Abstract: Processes and apparatus for purifying brine are provided including (1) providing an aqueous brine solution comprising one or more inorganic salts and one or more organic compounds and (2) conducting at least one unit operation for removing organic compounds from the brine solution to obtain a purified brine solution.

Abstract: An air filtration apparatus for use in horticultural applications provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a coupling portion configured for engagement about an un-filtered air source in fluid communication with an enclosed plant growing area. The coupling portion defines an opening extending therethrough. A support portion is integral about a free end of the coupling portion. A reticulated foam piece is coupled to, and configured for covering, an opposing end of the support portion. The opposing end of the support portion has a diameter relatively larger than that of the coupling portion. Thus, with the coupling portion engaged about the un-filtered air source, the apparatus is capable of removing or trapping impurities—such as dust, dirt, pollen, mold spores, insects, pests, etc.—as the un-filtered air travels into the opening of the coupling portion and through the reticulated foam piece, thereby keeping said impurities out of the associated plant growing area.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a first chamber fluidly connected to the inlet, a second chamber fluidly connected to the outlet, and a wall separating the first and second chambers. The system also includes a removable filter assembly, at least a portion of the filter assembly being disposed within the first chamber of the housing. The system further includes a lid removably connected to the housing. The lid includes a passage fluidly connecting the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A bio factory apparatus capable of Up-Stream production of biologic material products or biologics products in a liquid volume and processing of biologic or biologic material products Down-Stream, comprising at least one first Up-Stream producing capsule and at least one second Down-Stream processing capsule, said capsules capable of being stacked in any order and any number within a column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit for cleaning fluids, filter systems comprised of a plurality of said filter units, and the use of the filter unit or of the filter systems for filtering sludge and floating algae from water, or for purifying gases.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge with a containment bag including a vent port and a support housing, including a split lid.

Abstract: Embodiments of water filters comprise a filter housing configured to be disposed in a pour tray of a water filter pitcher, wherein a filter media cartridge is disposed inside the filter housing. The filter housing includes a housing floor, housing sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the housing floor, and at least one filter housing outlet disposed in one or more of the housing floor or the housing sidewalls. The filter media cartridge includes filter media, where the filter media cartridge comprises a cartridge floor spaced above the housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet disposed along one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge sidewalls. The water filter pitcher further includes a riser extending upwardly, away from the housing floor, and spaced between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls, where the riser extends a distance above the cartridge floor. The riser forms a conduit volume.

Abstract: Processing of a bulk liquid including particles, including use of a rotating strainer surface with openings disposed on a circumference thereof, the openings allowing an extracted liquid in the bulk liquid to pass through the strainer surface while preventing particles from passing through the strainer surface, such that a concentration of particles in the extracted liquid is less than in the bulk liquid; an extracted liquid outflow port which outputs the extracted liquid from an interior region of the rotating strainer surface; and a motor configured to rotate the strainer surface at a speed sufficient to generate a centrifugal force or turbulence at the openings sufficient to prevent the particles from clogging the openings, wherein the strainer surface is rotated and the extracted liquid is output through the extracted liquid outflow port when the strainer surface is fully submerged in the bulk liquid.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter composed of a multi-ply filter medium which (i) has at least one textile stiffening layer (layer 4), preferably a non-woven layer, of synthetic, polymer fibers, glass fibers or mixtures of the same, (ii) at least one filtration layer (layer 3), which is attached to at least one side of the non-woven stiffening fabric, the filtration layer being made up of glass fibers, (iii) at least one further filtration layer (layer 2), which is applied on the filtration layer according to ii), the further filtration layer being made up of glass fibers, and at least one textile cover layer (layer 1), which is applied on the filtration layer according to (iii), the cover layer being made up of synthetic polymer fibers.

Abstract: An elongate mesh pack for filtering a fluid defines a mesh pack axial opening. The mesh pack comprises a filter medium for filtration of the fluid and has an end fitting securely fixed to the filter medium, the end fitting providing a first extremity of the mesh pack. The end fitting has an inner surface defining an end fitting opening through the end fitting, the end fitting opening being co-axial with the axial opening of the mesh pack. The end fitting comprises an annular recess encompassing the end fitting opening. A partition wall suitable to deform towards the recess under radial force is provided between the recess and the end fitting opening, the partition wall forming at least part of the inner surface.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for collecting sediment from fluid of a powertrain device is provided. The filtering assembly includes a bottom pan and a sediment trap. The bottom pan has a bottom surface and is configured to collect the fluid of the powertrain device. The bottom pan may have a side wall cooperating with its bottom surface to define a cavity within the bottom pan. The sediment trap has opposed upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface may be attached to the bottom pan. The upper surface is configured to receive the sediment when the sediment falls toward the bottom surface of the bottom pan as the sediment is acted on by gravity. The sediment trap is configured to trap sediment received through its upper surface. A method for collecting sediment from the fluid of a powertrain device is also provided.

Abstract: A screen basket in a top separator for a cellulosic material treatment vessel, the screen basket includes: a cylindrical plate having a vertical joint connecting opposite edges of the plate, rows of slots extending through the plate, and each slot has a curved or chamfered inlet corner edge adjacent an inside surface of the plate and is oblique to a vertical axis of the basket.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A first connector of a connector assembly of a sterile batch container can be unsealed. The connector assembly can be attached to a filling port of the sterile batch container and can have a sterile filter arranged between the filling port and the first connector. The first connector can be coupled so as to receive produced purified water. A transmembrane pressure can be monitored across the sterile filter while flowing the purified water through the connector assembly into the sterile batch container so as to provide a sterile fluid stored therein. The connector assembly can be detached from the filling port of the sterile batch container. After the detaching, the sterile batch container can be coupled to the blood treatment system. In response to a change in the transmembrane pressure exceeding a predefined level, an alarm signal can be generated.

Abstract: A suction filter may comprise a bag-shaped filter member and a passage member. The passage member is disposed in an internal space of the filter member. The passage member has a fuel passage and a plurality of openings, and guides fuel from the internal space to the outside of the internal space. The openings communicate the internal space of the filter member to the fuel passage. When the passage member is cut along a surface thereof perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the passage member in each of the openings, a position on an outer circumferential surface of the passage member in the cut surface, in which the distance between the outer circumferential surface and the filter member is the smallest, is distant in a circumferential direction from a position on the outer circumferential surface where the opening is formed.

Abstract: A sand check filter for preventing solids from reentering into a pump. The filter is designed to mount atop a conventional rod pump. The filter allows well fluid, that contains high solids, to pass through the pump under normal operation while eliminating the solids from being swept back into the pump barrel. The filter includes a sleeve that has radial flutes that allows the sleeve from hanging up, sticking to or wedging itself to the valve rod. The sleeve is rotated on the valve rod to create a valve effect atop the filter. This prevents the fluid from passing through the inner diameter of the screen and forces solids within the fluid to be redirected to the outer diameter of the filter. This allows the fluid to be filtered before reentering the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration method that extends filter life and achieves high filtration efficiency, and also abrasive slurry produced by the method. In this filtration method, deaired solvent is passed through a filter before a non-deaired liquid is filtered by the filter, after which the filter is used for filtering.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1243zf), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A cone shaped grating that filters out large floating debris from entering or blocking a restrictor pipe in a catch basin and allows for the free flow of water through the restrictor when buoyant items enter the catch basin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising a first fluid purification media comprising a first rigid porous purification block, comprising a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fluid purification material comprising a particulate oxidizing material disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from difluoromethane (R-32) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A priming method for a filter, whereby the outlet of a spent filter is connected to the inlet of a fresh filter, and the spent filter is inverted. A drain in the spent filter is then opened to allow air to enter the spent filter and fluid to drain from the clean side of the spent filter into the fresh filter.

Abstract: A combined installation is disclosed for the production of biogas and compost, including a dry fermentation fermenter for producing biogas in a batch mode, a biogas outlet, a purging gas inlet, a biogas line connected to the biogas outlet, a waste gas line, a waste gas chimney connected to the biogas outlet via a first biogas/waste gas line, a waste gas flare connected to the biogas outlet via a second biogas/waste gas line, a fresh air line connected to the purging gas inlet, a control means for connecting the biogas outlet to the biogas line or the biogas/waste gas chimney via the first biogas/waste gas line or the waste gas flare via the second biogas/waste gas line and for connecting the purging gas inlet to the waste gas line or the fresh air line, and a measurement means connected to the control means for detecting methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.

Abstract: The blood bag system includes: a blood treating filter for treating a blood; a first bag for containing therein a blood to be supplied to the blood treating filter; a second bag for containing therein the blood treated by the blood treating filter; storage solution supply which supplies a blood component storage solution to the blood treating filter; a third bag into which a blood remaining in the blood treating filter replaced by the blood component storage solution is transferred and in which the recovered blood is temporarily contained; and a fourth bag to which a blood component separated from the treated blood contained in the second bag is transferred and in which the transferred blood component is contained.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.

Abstract: A treatment solution supply method of the present invention is for supplying a treatment solution from a treatment solution supply source to a treatment solution supply unit supplying the treatment solution to a substrate, wherein a supply pipe connected to the treatment solution supply unit is provided with a filter collecting foreign matter in the treatment solution and not allowing the foreign matter to be released therefrom, and the treatment solution flowing in the supply pipe is caused to pass through the filter in a reciprocation manner at least one time and then supplied to the treatment solution supply unit, so that the foreign matter in the treatment solution can be sufficiently removed and the collected foreign matter never mixes again into the treatment solution.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the small-scale separation of a mixture of two or more components with different boiling points into enriched fractions. In some embodiments, a first and second fluid (e.g., a liquid and a gas, a liquid and a liquid, etc.) are passed through a channel. The first fluid may include at least two components, each with a unique boiling point. Upon contacting the first and second fluids within the channel, at least a portion of the most volatile of the components in the first fluid (i.e., the component with the lowest boiling point) may be transferred from the first fluid to the second fluid. In some instances, the transfer of the volatile component(s) from the first fluid to the second fluid may be expedited by heating, in some cases above the boiling point(s) of the component(s) to be transferred from the first fluid to the second fluid. Contact between the first and second fluids may be maintained, for example, via segmented flow, bubbling flow, etc.

Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.

Abstract: A debris filtering apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a first filter assembly. The first filter assembly includes an outer conduit and an inner conduit received within the outer conduit. An inner conduit flow-path is defined within the inner conduit and an outer conduit flowpath is defined between the inner conduit and the outer conduit. The inner conduit includes a filter. A fluid inlet is in communication with the inner conduit flowpath and a fluid outlet is in communication with the outer conduit flowpath. The filter permits a fluid to pass between the inner conduit flowpath and the outer conduit flowpath while retaining debris within the inner conduit. The method includes passing the fluid through the first filter assembly, removing the inner conduit from within the outer conduit, removing the debris from the inner conduit, and replacing the inner conduit within the outer conduit.

Abstract: In a method for converting fluctuating energy into a stable energy supply, the fluctuating energy is derived from the group of solar energy, wind power, waves or water currents, this energy being delivered to a first pump being integrated in a pressure circuit for delivering stable energy and the pressure circuit comprising a pressure amplifier with a double-cone device being driven by the liquid flow circulated by the first pump. This allows the stabilization of fluctuating energy to be used e.g. in desalination plants without supplemental storage energy and without reverting to electric current conversion.

Abstract: A filter unit for treating water, having a first plate-shaped filter element and at least one second plate-shaped filter element. The first and second filter elements are mutually spaced from each other and define an intermediate space. Each of the first arid second filter elements extends, with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system, along a first spatial axis to a considerably lesser extent than along the two remaining spatial axes such that the element has a layer thickness (?). Flow can take place through the first and second filter elements along a path that corresponds to the layer thickness.

Abstract: A coolant for a machine is filtered by passing some of the coolant into a discharge tube having an opening, the discharge tube supporting a filter bag. Coolant flowing into the discharge tube flows out of the tube through the opening, and then through the bag, and the filtered fluid is recirculated. An end piece, pivotably mounted to the discharge tube, prevents the bag from falling off while in operation, but can be pivoted to a position which facilitates insertion and removal of the bag. When filled, the bag can therefore easily be removed and replaced with a new bag. The invention greatly simplifies the process of filtering a coolant fluid.

Abstract: A compound includes a polymer where the polymer includes a pendant dioxirane moiety. Cost-effective, facilitated generation of a polymer including a pendant dioxirane moiety allows for the compound to be disposable or be easily recycled. The compound can be used in air purification and liquid purification to not only remove particulate matter, but also to destroy microorganisms and remove volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include filters, systems, and methods for reducing can velocity. According to an example embodiment, a filter is provided for filtering particles from air or fluid. The filter includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes an aperture; one or more sections of pleated filter media including a plurality of pleats formed in a substantially conical shape about an axis and around an inner void region in communication with the aperture, wherein a diameter associated with the first end aperture is greater than a diameter associated with the second end; and one or more radial support regions in circumferential contact with at least one of an outer surface of the filter media, wherein spacing of at least some of the plurality of pleats are maintained at least in part by the one or more radial support regions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced water treatment comprise inorganic filter systems for impurity removal. Embodiments for water impurity removal include introducing contaminated water into an impurity removal system having an inorganic filter. The inorganic filter comprises an inorganic membrane layer supported by an inorganic support. The inorganic membrane layer comprises pores sized from about 1,000 Daltons to about 10 microns for filtering impurities such as kinetic hydrate inhibitor. Other pre-treatment and post-treatment stages may be included. The inorganic membrane layer or inorganic membrane support may comprise a ceramic such as alumina, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, and mixed oxides.

Abstract: A scrubbing system and method reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors released during hydraulic fracturing. The water created by the process itself is used to help control the VOCs. During the collection process, the water and VOCs separate in a tank. A small amount of the water from below the separated VOCs is pumped to atomization equipment above the flowback liquid. In the preferred embodiment, rotary atomizers are used to create a mist of very fine droplets. Emulsifiers may be added to the water at the atomizer. The mist containing the emulsifiers is distributed throughout the space above the flowback water in the tank and on the liquid surface and walls of the tank. The mixing of the mist containing the emulsifiers and the VOC vapor allows the emulsifiers to capture the VOC vapor and return it to the liquid surface.

Abstract: A filtration system and method are provided for removing suspended solids and other affiliated pollutants from stormwater runoff and any other contaminated water. The filtration system and method utilize a filter having a geosynthetic material. By improving or replacing a conventional filtration system, such as a sand filtration system, with a geosynthetic material, the removal efficiency of suspended solids and affiliated pollutants is maintained or improved and the lifespan of the filtration system is lengthened due to simpler cleaning processes and a reduced need for material replacements. The filter can be a retrofit filter for fitting to existing storm drains for removing suspended solids and affiliated pollutants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacer textile (1) including a top textile (2), a bottom textile (3) and a spacer layer (5), wherein the top textile (2) and the bottom textile (3) are connected together by the spacer layer (5). The top textile (2), the bottom textile (3) and the spacer layer (5) are monofilament fibers from inert fluorocarbons. The invention relates additionally to the use of the spacer textile (1) according to the invention as at least in part sheathing of an electrode (13, 14) in an electroplating bath (11), as a lining of operating, bearing and/or transport surfaces (31), or as filter or support material in chemically aggressive media.

Abstract: An in-line flow separator comprises an uphill section of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid and a second denser liquid. The second liquid forms a sump extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section, and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.

Abstract: A method and a device for differentiation of substances in a body fluid, such as blood, plasma or used peritoneal dialysis fluid, for example for hemodialysis. The device has a compartment having several inlets for entering a body fluid, a transition fluid and a diffusion fluid for flowing parallel with each other in laminar flow layers with substantially equal flow velocities. The transition fluid layer is interposed between the body fluid layer and the diffusion fluid layer. The compartment further has a first outlet for removing the body fluid and the transition fluid and a second outlet for removing the diffusion fluid. Pumps are arranged for controlling the flow velocities so that a marker substance, such as albumin, will not diffuse from the body fluid layer across the transition layer, during the passage of the body fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the compartment.

Abstract: A system for separating water from crude oil includes a bulk-storage tank for storing unrefined crude oil, a first pipe for delivering water separated from crude oil in the bulk-storage tank to a containment system, a second pipe for delivering crude oil to a shipping system, a first valve for controlling flow in the first pipe, a second valve for controlling flow in the second pipe, and a control system for controlling operation of the first and second valves. The control system has a control device for controlling the first and second valves, an acoustic sensor array mounted on the first pipe for sensing a sound pressure level during flow of water through the first pipe, means for comparing the sensed sound pressure level with a predetermined sound pressure threshold level characterizing flow of oil-water mixture through the pipe, and a control device for closing the first valve and opening the second valve when the measured sound pressure level reaches the sound pressure threshold level.

Abstract: A filtration device to filter cooking oil is provided having an upper layer comprised of a filter paper and a lower layer comprised of a filter pad. The filter paper of the upper layer includes pleats defining a plurality of food particle receiving channels over a substantial portion of a central area of the filter paper. The filter pad is stitched to a peripheral portion of the filter paper to form a multi-layered filtration device having a central pleated region in which the upper and the lower layers are unbonded to each other. The central pleated region is configured to accumulate food particles above a threshold size as the filter paper and filter pad cooperatively filter cooking oil during a filtration operation. Methods of making and using filtration devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering a heavy metal by which the variation in heavy metal recovery rate among samples can be suppressed. A mixture of a sample and a chelating agent capable of chelating with a heavy metal is prepared. A complex between a heavy metal being in the sample and the chelating agent is formed in the presence of a masking agent for a thiol group in the mixture. The heavy metal in the sample is recovered by recovering the complex. By this method, a heavy metal can be recovered with suppressing the variation in the recovery rate among samples. The chelating agent preferably is 1,5-diphenyl-3-thiocarbazone (dithizone). As the masking agent, N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetamide, iodoacetic acid, or the like can be used.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is a method of forming a nanochannel including depositing a photosensitive film stack over a substrate and forming a pattern on the film stack using interferometric lithography. The method can further include depositing a plurality of silica nanoparticles to form a structure over the pattern and removing the pattern while retaining the structure formed by the plurality of silica nanoparticles, wherein the structure comprises an enclosed nanochannel.

Abstract: An iron composition having a plurality of elemental components is disclosed. The major component is an iron component of at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components by weight include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc. Combined with layers of sand, brick chips and/or charcoal, the iron composition can be used to create a water filter for filtering inorganic arsenic species and soluble metal ions out of water. To enhance hydrous ferric oxide complexation and precipitation, the iron composition may be treated with food grade acids or a water mixture.

Abstract: We disclose a water-based solution containing xylitol that helps reduce the risk of dental problems. The solution may be pre-packaged in a readably consumable form, or it may be packaged as a concentrate that can be added to beverage at the time of consumption. In addition to xylitol, other additives may be added to the solution including fluoride, flavoring, vitamins, caffeine, carbonation, electrolytes, minerals, sugars, and sugar alcohols.

Abstract: A method for separating electrolyte-containing water from an organic phase by means of permeation on a hydrophobic separating means. The permeated organic solution is substantially depleted in water and the retained water is enriched with electrolytes.

Abstract: A portable fluid treatment apparatus includes a container with an interior wall between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe which defines a bottom space between the bottom of the wall and the bottom interior surface of the container. A series of collectors in the container direct the flow of the inlet fluid and promote sedimentation from the fluid. The inlet fluid flows under the wall and up to a discharge pipe equipped with a vent. Multiple sedimentation units are connected together in series and mounted on a trailer for transport to a construction site.