Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the synthesis of unsaturated aliphatic polyesters, their crosslinking by thermal treatment and the use of the corresponding crosslinked membranes to separate aromatics from saturates.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the synthesis of saturated aliphatic polyesters by reaction of saturated or aromatic diacid chlorides with oligomeric aliphatic polyester diols, a method to thermally crosslink membranes prepared from the above saturated aliphatic polyesters, and the use of the crosslinked membranes to separate aromatics from saturates.

Abstract: Salts of organic carboxylic acids can be separated from non-salt organic compounds using a semipermeable membrane consisting of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer or a salt of such a polymer, by bringing a solution of the salts and the organic compounds in a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanol into contact with one side of the membrane and having the pure solvent on the opposite side of the membrane. The process can be used, for example, in purification processes or for recovering reactants from reaction residues.

Abstract: Non-brackish water can be produced from the brackish water or brine containing at least 500 ppm total dissolved solids coproduced in many active hydrocarbon product wells and found in many inactive gas wells. The brackish water or brine is desalinated producing non-brackish water, preferably, potable water. A preferred method of desalination is by reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A binary process for the concentration and recovery of contaminants from an aqueous environment by submerging lipids (11) inside of a thin non-porous polymeric film enclosure (10) in an aqueous environment (13) to concentrate the contaminants in the lipids (11) and polymeric film (10); and, recovering contaminants or impurities from the first part or from other contaiminated lipids or biogenic extracts by sumberging the polymeric film enclosed materials (10) in a solvent medium (16).

Abstract: Provided is a multistage method and apparatus for concentrating a solution by reverse osmosis, comprising the steps and means for: maximizing the concentration of absolute in a solution in a multistage apparatus having only standard capacity pumps, including steps of providing first concentrating means for concentrating a solution to a first concentration, said first concentrating means comprising at least one concentrating unit which positioned upstream with respect to a direction in which a solution to be concentrated flows, and providing second concentrating means for concentrating the solution that has been concentrated by first concentrating means to a second concentration which is higher than said first concentrating means comprising at least one concentrating unit which is positioned downstream with respect to said direction; said concentrating units comprising consisting essentially of respective membrane modules and respective standard capacity pumps, the membrane module of the concentrating unit of

Abstract: A method for designing and making composite membranes having a microporous support membrane coated with a permselective layer. The method involves calculating the minimum thickness of the permselective layer such that the selectivity of the composite membrane is close to the intrinsic selectivity of the perselective layer. The invention also provides high performance membranes with optimized properties.

Abstract: Cations and anions contained as impurities in a spent organic solvent can be removed by an alkaline aqueous solution passing through inside of hydrophobic porous membrane such as hollow fibers for capturing anions and by an acidic aqueous solution passing through inside of hydrophobic porous membrane such as hollow fibers for capturing cations at the same time so as to regenerate the organic solvent. An apparatus suitable for removing cations and anions simultaneously from the spent organic solvent is also provided.

Abstract: A batchwise or continuous process for separating water from a mixture of water and 1-methoxy-2-propanol by passing a heated mixture in liquid or gaseous form over a hydrophilic membrane which is selective to the passage of water.

Abstract: Polyester and polyamide membranes having improved permeation properties are disclosed. The membranes are derived from t-butyl-substituted isophthaloyl halide, in particular, 5-t-butylisophthaloyl chloride. The t-butyl-substituted isophthaloyl chloride can be employed with monomers such as diols and diamines to provide polyesters and polyamides with improved permeation properties.

Abstract: Ultrapure water of extremely high purity, i.e. a so-called ultra-ultrapure water is formed by the present system for purifying a pure water or ultrapure water, (1) the TOC component which was contained in pipes, etc. and which was subsequently dissolved in a pure water or ultrapure water to be treated, is decomposed and the pure water or ultrapure water is simultaneously sterilized, by the combined use of an oxidizing agent and ultraviolet irradiation, (2) the DO contained in the water to be treated and the DO derived from the addition of the oxidizing agent are decomposed into H.sub.2 O and simultaneous sterilization is effected, by the combined use of H.sub.2 gas and ultraviolet irradiation, (3) the remaining H.sub.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of acids from dilute aqueous acid solutions containing at least one metal cation such as Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Al, Fe, Ni and Co comprises feeding solution to the dialyzate compartments of a dialysis unit. The dialyzate, substantially containing any metal cations, is removed from the process. The diffusate, containing the acid from the feed solution and being substantially free of metal cations, is fed into the dilute stream circulating through the diluate compartments of an electrodialysis unit. A portion of the circulating diluate is returned to the diffusate compartments of the dialysis unit. The concentration gradient of acid anions across the dialysis membranes is increased by adding a quantity of acid-receiving solution to the returned diluate portion. The feed rates of solutions to the compartments of the dialysis unit are at least double those in processes using only dialysis.

Abstract: Multi-ring aromatic hydrocarbons and/or toxins are selectively solvent extracted from hydocarbon feed streams by the process comprising contacting the aromatics and/or toxins containing hydrocarbon stream with one side of a porous, non-selective partition barrier membrane while simultaneously contacting the other side of said membrane with an aromatics selective extraction solvent whereby the multi-ring aromatic hydrocarbons and/or toxins selectively migrate through the porous partition barrier membrane in response to the selective solvent. A preferred extraction solvent is ethylenediamine. The permeate comprising multi-ring aromatics in solvent can be subjected to a membrane separation process to separate the extraction solvent from the aromatics.

Abstract: A device for the separation of a separable component from a liquid sample for use with an evacuated receptable includes a housing having an interior cavity and a separator membrane dividing the cavity into a first portion and a second portion. The separator membrane has a porosity selected for the desired separation thereacros. An inlet structure is provided for fluid communication between the first portion of the interior cavity and the source of the liquid sample. Communication structure is provided for allowing fluid communication between one of the portions of the cavity and the evacuated receptacle. A rigid receptacle is in fluid communication with the other of the portions of the cavity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a low molecular weight alkali metal or ammonium huminate fraction comprising stirring an aqueous suspension of a humic containing material while adding an alkaline substance without exceeding a pH of 7, allowing the solids to settle from the suspension, centrifuging the solid free solution and subjecting the solution to ultrafiltration to obtain a low molecular weight alkali metal or ammonium huminate fraction and an improved method of healing wounds.

Abstract: Provided, is a membrane unit which can sealably accommodate a variable plurality of stacked planar membrane elements.

Abstract: A membrane processing method for subjecting solid support membranes used in the analysis and investigation of membrane bound specimens, such as molecules and molecule fragments of DNA and RNA, includes a flexible wall jacket, a membrane support for supporting the membrane within the jacket, and a frame upon which the jacket is mounted for processing. The jacket includes an open end through which the membrane support is inserted and fluid ports for introducing and removing fluid from the interior of the jacket. The membrane support is defined by sheets of open weave fabric that support the membrane to define a multitude of fluid pathways across the opposite surfaces of the membrane and also define lateral distribution channels on opposite edges of the membrane support. The frame includes attachment points for attachment to the jacket and a resilient clamp allows convenient sealing of the open end of the jacket prior to the introduction and removal of treatment fluids.

Abstract: A method of coalescence involves the use of a coalescer element consisting essentially of or comprising a sintered polymeric media having a fine porous structure. Suitable polymers include thermoplastics or thermosetting resins.The element is suitable for de-oiling oily water and dewatering crude oil.

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 device for the separation of a lighter fraction from the heavier fraction of a liquid sample for use with two evacuated receptacles includes a housing having an interior cavity and a membrane separator dividing this cavity into a first portion and a second portion. The membrane separator has a porosity selected for the desired separation thereacross. An inlet structure is provided for fluid communication between the first portion of the interior cavity and the source of the liquid sample. First structure is provided to allow fluid communication between the first portion of the interior cavity and the first evacuated receptacle. This first structure is opposed from the inlet structure so that liquid passing from the inlet to the first structure travels in a direction along the surface of the membrane. Further structure is provided to allow fluid communication between the second portion of the interior cavity and the second evacuated receptacle.

Abstract: An analytical chemistry apparatus and method for introducing a reagent into a flowing stream of liquid carrier in order to quantitatively analyze one or more components of a sample added into the carrier. The reagent is permeated across a short section of membrane having relatively large pores. The use of such a membrane: (a) allows the membrane to be protected from physical damage by covering it with a perforate structure; (b) significantly reduces bandspreading across the membrane reagent addition device; (c) reduces the pressure drop across the membrane reagent addition device; and (d) still allows for the permeation of an effective amount of the reagent into the carrier. The reagent is preferably pressurized to minimize leakage of carrier across the membrane and the reagent can be self-pressurized by essentially completely filling the reagent reservoir of the invention with reagent and then hermetically sealing the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving the separation of fluids having different densities which apparatus employs a velocity reducing distributor for directing fluids in a vertical direction through a bed of packing to coalesce the fluids and a means to alter the direction of flow of the coalesced fluids to a horizontal direction. The disclosed apparatus is of particular advantage with respect to the gravitational separation of fluids having different densities which comprise an aqueous phase and a hydrocarbonaceous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transferring metal ions from an aqueous liquid to a non-aqueous liquid and then to another aqueous liquid. The non-aqueous liquid contains one or more complexing agents and is kept separate from the aqueous liquid releasing metal ions by one or more microporous hydrophobic membrane(s). The non-aqueous liquid is circulated through two or more transfer zones in which the metal ions are taken up and released. The metal ions are released from the non-aqueous liquid into the second aqueous liquid by mechanical mixing of the two phases, followed by a mechanical separation process. The flow of metal ions obtained by this low-cost process is higher than in other processes. The process facilitates coupled co- and counter transport and may be used with advantage, inter alia, in the dressing of ores and in effluent treatment.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of reducing a bacterial endotoxin contaminant in a biologically useful macromolecule. AN aqueous medium containing an endotoxin-contaminated macromolecule is admixed with a dialyzable surfactant, and the admixture so formed is contacted with an endotoxin sorbant to form a solid-liquid phase admixture. The contacting is maintained until the endotoxin is bound to the sorbant. The surfactant is dialyzed out of the aqueous liquid phase at a time no earlier than the maintenance step. The liquid phase containing the macromolecule is separated and recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to highly filterable polyvinyl polypyrrolidone particles and to the process for improving filterability of standard polyvinyl polypyrrolidone granules which comprises treating granular polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, containing a minor amount of non-cross-linked and/or unsaturated sites and having a number average molecular weight greater than 100,000, with ozone at a temperature selected from within the ranges consisting of from about -15.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. and from 85.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and collecting the ozone treated product, which has a flow rate index (FRI) increased by at least 25%.

Abstract: Process for recovering water of reduced salinity by contacting a semipermeable hydrophilic composite sheet with high salinity water and recovering a lower salinity water from the water sorbed in the sheet by applying sufficient physical pressure to force the water out of the sheet.

Abstract: A continuous process for contacting components of a fluid mixture is described wherein at least one sorption zone is formed in a first separator. A sorbent material, which is in a continuous solid form, is passed through the sorption zone and then passed outwardly from the sorption zone. In the preferred process, a plurality of sorption zones are provided in the separator and a plurality of endless belts of sorbent material are passed through the sorption zones. The sorbent material is preferably a reversibly swellable material which swells as a result of contact with fluid in either the sorption or desorption zones and from which the nonsorbed fluid can be expressed during passage through the compression seal at the zone boundary.

Abstract: In chromatographic analysis by the steps of adding a sample solution to a flow of an eluant, passing the eluant flow through a separation column thereby converting the eluant flow into an eluate flow containing component ions of the eluant flow in separate zones, passing the eluate flow through an ion-exchange membrane tube thereby allowing the eluate to come into contact with an aqueous solution of an H.sup.+ form or OH.sup.- form electrolyte outside the tube through the wall of the membrane tube, substituting those of the component ions contained in the eluate flow which have the same type of electric charge as H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- with said H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- thereby giving rise to a deionized solution flow, and passing the deionized solution flow through a detection cell thereby causing the component ions which have survived the substitution to be detected as separated into distinct zones, improvements are obtained by causing the aqueous solution of H.sup.+ or OH.sup.

Abstract: In chromatographic analysis by the steps of adding a sample solution to a flow of an eluant, passing the eluant flow through a separation column thereby converting the eluant flow into an eluate flow containing component ions of the eluant flow in separate zones, passing the eluate flow through an ion-exchange membrane tube thereby allowing the eluate to come into contact with an aqueous solution of an H.sup.+ form or OH.sup.- form electrolyte outside the tube through the wall of the membrane tube, substituting those of the component ions contained in the eluate flow which have the same type of electric charge as H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- with said H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- thereby giving rise to a deionized solution flow, and passing the deionized solution flow through a detection cell thereby causing the component ions which have survived the substitution to be detected as separated into distinct zones, improvements are obtained by causing the aqueous solutions of H.sup.+ or OH.sup.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving the separation of fluids having different densities which apparatus employs a velocity reducing distributor for directing fluids in a vertical direction through a bed of packing to coalesce the fluids and a means to alter the direction of flow of the coalesced fluids to a horizontal direction. The disclosed apparatus is of particular advantage with respect to the gravitational separation of fluids having different densities which comprise an aqueous phase and a hydrocarbonaceous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for the separation of at least a portion of one liquid phase from a mixture of immiscible liquid phases using two porous membranes spaced from one another. Each membrane is wetted only by the one liquid phase to be separated. The mixed phases are pressurized on one side of the first membrane. The one phase to be separated passes through the first membrane into the space between the membranes and then through the second membrane to form a finished stream. Any phase that does not ideally wet the first or second membranes theoretically does not pass through the membranes. However, any such phase that nevertheless does pass through the first membrane, due to operational variations or membrane aging effects, is removed from a space between the membranes and does not effectively contaminate the finished stream.

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: An ion-chromatography system for analyzing one or more ionic species of a given polarity in solution, the system comprising an ion-exchange material reactive with such species, an eluant fluid, means for adding the eluant fluid and ionic species to the separation column, a stripper column and a detector. The eluant fluid includes at least a pair of electrically neutral molecular species reactive with one another to provide ionic constituents, the molecular species being in substantial equilibrium with the ionic constituents. The stripper column is positioned at the outlet of the separation column to receive the eluant fluid from the latter and reduce the concentration of the ionic constituents in the eluant fluid. The stripper column includes a conduit relatively permeable to the neutral molecular species in the eluant and relatively impermeable to the ionic constituents.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes useful for separating mixtures of ethanol and water into enriched fractions of each are prepared by cross-linking 50-90 weight percent of at least one polymer containing pendent, adjacent carboxy groups with 10-50 weight percent of at least one diamine. Membranes prepared from copolymers of maleic anhydride and styrene cross-linked with a polyoxyalkylene diamine are exemplary. These membranes are also useful in gas separation processes, such as separating oxygen from nitrogen.

Abstract: A device is described which provides a totally enclosed and secure environment for the culture of cells and for the production of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and other cell-derived products of commercial value. The device comprises several modules of differing functions: regulating the cellular growth environment, providing a suitable cell growth substrate or environment, or separating of desired product form interfering substances. Each module comprises a series of membranes separated by a solid support material which is channeled to provide a series of parallel capillaries for the flow of nutrients, environmental regulating fluids, or gas exchange. The structure and composition of the separating membranes limits the nature, rate, and size of the particular material exchanged across an individual membrane into or from an adjacent compartment. The capillaries are so dimensioned that the nutrients and gases are diffused over distances typical of human tissue.

Abstract: A process involving mass transfer between two fluid cavities through the nnels of a microchannel plate (MCP). The mass transfer process may involve separation of organic chemicals like petrochemicals, vegetable oils, inorganic chemicals like steam stripping of bromine from aqueouspotassium chloride/potassium bromide, corrosive as well as sepration of hazardous gases.The MCP structures may have an electric field or electromagnetic field across the MCP to create synergestic mass transfer separation potential either to increase or decrease separations. Blood filtering as well as other biomedical separations are possible by this synergestic mass transfer.Catalytic depositions within the channels of the MCPs, either as wall coatings with the channels open or as solid porous catalytic material that has osmosis action thereacross further enhances chemical reactions during the separation process or during passage through the channels. This procedure can also be used for gas clean-up, such as combustor discharges.

Abstract: An oil separation method and apparatus for separation by coarse particulation which includes the steps of forming a coarse particulating element with an oil water separation layer which includes forming a water insoluble hydrogel which has an oil resisting and oil repelling function as well as water permeating and absorbing function on the surface of a porous material and/or the surface of a fluid passage to be contacted with oil holding water and alternately passing the oil holding water through the surface of the element to perform coarse particulation separation of oil at the surface of the element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analysis, by ion chromatography, of anions, in a sample solution, wherein accurate analysis of anions in the sample solution is obtained by passing carbonic acid, through a prescribed membrane, into the sample solution, thereby completely eliminating or sharply lessening the so-called water dip effect. The method and apparatus are further directed to enabling anions in the sample solution to be accurately analyzed by passing prescribed cations, through a prescribed membrane, into the sample solution, thereby depriving the sample solution of interfering anions otherwise abundantly present therein.

Abstract: In a process for the separation of oil from an oil-in-water dispersion by coalescence followed by separation of coalesced drops, coalescence is carried out at the surface of a solid material manufactured by contacting a solid material having active H atoms in surface groups or a polyolefin in the presence of water with a compound Si(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4), in which R.sup.1 is a (cyclo)aliphatic group containing one or more amino groups, R.sup.2 a hydrolyzable group and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 a hydrolyzable or non-hydrolyzable organic group or a hydrolyzable atom.

Abstract: A cartridge (7) for removing contaminants from a liquid comprises (a) a central inlet or outlet, (b) a circumferential outlet or inlet for radial flow through the cartridge and (c) a resilient, helically coiled plate (8) permeable to liquid. One edge of the plate is secured at or near the central inlet or outlet, the other edge is secured at or near the circumferential outlet or inlet and means is provided for tensioning the plate.The cartridge may be used in a filter.It may be modified by adding a fibrous layer to the coiled plate. This renders it suitable for use as a coalescer.

Abstract: The method of breaking down emulsions resides in that the emulsion is made to bubble through a coalescent matter of a pelletized polymeric material featuring its specific gravity below that of the lighter emulsion component, said matter being filled with said lighter component of the emulsion under process and being exposed to effect of the field of centrifugal forces. The device for breaking down emulsions is in fact a centrifugal separator whose bowl has the respective chambers for the lighter and the heavier emulsion components to collect, said chambers communicating with the bowl interior space. A perforated inlet sleeve is provided coaxially with the bowl axis for admission of the emulsion being broken down to admit, while the bowl interior is filled with the coalescent matter made of the pelletized polymeric material.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of mixtures of liquids insoluble in each other, e.g., water and oil, where the mixture of liquids is brought into contact, from one side, with a fabric allowing only one of the liquids to pass so that the liquids can be collected separately.

Abstract: A method of separating an oil-and-water phase from an oil-and-water emulsion, which method comprises passing the emulsion first through a wall of a prefilter composed first of fibres having an energy of adhesion of from 2 to 50 ergs/cm.sup.2 to form larger oil droplets, and, thereafter, passing the larger oil droplets and the emulsion through adjacent layers of glass fibres, to separate the oil phase from the oil-and-water emulsion, and then collecting and removing the oil phase, while permitting the passage of an essentially oil-free water phase of the emulsion from the prefilter.

Abstract: A system for treating organic emulsions by separating by coalescence the disperse phase from the dispersion phase of the emulsion includes a single enclosed chamber having therein a lower destabilizing area, a central filtering and coalescence area, and an upper flotation and separation area. An emulsion to be treated is continuously introduced and passed upwardly through the destabilizing area, the filtering and coalescence area and the flotation and separation area. The flotation and separation area includes a center portion positioned vertically above the filtering and coalescence area and at least one lateral portion in flow communication with the center portion and extending laterally downwardly along a side of the filtering and coalescence area and the destabilizing area. The lateral portion of the flotation and separation area is laterally separated from the filtering and coalescence area and from the destabilizing area by a partition.

Abstract: Separation of a suspension of two immiscible fluid components is accomplished in a cylindrical pressure vessel divided into a main chamber and, at one axial end, a secondary chamber. A series of sinusoidal plates in the main chamber provides a tortuous passage for fluid to the secondary chamber. The two components tend to separate during such passage, the less dense component collecting in the upper part of the main chamber and the denser component passing to the secondary chamber. The vessel is provided with an inlet to the main chamber, a first outlet from the main chamber for the less dense component and a second outlet for the denser component exiting from the secondary chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for rinsing body cavities includes a double tube pump (1) for simultaneously pumping fluid into a storage vessel (4) for subsequent feed through a catheter (K) and pumping discharged fluid from a measuring vessel (9) at the same rate, so that surplus fluid with the discharge can be measured. The measuring vessel has sensors (11,12) which switch on and switch off the pump when fluid in the measuring vessel falls or rises to predetermined levels. An additional pump (13) may be provided for the surplus fluid extraction. The double tube pump comprises a pair of parallel identical tubes (24a, 24b) with joined end connections (34,35) in a stator (21) which are squeezed by common rollers (32) mounted in a rotor (27).(FIG.