber membranes suitable for use in removing undesired contaminants from blood, in particular in an artificial kidney, have:(1) per membrane area of 1.6 m.sup.2, in vitro clearances for urea and phosphorus respectively of .gtoreq.195, and .gtoreq.180, ml/min, a .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin clearance .gtoreq.44 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.0.5%;(2) an albumin permeability .ltoreq.1.5% and an overall mass transfer coefficient Ko.gtoreq.0.0012 cm/min; and(3) a vitamin B.sub.12 dialyzance of .gtoreq.135 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.3%. The membranes can be prepared by spinning hollow fibers from a spinning solution comprising a polysulfone, a hydrophilic polymer, a solvent and water, the spinning solution having a viscosity x at 30.degree. C. of 25-130 poise and a quantity y % of water given by:-0.01x+1.45.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.-0.01x+2.25.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Masaaki Shimagaki, Fumiaki Fukui, Takeshi Sonoda, Koji Sugita
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Patent number: 5888400Abstract: A process for preparing low-salt preparations of condensation products based onA) sulphonated aromatics,B) aldehydes and/or ketones and optionallyC) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of nonsulphonated aromatics, urea and urea derivatives,characterized in that inorganic acid present after the condensation is separated off in whole or in part from the condensation product, optionally in the form of its salts after neutralization, until the inorganic salt content is less than 10% by weight, relative to the preparation, leads to preparations which are outstandingly suitable as tanning agents, dispersants and liquefiers.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Edzard Tholema, Wolfgang Zarges, Harro Traubel
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Patent number: 5874004Abstract: An apparatus and method for phase separation of two materials is disclosed. The two materials to be separated are positioned in an extraction cartridge and passed through a filter device, the filter device includes a filter disk member positioned adjacent at least one and preferably two frit members. A drying cartridge may be used to dry the separated liquid material after it leaves the extraction cartridge. The invention can be used for reaction workup, quenching, product isolation and purification.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Sheila H. DeWittInventor: Sheila H. DeWitt
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Patent number: 5868935Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kamalesh K. Sirkar, Zhifa Yang, Asim Kumar Guha
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Patent number: 5843316Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing white liquor obtained from the causticization stage of a pulp mill. According to the method, the white liquor, which principally contains sodium hydroxide (6) and sodium sulfide, is oxidized into polysulfide liquor (3), whereby the sodium sulfide is oxidized most advantageously with the help of a catalyst and an oxidizer such as air substantially into sodium polysulfide (7) and sodium thiosulfate. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the sodium hydroxide (6) contained in the white liquor is separated from the white liquor prior to the oxidizing step or from the polysulfide liquor (3) after the oxidizing step either entirely or partly by means of a diffusion dialysis process (4). The invention is further characterized in that the sodium hydroxide (6) separated from the white liquor is returned to the chemical circulation of the pulp mill.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Enso-Gutzeit OyInventor: Hannu Kurittu
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Patent number: 5824223Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for osmotic distillation employing dehydrating aqueous solutions of potassium salts of phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, acetate, and blends thereof. Methods are also provided for the simultaneous osmotic distillation and removal of carbon dioxide from a sample of relatively low osmotic pressure employing alkaline potassium orthophosphate and pyrophosphate dehydrating solutions.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Rentiers Machinery Proprietary Ltd.Inventors: Alan Sherman Michaels, Robert Johnson