Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A membrane module for substance-specific treatment of a fluid includes a housing with a bundle of hollow-fiber membranes with semipenneable, porous walls. The hollow-fiber membranes are embedded in a sealing compound only at one end, and flow around the second end is substantially unrestricted. The lumina of the hollow-fiber membranes are open at the unembedded end and lead into the external space surrounding the hollow-fiber membranes. The fluid to be treated is introduced via an inlet arrangement on only one of the two sides (inside or outside) of the hollow-fiber membranes and directed over this side as a primary stream such that a portion thereof flows as a permeate stream through the wall to the respective other side, the substance-specific treatment taking place on the permeate stream. After passing through the wall, the permeate stream is collected on the other side and reunited with the primary stream in the external space.

Abstract: A new polymeric material, a process for forming the material and method of using the material to separate enantiomers of chiral compounds, particularly amino acids and pharmaceuticals are disclosed. A polymeric material can be formed from polyaniline doped with a chiral acid and then extracted with a suitable base. This leaves behind a polymeric material which preferentially traps, and then selectively releases, one enantiomer of a chiral mixture brought in contact with the surface of the polymeric material. In particular, when polyaniline is doped with either R- or S-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) it takes on a chiral structure. Removing the chiral acid dopant leads to a new chiral polyaniline. The dedoped chiral polyanilines have the ability to discriminate among enantiomers of many compounds which exist in chiral mixtures.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solvent purification system and method of reducing the contamination level thereof are provided. Contaminated solvent is directed under pressure across at least one cross-flow membrane unit, and the waste stream therefrom is conveyed through at least one membrane precipitator unit to precipitate out contaminant, or selectively precipitate out solutes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCS) can be removed from surfactant solutions using pervaporation with hydrophobic pervaporation membranes. This process can be used to remove volatile non-laqueous phase liquids from surfactant-based soil washing and soil flushing solutions for recovery of the volatile compounds and reuse of the surfactant. The process of the present invention can also be used to separate VOCs from industrial process streams containing surfactants for in-process recycling and reclamation of the VOCs and/or surfactants. In addition, the process of the present invention can be used to separate VOCs from industrial waste streams containing surfactants for waste volume reduction or for recovery/recycle of the VOCs and/or surfactant.

Abstract: A dilute aqueous solution in microvolume quantity containing water soluble substances is concentrated by placing the solution in a length of hollow fiber whose wall contains pores sized to selectively pass water, while replenishing the fiber volume with additional solution at a rate approximately equal to the rate that the water passes through the fiber wall. A zone of concentrated solution is formed within the fiber, and the concentrated solution is then recoverable from the zone.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a filtration membrane for oleophilic organic liquids, which has reduced filtration resistance and increased filtration efficiency and of which the filtration capacity can be freely designed, to provide a method for producing the membrane, and to provide a method for filtering oleophilic organic liquids. The filtration membrane 3 is made of an oleophilic polymer material having a three-dimensional crosslink structure. The oleophilic polymer material is in a gel-like or dry glue-like condition. The inter-crosslink spaces 10 in the three-dimensional crosslink structure are filled with molecules 2 of an oleophilic organic liquid capable of passing through the spaces. Desirably, the inter-crosslink spaces in the three-dimensional crosslink structure are larger than the molecule of the oleophilic organic liquid but are not larger than 1000 nm in terms of their mean diameter. Also desirably, the oleophilic polymer material is supported by a support.

Abstract: The present invention describes a family of photolabile caged ionophores. The compounds of the present invention are photolytically cleavable esters of nigericin, ionomycin, A-23187, 4-Br-A-23187 and monensin. The photolysis of the present compounds allows the release of the free ionophore in vivo or in vitro with precise spatial and temporal control. The compounds are useful in the study of ion transport and control in cells and across membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved affinity membrane device and method for the effective removal of target molecules in plasma. The affinity membrane device is designed for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit and can be employed concurrently with other therapeutic processes for the purification of blood. The device of the present invention consists of hollow fiber membranes having specified dimensions and transfer properties, ligand immobilized to the pore surface of the hollow fibers, and a housing to encase the hollow fibers and allow appropriate entry and exit of the blood. In a preferred embodiment, specific immobilization chemistries are utilized to attach the ligands to the hollow fibers for optimal function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a blood sample having a volume of up to about 20 milliliters into cellular and acellular fractions. The apparatus includes a housing divided by a fibrous filter into a blood sample collection chamber having a volume of at least about 1 milliliter and a serum sample collection chamber. The fibrous filter has a pore size of less than about 3 microns, and is coated with a mixture including between about 1-40 wt/vol % mannitol and between about 0.1-15 wt/vol % of plasma fraction protein (or an animal or vegetable equivalent thereof). The coating causes the cellular fraction to be trapped by the small pores, leaving the cellular fraction intact on the fibrous filter while the acellular fraction passes through the filter for collection in unaltered form from the serum sample collection chamber.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A part still wet with water or an aqueous type detergent adhering to the surface thereof is drain washed in a washing tank using a hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent. In this operation of dewatering cleaning, the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank is circulated between the washing tank and a reserve tank to deprive the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent of water entrained thereby by means of a concentration type filter inserted in a path laid for the circulation. A hydrophobic filter is mainly used as the concentration type filter. The dewatering cleaning is continued and meanwhile the consequently isolated hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent is exclusively returned to the washing tank. As a result, the water concentration in the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank can be constantly kept below a prescribed level.

Abstract: Chiral separations can be enhanced through the use of polymerized chiral micelles. Because polymerized micelles eliminate much of the complex dynamic behavior associated with conventional micelles, polymerized chiral micelles have stronger chiral recognition properties than do otherwise-identical, "conventional" or non-polymerized chiral micelles. Recovery of chiral ligands from polymerized chiral micelles is often easier, as the chiral ligands may typically be recovered by simple extraction with an appropriate organic solvent. By contrast, recovering the solute from a conventional, non-polymerized micellar medium by extraction with an organic solvent frequently results in the formation of troublesome emulsion systems. Polymerized chiral micelle systems are therefore beneficial in both preparative-scale and process-scale separations.

Abstract: A low temperature method for esterifying ammonium- and amine-containing salts is provided whereby the salt is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of heat and a catalyst and then subjected to a dehydration and deamination process using pervaporation.The invention also provides for a method for producing esters of fermentation derived, organic acid salt comprising first cleaving the salt into its cationic part and anionic part, mixing the anionic part with an alcohol to create a mixture; heating the mixture in the presence of a catalyst to create an ester; dehydrating the now heated mixture; and separating the ester from the now-dehydrated mixture.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method of solvent extraction. The steps of the method include: providing a dual-skinned asymmetric membrane; providing a feed containing a solute; and providing a solvent. The feed and the solvent are contacted across the membrane. The solute of the feed is extracted, and forming thereby a raffinate and an extract.

Abstract: A gas plasma treated porous medium and method of using such a medium to separate or remove materials such as components of biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating a relatively large volume of blood into cellular and acellular fractions without the need for centrifugation. The apparatus comprises a housing divided by a fibrous filter into a blood sample collection chamber having a volume of at least about 1 milliliter and a serum sample collection chamber. The fibrous filter has a pore size of less than about 3 microns, and is coated with a mixture of mannitol and plasma fraction protein (or an animal or vegetable equivalent thereof). The coating causes the cellular fraction to be trapped by the small pores, leaving the cellular fraction intact on the fibrous filter while the acellular fraction passes through the filter for collection in unaltered form from the serum sample collection chamber.

Abstract: A medical device and method for affecting mass transfer between blood and a fluid. In one application, this mass transfer is an oxygenation of the blood. Generally, a membrane which separates the blood and fluid is moved in a predetermined manner and in a direction which is substantially parallel to that of the primary direction of the flow to augment the mass transfer efficiency/rate. Importantly, this movement of the membrane is relative to the blood mass transfer boundary layer which steepens or increases the oxygen concentration gradient and decreases the thickness of the blood mass transfer boundary layer and thereby improves upon the mass transfer efficiency/rate of oxygen into the blood.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for passing a first parenteral fluid through a first fluid flow path through a fluid treatment arrangement, passing a second parenteral fluid through a separate and isolated second fluid flow path through the fluid treatment arrangement, and passing the first parenteral fluid through the separate and isolated second fluid flow path through the fluid treatment arrangement.

Abstract: A process for the separation of oxygenated compounds, containing mainly methanol and possibly a minor amount of water and/or dimethyl ether, from a mixture of hydrocarbons containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms containing said oxygenated compounds. The mixture is distilled in a distillation zone (D). A gaseous distillate (line 2) is taken overhead which contains methanol, possibly water, possibly dimethyl ether, and hydrocarbons. The gaseous distillate is separated in a separator (B) and at least one organic liquid phase is recovered (line 6) and sent as a reflux to the head of distillation zone D. An aqueous liquid phase (line 5) may possibly be recovered, also a gaseous phase (line 4). A phase (line 8) is extracted as a side stream from the distillation zone and sent to a permeation zone (PV) comprising at least one membrane which is selectively permeable to methanol; a permeation step is carried out on said phase.

Abstract: A process for separating a mixture containing mainly ethyl tertio-butyl ether (ETBE), ethanol and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons includes introducing the mixture to be separated into a debutanizer from which the C.sub.4 hydrocarbons are recovered overhead with a fraction of the ethanol, and purified ETBE is recovered as a bottom product; a side stream of an ethanol-rich phase is extracted and sent to a permeation zone in which the dense film of the membrane is constituted by a N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate polymer (DMAEMA) or a copolymer of DMAEMA with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and/or with N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP); the ethanol-depleted retentate from this permeation zone is returned to the debutanizer and the permeate contains mainly separated ethanol.The process can be integrated into an ETBE production process, in which the ethanol separated during the permeation step is recycled to the etherification reactor. The debutanizer may be replaced by a catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: Spent acid contaminated with metal salts in a hot solution removed from a metal pickling bath is directed to one side of an anionic membrane to separate acid ions from the metal salt solution by diffusion dialysis through the membrane. Most of the metal salts in the remaining low acidity mother liquor are crystallized by refrigerating the mother liquor. The crystals are dewatered (in a centrifuge, for example) to produce a commercially viable noncorrosive byproduct, and the substantially decontaminated mother liquor is directed to the opposite side of the diffusion membrane, where it receives the acid ions diffusing through the membrane, and is then recycled to the pickling bath. Heat interchange between the hot spent acid solution and the recycled acid lowers the temperature of the spent acid to an optimum value for dialysis while raising the temperature of the recycled acid to close to the bath temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating a multiple phase liquid medium comprising a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase wherein the medium is contacted with a first filter, said filter having been wetted by a wetting agent miscible with the first liquid phase but immiscible with the second liquid phase; whereby the first liquid phase passes through the filter, thus obtaining a filtrate substantially free of the second liquid phase. In a preferred embodiment, separation of a multiple phase liquid medium comprising liquid fossil fuel, water and biocatalyst employing one or two filters is disclosed. One filter will preferentially collect either the liquid fossil fuel or aqueous phase as the filtrate. The retentate will then flow to the second filter which will collect the component not removed before, i.e. the aqueous phase or liquid fossil fuel, as the filtrate. The remaining retentate, containing the biocatalyst, can then, preferably, be recycled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water desalination system that can be used in a home or commercial entity which uses a reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane element in a unique flow configuration which promotes self cleaning of a membrane element to prevent a buildup of salts and minerals on the membrane surface. The systems use the dynamics of water usage in a water service line, not connected to the membrane to flush a recirculation/reservoir tank that feeds the reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane periodically. The systems also produce little or no waste effluent that must be dumped into a waste system, thereby wasting water and causing an environmental problem.

Abstract: The-silica content of cooling water blow-down waters is reduced by contacting these waters with a colloidal alumina which adsorbs a portion of the silica. The blow-down is then dialyzed to produce a permeate having a reduced silica content. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the permeate is recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing white liquor (3) obtained from the causticization step of a pulp mill, in which method infeed white liquor (3) principally contains sodium hydroxide (6) and sodium sulfide (7). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the sodium hydroxide (6) contained in the white liquor (3) is separated from the white liquor (3) either entirely or partly by means of a diffusion dialysis membrane process (4). The invention is further characterized in that the sodium hydroxide (6) separated from the white liquor (3) is advantageously entirely returned back to the chemical circulation of the pulp mill.

Abstract: A process for the purification of aqueous solutions of amine-oxides, characterized in that said solutions are contacted with an aqueous purification solution of an alkali hydroxide and/or ion pair reagent by means of an anion active membrane. By means of the process according to the invention, an efficient separation, particularly of anions of lower carboxylic acids and inorganic acids, can be achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for effectively separating an unsaturated hydrocarbon from a feedstock containing at least two similar unsaturated hydrocarbons comprising passing the feedstock over one side of an ionopore membrane charged with a facilitator having an affinity for each of the at least two similar unsaturated hydrocarbons and recovering from a second side of the membrane permeate containing predominantly one of the at least two similar unsaturated hydrocarbons, the similar unsaturated hydrocarbons being selected from the group consisting essentially of aromatic, alkene, and diene hydrocarbons.This invention further relates to a method for achieving liquid phase separation of at least two competing components from a feedstock containing the components such that the separation factor for the competing components is at least about 4 times the separation factor calculated when permeating single components using the same membrane and under the same conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for removing a volatile component from a feed or process stream comprising (1) absorbing or adsorbing the volatile component into an absorbent or adsorbent material in an equilibrium process, wherein feed is pumped through a mixture chamber of a device, wherein the device comprises the mixture chamber and a vapor chamber, wherein the mixture chamber comprises a plurality of films comprising absorbent or adsorbent materials, wherein the film is configured to have a first side communicating with the mixture chamber and a second side communicating with the vapor chamber, and (2) removing the volatile component from the absorbent or adsorbent material by applying heat to the mixture chamber and simultaneously applying a gas phase within the vapor chamber such that the volatile component is collected in a gaseous state in the vapor chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling water based workpart cleaning fluid of the type used to wash workparts (B) free of soils, such as emulsified and non-emulsified cutting oils and lubricants, particulate matter and other hydrophobic fluids. A parts washer (12) is provided for cleaning workparts (B) contaminated with soils. The contaminated cleaning fluid is discharged from the parts washer (12) in a slip stream and directed to a process tank (22). The contaminated cleaning fluid is pumped from the process tank (22) to a prefilter (28) where large particles are screened. The cleaning fluid is then directed to regenerated cellulose membrane filters (34) where the water based cleaning fluid and the hydrophilic water soluble substances in the base, i.e., the detergents, are imbibed through the membrane (34) as permeate while the soils pass as retentate. The permeate is returned to the parts washer (12), whereas the retentate is directed back to the process tank (22).

Abstract: The present invention is a membrane method and apparatus for separating isotopic water constituents from light water. The method involves providing a supported membrane of an aromatic polyphosphazene and pressurizing the water on one side of the membrane thereby forcing the light water through the supported membrane while isotopic water constituents are retained or vice versa. The apparatus of the present invention includes an aromatic polyphosphazene placed on a porous support and means for pressurizing water through the membrane while certain isotopic water constituents are retained.

Abstract: A polycationic system for the removal of polyanions from a fluid medium is formed by, first, activating a biocompatible hydroxylated support with an organic sulfonyl chloride, such as p-toluene-sulfonyl chloride, in the presence of a dialkylamino pyridine activation catalyst, such as 4-dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP). The activated support is then reacted with a polymer having a polyamide backbone with pendent alkyl amine groups, such as poly-L-lysine (PLL), to form C--N bonds between an activated carbon from the hydroxylated polymer and an amine group from the polymeric polyamide. Finally, any unreacted activated sites on the hydroxylated polymer are capped or removed with an effective amount of capping agent such as a mercapto (--SH), hydroxy (--OH) or amino (--NH.sub.2) containing compound which reacts with the unreacted activated sites. The pendent alkyl amines on the polyamide backbone exist, at the appropriate pH, as polycations.

Abstract: The present invention includes the use of crosslinked fluorinated polyolefin membranes membranes for the separation of aromatics from saturates, wherein aromatics can contain sulfur and nitrogen.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrofluoric acid of high purity at the point of use by causing molecular diffusion of hydrogen fluoride into ultrapure water through a resin membrane. The high-purity acid is available at the site of use free of contamination that would occur during transport from a site of preparation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the controlled introduction of submicron-sized bubbles into a fluid stream. The gas-micronizer apparatus of the present invention operates in a manner that maximizes the turbulence of the liquid flow stream at the interface of the porous surface while flowing essentially parallel to the porous surface through which gas enters to form bubbles, thereby ensuring that the gas streams through the pores are dispersed quickly into the bulk liquid flow and/or are of sufficiently small size as to behave as rigid spheres that do not easily coalesce. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is of generally tubular shape with a nominal surface porosity of 25-30%, and an average pore size below 1 micron (and ideally about 0.2 micron). Fluid is provided to the inlet of the membrane element (by means of a pump) through an inwardly tapered approach conduit. An outwardly tapered exit conduit extends from the outlet end of the element, thereby forming a venturi arrangement.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the separation of one or more, more permeable components from one or more, less permeable components in a feed stream. The process suggests two membrane separation stages in series wherein the feed is introduced into the low pressure side of the first stage, the permeate stream from the first stage is compressed and introduced into the high pressure side of the second stage and wherein the non-permeate stream from the second stage is recycled to the high pressure side of the first stage.

Abstract: Mixtures comprising alcohol/ether/non-linear hydrocarbon are separated using polyester or polyester polyimide copolymer membranes. The mixture is contacted under pervaporation conditions with the membrane and the alcohol selectively permeates through the membrane. In this way alcohol especially C.sub.1 -C.sub.10, preferably C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alcohols can be effectively removed from the synthesis solutions used for the production of high value ethers such as methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) or tertiary-amyl methyl ether (TAME) used as octane enhancers in motor fuels.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering liquid effluent comprises, in sequence, inlet means, filtration means, and outlet means. Each filtration means comprises at least one disposable sack filter (2, 3, 4, 31) of defined porosity. The open end of each sack filter is attached to an outlet conduit in communication with the inlet means. The opposing closed ends of the sack filters are attached to movable supports to cause agitation of the sack filters.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for allowing significantly increased migration of a molecule across a lipid bilayer membrane. The method includes combining an aqueous solvent medium, in which the lipid bilayer membrane and the molecule are disposed, with a solute. The aqueous solvent medium, the lipid bilayer membrane and the molecule are then exposed to a sufficient partial pressure of the solute to cause the solute to dissolve in the aqueous solvent medium, whereby a significant portion of the solute migrates to the hydrophobic fatty acyl portion of the lipid bilayer membrane. The solute thereby allows a significantly increased migration of the molecule across the lipid bilayer membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants in a fluid, particularly water from lubricating oil, is provided which may comprise a particulate zeolitic adsorbent in conjunction with a non-porous PTFE barrier that has been modified to be permeable to water and impermeable to oil. Such a system is capable of reducing the level of water in lubricating oil to less than 100 parts per million.

Abstract: An artificial pancreas system which minimizes the volume of the artificial pancreas by not encapsulating each islet is taught wherein the islets are separated and held within a polymeric matrix which is soluble in an aqueous solution below body temperature but insoluble in aqueous solutions at or above body temperature. The polymer-islet mixture is contained in a pouch having access means such as entry and exit ports. The solubility makes it possible to replace the contents of the pouch by solubilizing the matrix simply by lowering the temperature below the LCST. The pouch is constructed of a biocompatible material permeable to insulin and other substances of similar or lesser molecular weight but is impermeable to cellular and humoral components of the body immune system. The islet-polymer matrix can be functionalized to stimulate insulin secretion from the islets using insulinotropic agents such as sulfonylurea.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the separation of one or more, more permeable components from one or more, less permeable components in a feed stream. The process suggests two membrane separation stages in series wherein the feed is introduced into the high pressure side of the first stage, the non-permeate stream from the first stage is introduced into the high pressure side of the second stage and wherein the permeate stream from the second stage is compressed and recycled to the low pressure side of the first stage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for accomplishing improved liquid-liquid extraction employing microporous hollow-fiber membranes. A number of possible modes of liquid-liquid extraction are possible according to the invention.

Abstract: The process for separating off rare metal catalysts used in the preparation of ether-carboxylic acids by catalytic oxidation with a suspended catalyst comprises carrying out a crossflow filtration and pretreating the filter elements used with a medium which is not solid under the treatment conditions and is composed of one or more carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for the separation, by sedimentation, of at least one liquid organic component dispersed in a liquid containing mainly organic materials, this organic component and the remaining liquid exhibiting a difference in density. In order to reduce considerably the standing time, it is proposed that the liquid be passed before sedimentation through a fiber bed that the organic component and the remaining liquid have different surface tensions with respect to the fiber bed, that the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the organic component to be separated are such that, in the equilibrium state, at least two liquid phases form, and that the rate of flow of the liquid through the fiber bed lies below a maximum value dependent on the surface tension of the organic component with respect of the fiber bed and on the difference in density and surface tension between the remaining liquid and the organic component.

Abstract: A plasma purification treatment which removes disease ailment causing constituents in the plasma of a patient suffering from diseases caused by those ailment causing constituents in this patient's plasma by plasma exchange made by sampling of plasma from the patient and returning the plasma sampled from the patient and purified by removing the ailment causing constituents to the patient; sampling an appropriate volume of plasma within 12% of the patient's whole circulating blood at the first time and gradually increased volume from the second time on until it reaches a predetermined target volume of plasma exchange, returning the sampled plasma at the previous time and purified.

Abstract: A process is described for purifying an oil-containing liquid to remove aqueous and solid impurities which comprises passing said liquid through a permeable inorganic membrane previously treated by contacting the membrane with an organic reactant selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphinic acid, a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a boronic acid, a phosphoric acid ester and a precursor which decomposes upon contact with said inorganic membrane to form one of said organic reactants whereby the treated membrane is capable of separating aqueous and solid impurities from hydrocarbons in the oil-containing liquid.

Abstract: A multilayer membrane is composed of a carrier layer, a porous supporting layer and a separating layer. The carrier layer consists of fibers of polyamide, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyester or glass; the porous supporting layer consists of a polysulfone, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyethersulfone, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile or polyether imide; the separating layer consists of polyvinyl alcohol. The separating layer is nonporous and has a structure having a high microcrystalline content. A process of manufacturing that membrane is also described.