Abstract: Aluminim hydroxide fibers approximately 2 nanometers in diameter and with surface areas ranging from 200 to 650 m2/g have been fount to be highly electropositive. When dispersed in water they are able to attach to and retain electronegative particles. When combined into a composite filter with other fibers or particles they can filter bacteria and nano size particulates such as viruses and colloidal particles at high flux through the filter. Such filters can be used for purification and sterilization of water, biological, medical and pharmaceutical fluids, and as a collector/concentrator for detection and assay of mirobes and viruses. The alumina fibers are also capable of filtering sub-micron inorganic and metallic particles to produce ultra pure water. The fibers are suitable as a substrate for growth of cells. Macromolicules such as proteins may be separated from each other based on their electronegative charges.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing water separated from fuels by a fuel filter is provided. The apparatus includes an absorber connected to a water accumulator of the fuel filter. The stored water may then be released again through heating or pressure using commercially available components and supplied to a further use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to extract terpenoids in aquatic environments by using a hydrophobic absorbent, thus reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water and aquaculture products which is caused by cyanobacteria-produced terpenoids.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Abstract: A method for molecular imprinting polymers with large biomolecules. The imprinted polymer composite is made by the interfacial polymerization of a monomer in the presence of the print molecule and host polymer. Since polymerization occurs at the interface between an organic solvent and an aqueous solution, the print molecule can be disposed in the phase that allows the print molecule to remain in its native configuration. The choice of the host polymer and the monomer to be polymerized can be varied to enhance the specificity of the composite toward the biomolecule that is selected to be imprinted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of purifying an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution by passing the solution over a cationic resin. The invention consists in passing it over the cationic resin under conditions in which the hydrogen peroxide solution is maintained at a temperature of between its freezing point and +10° C., advantageously between 0° C. and +5° C., so as to limit contamination of the solution by sulphate ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: Extracorporeal affinity adsorption treatments which are aimed at the substantial removal of two or more compounds that are etiological in the pathogenesis of diseases in man provide effective therapeutic intervention means for these diseases. The methods are particularly suitable for the treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer, degenerative and autoimmune diseases. Extracorporeal chelation and immunotherapy for atherosclerosis, extracorporeal chelation treatment with on-line regeneration or replacement of chelant, extracorporeal immunotherapy with antibody fragments, and extracorporeal immunoadsorption utilizing antibodies bound to Protein A are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for plating objects. At least one aspect associated with the object plating is monitored to determine the amount of at least one byproduct created during the plating and/or the reduction in the amount of at least one plating component. Based on this monitored aspect, an adjustment is made to the flow rate of substances added to a plating cell and/or the flow rate of used plating substances drained from the plating cell. The used plating substances are purified to remove at least some of the byproduct and then the purified plating substances are combined with at least one component before passing back into the plating cell to reuse at least some of the plating substances. The method and system could be used during the plating of semiconductor wafers with copper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for removing chlorine from chlorinated potable water. The device contains a chlorine adsorptive material selected from the group consisting of cellulose, activated carbon, or activated carbon with an enhanced adsorptive capacity for chlorine. A method for enhancing the adsorptive affinity of activated carbon for chlorine in potable water is also disclosed. By pretreating ordinary activated carbon with one of several agents, including potassium iodide, ammonium carbonate and ammonium sulfate, the activated carbon, which is minimally active for chlorine reduction, is rendered highly active and able to be applied in much smaller quantities than presently known in the art. Also disclosed is the use of activated carbon in zero-pressure-drop devices instead of filters requiring a pressure differential.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for producing a high purity organic solvent from a crude organic solvent comprising providing a stream of crude organic solvent comprising a first amount of at least one impurity and adsorbing at least one impurity contained in said crude organic solvent onto an adsorbent to produce a purified organic solvent comprising a second amount of impurities, the second amount of impurities being less than the first amount of impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new separation method and a device therefor, especially to a device and method for chromatographic chemical analysis. In the method according to the invention, the driving of the mobile phase fluid in, through and out the separation channel, said channel being defined by at least two channel elements, is mainly caused by a relative movement of at least one channel element compared to at least one of the other channel elements preferably the movement of the mobile phase fluid and the sample to be separated through the separation channel is sustained by relief elements, such as one or more protrusions, recesses, holes or irregular porous-like structures, which are arranged on at least one of the channel elements.

Abstract: The present invention is an adsorber membrane and a device containing one or more such membranes. Both the membrane and the device have a Peclet number (Pe) of at least 100. The membrane and the device are designed for the removal of trace contaminants in protein containing streams such as exist in the biopharmaceutical industry. A preferred membrane has tight pore size distribution and high permeabilities that allow for high throughput separations. A device of the present invention can contain a flat sheet membrane such as a pleated filter, a tangential flow filter or a spiral wound filter. Preferably, the device is formed in a stacked disk arrangement where one or more layers of membrane are sealed to each of the two large surface of the disk. One such device is formed of a series of disks, each disk having eight layers of membranes sealed to each of the two large surfaces of the disk. These disks are placed within a sealed capsule having an inlet on one end and an outlet on the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the daily operating performance parameters for water treatment processes through the collection of localized data. The data is manipulated to generate preconfigured performance, maintenance, and quality assurance reports and further provide automatic submission of data as required for regulatory review of certain water treatment systems such as potable water treatment. The data is collected from sensors located at an equipment site and transferred to a remote computer located by use of the Internet, further all data received and used for generation of reports is also accessible by Internet connection and be delivered directly to the regulatory agency without additional process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a high-sensitivity method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration or inflow of impurities in circulating water of a circulating water system, which can remarkably improve the measurement sensitivity by converting carbonate ions of low conductivity into chlorine or sulfate ions of increased conductivity, and which can measure the inflow of air or organic substances and the amount of inflow in a simple and efficient manner in real-time. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: increasing a content of strong acids in sample water and thus increasing equivalent conductivity of the impurities, by utilizing cation exchange resin together with anion exchange resin, in which cations of the sample water are adsorbed on the cation exchange resin to form strong acids while weakly acidic anions of low dissociation degree in the sample water are adsorbed on the anion exchange resin to form strong acids; and measuring the increased conductivity of the impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating out substances dissolved and/or undissolved in fluid media. The method is characterized by it being a suitable combination of a membrane filtration technique and an adsorption technique. This enhances the flow and purification capacity by a multiple factor in making a compact, lightweight system possible.

Abstract: A fluid change kit for disposing of fluids, such as automotive fluids, includes a container at least partially filled with an absorbent. The fluid change kit typically includes a biodegradable box and an absorbent selected from peat moss and coconut coir for absorbing the fluid. A liner may also be included. By absorbing the fluid, the fluid change kit can be disposed of in a conventional landfill.

Abstract: A method for removing diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) from butadiene streams that does not leave an excessive amount of residual contaminates in the isolated butadiene stream. The DEHA is removed from the butadiene streams by ion exchange resins, which efficiently remove DEHA from the butadiene streams without causing the accumulation of an excessive amount of residual contaminants. To prevent polymerization of the butadiene upon removal of the DEHA, tert-butylcatechol (TBC) may be added to the butadiene stream before or after DEHA removal. Fresh or spent ion exchange resins may be used. After removal from the butadiene stream, the isolated DEHA can then be easily concentrated, and disposed or recycled. A method for removing DEHA from hydrocarbon streams is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for immobilizing ion exchange particles, and to the products of those process. One embodiment of the invention encompasses a process of immobilizing ion exchange particles within a porous polyolefinic material. A second embodiment encompasses a process of immobilizing ion exchange particles within a hydrogel. Preferred hydrogels are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Process for the on-site purification of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, in which the solution is made to pass through a resin bed capable, at least partially, of adsorbing or absorbing the impurities present in the solution. The hydrogen peroxide solution is injected into the resin bed and passes through the latter at an approximately linear velocity preferably of between 10 m/h and 50 m/h and more preferably between 10 m/h and 20 m/h, while the resin bed is kept substantially compacted for at least 50% of the time during which the solution is being purified by coming into contact with the said resin.

Abstract: Process for drying wet F32, which comprises placing a stream of the said F32 in continuous contact with a feed stock of a composition comprising a molecular sieve chosen from a 3A type sieve, at a temperature of between 5 and 78° C. and at a pressure of between 0.5 and 25 atm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying and quantifying viral particles. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for purifying and quantifying adenovirus by ion-exchange chromatography. The invention also concerns a method for identifying different adenovirus serotypes.

Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an acid sensitive liquid composition. The method involves passing an acid sensitive liquid composition containing a carbonate represented by the formula ROC(═O)OR1 wherein R and R1 independently are a hydrocarbyl group of 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, through at least one of the following two filter sheets: (a) a filter sheet containing a self-supporting fibrous matrix having immobilized therein a particulate filter aid and a particulate ion exchange resin having an average particle size of from about 2 to about 10 microns, wherein the particulate filter aid and ion exchange resin particles are distributed substantially uniformly throughout a cross-section of said matrix; and/or (b) a filter sheet containing a self-supporting matrix of fibers having immobilized therein particulate filter aid and binder resin, and having an average pore size of about 0.05 to 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively removing metal ions of interest from a solution (12), such as the wastewater from a chemical mechanical polishing process. The method comprises contacting a solution (12) containing solid particles, an oxidizing agent and a first concentration of the metal ions with an ion-exchange resin (20), such as a crosslinked poly-4-vinylpyridine resin, that is resistant to damage by the oxidizing agent and that is operative when in contact with the solution (12) to exchange selected ones of the metal ions in the solution for selected preferred ions in the ion-exchange resin thereby to produce a treated solution (22) having a second concentration of the metal ions that is lower than the first concentration. The present invention also relates to an apparatus (100) and system (500) for use with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Components are separated from liquid or gaseous media with the aid of a nanocomposite comprising nanoparticles in a matrix, wherein the liquid or gaseous medium is brought into contact with the nanocomposite in such a way that at least part of the components to be separated off is bound to the nanocomposite and the resulting laden nanocomposite is separated from the liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: Tetrafluoromethane containing ethylene compound, hydrocarbon compounds, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide is contacted with zeolite having an average pore size of 3.4 to 11 Å and an Si/Al ratio of 1.5 or less and/or a carbonaceous adsorbent having an average pore size of 3.4 to 11 Å. Thus, high-purity tetrafluoromethane can be obtained which is advantageous in industry and provides good profitability.

Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial foam materials with amino alcohols, their preparation, and their use.

Abstract: By passing an alkali regenerating agent A through a basic anion exchange resin (3), and through a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (4), the basic anion exchange resin can be regenerated while amphoteric organic materials such as the amino acids captured at the strongly acidic cation exchange resin can be desorbed. Then, an acid regenerating agent B is passed through the strongly acidic cation exchange resin to regenerate the strongly acidic cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A polluted fluid, such as exhaust gas from a refuse incinerator, containing at least one pollutant, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), SOx or NOx, is processed by passing the polluted fluid through an adsorbing layer containing a high-silica adsorbent capable of adsorbing both ozone and at least one pollutant to adsorb at least one pollutant on the adsorbent. Then, ozone is brought into contact with the adsorbing layer to oxidize and decompose the pollutant adsorbed on the adsorbent, while stopping the flow of the polluted fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an acid sensitive liquid composition. The method involves passing an acid sensitive liquid composition containing a carbonate represented by the formula ROC(=O)OR1 wherein R and R1 independently are a hydrocarbyl group of 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, through at least one of the following two filter sheets: (a) a filter sheet containing a self-supporting fibrous matrix having immobilized therein a particulate filter aid and a particulate ion exchange resin having an average particle size of from about 2 to about 10 microns, wherein the particulate filter aid and ion exchange resin particles are distributed substantially uniformly throughout a cross-section of said matrix; and/or (b) a filter sheet containing a self-supporting matrix of fibers having immobilized therein particulate filter aid and binder resin, and having an average pore size of about 0.05 to 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating a lactone-containing high-molecular weight compound having an alkyl group as its side chain from a lactone-containing high-molecular weight compound having an alkenyl group as its side chain by using a sulfonic acid group-containing cation exchange resin pretreated with silver ions.

Abstract: Inverse gas-chromatography apparatus for investigating the properties of a solid material, having a carrier fluid, comprising at least two fluid components (typically water and an inert gas); a second flow comprising the carrier fluid components and probe material; a temperature controlled column, for holding the solid material; a switch for selectively passing the flow of carrier fluid and the second fluid flow through the column; a detector for detecting the passage of the probe material through the column. The relative proportions of the fluid components in the flow of carrier fluid and the second fluid flow can be controlled.

Abstract: A cross-linked water-insoluble ion exchange resin comprised of polymerized monomers having a phenyl ring is disclosed. A contemplated resin contains (i) polymerized phenyl ring-containing monomers having a phosphonic acid ligand linked to the phenyl ring, (ii) about 2 to about 5 millimoles per gram (mmol/g) of phosphorus as phosphonic acid ligands, and (iii) a sufficient amount of a sulfonic acid ligand such that the ratio of mmol/g of phosphonic acid to mmol/g sulfonic acid is up to 3:1. A process for removing polyvalent metal cations from aqueous solution, and a process for removing iron(III) cations from acidic copper(II) cation-containing solutions that utilize the contemplated resin or other resins are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating sucrose and a second dissolved component from a sucrose-containing solution, preferably a beet-derived sucrose-containing solution, wherein the solution is subjected to a first fractionation by a continuous or sequential chromatographic simulated moving bed process to yield a sucrose-enriched fraction and a fraction enriched with the second dissolved component. The resulting fraction enriched with the second component is subjected to a second chromatographic fractionation that is a simulated moving bed or batch type process, to yield a second sucrose-enriched fraction and a second fraction enriched with the second dissolved component wherein both fractions have an improved yield or purity.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water via membrane separation equipment. A feedwater is maintained or adjusted to a pH of 4.3 or lower, and fed to a membrane separation system. In this manner, species such as TOC become more ionized, and (a) their rejection by the membrane separation process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Passage TOC through the membrane is significantly reduced. A recovery ratio of eighty percent (80%) or higher is achievable with most feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of the membrane separation equipment. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of high purity water.

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: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: An activated carbon composition is disclosed, which includes an activated carbon and a carboxylic acid containing compound. The activated carbon composition is prepared by immersing an activated carbon in an aqueous solution of a carboxylic acid containing compound. The activated carbon composition is used for purifying aqueous solutions by providing a bed of the activated carbon composition and passing the aqueous solution through the bed of the activated carbon composition. The aqueous solution is passed through the bed such that the flow of the aqueous solution to be purified into the bed and the flow of purified aqueous solution from the bed has a pH differential less than ±1 pH.

Abstract: A process for the production of purified water and hydrocarbons comprising at least one stage of separation of the water and hydrocarbons formed during a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, at least one stage of purification of the separated water by bringing it into contact with at least one adsorbent selected from the group consisting of: the active carbons, clays which are hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic, and zeolites which are hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic. This process may optionally include a stripping stage before the adsorption step.

Abstract: A deionized water producing apparatus includes a pretreatment apparatus having a reverse osmosis apparatus, and an electrodeionization apparatus having a diluting compartment filled with an ion exchanger. In order to disinfect the deionized water producing apparatus, hot water of higher than 80° C. is flown through the pretreatment apparatus, and hot water of higher than 60° C. is flown through the electrodeionization apparatus. Hot water flowing thorough the electrodeionization apparatus is gradually heated at a rate of 0.1-10° C./min.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical single stage membrane process intended to provide very high overall water recoveries from natural sources or wastewater containing high concentrations of hardness and other inorganic scale-forming compounds while preventing scale formation on the membrane and prolonging the useful life of the membrane. The water is first pre-treated in order to separate all suspended matter using a suitable oil separation device, dissolved air flotation, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, single or multi-media filtration, ultra-filtration, micro-filtration or a suitable combination of these pre-treatment steps. The pre-treated water is then purified using a simple, economical single stage membrane system operating at a suitable pressure depending on the water TDS and desired permeate recovery. In order to prevent scale formation on the membranes, the membrane concentrate is softened using a “low-cost” ion exchange softening resin with high selectivity for hardness precursors.

Abstract: An enzyme is immobilized on a solid support and can react selectively with one enantiomer in an enantiomeric mixture. A methods of using the enzyme immobilized solid support in conjunct with a separating means to separate enantiomeric mixtures is described. An apparatus for separating an enantiomeric mixture using an enzyme immobilized on a solid support is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is waste treatment apparatus and process for diminishing the emission of malodorous off-gases during waste treatment. The apparatus typically includes a floatation panel formed from bonded foam particles that is adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the noxious odors generally associated with waste treatment.

Abstract: A microchip-based electrospray ionization device and column with affinity adsorbents is disclosed. The invention includes a microchip array and a capillary tube or alone or attached in combination. At least a portion of the device or column has immobilized affinity adsorbents. Methods for using the device are provided as well for affinity capture of biomolecules to meet the needs for the modem life sciences such as proteomics and drug discover.