Abstract: Interfacially polymerized, crosslinked membranes on microporous, organic solvent resistant ultrafiltration membrane backing are useful for the separation of organic mixtures under reverse osmosis conditions. The membranes are prepared by depositing an aqueous (or conversely non-aqueous) solution of a first component on the microporous backing, draining off the excess quantity of this first solution and then applying a second component in the form of a non-aqueous (or conversely aqueous) solution. The two components interact and polymerize at the interface between the aqueous phase and the non-aqueous phase to produce a highly crosslinked thin polymer layer on the microporous ultrafiltration support backing layer.

Abstract: A medical material comprising a high-molecular weight material and a heparin derivative is provided, which high-molecular weight material comprises a high-molecular weight compound having functional groups capable of binding with epoxy groups, a compound having at least two amino groups and a polymer having a number of epoxy groups, said functional groups and some of said amino groups being bound to said epoxy groups, and which heparin derivative comprises heparin and an epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups part of which is bound to amino groups in the heparin, the amino groups not bound to the epoxy groups in said high-molecular weight material being bound to the epoxy groups not bound to the amino groups in the heparin derivative. Also provided are an intermediate (high-molecular weight material) to be used for said medical material, as well as processes for producing said medical material and said intermediate.

Abstract: A method for drying a wetted molded product of pasty high viscous composition which comprises subjecting the molded product to a dehydration process while wholly or partially contacting the product with an open-cell foamed hydrophobic porous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for separating mixtures of aromatics and non-aromatics into aromatic-enriched and non-aromatic-enriched streams by contacting the mixture with one side of a polysulfone membrane and selectively permeating the aromatic components through the membrane.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtration of particulates from a fluid medium which includes passing the medium through a surface modified, skinless, hydrophilic, microporous, alcohol-insoluble polyamide membrane derived from an alcohol-insoluble hydrophobic polyamide resin having a ratio of CH.sub.2 :NHCO of methylene CH.sub.2 to amide NHCO groups within the range of from about 5:1 to about 7:1. The membrane is characterized by (1) the surface properties thereof being substantially controlled by functional polar groups of a membrane surface-modifying polymer having a molecular weight of 20,000 or greater, (2) the membrane surface-modifying polymer being homogeneously distributed in the membrane, and (3) having the capability of reacting or interacting in a controlled manner with (a) particulate matter in a fluid, (b) non-particulate matter in a fluid, or (c) both (a) and (b).

Abstract: A thin film composite (TPC) ultrafilter/hyperfilter water softening membrane on a microporous substrate is produced by an interfacial polymerization reaction between (1) an aqueous phase comprising a blend of water soluble and water dispersible compounds, the former containing piperazine and polyamines, the latter using a chlorine or other oxidant reacting compound which protects the resulting membrane from damage by any chlorine present and (2) an organic phase comprising polyfunctional agents capable of reacting and/or polmerizing with one or more of the ingredients of said aqueous phase.

Abstract: Concentration of solutions containing methanol and either dimethyl carbonate or methyl t-butyl ether may be effected by a composite membrane including a dibromobutane cross-linked poly(4-vinyl pyridine) bonded to a porous layer of polyacrylonitrile on a polyester backing.

Abstract: Apparatus for the supply of decontaminated fuel to a diesel engine including two filtering stages, the first being a spiral wound, cross flow ultrafiltration unit and the second being a spiral wound deadheaded ultrafiltration unit with a pressure operated alarm connected to respond to the build-up of contaminants in said second stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for separating a fluid mixture into less permeable and more permeable fractions employing novel selectively permeable barriers comprised of a porous, emulsion treated substrate and a non-porous selectively permeable barrier layer thereon.

Abstract: Membrane separation process is improved by use, as a support membrane, of a polyacrylonitrile membrane the surface of which has been oxygen-plasma treated whereby at least a portion of the surface has been oxidized to --COOH groups.

Abstract: Charge containing dewaxed oil and dewaxing solvent (typically methyl ethyl ketone and toluene) is treated to separate dewaxing solvent by use of a separating membrane barrier of a polyurea.

Abstract: Membrane separation process is improved by use, as a support membrane, of (i) a polyacrylonitrile membrane on which at least a portion of the surface --CN groups have been hydrolyzed --COOH groups or (ii) a membrane formed of polyacrylonitrile and polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A solution of isopropanol or ethanol is concentrated by pervaporation across a membrane of polyurea polymer or polyamide polymer prepared by interfacial polymerization of (i) an amine monomer containing at least two primary or secondary amine nitrogens and (ii) an isocyanate monomer containing at least two --NCO groups or a carbonyl chloride monomer containing at least two --COCl groups.

Abstract: A phosphopolyol compound, such as pyrogens, is separated from a solution to be used in the pharmaceutical field by bringing the solution into contact with a porous adsorbent which has a pore size of 1 nm to 20 microns and comprises a base material and a functional chain group of an aliphatic amine having a chain length of 2 to 50, bonded to the base material.

Abstract: Solvents comprising C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbons (i.e. propane, propylene, butane, butylene, pentane, cyclopentane, pentene, hexane, cyclohexane, hexene and their isomers) and mixtures thereof, preferably C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof are recovered from hydrocarbon oils in the liquid phase by the reverse osmosis permeation of said solvent through a polyimide reverse osmosis membrane at low temperature.

Abstract: Water is separated from an MEK toluene dewaxing solvent by pervaporation through a poly(vinyl pyridine) membrane which has been cross-linked with 1,4-dibromobutane mounted on a polyacrylonitrile support layer.

Abstract: Novel thin film composite membranes are disclosed. They are prepared from vinyl and related monomers by phase transfer catalysis at the interface between one phase containing a polymerizable vinyl or related monomer and a second phase containing an entity necessary to initiate polymerization of the monomer. The two phases are substantially insoluble in each other. At least one of the phases is a fluid. One of the phases is integral with a porous support or substrate or a precursor of such support or substrate such as a porous organic or inorganic diaphragm made by thermal phase inversion from which the soluble phase has not been extracted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of photoresist-resin-containing waste solution by feeding non-aged waste to a membrane device having a Desal-5 piperazine-based membrane modified to increase MWCO for uncharged organic molecules sufficiently so that, on a weight basis, alkalizing agent passage is greater than 90%, photoresist material rejection is essentially complete, color rejection is greater than 95% and COD rejection is greater than 80% to produce a clean permeate solution that can be recycled and a concentrate to be removed.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to an apparatus for removing organic compounds from water which comprises: a housing having an opening therein, the housing being capable of retaining an organic solvent therein; and a nonporous membrane covering the opening, the membrane being capable of allowing organic compounds from the water to diffuse therethrough. The subject invention also provides method of removing organic compounds from water and a method for detecting the presence or determining the amount of organic compounds in the water.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for desalination of seawater using a hydrophobic por permeable membrane. Heated seawater is passed across one surface of a membrane at rates which cause the flow to be turbid such that its turbidity is characterized by Reynolds numbers in excess of 1000. Fresh water is passed across the other surface of the membrane to act as a condenser and collector of vapor which passes through the membrane.

Abstract: Charge containing dewaxed oil and dewaxing solvent (typically methyl ethyl ketone and toluene) is treated to separate dewaxing solvent by use of a separating elastomer membrane barrier of a polysiloxane which has been cross-linked as with toluene diisocyanate, adipoyl dichloride, a dialkoxy silane, or a diacetoxy silane.

Abstract: A composite membrane is disclosed having a microporous support which is coated with a UV curable polymer composition having a sufficiently high viscosity to prevent pore filling upon coating and curing. A process for making and a process for using the membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Impure solutions or suspensions of the polyphosphazenes, e.g., those containing the reagents and/or byproducts of the chloro-substitution of a polydichlorophosphazene, are purified by contacting such impure solutions/suspension with a semipermeable membrane having a cutoff threshold corresponding to the impurities sought to be removed, and filtering such impurities therethrough, e.g., by establishing a trans-membrane pressure gradient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for separating aromatic/non-aromatic mixtures a membrane comprised of a multi-block polymeric material comprising an ester prepolymer made by combining an (A) epoxy with a (B) dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1, chain extended with a second, different compatible prepolymer selected from the group of prepolymers comprising (a) and (A) diisocyanate combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, polyester, dianhydride or it corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester, and diamine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1, (b) and (A) dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester combined with a monomer selected from (B) diisocyanate, polyester, and diamine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.

Abstract: A selectively water-permeable hydrolyzed membrane characterized in that it is mainly made of a material which can generate a carboxyl group by hydrolysis and that a part of the material is hydrolyzed to have carboxyl groups, which may be further coated with a hydrophilic polymer. The above membrane is useful as a selectively water-permeable membrane and is applicable not only to pervaporation and vapor permeation, but also to reverse osmosis, dehumidification of air and so on.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously removing a plurality of different heavy metal ions from contaminated water is disclosed. A plurality of different heavy metal ions can be simultaneously, efficiently removed by filtering contaminated water through a porous membrane comprising a membranous, porous resin matrix and a plurality of side chains chemically bound to both surfaces and pore wall surfaces of the matrix, which side chains each have a chelate group, preferably an iminodiacetic acid group, and terminating the filtration when the concentration of a determinant heavy metal ion in the filtrate reaches a predetermined level. By the method of the present invention, a plurality of different heavy metal ions, such as a cobalt ion and a nickel ion, can be simultaneously, efficiently removed from contaminated water, such as water to be used for and waste water from a nuclear power generator, on a commercial scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for using an improved reverse osmosis membrane that shows surprisingly improved solute rejection and permeation properties. The membrane includes a separating layer of a polyamideurea formed in situ by reaction of isocyanate-substituted acyl chloride and a diamine-treated microporous substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the high yield, cost efficient means of separating enantiomers. The process utilizes a supported liquid membrane and a chiral carrier which selectively complexes with one of the two enantiomeric optical configurations. The invention is also directed to an apparatus adaptable to the continuous and staged separation of enantiomers. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a semi-permeable barrier and source and receiving locations each of which may be kept at temperatures which facilitate the complexation and dissociation processes.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane having improved chlorine tolerance, produced by employing the development of a thin film polymer layer by precipitation of the polymer at the interface of an aqueous (or organic) liquid layer; and an aqueous emulsion polymer layer at or near the surface of a semiporous support or substrate. No chemical reaction is involved.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes comprised of certain sulfonated substituted polysulfone polymers containing the polymer repeat unit (A) or (B) as herein defined. The invention also pertains to processes for using said membranes for the selective permeation of at least one gaseous component from a mixture of gases containing said gaseous component in admixture with other gaseous components.

Abstract: An improved deionized water treatment system and method that consists of using a first and second water treatment train wherein the second train improves water quality by reducing particulate and total organic carbon by means of a reverse osmosis membrane assembly. The final pure water having particulate sizes less than one micron and a total organic carbon measure of less than one part per billion.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for separating mixtures of aromatics and non-aromatics by permeation through a sulfonated polysulfone membrane which is selective for aromatics.

Abstract: Alkyldiamine, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene or 1,3-dihydroxybenzene is added as a copolymerization component to a polyfunctional aromatic amine component in the amount of 1-20% by weight with respect to the polyfunctional aromatic amine in producing a composite semipermeable membrane by laminating on a microporous substrate a polyamide formed by interfacial polycondensation between a polyfunctional aromatic amine and a polyfunctional acid halide. The composite semipermeable membrane has improved oxidation resistance while retaining excellent separation selectivity and high permeability of the crosslinked polyamide-based composite semipermeable membrane. The composite semipermeable membrane is used for desalination of brackish and sea water.

Abstract: Semipermeable composite membranes composed of a porous substrate and at least two layers of film-forming polymers coated thereon are provided, which comprise a first layer of monomeric or polymeric diazonium salts, which have been reacted with themselves and with an at least difunctional compound, and a second layer, which is chemically bonded to the first one, of a cross-linked, ionically charged hydrophilic polymer.The membranes show good mechanical, physical and chemical stabilities and are useful in reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration processes, particularly for desalting solutions of low molecular weight organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-block polymeric material comprising a first prepolymer, made by combining epoxy with diamine, chain extended with a second, different compatible prepolymer selected from the group of prepolymers comprising (a) and (A) diisocyanate combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, polyester, dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester, and diamaine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, (b) an (A) polyester combined with (B) epoxy, in an A/B mole ratio ranging from a bout 2.0 to 1.05, (c) an (A) dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester combined with one mole of a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, diisocyanate, polyester, and diamine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, and (d) an (A) diamine combined with a monomer selected from (B) diisocyanate and dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of using a multi-block polymeric material comprising a urea prepolymer chain extended with a second compatible prepolymer selected from the group of prepolymers comprising (a) an (A) dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, diisocyanate, polyester, and diamine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1, and (b) an (A) diamine combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy and dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A composite membrane for separating at least one dissolved or suspended component from a liquid phase, and characterized by solvent stability, comprises:(A) a substrate microfiltration, ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis membrane which has been initially formed from at least one member selected from non-crosslinked acrylonitrile homopolymers and copolymers, and non-crosslinked substituted acrylonitrile homopolymers and copolymers, and which has been subjected to at least one in situ crosslinking reaction; and(B) superimposed upon the substrate membrane, at least one coating including at least one component selected from hydrophilic monomers containing reactive functions, hydrophilic oligomers containing reactive functions and hydrophilic polymers containing reactive functions, such reactive functions having been subjected to a post-coating crosslinking reaction.

Abstract: Desalination of water is effected by use of a polyimine membrane which has been cross-linked with a combination of aliphatic and aromatic polyisocyanate or with a polycarbonyl chloride cross-linking agent.

Abstract: An N-methyl pyrrolidone-containing middle distillate stream is separated by use of a polyethyleneimine membrane which has been cross-linked with a polyisocyanate or a poly(carbonyl chloride) cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating impurity components, UV absorbers and/or UV absorber precursors contained in an ethylene glycol-water stream thereby desirably allowing the recovery of the glycols contained in such stream in an economical and efficient manner. Specifically, these undesirable components are separated by contacting the ethylene glycol-water stream with a suitable semi-permeable membrane to effect such separation.

Abstract: A polyethylenimine membrane which has been cross-linked by heat treating at 100.degree. C.-200.degree. C. for 3-20 minutes may be used to dewater isopropanol or methyl ethyl ketone/toluene mixtures.

Abstract: Semipermeable composite membranes which comprise a porous substrate of a homo- or copolymer on the basis of acrylonitrile are provided, which have been cross-linked, and at least two layers of film-forming polymers coated thereon, a first layer of monomeric or polymeric diazonium salts which have been reacted with themselves and with an at least difunctional compound, and a second layer, which is chemically bonded to the first one, of a cross-linked, ionically charged hydrophilic polymer.The membranes show good mechanical, physical and chemical stabilities, preferably solvent stability, and are useful in reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration processes, particularly for desalting solutions of low molecular weight organic compounds.

Abstract: A separating membrane having a porous membrane structure with a pore size distribution such that the membrane does not permeate 90 percent or more of particles having a size of 0.5 micron when the membrane is 0.1 mm thick. The membrane is composed of a material having a nitrogen-containing compound and is liquid-permeable to adsorb and retain phosphopolyols contained in a liquid.

Abstract: Composite membranes are provided comprising an underlying membrane selected from the group consisting of microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes; and a coating thereon comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyaromatic polymers and sulfonated poly(haloalkylenes), which has been subjected to a post-coating crosslinking treatment. These coated membranes are useful for various separation processes, especially in the food industry.

Abstract: A composite membrane which comprises:(a) a porous semipermeable membrane substrate; and(b) a coating superimposed thereon which includes at least one member selected from:monomers containing at least one diazonium group,polymers containing at least one diazonium group,monomers containing at least one primary amino group and which have been exposed to the action of at least one member selected from nitrous acid and other reagents which potentially react with primary amine groups to form diazonium groups, andpolymers containing at least one primary amino group and which have been exposed to the action of at least one member selected from nitrous acid and other reagents which potentially react with primary amine groups to form diazonium groups; and wherein the coating has been subjected to at least one in situ chemical reaction with loss of any diazonium groups which may be present, and with formation of valence links in at least one of the modes (i), (ii) and (iii), namely:(i) among different moieties of the at

Abstract: A method is provided for separating halogenated hydrocarbons from a fluid feedstream. The fluid feedstream is flowed across a first surface of a polyphosphazene semipermeable membrane. At least one halogenated hydrocarbon from the fluid feedstream permeates through the polyphosphazene semipermeable membrane to a second opposed surface of the semipermeable membrane. Then the permeated polar hydrocarbon is removed from the second opposed surface of the polyphosphazene semipermeable membrane. Outstanding and unexpected separation selectivities on the order of 10,000 were obtained for methylene chloride when a methylene chloride in water feedstream was flowed across the polyphosphazene semipermeable membrane in the invented method.

Abstract: A porous polymeric medium having a low affinity for amide group-containing and adjuvant-containing materials is provided comprising a porous polyvinylidene difuoride substrate and a surface-modifying polymeric material having a low affinity for amide group-containing materials formed in situ at and covalently bonded to the surface of the porous polyvinylidene difluoride substrate, the surface-modifying polymeric material being formed from a monofunctional monomer having at least one hydroxyl group. Another embodiment that provides a porous polymeric medium having a low affinity for amide group-containing materials employs a supplemental monomer in combination with the monofunctional monomer having at least one hydroxyl group to form the surface-modifying polymeric material. The supplmental monomer or comonomer used is one which, when formed as a homopolymer, has a high affinity for amide group-containing materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for separating aromatics from saturates using a non-porous polycarbonate membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the polycarbonate membrane may be crosslinked.

Abstract: A composite membrane and process utilizing the membrane which is capable of selectively removing particles such as viral particles from a solution such as a protein solution is provided. The membrane comprises a porous membrane substrate, a surface skin having ultrafiltration separation properties and an intermediate porous zone between the substrate and the skin which intermediate zone has an average pore size smaller than that of the substrate. The intermediate zone is free of voids which break the skin and which directly fluid communicate with the substrate. The composite is capable of a log reduction value of at least 3 (99.9% removal) of particles selectively from solution.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for separating mixtures of aromatics and non-aromatics into aromatic-enriched and non-aromatic-enriched streams by contacting the mixture with one side of a polyphthalate-carbonate membrane and selectively permeating the aromatic components of the mixture through the membrane.