Abstract: An apparatus for separating fluids and controlling flow of production fluid includes a diversion assembly configured to receive production fluid produced from a subterranean region, the diversion assembly including an inflow conduit in fluid communication with a first outflow conduit and a second outflow conduit, the first outflow conduit in fluid communication with a surface location. The apparatus also includes a separation assembly including a hydrophilic ribbon and an oleophilic ribbon configured to be immersed in the production fluid, at least part of the hydrophilic ribbon and the oleophilic ribbon configured to move with the production fluid, the oleophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of hydrocarbons into the first outflow conduit, and the hydrophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of water-based fluid into the second outflow conduit.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an coating includes providing a coating comprising a base material. The base material is coated with an inorganic material using at least one of an atomic layer deposition (ALD), a molecular layer deposition (MLD), or sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) process. The SIS process includes at least one cycle of exposing the coating to a first metal precursor for a first predetermined time and a first partial pressure. The first metal precursor infiltrates at least a portion of the base material and binds with the base material. The coating is exposed to a second co-reactant precursor for a second predetermined time and a second partial pressure. The second co-reactant precursor reacts with the first metal precursor, thereby forming the inorganic material on the base material. The inorganic material infiltrating at least the portion of the base material. The inorganic material is functionalized with a material.

Abstract: Techniques regarding detecting one or more defined nucleic acid sequences are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a method, which can comprise adding a molecular probe to a sample fluid comprising a first deoxyribonucleic acid segment and a second deoxyribonucleic acid segment. The molecular probe can have an affinity to bond to a defined nucleic acid sequence. The method can also comprise separating, via a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array, the first deoxyribonucleic acid segment from the second deoxyribonucleic acid segment based on a size of the first deoxyribonucleic acid segment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluidic device, said method comprising placing a length of material in a liquid polymer, configuring the length of material to define the path of a microfluidic channel, curing or setting the polymer liquid to form a solid polymer around the configured length of material, and dissolving the configured length of material with a solvent to provide a microfluidic channel in the solid polymer.

Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a particle sorting region having a first, second and third microfluidic channels, a first array of islands separating the first microfluidic channel from the second microfluidic channel, and a second array of islands separating the first microfluidic channel from the third microfluidic channel, in which the island arrays and the microfluidic channels are arranged so that a first fluid is extracted from the first microfluidic channel into the second microfluidic channel and a second fluid is extracted from the third microfluidic channel into the first microfluidic channel, and so that particles are transferred from the first fluid sample into the second fluid sample within the first microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a membrane filtration element is provided. The element may include at least one feed spacer including a first set of parallel strands extending in a first direction and including a plurality of first strands having a first thickness and a plurality of second strands having a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. A second set of parallel strands may extend in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. The second set of parallel strands may include a plurality of third strands having a third thickness and a plurality of fourth strands having a fourth thickness that is smaller than the third thickness. In one embodiment, the first and second sets of strands include alternating thick and thin strands, which reduce pressure drop in membrane filtration systems.

Abstract: A method for removing retroviruses from liquid samples and a nanofiber containing liquid filtration medium that simultaneously exhibits high liquid permeability and high microorganism retention is disclosed. Retroviruses are removed from a liquid by passing the liquid through a porous nanofiber containing filtration medium having a retrovirus LRV greater than about 6, and the nanofiber(s) has a diameter from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. The filtration medium can be in the form of a fibrous electrospun polymeric nanofiber liquid filtration medium mat.

Abstract: A method for removing one or more organic or inorganic solutes from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with one or more layers of filtration media, whereby the solute(s) are adsorbed onto one or more filtration layer(s) is described. Primarily, but not exclusively, the filtration media are polymers formed by polymerizing one or more hydrophilic electrically active monomers, with the subsequent addition of varying mole percent's of one or more counter anions. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous solution. The solution may also be a non-polar solvent, or water and organic mixture. The hydrophillic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic group, such as pyrrole or thiophene. The counter anion can be any anion, such as polystyrene sulfonate. The varying hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the polymer filtration media is controlled by the type(s) and mole percent of counter anion(s) used.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas with ease of operation and reduced operating and capital costs. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S over CO2 from biogas.

Abstract: A downhole fluid separation assembly, including a body having greater affinity to a first fluid than a second fluid. The body is operatively arranged with openings for enabling fluid flow therethrough. A member is included that is movable with respect to the body and operatively arranged to compress a section of the body adjacent to the member for urging fluid out of the body and toward a target location. The body is configured to expand when not adjacent to the member for enabling fluid to reenter the body. A method of separating fluids is also included.

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: An osmotic power generation system and method for generating osmotic power includes a membrane chamber having a semi-permeable membrane therein defining a first portion and a second portion therein. The system also includes a first pump communicating a first fluid to the first portion and a second pump communicating a second fluid to the second portion. The second fluid has higher total dissolved solids than the first fluid. A second portion energy recovery device is in fluid communication with the second portion. A power generator is in communication with the second portion energy recovery device generating electrical power in response to the second portion energy recovery device and the pressure in the second portion.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PVDF porous film and method for producing it, which has high water permeability and high chemical resistance to washing chemicals and the like that has been difficult to realize with conventional polymer porous films, and which can be used over a prolonged period of time, and a method of producing the same and the like. Namely, the present invention provides a porous film in which the degree of crystallization of the PVDF resin is 50% or more but not more than 90%, and the product of the degree of crystallization of the PVDF resin and the specific surface area of the film is 300 (%·m2/g) or more but not more than 2000 (%·m2/g).

Abstract: A process and system for recovery of gold from an ore having the steps of i) providing the ore containing the gold to be recovered, ii) leaching the ore in an oxidative chloride medium, including a nitrogen species to produce a solution comprising gold; and iii) recovering the gold from the solution. The gold in a preferred embodiment is recovered from refractory and carbonaceous ores.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module for forward osmotic use is disclosed. The membrane module may generally include a forward osmosis membrane in a spiral wound configuration. The module may include two inlets and two outlets, and may define first and second fluid flow paths. The inlets to each of the fluid flow paths may be generally isolated so as to prevent mixing. In some embodiments, the membrane module may include a distributer region and a collector region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of contacting a membrane having a highly cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene matrix with a feed solution having a) a first component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 g mol?1 to about 600 g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 0.40 nm2 and b) a second component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 600 grams g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of greater than about 0.50 nm2 so that the feed solution is fractionated into a permeate comprising the first component and a retentate enriched in the second component.

Abstract: A method of purifying impure water contaminated with a filterable impurity and a dissolved impurity, such as seawater, comprising the steps of: providing impure water to a primary microfiltration or ultrafiltration unit to remove the filterable impurity and produce impure filtered water contaminated with a dissolved impurity; providing the impure filtered water contaminated with a dissolved impurity to a reverse osmosis unit to produce a potable water stream and a residual reverse osmosis stream; and treating the residual reverse osmosis stream prior to reuse. The treatment may be in the form of passing through a secondary filter (such as another microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane or a cartridge filter, and the subsequently treated reverse osmosis reject may be used to backwash the microfiltration or ultrafiltration unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force. The apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force includes: an inlet into which blood is injected; a filter unit filtering plasma in the blood passing through the inlet by capillary force; a magnetic force receiving part made of magnetizable materials and assisting plasma filtering by applying pressure to the filter unit by movement due to magnetic force generated from the outside; an outlet discharging plasma filtered from blood; and a filter outer body surrounding the inlet, the filter unit, the magnetic receiving part, and the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high cut-off hemodialysis membranes for the treatment of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, with the potential to improve long-term survival of these patients by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, through down-regulation of monocyte activation in the blood. Monocytes are the major circulating blood cells involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease. High cut-off hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients results in a sustained decrease in expression of monocyte cell-surface proteins that direct the movement of these cells from the blood to the walls of blood vessels, where they promote the progression of arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD); heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique to fabricate thin-film composite perm-selective membranes by a transfer method. The composite membranes are useful in separating liquid, vapor or gaseous mixtures by selective permeation and reduce mass transfer resistance of the support layer. Selectivity and flux are improved by reduction of the mass transfer resistance of the support layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a novel membrane system for natural gas upgrading. This membrane system includes a first-stage membrane such as a membrane prepared from the polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) to selectively remove hydrocarbons from C3 to C35 to control the dew point of natural gas, and a second-stage membrane such as a polybenzoxazole (PBO) or crosslinked PBO membrane to selectively remove CO2 from natural gas. The new membrane system described in the current invention eliminates the use of high cost and high footprint membrane pretreatment. Therefore, the membrane system can significantly reduce the footprint and cost for natural gas upgrading compared to the current commercially available membrane systems that include a non-membrane-related pretreatment system.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a power train comprising a plurality of cells, each cell forming a hydraulic loop; producing a power train cycle comprising a controlled concentration-pressure loop wherein the concentration field: (a) osmotically induces a continuous and constant flow rate of substantially salt-free permeate flux throughout the power train; (b) maintains a salt concentration difference across the semipermeable membrane shared by the adjacent cells in the plurality of cells; (c) defines a salt concentration ratio within each cell that ensures a net positive power generation; and, (d) discharges the concentrated brine at the opposing end cell; and operating the power train under conditions effective to generate net positive power at an efficiency of 35% or more.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.

Abstract: Water and fuel contaminating material may be removed from a stream operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the contaminated oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membrane and housing a flow of air for disposition outside the housing.

Abstract: A membrane module for an immersed operation has a fiber bundle of hollow fiber membranes which are cast into a headpiece and in immersed operation are surrounded by a liquid to be filtered. The module has a permeate collection chamber connected to the headpiece with an outlet for permeate draining from the interior of the hollow fiber membranes, and a gas supply having a pipe guided by the headpiece. The pipe terminates in the interior of the fiber bundle and has a gas outlet for a gaseous medium, which after the transfer from the pipe to the liquid to be filtered rises as bubbles between the hollow fiber membranes. The fiber bundle is divided into sections and free spaces remain between the sections which extend from the pipe to the outer circumference of the headpiece and promote an inflow of the liquid into a foot area adjoining the headpiece.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.

Abstract: A method and device that identify impairments of the blood flow in an extra-corporeal blood circuit during extracorporeal treatment of the blood using an extracorporeal haemodialysis device, where the phase angle of at least one harmonic oscillation of an oscillating pressure signal that propagates in the extracorporeal blood circuit is determined. Impairments of the blood flow are detected in the extracorporeal blood circuit based on a characteristic modification of the phase angle of at least one harmonic oscillation of the pressure signal. A temporal modification of the phase angle may be compared with a predefined threshold value and an impairment is detected if the value of the modification of the phase angle is greater than the predefined threshold value. The method and device permit an early identification of a coagulation of the blood that flows through the haemodialysis unit, so that countermeasures can be initiated promptly.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device, comprising a hollow body having at least one open end and at least one barrier inside or at the end of the hollow body, which is non-permeable for liquids and solids under ambience conditions, however, becomes liquid-permeable by applying an external force like pressure, drag force or driving power to said barrier, the use of such a device for collection, storage, treatment or isolation of a biomolecule or biomolecules containing samples, a method for preparation of said device and a method for isolation or purification of any biomolecules using said device.

Abstract: A blood filtration device, system, and method that can and selectively remove or reduce an unwanted, in certain cases unknown, substance from a patient's blood stream. More specifically, a specific size or size range of unwanted substance is selectively removed. The unwanted substance includes one or more of a pathogen, a toxin, an activated cell, and an administered drug. The device and system employ a microfluidic separation device that minimizes thrombogenesis and can permit the use of anticoagulants to be avoided. The device or system can be portable and can include its own power supply. Sensors in the system may monitor for the presence and/or concentration of unwanted species including pathogens or drugs and invoke a blood cleansing process responsively to the sensor signals in closed loop control process. The control may combine the infusion of therapeutic agents into the blood of a patient as well.

Abstract: A method for yielding concentrated ethanol from an ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of a water solution of saccharide generated by a saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme is provided. Water is separated from the ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of the water solution of saccharide generated by the saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme with pervaporation method using a water separation membrane. Condensate prepared by condensing ethanol vapor existing in a space above a liquid level of the ethanol water solution is collected.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite satisfying both the treating amount and the separation performance at a practically sufficient level, which can be applied even in the presence of an organic material and can separate/concentrate an organic material-containing gas or liquid mixture and which is economic without requiring a high energy cost and is not limited in its application range; a production method thereof; and a separation or concentration method using the same. The present invention is an inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite, wherein the inorganic porous support contains a ceramic sintered body and the inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite has, as a zeolite membrane, a CHA-type zeolite crystal layer on the inorganic porous support surface.

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction device utilizing a section of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing as the stationary phase is disclosed. The microscopic pores of ePTFE tubing are impregnated with a binding agent having an affinity for a target constituent within a matrix. The matrix is prepared and loaded onto the stationary phase of the system. The target constituent is retained by the stationary phase. The constituent is stripped from the stationary phase with a stripping solution, and collected for further analysis or use.

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: Intravenous fluid filter devices including a filter comprising spaced apart first and second filter elements comprising hydrophilic membranes and providing inside-out flow, and methods of using the devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: A one-way valve for the recontamination-protected repeated discharge of a flowable material from a container of a preferably reducible volume contains a valve seat which consists of a rigid plastic material and which is arranged in the container neck and comprises a base body which rests on the inner wall of the container neck and contains at least one through hole, and a projection which extends in axial direction of the container neck towards the exit opening. The valve seat has arranged thereabove an elastic seal which comprises an annular section covering the at least one through hole, and a sleeve-like section which surrounds the projection at a radial distance with the exception of its end section which in the closed state of the one-way valve rests in the exit opening on the end section of the projection. A sterilization element of silver or of another metal having an oligodynamic action may be arranged in the intermediate space between the projection of the valve seat and the elastic seal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a filtration system having one or more apparatuses for filtering gases, liquids, or fluids (e.g., water) to remove particulate matter, and methods of making and using the apparatus. More particularly, embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for applying centrifugal force(s) to push a fluid or gas to be filtered through a porous membrane or filter within the apparatus to separate particulate matter therefrom. The present invention takes advantage of the Coriolis effect within a cylindrical filter radiating out from a rotating central body. The filtration apparatus provides an energy efficient system for microfiltration (or other filtration process) to remove contaminants from gases and fluids, such as waste water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating draw solution solutes and product solvent from a draw solution using a plurality of distillation columns is disclosed. In one embodiment, the draw solution is used in a Forward Osmosis (FO) water desalination process. In this embodiment, the draw solution is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in parallel while the energy stream (heat) is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in series such that the efficiency of heat use is improved and in turn the cost of the heat is reduced.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.

Abstract: Micro- and nanofilters with precision pore sizes and pore layout have applications in many fields including capturing circulating tumor cells and fetal cells in blood, water treatment, pathogen detection in water, etc. Methods to fabricate micro- and nanofilters not using track etching or reactive ion etching are provided, allowing easy fabrication of single layer or stack of films simultaneously, and/or stack of films on rolls. Microfilter can be made using one or more layers of material. Invention enables mass production of microfilters with lithographic quality at low cost. Isolation, enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells using microfilters provides (i) guides to cancer treatment selection and personalize dosage, (ii) low cost monitoring for treatment response, disease progression and recurrence, (iii) assessment of pharmacodynamic effects, (iv) information on mechanisms of resistance to therapy, and (v) cancer staging.

Abstract: A process for removing a solvent from a first solution, said process comprising positioning a selective membrane between the first solution and a second solution having a higher osmotic potential than the first solution, such that solvent from the first solution passes across the membrane to dilute the second solution, and extracting solvent from the second solution, wherein the membrane has an average pore size of at least 10 Angstroms, and wherein the second solution contains solute species that are too large to pass through the pores of the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force. The apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force includes: an inlet into which blood is injected; a filter unit filtering plasma in the blood passing through the inlet by capillary force; a magnetic force receiving part made of magnetizable materials and assisting plasma filtering by applying pressure to the filter unit by movement due to magnetic force generated from the outside; an outlet discharging plasma filtered from blood; and a filter outer body surrounding the inlet, the filter unit, the magnetic receiving part, and the outlet.

Abstract: A device for separating fluids includes a microfluidic channel with one or more wall filters or membranes through which portions of the flow in the microfluidic channel can be removed. The wall filters can have precisely defined pores therein which restrict the removal of certain particles while allowing other particles and/or fluids to freely flow therethrough. Because of the high and uniform pore density and low flow resistance of these filters, the pressure drop along the microfluidic channel may result in a negative trans-filter pressure, thereby causing reverse flow of extracted fluid back through the filter and into the microfluidic channel. Precise design of the microfluidic channel and control of flow characteristics can minimize and/or eliminate this reverse flow while allowing for sufficient sweeping of the filter surface to inhibit clogging with particles.

Abstract: In the present invention high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes and methods for making and using these membranes have been developed. The cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes are prepared by: 1) first synthesizing polyimide polymers comprising pendent functional groups (e.g., —OH or —SH) ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen and cross-linkable functional groups in the polymer backbone; 2) fabricating polyimide membranes from these polymers; 3) converting the polyimide membranes to polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by heating under inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or vacuum; and 4) finally converting the membranes to high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by a crosslinking treatment, preferably UV radiation. The membranes can be fabricated into any convenient geometry.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite satisfying both the treating amount and the separation performance at a practically sufficient level, which can be applied even in the presence of an organic material and can separate/concentrate an organic material-containing gas or liquid mixture and which is economic without requiring a high energy cost and is not limited in its application range; a production method thereof; and a separation or concentration method using the same. The present invention is an inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite, wherein the inorganic porous support contains a ceramic sintered body and the inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite has, as a zeolite membrane, a CHA-type zeolite crystal layer on the inorganic porous support surface.

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.