Abstract: The present invention pertains to an improved process for production of nutritional products, such as e.g. infant formulas, containing milk protein and milk saccharide. The invention is particularly useful for the production of demineralized nutritional products and provides both the final nutritional product as well as milk saccharide-containing milk protein serum ingredients useful for the production of such nutritional products.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transfusing reduced-volume blood components are disclosed. Previously collected blood components are introduced into a fluid circuit associated with an apparatus that further separates the component into a reduced volume component and supernatant. The reduced-volume blood component is transfused to the patient in need of the component without the risk of circulatory overload.

Abstract: The current disclosure concerns a system for producing biomolecules comprising a bioreactor including a chamber (1) suitable for receiving a liquid comprising cells and viral particles; and a concentrator (2), wherein said concentrator is equipped with a retentate conduit (300, 303) suitable for collecting said retentate and facilitating recirculating of the retentate to an input of said bioreactor or to an input of an intermediate vessel (4) positioned between said concentrator and said bioreactor. In a second and third aspect the disclosure concerns a method for producing biomolecules and the use of the disclosed system for the production of biomolecules.

Abstract: In a method for extracting boric acid from boron solution, the boron solution is processed at a nanofiltration system, wherein the nanofiltration system generates a first permeate and a first concentrate. The first permeate is stored in a first storage tank. The first permeate is polished to generate a second permeate and a second concentrate. The second concentrate is stored in a second storage tank. The second concentrate is processed at a seawater processing system to generate a third concentrate and a third permeate, wherein the third concentrate comprises boric acid. The third concentrate is stored in a third storage tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating animal carcasses prior to processing for meat consumption include applying acoustic pressure shock waves with a segment parabolic reflector and pseudo-planar shock waves to an animal carcass to reduce contaminants on the carcass for improved safety when distributed as meat.

Abstract: A dewatering apparatus for cellulosic materials includes a chamber for an aqueous solution of a cellulosic material, an inner electrode in the chamber, an outer electrode in the chamber about the inner electrode, and a power supply connected to the inner electrode and the outer electrode applying a voltage potential across the electrodes to remove water associated with the aqueous solution and to dewater the cellulosic materials.

Abstract: Mixed-phase TiO2 nanofibers prepared via a sol-gel technique followed by electrospinning and calcination are provided as photocatalysts. The calcination temperature is adjusted to control the rutile phase fraction in TiO2 nanofibers relative to the anatase phase. Post-calcined TiO2 nanofibers composed of 38 wt % rutile and 62 wt % anatase exhibited the highest initial rate constant of UV photocatalysis. This can be attributed to the combined influences of the fibers' specific surface areas and their phase compositions.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for cleaning brine solution are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a brine cleaning system that includes a brine cooker, a brine filter, and a brine storage unit. The brine cooker heats a dirty brine solution to separate the dirty brine solution into a liquid portion and a solids portion. The brine filter is coupled to the brine cooker to receive the liquid portion and the solids portion from the brine cooker and then substantially remove the solids portion. The brine storage unit is coupled to the brine filter to accumulate the liquid portion once the solids portion have been substantially removed by the brine filter. This allows for more efficient and environmentally friendly use of brine solution in the curing of animal.

Abstract: A process of treating nano-filtration membrane retentate comprises introducing seawater comprising a sulfate ion concentration of greater than or equal to 3000 mg/l to the NF membrane to produce a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the retentate stream has a sulfate ion concentration greater than or equal to 10,000 mg/l, and mixing barium additives comprising barium chloride dehydrate (BaCl2·2H2O), barium chloride (BaCl2), or both with the retentate stream to precipitate sulfate from the retentate stream to form barite (BaSO4) and reduce the sulfate ion concentration, wherein the barium additives are added into the retentate stream at a barium ion concentration of greater than 10,000 mg/l.

Abstract: A crossflow filter device for filtering a pressurised feed liquid is provided. The crossflow filter device comprises: a filter membrane; a flow channel for the pressurised feed liquid which extends in a path over a retentate surface of the membrane such that the direction of flow in the channel is tangential to the retentate surface, and a filtrate derived from the feed liquid passes through the membrane leaving retentate liquid in the flow channel; and a collection chamber for the filtrate formed on an opposite, filtrate surface of the membrane. The crossflow filter device further comprises a sealed housing having a retentate side and a filtrate side which enclose therebetween the flow channel, the filter membrane and the collection chamber. The crossflow filter device further comprises, flow channel guide walls provided at an inner surface of the retentate side of the housing.

Abstract: A blood treatment air purging system and method includes a level detector positioned and arranged to detect a low fluid level in a blood circuit indicating a high amount of air in the blood circuit; a blood pump operable with the blood circuit; a venous patient line of the blood circuit; and at least one blood circuit air vent valve, wherein the system and method are configured or programmed to (i) stop the blood pump, (ii) close the venous patient line, and (iii) open the at least one blood circuit air vent valve to atmosphere or a container when the low fluid level is detected, and (iv) run the blood pump to meter air through the at least one blood circuit air vent valve to atmosphere or the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for holding a disposable medical item, in particular a dialyzer (2), plasma filter or adsorbent, for treating blood, a system (10) comprising such an apparatus, and a method for operating a disposable medical item for treating blood. A bearing device (4) is thereby configured to rotatably support the disposable item, and a drive device (5) is thereby configured to rotate the rotatably mounted disposable item around a longitudinal axis (L) extending substantially in a direction in which the blood flows through the disposable item when the disposable item is in operation. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor device (6) is configured to detect a rotation of the rotatably mounted disposable item around at least one rotational axis (L, Q), in particular around the longitudinal axis (L) and/or around a transverse axis (Q) running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and output corresponding sensor data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for counteracting, e.g., drift of automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. In particular, a drifting cleaner may recover its movement by altering traction speed of the motive element(s) on one side of its body. Such alteration may occur when the cleaner is travelling along a generally horizontally-oriented pool bottom, climbing up or down a wall, or otherwise moving within a pool.

Abstract: A method for using produced water (PW), for example, for use in a fracturing fluid. The method includes performing ultrafiltration on the PW to form filtered PW, filtering seawater (SW) to form filtered SW, and blending the filtered PW with the filtered SW to form an aqueous blend.

Abstract: Provided herein are bedside systems and methods for performing customized cell-based therapies and treatments in a patient-connected, closed-loop continuous-flow manner, including cellular modifications and treatments, e.g., to produce chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells among other cellular modifications and treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for extraction of soluble flavoring components from a solid flavor carrier material into a brewing liquid. The system comprises a process vessel and a filtration device. The process vessel comprises an inlet for solid flavor carrier material, a circulation inlet for material comprising brewing liquid and a circulation outlet for material comprising brewing liquid. The filtration device is arranged for separation of solid components from material comprising brewing liquid and is a cross-flow filtration device comprising at least one cross-flow filter, a circulation inlet for material comprising brewing liquid, a circulation outlet for unfiltered material comprising brewing liquid and a closable outlet for filtered material comprising brewing liquid. The process vessel and the filtration device are comprised in a recirculation loop.

Abstract: This specification discloses a system and method for treating process water from a starch process, and more specifically, recycling a concentrated sodium sulfate solution, obtained from the process water to the starch process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems for removing contaminants from a leachate, methods of removing contaminants from a leachate, and the like.

Abstract: Provided are industrial processes for producing an organic acid alky ester from a feedstock containing organic acids and/or saponifiables, comprising: countercurrently contacting a feedstock with an organic alkylating reagent over two or more vessels or stages at temperature between 100° C. and 400° C. and pressure between 0.1 barg and 355 barg while simultaneously removing water and/or glycerin with unreacted alkylating reagent from the final vessel or stage to result in a first reaction method product containing organic acid alkyl esters, followed by a choice of using the alkyl esters as-is, purifying the organic acid alkyl esters from the first reaction product mixture or subjecting the first reaction product mixture to an additional transesterification reaction to convert saponifiables into additional organic acid alkyl esters, then purifying the organic acid alkyl esters from this second reaction method product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing purified water comprising a step of passing water through a mixed bed ion exchanger comprising beads having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, as well as to a module comprising an ultrafiltration means and a mixed bed ion exchanger as defined above and a water treatment system for producing ultrapure water comprising ultrafiltration means and a mixed bed ion exchanger as defined above, wherein the ultrafiltration means is located upstream of said mixed bed ion exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for producing from saline source water a product containing an increased ratio of multi-valent ions to mono-valent ions, which includes multiple nanofiltration units arranged to selectively remove mono-valent ions from the water fed into each nanofiltration stage in the nanofiltration permeate stream while retaining multi-valent ions in the nanofiltration reject stream. The rate at which the increase in the multi-valent ion- to mono-valent ion ratio is obtained may be enhanced by introduction of lower salinity water into the nanofiltration reject between stages, and by recirculating a portion of downstream nanofiltration reject flow into an upstream nanofiltration unit. The enhanced multi-valent ion product is suitable for multiple uses, including irrigation of plants and remineralization of desalinated water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for concentrating a solids stream recovered from one or more process streams derived from a beer in a biorefinery by exposing the recovered solids stream to an evaporator system to remove moisture therefrom and form a concentrated, recovered solids stream.

Abstract: An environmental control system includes an air conditioning subsystem and a contaminant removal subsystem downstream of the environment to be conditioned. The contaminant removal subsystem includes: a first gas-liquid contactor-separator; a second gas-liquid contactor-separator; and a dehumidifier disposed either upstream of the first gas-liquid contactor-separator or downstream of the second gas-liquid contactor-separator.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and a method for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process that recycles used slurry as another slurry supply. The apparatus includes a pad on a rotation platen, a first feeder and a second feeder where each of the first and the second feeder is configured to dispense a slurry on the pad, and a flotation module configured to process a first fluid sprayed from the pad. The flotation module further includes an outlet fluidly connected to the second feeder and configured to output a second fluid, and a first tank configured to store a plurality of chemicals where the plurality of chemicals include a frother and a collector configured to chemically bond with chemicals in the first fluid.

Abstract: A method of separating grains of valuable minerals, precious metals, rare-earth metals, precious and semi-precious stones from natural ores in the aquatic environment by means of the phenomenon of adhesion, consecutively covering stages such as: initial separation consisting in sieving fractions up to 5000 ?m from alluvial (rubble) ore or crushing primary (rock) ore to a fraction causing the separation of valuable minerals from gangue and where appropriate separating ferromagnetics from ores by means of a known method; forming the suspension by mixing the initially separated fraction of ore with liquid; adsorption of valuable minerals from the suspension on the adhesive coating and also recovering water from the process; and desorption of particles of valuable minerals from the adhesive coating; wherein lanolin or its mixtures with additives are used to form the adhesive coating in the separator, whereby, the content of lanolin in the mixture is not less than 80%.

Abstract: A nanofiltration membrane with a high flux for selectively removing hydrophobic endocrine disrupting chemicals and a preparation method thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps: immersing a porous support layer into a first solution, removing excess droplets from a surface of the support layer after taking the support layer out of the first solution, and then immersing the support layer attached with the first solution into a second solution for an interfacial polymerization reaction, followed by washing after completion of the reaction to obtain the subject nanofiltration membrane. The first solution is an aqueous solution containing a polyamine monomer and an acid binding agent, and the second solution is an organic solution containing an acid chloride monomer and a metal-organic framework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion exchange membrane and an energy storage device comprising same, wherein the ion exchange membrane comprises: a polymer membrane comprising an ion conductor; and any one ion permeation inhibiting additive selected from the group consisting of a columnar porous metal oxide, crown ether, a nitrogen-containing cyclic compound, and a mixture thereof. In the ion exchange membrane, the size of a channel through which ions permeate is limited or an additive capable of trapping ions is introduced into an ion movement path, so that the permeation of ions is prevented, leading to the improvement of voltage efficiency and the prevention of deterioration.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrafiltration of a patient being overhydrated due to congestive heart failure, comprising a tube set including a connector (21) for connection to a patient line (3) for access to the peritoneal cavity of the patient. A flow pump (41-43) is arranged for addition and removal outflow and inflow (recirculation) of fluid from/to the peritoneal cavity. An osmotic agent peristaltic pump (16) is arranged for replenishment of glucose solution to the fluid added to the peritoneal cavity for promoting ultrafiltration. The glucose is replenished intermittently for keeping a concentration of glucose substantially constant in the peritoneal cavity. The flow pump comprises a pressure chamber (43) with rigid walls and a flexible pump bag (41) arranged therein. An air pump (45) pressurizes the chamber for outflow of fluid from the peritoneal cavity by a sub pressure and inflow of fluid to the peritoneal cavity by an overpressure, which pressures are maintained within safe limits.

Abstract: A system for buoyant particle processing includes: a reaction vessel, a stirring mechanism, a set of one or more pumps, and a filter. The system can additionally or alternatively include a set of pathways and/or any other suitable component(s). A method for buoyant particle processing includes: stirring the contents of a reaction vessel; washing a set of buoyant particles; and filtering the contents of the reaction vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the method can include any or all of: preprocessing the set of buoyant particles; adding a set of inputs to the reaction vessel; washing the set of buoyant particles; repeating one or more; and/or any other suitable process(es).

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for dewatering alcoholic solutions via forward osmosis, where the concentration of alcohol in the draw stream is equal to or greater than the concentration of the alcohol in the feed stream. As the feed stream is concentrated the alcohol is retained in the feed stream.

Abstract: A disposable cell enrichment kit includes a crossflow filtration device configured to be disposed along a main loop pathway and to receive a process volume containing a biological sample and utilize crossflow filtration, via a micro-porous membrane, to retain a specific cell population in a retentate from the process volume and to remove a permeate including certain biological components from the process volume. The crossflow filtration device includes a laminated filtration unit that includes the micro-porous membrane, a first mating portion, a second mating portion, and a membrane support. The membrane support includes a first plurality of structural features that define a first plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of structural features are coupled to the micro-porous membrane and provide support to the micro-porous membrane, and the first plurality of openings allow the permeate to flow through them after crossing the micro-porous membrane.

Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus comprising a fluid separation membrane is provided. The fluid separation apparatus comprises a fluid separation membrane extending in one direction and having a cross-section with a closed curve shape, wherein the fluid separation membrane has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and an outer diameter of 60 mm to 360 mm when the cross-section is adjusted to be circular.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a blood circulation circuit includes a hollow fiber membrane layer having a plurality of laminated hollow fiber membranes 31. Each of the hollow fiber membranes 31 has a barrier layer 5 having a hydrogen peroxide barrier property, and the barrier layer 5 has an oxygen permeability coefficient of 6 cc·cm/m2·24 h/atm or less at 25° C.

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus to provide information regarding blood collection instruments via a mobile device. An example method for blood collection instrument management includes providing a graphical representation of one or more blood collection instruments with a visual indication of a status for each instrument. The graphical representation is to visually convey information regarding each of the one or more blood collection instruments and is selectable by a user to provide additional information regarding each of the one or more blood collection instruments. The method includes facilitating access to troubleshoot and interact with the one or more blood collection instruments via the mobile device. The method includes dynamically updating the status for each instrument via communication between the mobile device and one or more blood collection facilities at which the one or more blood collection instruments are located.

Abstract: A process for purifying washing waters of a production plant of the cosmetics sector includes subjecting the washing waters to an ultrafiltration treatment that produces an ultrafiltration concentrate and ultrafiltration water, and subjecting ultrafiltration water to a biological treatment with separation of sludges to be disposed of or further treated and treated water to be disposed of or to undergo subsequent treatments.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for processing samples for fluorescence analysis. Processing methods include treating samples containing riboflavin to reduce riboflavin-dependent autofluorescence by adding riboflavin binding protein to the sample, irradiating the sample, or a combination thereof. Processing methods also include clarifying samples by coagulating, precipitating, and/or otherwise removing proteins and other components that interfere with fluorescence analysis without removing the analyte. Fluorescence analysis methods include fluorescence polarization analysis (FPA) and others. Reagents suitable for performing the disclosed methods are provided.

Abstract: Multicomponent copolymers including two or more types of repeat units is presented. In one example, the multicomponent copolymer includes at least one repeat unit AC having a structure (I), at least one repeat unit DC having a structure (II), and at least one repeat unit BC having a structure (III) or (V). The multicomponent copolymer may be cross-linked via a cross-linking agent. A polymer blend including the multicomponent copolymer or a cross-linked copolymer and a second polymer is also provided. The multicomponent copolymer may be a random or a block copolymer. The structural units of the multicomponent copolymers provide improved, tunable properties, such as improved biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, protein fouling, and mechanical properties, to the copolymers and/or the membranes fabricated from the copolymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for data center cooling and water desalination. In some aspects, the systems include a data center having a water cooling subsystem configured to receive cool water and output warm water and a desalination plant co-located with the data center and configured to receive and desalinate the warm water. Aspects of the invention also include methods for cooling a data center using a water cooling subsystem and desalinating water with a desalination plant that is co-located with the data center.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a porous membrane by which a useful component can be recovered while suppressing the clogging during filtration of a protein solution and from which only a small amount of an eluate is eluted even when an aqueous solution is filtered. The present invention provides a porous membrane containing a hydrophobic polymer and a water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer, the porous membrane having a dense layer in the downstream portion of filtration in the membrane, having a gradient asymmetric structure in which the average pore diameter of fine pores increases from the downstream portion of filtration toward the upstream portion of filtration, and having a gradient index of the average pore diameter from the dense layer to the coarse layer of 0.5 to 12.0.

Abstract: A salt recovery system, comprising: a) a salt recovery tank, configured to receive and hold brine; b) a fluid tank, configured to hold a fluid and comprising a heater configured and heat the fluid in the fluid tank; c) a heat exchanger pipe, configured to receive the fluid from the fluid tank, to enable heat exchange between the fluid in the heat exchanger pipe and the brine in the salt recovery tank, and to release the fluid into the fluid tank; d) a circulation pump configured for driving a circulation of the fluid from the fluid tank, through the heat exchanger pipe, and back into the fluid tank; e) a first vacuum pump configured to lower pressure inside the salt recovery tank and to pump the water vapor out the salt recovery tank; f) a recycled water tank, configured to receive the water vapor from the first vacuum pump.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis filter apparatus having a reverse osmosis filter system, a pan connected to the reverse osmosis filter system and located at the bottom thereof to collect water that leaks from the reverse osmosis filter system and a water sensing shut-off valve connected to the pan, the water sensing shut-off valve being coupled between a raw water input and the reverse osmosis filter system, the water sensing shut-off valve being connected to the pan at a location to sense the presence of water collecting in the pan and to disconnect the reverse osmosis filter system from the raw water input when the presence of water is sensed. Various features and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aromatic beverage is as follows. The method includes subjecting a fermented beverage to a first filtration step including nanofiltration or ultrafiltration to obtain a retentate fraction and a permeate fraction including alcohol and volatile flavour components. Then, the method includes subjecting the permeate fraction including alcohol and volatile flavour components to a second filtration step of reverse osmosis to obtain a base liquid of at least 2% ABV. Combining the base liquid with exogenous aromas thereby obtains the aromatic beverage. Desirable fermented beverages are a beer or a cider.

Abstract: A method for enhancing oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs using low pH solutions for wettability alteration.

Abstract: The present application relates to a positive electrode plate and an electrochemical device. The positive electrode plate includes a current collector, a positive active material layer and a safety coating disposed between the current collector and the positive active material layer, the safety coating including a polymer matrix and a conductive material, wherein the polymer matrix is fluorinated polyolefin and/or chlorinated polyolefin, and when the safety coating and the positive active material layer are collectively referred to as a positive film layer, the positive film layer includes Na ions and/or K ions at a content of 100 ppm or more, and has an absorption peak at 1646 cm?1 in infrared absorption spectrum. The positive electrode plate may improve safety performance at elevated temperature of the electrochemical device by quickly disconnecting the circuit at high temperature conditions or when an internal short circuit occurs.

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.