Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having a plurality of membrane elements disposed in series and a plurality of permeate pipes receiving permeate from a respective one of the plurality of membrane elements. Each of the plurality of elements has an inlet and an outlet. A plurality of connectors coupling successive permeate pipes together. Each of the plurality of connectors includes one of a plurality of flow restrictors. Each of the plurality of flow restrictors is sized to further restrict permeate flow into a subsequent permeate pipe of the plurality of permeate pipes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a separation membrane including a silicalite membrane without using NaOH or the like that causes an increase in cost with respect to equipment, facilities, and process time. The method for producing a separation membrane is a method for producing a separation membrane including a porous support and a silicalite membrane that is formed on the support and has an MFI-type zeolite crystal structure, and is characterized in that the method includes a step of producing a seed crystal, a step of attaching the seed crystal onto the porous support, a step of producing a membrane synthesis raw material composition containing SiO2, an organic template, and H2O, and a step of immersing the porous support having the seed crystal attached thereto in the membrane synthesis raw material composition and performing hydrothermal synthesis, and the composition ratio of the membrane synthesis raw material composition is as follows: SiO2:organic template:H2O=1:(0.05 to 0.15):(50 to 120).

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, kits and devices for performing automated sequential nucleic acid isolation and conversion/purification in a single closed system. In various embodiments, the present teaching enable a user to (i) load a device with test samples, reagents and consumables; (ii) select or program the device for the desired nucleic acid isolation and subsequent chemical treatment and/or conversion reaction(s) without further user intervention; and recovering the isolated and treated and/or converted nucleic acid at the conclusion of the program once the device is activated.

Abstract: Some variations provide an automated system for solvent extraction of a feed stock to produce a botanical extract, fats, oils, or other desirable solute, comprising: an extraction reactor; a distillation unit; and a second-stage purge chamber or a second-stage purge process utilizing the extraction reactor itself. The second-stage purge chamber or process receives or holds the solid material along with a heated inert non-condensable gas and/or solvent vapor, to recover residual solvent contained in the solid material.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge includes parallel first and second preparation units. An analysis unit may be coupled to both the first preparation unit and the second preparation unit. The analysis unit has a compartment that receives the contents of the at least one pressable chamber of the first preparation unit and the contents of the at least one pressable chamber of the second preparation unit. Upon opening the at least one frangible seal of the first preparation unit, the contents of the at least one pressable chamber of the first preparation unit flows into the compartment of the analysis unit. Further, upon opening the at least one frangible seal of the second preparation unit, the contents of the at least one pressable chamber of the second preparation unit flows into the compartment of the analysis unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spiral membrane element in which the effective membrane area of a composite semi-permeable membrane can be increased and any decrease in rejection rate is less likely to occur. The spiral membrane element includes: a laminate including a permeation-side flow path material, a supply-side flow path material, and a composite semi-permeable membrane having a separation function layer on a surface of a porous support; a perforated central tube around which the laminate is wound; and a sealing member for preventing mixing between the supply-side flow path and a permeation-side flow path, the spiral membrane element being characterized in that the thickness of the porous support of the composite semi-permeable membrane is 80 ?m to 100 ?m, the permeation-side flow path material is formed from a tricot knit fabric, and the width of a groove that continues in a straight line is 0.05 mm to 0.40 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane element including: a separation membrane; and a permeate-side channel material disposed on a permeate side of the separation membrane, wherein the permeate-side channel material is a rugged sheet object having a recess and a protrusion on at least one face thereof, the rugged sheet object is composed of a porous region formed of a through-hole in a thickness direction of the rugged sheet and a non-porous region other than the porous region, and a rate of a number of the through-hole in the recess of the rugged sheet object to a total number of the through-hole present in the rugged sheet object is 80% or more.

Abstract: A hollow fiber (HF) membrane incorporating molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles. The membrane may be composed of PPSU hollow fibers that are coated or encrusted with MoO3 nanoparticles and can be made by dry-wet spinning. The hollow fiber membranes containing MoO3 nanoparticles remove lead, cadmium or other heave metals from waste water and are resistant to attachment of bacteria and fouling.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to methods of manufacturing a multi-leaf membrane module for filtering product fluid flow (e.g., food products or wastewater) and such multi-leaf membrane modules. In an embodiment, a multi-leaf membrane module is disclosed. The multi-leaf membrane module includes a permeate fluid flow tube defining a permeate fluid flow channel for permeate, and a membrane sheet spirally wound about the permeate fluid flow tube. The membrane sheet includes two or more leaves. Each of the two or more leaves includes a feed spacer including at least one opening formed therein that at least partially defines a feed channel for product fluid flow therethrough and a permeate structure defining a permeate fluid flow channel. The permeate structure of each of the two or more leaves includes at least one membrane and at least one porous permeate spacer.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide purification process, including supplying a starting stream containing hydrogen peroxide at a content above 50 wt %, as well as at least one stabilizer; a single step of purification of the starting stream, the single step having purification by reverse osmosis; collecting a purified stream at the end of said single purification step, in which purification by reverse osmosis includes: passing the starting stream over a first membrane; collecting a permeate and a retentate from the first membrane; passing the permeate from the first membrane over a second membrane; collecting a permeate and a retentate from the second membrane, the purified stream having the permeate from the second membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.

Abstract: A method including contacting a contaminated aqueous stream including water and one or more contaminants with a coated porous substrate including a porous substrate coated with a hydrophilic and oleophobic coating to provide a treated water including water that passes through the coated porous substrate, wherein a level of the one or more contaminants in the treated water is less than the level of the one or more contaminants in the contaminated aqueous stream, and wherein the contaminated aqueous stream includes a waste or catchment stream from a hydrocarbon (HC) exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, a chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to electrospun nanofiber ultrafiltration membrane compositions capable of operating in tangential filtration mode and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method of selectively separating ions, including: (a) providing a reverse osmosis (RO) separation arrangement having an RO membrane; (b) introducing a feed brine to the RO membrane, the brine containing multivalent cations, alkali cations and halide anions, a total concentration of the alkali cations and halide anions being at least 4%, by weight of the feed brine; (c) applying a sub-osmotic pressure to the feed brine, to drive a first portion of the brine through the RO membrane to produce a permeate solution, a remainder of the feed brine being rejected by the RO membrane and being discharged as a reject solution; the sub-osmotic pressure being applied so as to preferentially distribute the multivalent cations to the reject solution, with respect to the permeate solution; the sub-osmotic pressure being less than 0.9 times a measured or theoretical osmotic pressure of the feed brine.

Abstract: A process for the production of monochloramine characterized in that it provides for drawing a portion of water intended for the user and exclusively using the portion for preparing the monochloramine solution. The portion intended for the reaction of formation of monochloramine is subjected to a treatment on osmotic membrane, obtaining osmotized water. Subsequently, there is the reaction of the water with reagents in a reactor. In the reaction step, inside the reactor, the osmotized water enters from a first orifice (C) via a solenoid valve with micrometric regulation (EV1). Inside the same reactor, the base chemical products enter via the respective orifices A and B. The base chemical products enter due to the action of metering pumps (e.g. peristaltic pumps). The system is managed by PLC.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having membrane elements disposed in series. Permeate pipes receive permeate from respective membrane elements. The connectors coupling the permeate pipes have a flow restrictor. The restrictors have an effective area that increases in subsequent connectors. The body has an outer wall and an orifice plug within a longitudinal passage. The orifice plug is separated from the body. Each orifice plug has a carrier body with a plug passage therethrough. Each carrier body has an orifice plate having an orifice disposed within the plug passage and a spring disposed within the carrier body resisting movement of the orifice plate, whereby movement of the orifice plate changes an amount of fluid flowing through each connector. Each spring in subsequent connectors provides a reduced amount of spring force for resisting movement of the orifice plate.

Abstract: A blood plasma and blood cell separation device includes a first body, a blood plasma separation membrane and a second body. The first body has an injection port. The blood plasma separation membrane is disposed on the first body. The second body is movably assembled to the first body and has a collecting stage. The collecting stage has a collecting surface and a sampling recess on the collecting stage. When a blood enters the blood plasma separation membrane from the injection port of the first body, a blood plasma in the blood plasma separation membrane is separated by a capillary force between the collecting stage of the second body and the blood plasma separation membrane, and the blood plasma enters in the sampling recess by a relative movement between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: Some variations provide an automated system for solvent extraction of a feed stock to produce a botanical extract, fats, oils, or other desirable solute, comprising: an extraction reactor; a distillation unit; and a second-stage purge chamber or a second-stage purge process utilizing the extraction reactor itself. The second-stage purge chamber or process receives or holds the solid material along with a heated inert non-condensable gas and/or solvent vapor, to recover residual solvent contained in the solid material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-b-PEO) block copolymer nanoporous membranes, methods of making a PS-b-PEO block copolymer nanoporous membrane, methods of using PS-b-PEO block copolymer nanoporous membranes, and the like.

Abstract: An integrated system that comprises a solar power subsystem, an absorption refrigeration subsystem to provide a cooling effect, a desalination subsystem to produce freshwater, an expander to generate shaft work and electricity, and also a reverse osmosis desalination subsystem to further produce freshwater, wherein the absorption refrigeration subsystem, the desalination subsystem, the expander, and the reverse osmosis desalination subsystem are powered by a solar energy that is supplied by the solar power subsystem.

Abstract: A device for arranging a harvested heart to be stored in an enclosure before transplantation, whereby the heart is connected to a tube for supply of a medical fluid to the heart. A cylindrical insert intended to be arranged in a enclosure for the heart, comprises a fixture for immobilizing the tube in a central position of the insert. The fixture comprises an arm extending from the periphery of the fixture to the center of the fixture; and a jaw device for gripping the tube and maintaining the tube and the organ hanging in the tube in a predetermined height position.

Abstract: A method (100) for fixing at least one tissue sample (1) is carried out using a tissue processor (10). The tissue sample (1) is introduced at a first temperature level and a first pressure level into a fixing reagent (2) containing at least one nitrogen-containing compound capable of pressure- and/or temperature-dependent release of at least one aldehyde. The tissue sample (1) is left in the fixing reagent (2) for a fixing time period during which the fixing reagent (2) is brought to a second temperature level above the first temperature level and/or to a second pressure level above the first pressure level. A concentration in the fixing reagent (2) of the nitrogen-containing compound is ascertained using at least one concentration measuring device (14) of the tissue processor (10), and a signal is outputted on the basis of a measured value of the at least one concentration measuring device (14).

Abstract: A system and method for degumming oil is used to increase oil yield and reduce impurities such as phosphorus. An oil feedstock, water and enzyme mixture is passed through a high shear mixing device prior to being fed to an agitated reactor equipped with a recirculation system. The recirculation system includes a second high shear mixing device that further mixes the oil mixture in the reactor during processing. The reacted mixture is discharged from the reactor to a downstream post-reaction system for separating the degummed oil from the reacted mixture. The separation step can be used to remove the phosphatides and other impurities from the reacted oil to form a purified oil product.

Abstract: A high performance facilitated transport membrane comprising a metal cation exchanged/chelated carboxylic acid functional group containing functional polyimide, a method of making this a membrane, and the use of this membrane for olefin/paraffin separations, particularly for propylene/propane and ethylene/ethane separations. The facilitated transport membrane has either an asymmetric integrally skinned membrane structure or a thin film composite membrane structure, wherein the top selective layer of the membrane comprises a metal cation exchanged/chelated carboxylic acid functional group containing functional polyimide.

Abstract: The system for determining chlorine demand in water includes a reagent supply tank configured for holding a solution of sodium hypochlorite of known concentration, a buffer tank positioned in fluid communication with the reagent supply tank, the buffer tank including a first conduit configured for transferring the solution from the reagent supply tank into the buffer tank, and a mixing tank positioned in fluid communication with the buffer tank, the mixing tank including a second conduit configured for transferring the solution from the buffer tank into the mixing tank to form a composite solution. The system further includes a first chlorine measuring device for measuring the free chlorine residual in a water source connected to the mixing tank, a second chlorine measuring device configured for measuring the free chlorine residual in the composite solution, and a pump operatively coupled to the water source.

Abstract: Underwater systems for data center cooling and water desalination are provided. Aspects of the systems include a data center subunit and a desalination subunit that are co-located with each other at an underwater location, where the desalination subunit is configured to receive warm water output from the data center. Aspects of the invention also include methods for cooling a data center and desalinating water using underwater systems as described herein.

Abstract: The hybrid desalination system is a desalination system for seawater which uses both filtering and treatment from a reverse osmosis filter system as well as evaporative distillation for the production of potable water. The hybrid desalination system includes a recovery system, which may be a reverse osmosis system, a forward osmosis system, or a combination thereof, for at least partially desalinating a volume of saltwater and outputting a treated fluid. A boiler is in fluid communication with the recovery system for receiving the treated fluid and producing pure water by evaporative desalination. The boiler includes an internal heating coil for passing a heated working fluid therethrough. A collection tank is in communication with to the boiler for receiving the pure water. At least one solar parabolic trough is in fluid communication with the internal heating coil of the boiler for heating the heated working fluid.

Abstract: A subsea system is configured to inject seawater into a subterranean formation. The system includes a sub-micron filtration module and a plurality of pumps and a plurality of other filtering devices arranged in series.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the desalination of water are disclosed. A system includes a concentrated solar power (CSP) system, the CSP system operable to concentrate solar energy to increase temperature and pressure of a heat transfer fluid and operable to produce steam utilizing heat from the heat transfer fluid; a photovoltaic (PV) system, the PV system operable to collect solar energy to produce electricity; a desalination system in fluid communication with the CSP system and in electrical communication with the PV system, the desalination system operable to produce desalinated water from a salt water source utilizing the steam from the CSP system and electricity from the PV system; and a pump station in fluid communication with the CSP system and the desalination system, and in electrical communication with the PV system, the pump station operable to transmit the desalinated water to consumers for use.

Abstract: A method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate exhibiting improved brightness and color and having uniformity of size such that when the particles are formed in the causticization process in a kraft pulp mill, the time required to separate the particles from liquors in which they are suspended is minimized and the amount of liquor recovered is maximized, with minimal dilution by water used for washing. The method includes the steps of a) slaking calcium oxide in water or an alkaline liquor containing as dissolved species predominantly sodium hydroxide; b) mixing the slaked lime with green liquor from a kraft pulping process to complete a causticization reaction that produces white liquor and lime mud; c) separating the lime mud from the white liquor; and d) milling a portion of the lime mud for use as a white mineral pigment in applications where such pigments are typically used.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a process of preparation of at least one mineral matter and/or of at least one pigment, including a calcium carbonate made at once partially organophilic and partially hydrophilic, in which the carbonate is blended and/or ground and/or concentrated in an aqueous medium, in the presence of at least one salt of ethylene acrylic acid, one dispersing agent and/or one grinding aid agent, which is introduced before and/or during this treatment stage. Another object of the invention lies in the aqueous dispersions and suspensions of calcium carbonate thus obtained. They may be dried and the dry pigments obtained also constitute an object of the invention. Use of these aqueous dispersions and these dry pigments in the field of plastic, paints and paper constitutes another object of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a salt from a source solution is provided. The apparatus comprises a feed vessel, a collection vessel, and an ion transport channel in ionic communication with the feed vessel and the collection vessel. A plurality of electrodes is arranged along the ion transport channel. The method comprises receiving the source solution in a feed vessel, receiving the sink solution in a collection vessel, and applying periodic voltage signals to a plurality of electrodes arranged along an ion transport channel which is in ionic communication with the feed vessel and the collection vessel. The periodic voltage signals applied to at least some of the respective electrodes are phase offset to induce the ions to move through the ion transport channel from the source solution to the sink solution.

Abstract: Sail membrane made of a woven fabric of synthetic fibers, with said fabric having a microroughness in the form of groove families crossing one another arranged so as to achieve a density of 5 to 25 grooves/mm deposited on or integrated into said fabric structure.

Abstract: A hyperfiltration system (10) and method for treating water including: a vessel (20) having a feed inlet (22), a permeate outlet (24), and a concentrate outlet (26); at least one spiral wound membrane element (28) located within the vessel (20); a pump (30) having a low pressure side (32) in fluid communication with a source of feed water (40) through a junction point (42) and a high pressure side (34) in fluid communication with the feed inlet (22); a permeate valve (50) connected to the permeate outlet (24) and adapted to selectively direct permeate flow between a treated water outlet (52) and the junction point (42); a flow path (60) between the concentrate outlet (26) and a discharge (62); and a flow restrictor (64) located along the flow path (60) and adapted to vary resistance to concentrate flow between a high and low value.

Abstract: A method is described for separating CO2 and/or H2S from a mixed gas stream by contacting the gas stream with a non-aqueous, liquid absorbent medium of a primary and/or secondary aliphatic amine, preferably in a non-aqueous, polar, aprotic solvent under conditions sufficient for sorption of at least some of the CO2. The solution containing the absorbed CO2 can then be treated to desorb the acid gas. The method is usually operated as a continuous cyclic sorption-desorption process, with the sorption being carried out in a sorption zone where a circulating stream of the liquid absorbent contacts the gas stream to form a CO2-rich sorbed solution, which is then cycled to a regeneration zone for desorption of the CO2 (advantageously at <100° C.). Upon CO2 release, the regenerated lean solution can be recycled to the sorption tower. CO2:(primary+secondary amine) adsorption molar ratios>0.5:1 (approaching 1:1) may be achieved.

Abstract: In order to provide a surface treatment device for treating a surface of a workpiece which is operable simply and safely, it is proposed that the surface treatment device include the following: a work region in which the surface of the workpiece is treatable; a flow guiding device by means of which a gas stream is guidable through the work region; a solvent separating device for separating off solvent from the gas stream that is guided through the work region, wherein the solvent separating device is configured to be put selectively in a separating condition or in a rest condition, wherein, in the separating condition, the solvent separating device separates off solvent from the gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention is an integral multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer made by cocasting or sequentially casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite semi-permeable membrane exhibiting excellent chemical resistance and having practical water permeability and salt-blocking property, and a method for producing the same. The present invention relates to a composite semi-permeable membrane, including a porous support and a skin layer formed on a surface of the porous support, wherein the porous support contains a thermosetting resin porous sheet having a three-dimensional network structure and pores communicating with each other and wherein the thermosetting resin porous sheet has an average pore diameter of 0.01 to 0.4 ?m.

Abstract: There is provided a cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 ?m and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water. In addition, a method for producing the membrane, its use as an adsorption membrane, and an apparatus for membrane chromatography are specified.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. A high-k dielectric is deposited of over a semiconductor body, and a portion of the high-k dielectric is wet etched an etchant selected from the group consisting of hot phos, piranha, and SC1.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a composition comprising a polymer and one or more chelators covalently coupled to polymer, wherein the one or more chelators has a benzene ring with more than one hydroxyl group at any position that is free, or a derivative of the chelator, or a salt of the chelator and methods of use.

Abstract: There is provided a crosslinked cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 ?m and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water, and wherein hydrophobic ligands, selected from C1-C20-alkyl and their derivatives or C6-C25-aryl and their derivatives or C7-C25-arylalkyl and their derivatives or —[(CH2)m—O—]n—R, where m is 2 or 3, n is a whole number greater than or equal to 1, and R is —H or —C1-C5-alkyl, are bonded to the membrane. In addition, methods for producing the membrane, an apparatus for hydrophobic interaction chromatography and comprising the membrane, and the use of the membrane in hydrophobic interaction chromatography are specified.

Abstract: Processes for recovering inorganic powder materials from polymer-based coating compositions used to deposit a polymer-based coating. The process includes combining a polymer precursor, first solvent, and inorganic powder material to form a suspension, and applying the suspension to a substrate to form a layer. At least a portion of the suspension that did not adhere to the substrate is then collected. Residual portions of the first solvent and polymer precursor are at least partially removed from this portion of the suspension to yield a crude inorganic powder material comprising a residual portion of the inorganic powder and optionally a partially-cured polymer precursor, the latter of which can be removed by treating the crude inorganic powder material with a second solvent.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows relatively low temperature water to be withdrawn from a pipeline for heating and then returning the heated water to the pipeline, wherein the assembly includes a device for limiting or preventing excess air within the pipeline to also be drawn into the one or more water heaters being used. At least one embodiment further includes a device for adjusting the rate of flow through a primary pipe so that desired temperatures are maintained during the heating process.

Abstract: This sensor chip (11) comprises a substrate (15) in the form of a flat board, a sample inlet (20) that is provided in the thickness direction of the substrate (15) and into which flows the blood (3) used for measurement, a supply path (21) that communicates with this sample inlet (20), and detection electrodes (17, 18, 19) provided to this supply path (21), wherein the substrate (15) is provided with a surplus blood reservoir (25) that draws in surplus blood (3a) and holds this drawn surplus blood (3a).

Abstract: Separation processes using engineered osmosis 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature, followed by any of membrane distillation or forward osmosis (FO), may be combined with a subsequent process of ceramic ultra-filtration (UF filtration) employed to treat water. Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature followed by ultra-filtration (UF filtration) may be combined with forward osmosis (FO) to treat water. Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated installation procedure for assembling a disposable flow path: providing a disposable flow path comprising tubing and a plurality of sensors onto a re-usable instrument; qualifying said tubing and said plurality of sensors to be on the flow path based on a standard; and determining if the tubing and the plurality of sensors comply with characteristics and performance according to limits for specifications or acceptance criteria.

Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of a filter media for use in filter devices, e.g., pulse filter cartridges found in power generating systems. Embodiments of the filter media include a base media and a membrane, which partially covers one or both sides of the base media. In one embodiment, the membrane covers a membrane area of at least one side of the base media, wherein the membrane area is less than a total area of the side on which the membrane is disposed.