Abstract: Method for the removal of particulate matter from aqueous suspension comprising steps of establishing value of pH and of Zeta potential of particles in the suspension; providing a porous filter having a membrane layer consisting of at least a metal-oxide with a Zeta potential at the pH value of the suspension having same polarity of the Zeta potential as the particles in the suspension; passing the suspension through the porous filter; and withdrawing a filtrate.

Abstract: A process for the separation of sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon mixture using a membrane is provided. Preferred hydrocarbon mixtures are oil refining fractions such as light cracked naphtha. Membranes are composed of either ionic or non-ionic materials and preferentially permeate sulfur compounds over other hydrocarbons. A single or multi-stage membrane system separates the hydrocarbon mixture into a sulfur-rich fraction and a sulfur-lean fraction. The sulfur-lean fraction may be used in fuel mixtures and the sulfur-rich fraction may be further treated for sulfur reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing crystals from thermally sensitive solids. According to this method, the solid is dissolved in at least one solvent and the solution is concentrated by drawing off the solvent to beyond the saturation concentration of the solid, so that crystallized solids are formed. The solvent is caused to permeate a substantially semi-permeable membrane, preferably by being subjected to excess pressure. The inventive method can be carried out substantially isothermally in order to prevent the thermally sensitive crystals from being damaged.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, having a filter medium that is hydrophobic, a second cross-flow filter, having a membrane that is hydrophobic, a common housing to contain both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the cross-flow. The hydrocarbon may then pass through the second membrane filter uncontaminated by water and be used as clean fuel.

Abstract: Semi-permeable membranes are described that allow for the efficient processing of many liquid based feed solutions, particularly those that contain acids. The membranes of this invention are able to process such feeds with high permeate rates while maintaining excellent retention of dissolved metals, cations, and organic compounds, even in the presence of hot concentrated acids. The semi-permeable membranes of this invention are able to conduct such separations for a useful period of time due to their chemical stability towards acids and their ability to permeate acids.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying a liquid hydrocarbon product consisting of 5% by weight or less of high molecular weight contaminants having a molecular weight of at least 1000, wherein the product stream is contacted with a hydrophobic non-porous or nano-filtration membrane and the purified product stream is recovered as the permeate. Various liquid hydrocarbon products can be treated including process streams containing as the main product styrene, isoprene, butadiene, pentadiene, dicyclopentadiene, piperylene, C2-C5 mono-olefins or acrylates.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices for purifying polypeptides and/or proteins using metal loaded ligand bound membranes by metal ion affinity chromatography are described.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: Water- and ion-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated statistical arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and at least one olefin monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated, are used as proton-conducting membranes for production of electricity, as water-conducting membranes for humidification of fuel gases in fuel cells and heat and moisture exchange in heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems. Water-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated are used for desalination of seawater.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane having a porous polymeric support grafted with an organic moiety to which is covalently bonded at least one ion exchange group, and methods for preparing the ion exchange membrane. A method for treating a fluid containing ions wherein ions are removed by contacting the fluid with an ion exchange membrane of the present invention is also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a filtration apparatus for removing ions from a fluid, which filtration apparatus utilizes an ion exchange membrane of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel solid phase reaction supports are disclosed. The solid phase reaction supports include (a) a solid phase carrier having a multiplicity of NH2 functional groups; (b) a coupling compound covalently bonded to an NH2 group of the solid phase carrier; and (c) a receptor compound coupled to the solid phase carrier through the coupling compound. The coupling compound is preferably ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid or a diketo compound structurally similar to ascorbic acid or dehydroascorbic acid. The solid phase carrier is preferably made of cellulose.

Abstract: Novel solid phase reaction supports are disclosed. The solid phase reaction supports include (a) a solid phase carrier having a multiplicity of NH2 functional groups of the Formula (I): in which R1 and R2 are each H, or R1 is H and R2 is an alkyl or acyl substituent with a degree of substitution ≦1 or R1 is an alkyl or acyl substituent with a degree of substitution ≦1, and R2 is H, or R1 and R2 are each a substituent with a degree of substitution ≦2 and R3 is an aromatic substituent containing at least one free amino group having a substitution degree ≦1; (b) a coupling compound covalently bonded to an NH2 group of the solid phase carrier; and (c) a receptor compound coupled to the solid phase carrier through the coupling compound.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: Process for the industrial production of hyperpure hydrogen peroxide also having high titre up to 60-70% by weight characterized in that the hydrogen peroxide produced in an industrial plant is directly fed to a purification unit, being part of the same production plant, in which the inverted osmosis, separation of the the high purity permeate flow and direct recycle of the concentrated flow to the production plant, are carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing oligosaccharide syrups, in particular to the production of syrups having a high concentration of saccharides with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, comprising the steps of: enzymatic reaction of a substrate at a temperature in the range of 50° C. to 100° C. obtaining a saccharide solution comprising monosaccharides and disaccharides, trisaccharides and higher saccharides; nanofiltration of the saccharide solution at a temperature in the range of 60° C. to 100° C. obtaining a syrup essentially comprising disaccharides, trisaccharides and higher saccharides; recovering said syrup; optionally recycling the permeate resulting from the nanofiltration step to the enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a crosslinked polyamide surface having polyalkylene oxide groups grafted thereto. The subject membrane provides improved resistance to fouling while offering excellent flux and salt passage performance. The subject method is easily adapted to commercial scale-up and does not require the use of chemical initiators.

Abstract: Process for the industrial production of hyperpure hydrogen peroxide also having high titer up to 60-70% by weight characterized in that the hydrogen peroxide produced in an industrial plant is directly fed to a purification unit, being part of the same production plant, in which the inverted osmosis, separation of the the high purity permeate flow and direct recycle of the concentrated flow to the production plant, are carried out.

Abstract: Charged membranes comprise a porous substrate and a cross-linked polyelectrolyte or hydrogel located in the pores of the substrate and are useful in a variety of membrane separation processes, including pressure driven membrane separation, diffusion dialysis, Donnan dialysis, electrodialysis, electrochemical synthesis and prevaporation. Certain of the membranes are novel.

Abstract: A method for separating specific hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrocarbons using a membrane made of a fluorine-containing polyimide resin having high separation ability with regard to certain hydrocarbons, and a high resistance to hydrocarbon is disclosed. The method is of high practicability with regard to performance and cost. Certain hydrocarbons permeate selectively and are separated by bringing a hydrocarbon mixture into contact with a membrane having a fluorine-containing polyimide resin as its main component, whose main component is the minimum repeating unit expressed by The mixture is passed through the membrane, thereby selectively permeating, for example, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The main component of the membrane is a fluorine-containing polyimide resin with a fractional free volume in the range of 0.130-0.175.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a membrane support having the formula M—A—L(HOPO)n. M is a membrane having a hydrophilic surface, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6. The separation is accomplished by passing a source solution containing the ions to be separated through a cartridge containing the membrane-ligand composition, causing the selected ions to be complexed to the HOPO ligands and subsequently removing the selected ions from the cartridge by passing an aqueous receiving solution through the cartridge and quantitatively stripping the selected ions from the HOPO ligand.

Abstract: Permselective separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from non-aromatic hydrocarbons in a feed stream is accomplished using improved asymmetric membranes. The preferred membranes are fashioned from a polyimide and conditioned with a lubricating oil. Feed streams containing a mixture of aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons are contacted with the dense active layer side of the polyimide membrane under a pressure and temperature sufficient to selectively permeate the desired aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of processing a waste stream containing dyes, such as a dye bath used in the textile industry. The invention comprises using an inorganic-based polymer, such as polyphosphazene, to separate dyes and/or other chemicals from the waste stream. Membranes comprising polyphosphazene have the chemical and thermal stability to survive the harsh, high temperature environment of dye waste streams, and have been shown to completely separate dyes from the waste stream. Several polyphosplhazene membranes having a variety of organic substituent have been shown effective in removing color from waste streams.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers in hydrocarbon solutions are emulsified in aqueous liquids and converted to latices by partitioning the emulsion through a membrane of selective permeability to the hydrocarbon solvent relative to both water and the polymer, thereby removing the hydrocarbon solvent from the emulsion. The foaming that is often associated with removing hydrocarbon solvent from aqueous emulsions by conventional means is thus avoided. Membrane partitioning mechanisms that are useful for this application include those involving both nonporous and microporous membranes, those passing the solvent both as a liquid and as a gas, those drawing off the permeate as both a liquid and a gas, and various combinations of these methods.

Abstract: Contaminated aqueous systems can be cleaned using an ultra-filtration process that allows for the recovery of high yields of the surfactant employed therein for recycle and reuse. The system employs a specific class of sugar-derived nonionic surfactants which remain polar and solvated at the higher operating temperatures of the system. Specifically, these are sugar-derived nonionic surfactants more definitively known as the alkyl polyglycosides and the alkyl glucomides. The surfactant/contaminant-containing aqueous system is ultra-filtered resulting in the surfactant passing through with the permeate at extremely high yields for recovery and reuse.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production and utilization of water-soluble salts selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of carboxylic acids and water-soluble salts of amino acids, comprising reacting an aqueous feed solution containing an amino or carboxylic acid or their anions with a water-soluble base, in indirect contact via a semi-permeable membrane, the membrane being permselective to amino acids, carboxylic acids and their anions over cations and non-ionized species, whereby there is formed a salt solution of the acid containing less impurities per anion than the feed solution and utilizing the salt values from the formed salt solution of the acid.

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

Abstract: The method of the invention is for preparing a plasma or serum sample from whole blood and includes mixing an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt or an amino acid or salt thereof with the whole blood in an amount of 20% or less of the whole blood volume so that concentration of the inorganic salt or the amino acid or salt thereof becomes 10 to 200 .mu.mol/1 ml whole blood, and then, filtering the whole blood to remove blood cell components. According to the method of the invention, plasma separation from whole blood can be achieved efficiently, and recovered volume of plasma can be increased. By selecting reagent, good plasma which has no deviation in component viewpoint, and which is possible to measure in the same level accuracy as a plasma obtained by centurifuging, can be obtained through a simple filtration operation.

Abstract: Composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes are treated with an aqueous chlorinating agent at a concentration of 200 to 10,000 ppm for a time sufficient to improve flux, lower salt passage and increase the stability to base. In a preferred embodiment the membrane is treated with heated water at temperature of 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. before being exposed to the chlorine treatment.

Abstract: A nanofilter membrane is used to filter the outflow of a food processing stream which begins with a starch slurry and ends with a glucose syrup which in its preferred form is about 95% dextrose and 5% di- and trisaccharides. The nanofilter membrane is able to pass the dextrose while retaining the di- and trisaccharides. As a result, the invention is able to produce substantially pure dextrose, with purity in a range which is well over 99%.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for salvaging blood from a patient are disclosed. A blood salvaging and/or blood processing circuit coupled to a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit, cardiotomy circuit, or directly to the patient comprises a hemocentrator for removing water, fluids, and low molecular weight solutes by ultrafiltration and a sorbent-containing plasma separator for removing a selected solute, such as heparin. A combination device for salvaging blood comprises a closed plasma chamber containing a plasma chamber solution, a hollow fiber plasma-separating membrane for receiving blood and permitting plasma to be transported therethrough into the plasma chamber solution and for refiltering the treated plasma back into the blood circuit, a selective sorbent for contacting the selected solute in the plasma and binding the selected solute, and an ultrafiltration membrane for removing water, fluids, and low molecular weight components from the plasma.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of employing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for wet material pick-up. By employing a hydrophobic and air permeable filter material, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with a tight gasket around its edge in place of a conventional wet/dry vacuum filter, it has been determined that the filter can be retained in place at all times during operation, regardless of the material being collected.

Abstract: A process is described for producing organic acids such as lactic acid. The process includes the steps of producing lactic acid by fermentation, resulting in an aqueous fermentation broth containing lactic acid, and adding a calcium base, such as calcium carbonate, to the fermentation broth, thereby producing calcium lactate in the broth. Biomass is removed from the broth, thereby leaving an aqueous solution or dispersion of calcium lactate. The calcium lactate is reacted with a source of ammonium ions, such as ammonium carbonate, or a mixture of ammonia and carbon dioxide, thereby producing an ammonium lactate. Contaminating cations can be removed by ion exchange. The free lactic acid or a derivative thereof can be separated from the ammonium ions, preferably by salt-splitting electrodialysis.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a high molecular weight molasses product having improved drying properties, which includes: feeding starting material molasses having a RT value of 8-45% and a color of at least 100,000 ICUMSA units to a membrane filtering plant (apparatus) having an inert membrane having a nominal cut off value of at least 2,000 dalton; and filtering a low molecular weight fraction as a permeate from a high molecular weight fraction as a retentate, and collecting the high molecular weight fraction having a color of at least two times the color of the starting molasses or at least 200,000 ICUMSA units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric, particularly aramid, fibrous nonwoven web having a relatively small pore size. The present inventive fibrous nonwoven web preferably has a high titer reduction with respect to bacteria such as Pseudomonas diminuta and viruses as exemplified by PR772 coliphage. The present invention further provides a method of filtering a fluid by passing a fluid through the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web, as well as a filter element incorporating the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a pore-free separation layer, wherein the separation layer consists of poly-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate homopolymers or N-vinylpyrrolidone dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate copolymer or N-vinylcaprolactam dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate copolymer or N-vinylcaprolactam N-vinylpyrrolidone dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate terpolymers.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane having a support which itself has properties of salt rejection laminated to a layer of a cross-linked polyol. The support is a sulphonated aromatic polyether sulphone, and the polyol ma be polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the module is fabricated utilizing superior hollow fiber materials, namely high molecular weight (i.e. molecular weight>500,000 Daltons) polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow fibers are fabricated from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE). An array of UPE hollow fiber membranes is contacted with an extrusion of molten thermoplastic polymer at a contact temperature which is higher than the UPE membrane polymer. This high temperature application of sealing polymer does not collapse or otherwise deform the lumen of the hollow fiber, while assuring that the polymer can thus be applied with sufficiently low viscosity to provide adequate penetration around the individual fibers of the array to form an integral seal thereabout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in the electrodialytic purification of organic acids. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of nanofiltration and chelating agents for removal of impurities from an organic acid-containing feed material to reduce the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in electrodialysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolating a DNA sample from a heterogeneous mixture of the DNA and other compounds. The invention relates in particular to isolating a plasmid DNA sample from a cleared bacterial lysate. The invention provides an apparatus and method for using the apparatus to rapidly and economically isolate a DNA sample from such a mixture without the use of hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: A composite structure contains a lofty corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber that is maintained in a corrugated condition by securing a fabric to the corrugated web at the valleys of the corrugations. The composite structure is made without substantially effecting web loft by (i) introducing the nonwoven web to the ends of a plurality of spaced paddles, (ii) causing the spacing between the ends of the paddles to decrease to corrugate the nonwoven web, and (iii) securing the fabric to the corrugated nonwoven web at the valleys of the corrugations. A composite structure of this construction made by this method provides very good filtration performance, making it particularly suitable for use as a filter in a cup-shaped face mask. The composite structure also is very suitable for use as thermal insulation in apparel.

Abstract: An ultrapure water purification scheme that incorporates the use of certain RO filtration membranes that are especially susceptible to oxidative attack employs the combination reducing/metals scavenger/biocidal agent dithiocarbamate as a pretreatment additive to maintain a non-oxidizing environment, to bind contaminant metals to improve their removal from source water, and to reduce microbial content. In addition, the generation of oxidants by cavitation effects is avoided by a reduced pressure retentate recycle. Both measures prevent oxidative attack and fouling of the RO membranes.

Abstract: A semicontinuous process for solvent dewaxing a waxy petroleum oil feed stream including the steps of: diluting of the waxy oil feed stream with solvent; feeding cold oil/solvent/wax mixture to a filter to remove the wax and obtain an oil/solvent filtrate stream; contacting the oil/solvent filtrate stream with a selective semipermeable membrane to selectively transfer solvent through the membrane to obtain a solvent-rich permeate; and periodically directing a warm stream of recovered solvent onto the membrane surface to wash the membrane and remove impurities therefrom.

Abstract: An ionomer for an ion complex membrane useful for the separation of water-organic solvent by osmosis or low pressure osmosis as well as by pervaporation and a method for producing ion complex membrane therefrom are disclosed. The ionomer for producing ion complex membrane can be prepared by heat polymerization of an alkyl compound having pyridyl groups such as 1,3-di(4-pyridyl) propane at both terminal ends with a dihaloalkane compound such as dibromooctane and dichloroheptane having two halogen atoms at both terminal ends or with one or two halogen atoms affixed to intermediate carbon atoms in a polar solvent such as acrylonitrile. An ion complex membrane can be produced by preparing a membrane of a polycation or polyanion in a solution casting method and dipping the membrane in a solution of polycation or polyanion for 24 hours to give an ion complex membrane. This ion complex membrane may be a single membrane or composite membrane. Composite membrane includes a plain membrane and a hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A chemical and particulate filtration system and method are disclosed. The method includes contacting a liquid to be filtered, in a reverse flow manner, with a molecular absorption filter media and a submicronic filter media. The system/method removes, as a particulate, dissolved organic and inorganic contaminants, pollutants and particulate from a liquid. The removal of contaminants is evidenced by a color change in the filter media.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-biding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: Improved nanofiltration apparatus and processes utilizing thin film composite asymmetric nanofiltration membranes in which the thin film semi-permeable barrier layer consists of substantially "all aliphatic" polymer(s) prepared, for example, by the interfacial polymerization of one or more aliphatic monomers having two or more substituents selected from the group consisting of primary and secondary amine substitutents with one or more aliphatic monomers having two or more acid halide substituents. The monomers are linked together in the thin film substantially exclusively by amide linkages.

Abstract: There is provided a filter medium comprising a microporous polyvinylidene fluoride membrane and a polymer containing a positively charged organic phosphonium compound grafted to the membrane in a concentration sufficient to provide a surface of said membrane with a positive charge such that there is minimal susceptibility to the extraction of said polymer. The polymer may also contain an acrylate or methacrylate. There is also provided a method for ultrapurifying a liquid and an ultrapurifying system for water.