Abstract: One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e.

Abstract: A process for regulating the rate of permeation of oxygen through a nonporous ceramic membrane which conducts oxygen anions and contains alkaline earth metal ions. On at least one side of the nonporous ceramic membrane which conducts oxygen anions, carbon dioxide and/or a gaseous carbon dioxide precursor is added for a predetermined time, which enables an alteration of the oxygen permeability of the membrane material. This brings about reversible chemical formation of alkaline earth metal carbonates in the membrane and, as a result, alters the properties thereof for oxygen permeation. A membrane reactor equipped with a feed line for a moderator gas can be regulated in a simple manner. The membrane reactor can preferably be used for oxidation reactions and/or for removal of oxygen from gas mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membranes including hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes with high permeances for air separations and a method of making these membranes. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes have O2 permeance higher than 300 GPU and O2/N2 selectivity higher than 3 at 60° C. under 308 kPa for O2/N2 separation. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes also have CO2 permeance higher than 1000 GPU and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 higher than 20 at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: The Shelf Life Extending Container for fruits and vegetables extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The Shelf Life Extending Container does this by utilizing a Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the multiple perishable items stored within the Shelf life Extending Container, and therefore extends their shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres within the Shelf Life Extending Container using the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film, also leads to a reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane for gas separation made of a soluble aromatic polyimide, wherein an orientation index is 1.3 or less, a separation coefficient ?(P?O2/P?N2) as a permeation rate ratio of oxygen gas/nitrogen gas at 40° C. is 5.3 or more, and a tensile fracture elongation is 15% or more.

Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polyimide membrane is described. A monoesterified membrane is formed from a monoesterified polyimide polymer. The monoesterified membrane is subjected to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked membrane. The monoesterified membrane is incorporated with an organic titanate catalyst before or after formation of the monoesterified membrane. A crosslinked polyimide membrane made using the aforementioned method and a method of using the membrane to separate fluids in a fluid mixture, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying oxygen to meet a user demand in which oxygen is separated from air by an electrically driven oxygen separation device to supply oxygen to meet the user demand and to charge an adsorbent bed with all or part of the separated oxygen. When a user demand exists, oxygen can be supplied from both the electrically driven oxygen separation device and from oxygen desorbed from the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: A method to prepare a thin ceramic or metallic solid-state composition comprising three phases: a material (A), a material (B), and pores, wherein the porous matrix of material (A) has a porosity gradient in the range of about 0% to about 80%, and wherein the pores are partially or completely filled with material (B). Various compositions and methods of use for the prepared composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas, said method comprising the steps of: compressing and heating the oxygen containing gas in a plasma pump (16), guiding the heated and compressed oxygen containing gas to the primary side of a dense inorganic membrane (58), thereby heating the inorganic membrane by the oxygen containing gas to a temperature at which it is permeable for oxygen, and creating a pressure difference between the primary side and a secondary side of the inorganic membrane (58), wherein an oxygen flow through the inorganic membrane (58) is created, thereby separating the oxygen from the oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: A suspension of inorganic particles, a copolymer comprising soft segments and hard segments, and a solvent may be extruded through a spinnerette to produce inorganic/organic composite hollow precursor fibers. The precursor fibers may be sintered. The fibers may be utilized in a gas separation module for separation of a gas mixture or production of syngas. The fibers may be installed in the gas separation module after sintering or they may be sintered after installation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microporous aluminophosphate (AlPO4) molecular sieve membranes and methods for making and using the same. The microporous AlPO4 molecular sieve membranes, particularly small pore microporous AlPO-14 and AlPO-18 molecular sieve membranes, are prepared by three different methods, including in-situ crystallization of a layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, coating a layer of polymer-bound AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a seed layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals supported on a porous membrane support.

Abstract: A gas exchange membrane is for use in an artificial lung. The membrane consists of a foamed, closed-cell material, in particular of silicone rubber. The membrane is produced by extruding a basic material which contains a foaming agent. The extrudate is then foamed. The result is a gas exchange membrane which has an increased gas exchange performance compared to known material due to the high permeability of the surface.

Abstract: Method for processing an article comprising mixed conducting metal oxide material. The method comprises contacting the article with an oxygen-containing gas and either reducing the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas during a cooling period or increasing the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas during a heating period; during the cooling period, reducing the oxygen activity in the oxygen-containing gas during at least a portion of the cooling period and increasing the rate at which the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas is reduced during at least a portion of the cooling period; and during the heating period, increasing the oxygen activity in the oxygen-containing gas during at least a portion of the heating period and decreasing the rate at which the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas is increased during at least a portion of the heating period.

Abstract: A porously coated, densely sintered ceramic membrane, which can be produced from a green membrane and subsequent sintering. The membrane is coated with ceramic material, which contains noble metals, which can be produced by application and subsequent thermal treatment. The noble metals are contained at a concentration of 2.5 to 5 mass percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for achieving low oxygen levels in a natural gas stream without the use of a catalytic system. In one embodiment, the method comprises: membrane treatment for the removal of the bulk of CO2 and oxygen in the natural gas feed and the addition of a PSA system using a carbon molecular sieve adsorbent for the adsorption of residual oxygen.

Abstract: A method of oxygen enrichment in which a gaseous mixture containing O2 molecules and N2 molecules is provided to a feed side of a SAPO molecular sieve, oxygen enrichment membrane having pore sizes suitable for discriminating between O2 molecules and N2 molecules, resulting in selective transport of the O2 molecules through the membrane to a permeate side of the membrane. Also disclosed is a method for producing the membrane.

Abstract: Problem to be Solved: To provide a gas separation membrane having an excellent performance balance (balance between gas permeation performance and gas separation ability) as a gas separation membrane. Solution: A gas separation membrane comprising a porous support member and a gas separating resin layer formed on the porous support member, wherein the porous support member has a mode diameter as measured by a mercury porosimeter of from 0.005 ?m to 0.3 ?m, and a pore size distribution index as measured by the mercury porosimeter of from 1 to 15.

Abstract: A liquid degasser for a space device including a gas permeable material configured for contact with a flow of liquid to be de-gassed on one side and a vacuum on the other side, and wherein the gas permeable material allows gas in the liquid to diffuse to the vacuum to remove the gas from the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: A manganese oxide contains M1, optionally M2, Mn and O. M1 is selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. M2 is different from M1, and M2 is selected from the group consisting of Bi, In, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. These ceramic materials are hexagonal in structure, and provide superior materials for gas separation and oxygen storage.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of walls, and at least one inlet and/or outlet, said container including an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within the container, the apparatus including at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates, said membrane dividing the container into a first region being for holding cargo and a second region defining a gas buffer region, and said membrane being permeable permitting for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s).

Abstract: A device for use in a fluid system includes a fuel channel for receiving fuel having dissolved gas therein. A gas permeable membrane supported by a porous support, the gas permeable membrane in communication with the fuel channel. A gas-removal channel adjacent the gas permeable membrane for receiving the dissolved gas from the fuel through the gas permeable membrane and the porous support.

Abstract: An artificial lung includes a housing, a tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle contained in the housing and providing a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes having a gas exchange function, a gas inflow port and a gas outflow port communicating with each other through hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes, and a blood inflow port and a blood outflow port through which blood is distributed. The tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle has a cylindrical overall shape, and a filter member having a bubble-trapping function is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle.

Abstract: A gas diffusion substrate includes a non-woven network of carbon fibres, the carbon fibres are graphitised but the non-woven network has not been subjected to a graphitisation process. A mixture of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer is disposed within the network. The longest dimension of at least 90% of the graphitic particles is less than 100 ?m. A process for manufacturing gas diffusion substrates includes depositing a slurry of graphitised carbon fibres onto a porous bed forming a wet fibre network, preparing a suspension of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer, applying onto, and pulling the suspension into, the network, and drying and firing the network. Another process includes mixing a first slurry of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer with a second slurry of graphitised carbon fibres and liquid forming a third slurry, depositing the third slurry onto a porous bed forming a fibre-containing layer, and drying and firing the layer.

Abstract: A membrane-based gas separation process for treating gas streams that contain methane in low concentrations. The invention involves flowing the stream to be treated across the feed side of a membrane and flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side. Carbon dioxide permeates the membrane preferentially and is picked up in the sweep air stream on the permeate side; oxygen permeates in the other direction and is picked up in the methane-containing stream. The resulting residue stream is enriched in methane as well as oxygen and has an EMC value enabling it to be either flared or combusted by mixing with ordinary air.

Abstract: An ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel having an interior, an exterior, an inlet, and an outlet; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region, wherein any inlet and any outlet of the pressure vessel are in flow communication with exterior regions of the membrane modules; and (c) one or more gas manifolds in flow communication with interior regions of the membrane modules and with the exterior of the pressure vessel. The ion transport membrane system may be utilized in a gas separation device to recover oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas or as an oxidation reactor to oxidize compounds in a feed gas stream by oxygen permeated through the mixed metal oxide ceramic material of the membrane modules.

Abstract: A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A gas diffusion barrier contains a polymer matrix and a functional graphene which displays no signature of graphite and/or graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: An air separation module and blanket has an air separation module having an air inlet, an oxygen outlet and a nitrogen outlet. At least one tank has air separation elements for separating oxygen from air, and delivers the separated oxygen to the oxygen outlet, and delivers nitrogen to the nitrogen outlet. A resistance heating element is positioned between the blanket and the air separation module. Further, an inventive blanket for use with the air separation module is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: This abstract discusses membranes needed to separate fluids for the production of oxygen-enriched air, nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from various petrochemical and oil refining streams. Membranes are needed that provide a resistance to interaction with process components or contaminants, provide the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane differential pressures and high process temperatures, and exhibit sufficient maximum strain such that membranes are not brittle and can easily be formed into desirable membrane forms. Membranes of polyimide polymers, particularly polyimide polymers sold under the trade name P-84, are annealed in a controlled annealing step to improve the mechanical properties of the polymers used to make separation membranes.

Abstract: A method of oxygen enrichment in which a gaseous mixture containing O2 molecules and N2 molecules is provided to a feed side of a SAPO molecular sieve, oxygen enrichment membrane having pore sizes suitable for discriminating between O2 molecules and N2 molecules, resulting in selective transport of the O2 molecules through the membrane to a permeate side of the membrane. Also disclosed is a method for producing the membrane.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane has: a polymeric microporous membrane which has a polyolefin as a main component, and which is manufactured by wet phase separation process, and has a porosity of 20 to 80%, an average pore diameter of 1 to 100 nm and a piercing strength at 100° C. of 2 to 50 N; and a gas-separating thin film, which is provided on at least one surface, and/or the interior of the polymeric microporous membrane, and which comprises a fluorine-containing gas-separating resin as a main component, and has an average thickness of 0.01 ?m to less than 0.4 ?m. The gas separation membrane having an oxygen-nitrogen separation factor not smaller than 1.4.

Abstract: A method of operating a mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic membrane having an oxidizing side and a reducing side, said method comprising a start-up phase and a production phase, for producing a gas stream, characterized in that the start-up phase comprises a step of introducing, on the oxidizing side and the reducing side of the membrane respectively, first and second gas mixtures not capable of chemically degrading the membrane; and a step of establishing a stream of oxygen through the membrane.

Abstract: A non-porous membrane suitable for use in removing dissolved oxygen in a fuel deoxygenator device in an aircraft is produced by solvent casting. A first membrane layer is deposited on a substrate. A second membrane layer is deposited on top of the first membrane layer. Subsequent membrane layers may be deposited on top of the second membrane layer as desired. The resulting non-porous membrane allows little or no leaking of fuel across the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membranes including hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes with high permeances for air separations and a method of making these membranes. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes have O2 permeance higher than 300 GPU and O2/N2 selectivity higher than 3 at 60° C. under 308 kPa for O2/N2 separation. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes also have CO2 permeance higher than 1000 GPU and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 higher than 20 at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: A method for producing metal powder is provided the comprising supplying a molten bath containing a reducing agent, contacting a metal oxide with the molten bath for a time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the metal in the metal oxide to elemental metal and produce free oxygen; and isolating the elemental metal from the molten bath.

Abstract: A system is provided for supplying reductants to an emission treatment unit. The system comprises a fuel tank adapted to directly or indirectly supply a first premixed fuel stream and a second premixed fuel stream, wherein each fuel stream comprises a primary fuel component and an oxygenate reductant component. An engine is in fluid communication with the fuel tank, wherein the engine is configured to receive the first premixed fuel stream and create an exhaust stream. The system further includes an emission treatment unit to treat the exhaust stream. A separation unit is configured to receive the second premixed fuel stream, separate the second premixed fuel stream into a first fraction stream and a second fraction stream, and supply the first fraction stream to the emission treatment unit, wherein the first fraction stream comprises a higher concentration of the oxygenate reductant component than the second fraction stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying oxygen to meet a user demand in which oxygen is separated from air by an electrically driven oxygen separation device to supply oxygen to meet the user demand and to charge an adsorbent bed with all or part of the separated oxygen. When a user demand exists, oxygen can be supplied from both the electrically driven oxygen separation device and from oxygen desorbed from the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: A degassing device (203) comprises a first chamber (21) having an inlet for a liquid, and a second chamber (22) having an opening (23) closed by a hydrophobic membrane (24) and an outlet (25) for discharging the liquid. The first chamber (21) has a downstream portion that partially extends within the second chamber (22) and communicates therewith by a passageway (28). The second chamber (22) has a downstream portion that extends below the passageway (28) and asymmetrically surrounds the downstream portion of the first chamber (21).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of high performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and methods for making and using the same. The MMMs comprise a continuous polymer matrix and at least two types of molecular sieves dispersed therein. The continuous polymer matrix in the MMM contains at least one type of polymer. The MMM in the form of a dense film, asymmetric flat sheet membrane or otherwise prepared exhibits simultaneously improved selectivity and permeability for gas separations compared to polymer membranes made from a continuous polymer matrix without any molecular sieves or with only one type of molecular sieve. MMMs of the present invention are suitable for a wide range of gas, vapor, and liquid separations such as alcohol/water, CO2/CH4, H2/CH4, O2/N2, CO2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins, and other light gases separations.

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.

Abstract: A separator for a hydraulic system is provided, including a substrate and a membrane. The substrate includes a substrate outer surface and a gas side expulsion area. The expulsion area is for expelling gas from the separator. The membrane is in communication with the substrate, and is for permeating gas to the substrate outer surface while substantially blocking ingression of fluid to the substrate. The substrate outer surface is for receiving gas. The substrate is for transporting gas from the substrate outer surface to the expulsion area.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas generators and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of generating a gas enriched in a specific component. In other embodiments, the devices are configured to pressurize and regulate the temperature of atmospheric air prior to passing said air through a selectively permeable gas membrane. In further embodiments, a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane.

Abstract: There is disclosed an asymmetric gas separation membrane exhibiting both improved gas separation performance and improved mechanical properties, which is made of a soluble aromatic polyimide comprised of a repeating unit represented by general formula (1): wherein B in general formula (1) B comprises 10 to 70 mol % of tetravalent unit B1 represented by general formula (B1) and 90 to 30 mol % of tetravalent unit B2 represented by general formula (B2), and A in general formula (1) comprises 10 to 50 mol % of bivalent unit A1 represented by general formula (A1a) or the like and 90 to 30 mol % of bivalent unit A2 represented by general formula (A2a) or the like.

Abstract: A method for operating a power plant (2), which includes at least one compressor (3), at least one turbine (4), and a burner arrangement (5), involves, to enhance the power plant (2), feeding a combustion exhaust gas from a pre-burner (8) of the burner arrangement (5) to an oxygen-removal device (11), which removes gas of the oxygen from the combustion exhaust gas in which it is contained.