Abstract: Hybrid membrane-based separation systems are disclosed that are useful in separating solvents and solutes. The hybrid systems combine any of the solvent removal processes reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, membrane distillation and pervaporation with any one of more of the solute removal processes utilizing pervaporation membranes, supported-liquid membranes, coupled transport membranes, and membrane contactors, the solvent and solute removal processes forming part of a recycle stream that utilizes membrane separation retentates as feeds and as recycle feed stream make-up.

Abstract: Aromatics are separated from non-aromatics by permeation of the aromatic through a polyurethane-imide membrane. Permeation is conducted under pervaporation, perstraction, reverse osmosis, or dialysis conditions. The membrane is a polyurethane-imide membrane made using polyurethane-imide copolymers which are made by end capping a polyol with a polyisocyanate and then chain extending by reaction with an anhydride.

Abstract: Thin film composite membranes comprising a thin active selective layer deposited from a solution onto a thicker porous non-selective support layer are disclosed. In particular, a thin film of polyurea/urethane is coated onto a microporous support substrate from a specific multi-component solvent system. Effective film thicknesses of less than 1 micron can be achieved, said thin films being virtually defect free. Asymmetric-composite membranes consisting of a thin active layer of polyurea/urethane on a microporous support substrate are useful for separating aromatics from saturates, especially under pervaporation or perstraction conditions.

Abstract: An asymmetrically-wettable, porous membrane has a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side. The membrane has pores which pass through the membrane to provide communication between the hydrophilic side and the hydrophobic side. The membrane can be used in a process for transferring a solute from a liquid feed solution to a liquid extractant which is substantially immiscible with the feed solution. The process comprises contacting the hydrophilic side of the membrane with one solution and contacting the hydrophobic side of the membrane with the other solution. The interface between the feed solution and the extractant is substantially immobilized at the porous membrane. Solute is transferred from the feed solution to the extractant through the pores of the membrane.

Abstract: Organic vapor species ranging from polar to non-polar are removed from the ambient atmosphere by means of a thin microporous membrane medium in conjunction with a non-volatile collecting fluid having an affinity for the species of interest. The collecting fluid may be regenerated if desired.

Abstract: This invention provides a matrix comprising molecules of a suitable polymer which provides solely on the surface of the matrix sufficient uncharged substituted amide groups to render the surface hydrophilic. The invention also provides an article of manufacture comprising the matrix.Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a matrix having a hydrophilic surface which comprises treating molecules of a suitable polymer so as to provide solely on the surface of the matrix sufficient uncharged, hydrophilic substituted amide groups to render the surface hydrophilic.Another embodiment of the invention concerns improved methods of filtration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, dialysis, prevaporation, sieving, affinity chromatography, affinity purification, affinity separation, or affinity adsorption which comprises using the article of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the solvent-induced crystallization of amorphous poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer to produce an article, which process comprises:A. contacting a preformed article of a polymer comprising amorphous poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer with at least one organic compound in its liquid state which consists essentially of atoms of carbon and hydrogen, optionally with oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, halogen or mixtures thereof having a molecular weight of between about 160 and 320 daltons at a temperature of between about 85.degree. C. and 145.degree. C. for a time effective to crystallize the poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer,B. removing the organic compound, andC. recovering the article comprising crystallized poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer. Poly(etheretherketone), poly(phenylenesulfide) or mixtures thereof are preferred polymer systems.

Abstract: A process removes FMOC--OH which is an undesirable by-product of the derivatization of amino acids by FMOC. The process uses a silicone rubber membrane extractor cell. The sample containing the FMOC--OH is held in a silicone rubber tubing, while pentane flows past the outside of the tube; the FMOC--OH is thus extracted from the sample into the pentane. The process is integrated into a conventional high performance liquid chromatography system and is readily automated.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the separation of biotechnologically produced valuable materials from a fermenter broth by crossflow microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration, in which at least two modules arranged in series and fitted with porous membranes are used per stage, to produce concentrate and a permeate which contains the valuable material. The pressure of the permeate is controlled so that the absolute pressure on the permeate side is at different absolute pressure in each module.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a bundle of porous hollow fibres (40) within a casing. At one end of the casing (40) there is a header (41) which has a feed passageway (55) therethrough and in communication with the interior of the casing (40) and the exterior of the fibres. The header (41) also has a filtrate passageway (64) therethrough and in communication with the open ends of the fibres. At the other end of the casing there is a second header (42) which has a treated feed passageway (72) therethrough and in communication with the interior of the casing (40) and the exterior of the fibres. The header (42) also has a filtrate passageway (74) therethrough and in communication with the open ends of the fibres. The feed, treated feed and filtrate passageways (55, 72, 64 & 74) area formed in the off set portions (56, 73, 65 & 75) of the headers (41, 42) that have planar parallel end faces whereby a plurality of filter units may be joined together without a manifold to form a bank of filters.

Abstract: A membrane module for hyperfiltration or ultra filtration of liquid flows comprises a membrane envelope (1) spirally wound around a tube (4) provided with openings and the membrane layers of which are alternately kept at a distance from each other by retentate spacers and permeate spacers (2), which retentate spacers comprise relatively rigid rods or wires (3) extending parallel to the center line of the module. In order to obtain a very constant and defined geometry of the retentate flow channels and a favorable ratio between membrane surface and module volume, the width dimension of the rods measured perpendicular to the membrane layers is 0.5 to 2.5 mm and the distance between the rods is 4 to 12 times said width dimension. Said width dimension of the rods measured perpendicular to the membrane layers should be at least three times the diameter of the largest particles in the liquid flow to be filtered.

Abstract: A permeable membrane through which water or its vapor permeates selectively nd which contains a polyion complex formed by the association by an ionic bond between an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer on the surface of the membrane and/or in the membrane. This membrane is useful in the separation of water from an aqueous solution of an organic substance or a gaseous mixture of water with an organic substance, and exhibits excellent resistance to solvent, particularly water, and a high permeation rate and a high separation coefficient.

Abstract: The modification of a diffusion barrier by the deposition of one or more inorganic species within the pores and on to the surfaces of said diffusion barrier to form an immobilized crystalline lattice barrier or molecular grid having substantially uniform permeability and to select and separate different ionic species, giving a high efficiency of separation with a low energy input. The diffusion barrier is characterized by one or more units, each incorporating a tubular housing with a bundle of porous hollow fibres therein, arranged in the axial direction of the housing. The inorganic crystalline lattice is exemplified by barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and sulphuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) solutions, or, alternatively, co-precipitated aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.2) and barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and aluminium sulphate (Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) solutions.

Abstract: A spirally wound membrane module and membrane system containing a plurality of modules in series which spirally wound membrane module includes a low pressure drop mesh spacer material composed of generally parallel elongated filaments positioned generally parallel to the flow direction of the feed stream and wherein the elongated filaments are connected by shorter bridge filaments which are placed at an angle to the flow of the feed stream to provide for a low pressure drop, spirally wound membrane module and which permits such module to be employed in series without exceeding a defined maximum, allowable pressure drop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing at least a portion of salts contained in whey or a liquid based on whey by means of electrolysis while producing an acid mixture and a base mixture useful in food industries. In the process a four-compartment electrolytic cell is used in the electrolysis of the whey or the liquid based on whey. The four compartments between an anode and a cathode are separated from each other by means of ion exchange membranes and an independent liquid recirculation is connected with each one of the four compartments of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A method of removing organic phosphorus-based poisonous substances from water contaminated therewith and of subsequently destroying the toxicity of the substance is disclosed. Initially, a water-immiscible organic is immobilized on a supported liquid membrane. Thereafter, the contaminated water is contacted with one side of the supported liquid membrane to selectively dissolve the phosphorus-based substance in the organic extractant. At the same time, the other side of the supported liquid membrane is contacted with a hydroxy-affording strong base to react the phosphorus-based substance dissolved by the organic extractant with a hydroxy ion. This forms a non-toxic reaction product in the base. The organic extractant can be a water-insoluble trialkyl amine, such as trilauryl amine. The phosphorus-based substance can be phosphoryl or a thiophosphoryl.

Abstract: The invention is a method for separating one or more polar liquids from one or more non-polar liquids which comprises the following steps. First, contacting a mixture comprising one or more polar liquids and one or more non-polar liquids with one side of a membrane comprising a polymer of a perfluorosulfonic acid, or metal salt thereof, which is adapted for selective permeation of the polar liquids over the non-polar liquids under conditions such that the polar liquids selectively permeate through the membrane. Second, passing a desiccant fluid by, pulling a vacuum on, or a combination thereof, the other side of the membrane, under conditions such that the polar liquids which have permeated through the membrane are carried away from the membrane. Third, removing the fluid desiccant containing the permeated polar liquids or the permeated polar liquids wherein a vacuum is used, from the vicinity of the membrane. Fourth, removing the non-polar liquids from the vicinity of the membrane.

Abstract: A process for performing a dialysis operation. The operation is carried out by snapping a weighted clamp on one end of a length of dialysis tubing. The dialysis tubing is then filled with a liquid to be treated and an unweighted clamp is snapped on the other end thereof. The assembly is then suspended in a dialysis bath thereby floating in a generally vertical position.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of organic acids or bases are obtained by a process in which(a) an aqueous solution of a salt of an organic acid or of an organic base and(b) respectively, an aqueous solution of an inorganic base or of an inorganic acid are each passed into compartments of an exchange cell which are separated from one another by an ion exchange membrane, and the solution (a) and (b) are transported past the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: Low-ethanol wines and other alcoholic beverages are produced by treating ordinary alcoholic beverages with novel membrane extraction methods. Semipermeable membrances and extraction fluids comprising either of a non-toxic, water-immiscible organic solvent or an aqueous solution of a low-molecular-weight but membrane-impermeable solute are used under mild conditions to selectively extract ethanol from alcoholic beverages, while leaving substantially intact the complement of other organic constituents that contribute to the color, aroma, and taste of the beverage. The methods disclosed may be adapted to continuous processing of alcohol-containing beverages, in which an ethanol-rich product is continuously recovered from the organic or aqueous extraction fluid and the latter is continuously regenerated and subsequently recycled to the membrane extraction unit.

Abstract: A substance exchange system especially for humidifying gases has at least one bundle of hollow fibers wherein a first flow space surrounds the outside of the hollow fibers and a second flow space is formed by the inner spaces of the hollow fibers with the exchange between the flow spaces being dependent on the exchange characteristic values of the hollow fibers. This substance exchange system is improved with respect to a more flexible determination of exchange quantities which are mutually independent. According to the invention, at least two sub-regions having hollow fibers of different exchange characteristic values are provided.

Abstract: A method of aseptic treatment of water which is produced continuously or discontinuously in an amount less than any momentary and maximum output of water. Produced water is supplied to a storage container. The recirculation is carried out from the bottom of the container up to the top thereof. A fresh supply of water and recirculated water is mixed in a mixing and flow deflector member at the top part and the water mixture is spread in a thin layer along the inside of the container above a temporary water level in the container.

Abstract: A spirally wound, high flux membrane module which comprises a feed inlet, a concentration outlet and two permeate outlets and one or more membrane leaves wrapped about a central permeate flow tube to define a permeate flow path in one or more of the membrane leaves and wherein the improvement comprises one or more of the membrane leaves containing two or more separate permeate flow compartments within the membrane leaf to provide for the separate permeate flow of the permeate within the separator compartments to the permeate outlet thereby reducing the area of the permeate back pressure and reducing membrane wrinkling and membrane failure particularly during the membrane cleaning cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing corrossive contaminants from a hydrocarbon including the steps of mixing water with a hydrocarbon contaminated with corrossive ions into a mixture and conducting the flow of the mixture tangentially relative to a surface of a plurality of microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes and separating a permeate flow of decontaminated hydrocarbon from retentate mixture. An apparatus (10) is provided for this separation process which includes a mechanism for removing resistance to flow through the hollow fiber membrane (16) aiding in increased uniform tangential flow through the membrane (16).

Abstract: Continuous flow membrane separation is accomplished by apparatus adaptable for osmosis, dialysis, and electrodialysis. For electrodialysis to separate from one another, in a single step, multiple differing molecular weight components of fluids, a series of adjoining flow chambers are all separated from one another by semipermeable membranes and at least one of the chambers is separated from each adjoining chamber by a membrane having a molecular weight cutoff different from that of the membrane separating it from the other chamber adjoining it. To insure that neither the crude to be processed nor the desired product comes into contact with an electrode which could be deleterious, there is provided a minimum of four flow chambers adjoining one another in sequence.

Abstract: Membranes of highly crystalline PTFE having an average pore size between about 0.01 micron and about 0.5 micron ordinarily reject any passage of water while allowing an organic nonpolar liquid to flow therethrough. By thoroughly wetting an expanded polytetrafluroethylene membrane with isopropyl alcohol, such a membrane will selectively allow the passage of a polar liquid, for example water, therethrough while rejecting other components, including nonpolar organic liquids, such as oil, kerosene or the like, and dissolved components of fairly large molecular size. Such IPA-wetted membranes are used to separate oil-water mixtures by allowing the water to selectively permeate through the membrane. The membrane may include a 5 mil thick backing layer of nonwoven synthetic fibers. The mixture is supplied to the membrane at a pressure not greater than about 90 psig., and often very low pressures of about 5-20 psig. can be used.

Abstract: Boron compounds are separated and recovered from a geothermal brine, which additionally contains inorganic salts, such as sodium and potassium chlorides and sulphates, by means of a process comprising the following process steps:(a) pre-concentration of the geothermal brine by expansion up to room pressure, to a pressure lower than room pressure;(b) concentration of the pre-concentrated brine, coming from the (a) step, by means of an osmotic treatment against a concentrated aqueous solution of recycled inorganic salts;(c) treatment of crystallization of the concentrated brine, coming from the (b) step, with the separation of the solid inorganic salts from an aqueous solution of boron compounds;(d) recycle of the inorganic salts separated in the (c) step, to the (b) step of osmosis, in the form of a concentrated aqueous solution; and(e) recovery of boron compounds from the relevant aqueous solution obtained in the (c) step.

Abstract: A scrubbing process for high feed concentrations of different materials in liquid streams.

Abstract: A method for recovering acids from an aqueous solution of a mixture of the acids and metal salts by dialysis, characterized in that a fluorinated anion exchange membrane made of a copolymer having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is F or CF.sub.3, l is an integer of from 0 to 5, m is 0 or 1, n is an integer of from 1 to 5, p/q is from 2 to 16, and Y is a quaternary ammonium group, is used as a dialysis membrane.

Abstract: A diffusion cell for use in determining the absorption rate of a study substance through a permeable membrane. The cell includes a receptor chamber which contains receptor fluid to receive study substance absorbed through the membrane. The receptor chamber includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotary stirrer is situated adjacent the fluid outlet. The stirrer is rotated so as to rotate the receptor fluid in the receptor chamber in such manner that the fluid pressure is greater at the outlet than at the inlet, so that the stirrer defines a pump which pumps receptor fluid outwardly through the outlet, then through a detector, and then back into the receptor chamber through the inlet. The detector determines the concentration of study substance within the receptor fluid.

Abstract: An aqueous solution can be concentrated in respect to a volatile substance ontained therein by maintaining the aqueous solution on both sides of a porous membrane which has a pore size of 0.05 to 150 microns and giving a temperature difference between the two respective portions divided by the membrane.

Abstract: Aqueous nitric solutions of salts of at least one rare earth, and containing contaminating amounts of at least one alkaline earth cation, e.g., calcium, barium and/or radium, are conveniently purified by liquid/liquid extracting same with an organic phase which comprises a polyether extractant for said at least one alkaline earth cation, e.g., a crown ether, and whereby said at least one alkaline earth cation is selectively transferred into said organic phase.

Abstract: The modification of a diffusion barrier by the deposition of one or more inorganic species within the pores and on to the surfaces of said diffusion barrier to form an immobilized crystalline lattice barrier or molecular grid having substantially uniform permeability and to select and separate different ionic species, giving a high efficiency of separation with a low energy input. The diffusion barrier is characterized by one or more units, each incorporating a tubular housing with a bundle of porous hollow fibres therein, arranged in the axial direction of the housing. The inorganic crystalline lattice is exemplified by barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and sulphuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) solutions, or, alternatively, co-precipitated aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.2) and barium sulphate (BaSO.sub.4) formed by the interdiffusion of barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2) and aluminum sulphate (Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) solutions.

Abstract: A nitrate or a nitrate group-containing derivative of polysaccharide is useful as a separating agent for a chemical substance, especially an optical isomer.

Abstract: In a substance such as a membrane, a cell or virus having at least one aperture of a diameter of about 10,000 Angstroms or less, a process for measuring and characterizing the diameter of the aperture, comprising:(a) contacting the substance with a solution of a plurality of dense star polymers;(b) passing through or into the aperture at least one dense star polymer having a molecular diameter of about equal to or less than the diameter of the aperture; and(c) calculating the diameter of the aperture from measurements of either those dense star polymers passing therethrough or thereinto the aperture, of those dense star polymers not passing therethrough or thereinto, or of the combined measurements of those dense star polymers passing therethrough or thereinto the aperture and those not passing therethrough or thereinto.

Abstract: The overall mass transport efficiency of hollow fiber membrane separation cells is increased by introducing segmented flow into the bores of the fibers. The invention is preferably practiced by dispersing a gas segmentation phase into a continuous liquid phase and feeding the dispersion into the bores of the fibers to form alternating flowing segments of gas and liquid.

Abstract: A dialysis process, wherein a fermented beverage obtained by a customary process is being conducted along one side of the dialysis membrane, with a suitable dialysate fluid containing extract substances (alcohol-free fruit beverage and a fermented beverage from which the alcohol has been removed) flowing on the other side, will simultaneously yield two marketable finished drinks of low alcohol content. To improve the alcohol-reduced beverage, the extract-containing fluid will, in given instances, be conducted in circulation and the alcohol be removed from the dialysate by vacuum distillation.

Abstract: A process for maintaining a charging medium in a microporous molded article for carrying out material transfer processes is described. A charging medium is supplied or presented to the molded article while the material transfer processes are being carried out. This supply takes place on a part of the surface of the molded article which does not participate in the material transfer process. The molded articles are preferably membranes. The process compensates for a loss of medium in the pores of the molded article without requiring the material transfer process to be interrupted.An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also described.The process may advantageously be used inter alia for controlled release or slow release processes and processes for facilitated or coupled transport of metal ions.

Abstract: The separation of a chlorine-based contaminant from a surface of a substrate covered with same is effected by dissolving the contaminant in a first solvent to form a solution thereof and admixing a further solution consisting of a membrane-like material forming component derived from mineral crude oil, bitumen or amphipathic lipids in a second solvent selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons and p-xylene, the second solvent being miscible with the first solvent and capable of forming in the presence of water and the membrane-like material forming component an interfacial membrane-like material which has a water side and is impermeable to the contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the formation of water soluble copolymers of acrylamide and alkyl poly(etheroxy)acrylate which are finished by a dialysis process and are excellent viscosification agents. Wherein the process includes the free radical copolymerization of acrylamide monomer and alkyl poly(etheroxy)acrylate monomer in an aqueous medium under nitrogen conditions in the presence of free radical initiator at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to effect copolymerization.

Abstract: A method of continuous ion exchange for waste water treatment and metal recovery employs two membranes, each disposed in its own fluid-tight chamber. A feed solution containing metal ions is passed in contact with one membrane, the opposite side of which is in contact with a recirculating flow of liquid ion exchange material which receives selected dissolved mineral ions. The liquid ion exchange material is then passed over a second membrane, the other side of which is supplied with an eluant solution for further selective recovery of the desired mineral ion or ions. During recirculation the liquid ion exchange material is preferably passed through an aqueous separator. An apparatus for the practice of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for the mass transfer between three liquid phases wherein two phases are miscible and the other one of said phases is immiscible with the other two phases and serves as an intermediate phase. The method comprises flowing the two miscible liquids in a capillary-gravitational mode down surfaces which are wettable by said immiscible liquid, said surfaces being separated by a space occupied by the third, intermediate phase, said third phase being forcibly circulated in a direction which is countercurrent with respect to the other two phases. The apparatus comprises a housing containing a package of alternating film carriers and distributors for the treated phase and the receiving phase, respectively, and discharge collectors for the treated phase and the receiving phase, respectively, said distributors being located at the top end and said collectors being located at the bottom end of the housing, respectively.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the serum phase of a latex solution by permeating low molecular weight components present in the serum phase for a known amount of time through a size selective permeable membrane to a dialysate fluid and sequentially injecting the dialysate fluid into a liquid chromatograph for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Collagen, available from domestic animals, is freed of noncollagen proteins, glycosaminoglycans and lipids by enzymatic treatment with a proteolytic enzyme to yield a product which is soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions (collagen in solution--CIS). The naturally occurring collagen is modified by removal of certain terminal peptide chains, which are described as telopeptides. The modified collagen, so derived, is described as atelopeptide collagen. Native collagen is immunogenic, while atelopeptide collagen is nonimmunogenic or possessed of a negligibly low level of immunogenicity.The collagen in solution is then treated according to a specific regimen under conditions whereby the collagen slowly separates from solution while exposed to mild shear forces. This procedure results in the formation of a fibrous precipitate composed of regularly ordered fibers of collagen possessed of a rope-like structure. These resulting aggregates are referred to as native fibrous micropolymers (NFM).

Abstract: A structured protein product is prepared from a protein material having a three-dimensional organization solely by applying osmotic force. The process comprises exchanging the water in said protein material with an osmotic agent by compacting the protein material in an envelope of semi-permeable material which is closed and then immersed in a solution of osmotic agent.The product obtained may be used in the production of deep-frozen, preserved or dehydrated food products.

Abstract: Human fibroblast interferon may be purified to a high degree by using a simple two-step purification method comprising (a) subjecting an aqueous interferon solution to chromatography on porous glass beads, and (b) subjecting the resulting aqueous interferon solution to chromatography on immobilized zinc chelate. Overall recoveries of about 45-76% of the initial interferon activity may be achieved and the end product will be free of any skin reactive agents.

Abstract: The operating efficiency of a mass transfer device such as a blood dialyzer is considerably enhanced by subjecting the blood-carrying semipermeable fibers of the dialyzer to a toroidal dialysate flow produced within the fiber cartridge by one or more impeller or pump elements. The impellers may be rotary for continuous flow, or pistons with or without internal check valves may be used for intermittent or reciprocating flow. Moving adjacent impellers in opposite directions creates homogeneous zones of different impurity concentration within the dialyzer.

Abstract: Anions such as chromate ions are removed from a stream of waste water through an anion selective membrane and are subsequently combined with hydrogen ions transferred across a cation selective membrane in a two-phase Donnan dialysis acid recovery process. In a preferred embodiment chromate ions recovered from an electroplating process rinse solution are recycled to an associated electroplating bath as chromic acid while the chromate ion-depleted rinse solution is recycled to an associated rinse tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for culturing tissue or cells and for the preparation of conditioned culture media is disclosed. More particularly, the apparatus and method applies continuous simultaneous dialysis of the culture media. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable to the long term growth in vitro of cell populations and the preparation of associated conditioned culture media.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coupler dispersion comprising contacting a coupler dispersion containing an auxiliary solvent with an auxiliary solvent carrying fluid medium through a hydrophobic macroporous film made of polytetrafluroethylene or polypropylene.