Abstract: A metal solution-diffusion membrane of a macroporous base on which a thin metal membrane layer is formed is disclosed. In the membrane, the base includes a hollow fiber with a metal material containing an intermediate layer being formed between the hollow fiber and the metal membrane layer. The metal solution-diffusion membrane can be made with a very thin metal membrane layer with high permeability and possesses long-term stability as well as a great separation surface/volume ratio. A method for producing a metal solution-diffusion membrane in which the intermediate layer serves to provide nuclei for the subsequent currentless deposition of the metal layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: An immobilized liquid membrane has a substrate. A plurality of capsules is disposed on the substrate. Each of the capsules is permeable to a first gas of a mixture of gasses comprising the first gas and a second gas. Each of the capsules is substantially impermeable to the second gas. A liquid is disposed in each of the capsules that is permeable to the first gas and substantially impermeable to the second gas.

Abstract: The gas separator fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a gas separator 10 having a gas separation membrane 30 formed on at least one surface of a tubular support 31 having a through hole 7 in axial direction and comprising porous ceramics, a cap-like metal member 1 and a ring-shaped metal member 4 are fixed to one and the other open end of the gas separator 10 through seal members, respectively, and seal members are gland packings 11 and 12. A gas separating device can be provided in which there hardly occurs breakage of the tubular support constituting the gas separator 10 due to the thermal stress and there hardly occurs reduction of air-tightness between the gas separator 10 and the supporter supporting the gas separator caused by load of heat cycles, and besides which can be used even under the conditions of high temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides a DDR type zeolite membrane, characterized in that it is formed as a membrane on a substrate and its main component is silica, and that each single gas permeance at room temperature and 100° C. are different, respectively among at least two types of gases selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), normal butane (n-C4H10), isobutane (i-C4H10), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), propane (C3H8), propylene (C3H6), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen monoxide (NO).

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that a vapor of the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.

Abstract: An air drying system for a vehicle including a membrane air dryer is provided. The air dryer is supplied with a stream of compressed air that has a low and constant concentration of oil vapor. A coalescing filter element may be used to maintain the oil vapor concentration. The filtered material may be discharged from the coalescing filter by a pressure swing drain valve, which discharges the filtered material upon unloading of the compressor.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite membrane includes coating a substrate, such as, for example, an asymmetrical porous hollow fiber substrate, with a solution which includes a perfluorinated polymer and a perfluorinated solvent. Prior to coating, the substrate is impregnated with an impregnation fluid which is immiscible with the perfluorinated solvent. The method of the invention further includes removing the perfluorinated solvent and the impregnation fluid. A composite membrane includes a porous asymmetric hollow fiber substrate having an outer surface coated with a perfluoropolymer coating. Separation devices which include composite membranes and methods of separating a fluid mixture into a fraction enriched in a first component and a fraction depleted in that component also are described.

Abstract: A halide gas separating and collecting device for separating and collecting halide gas from mixed gas containing the halide gas, wherein at least first and second stage separating membrane modules are stacked in multiple stages. The method comprises: feeding the mixed gas to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, feeding the gas passed through the previous separating membrane module to the inlets of the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules, recycling the gas unpassed through the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, and controlling the flow of gas unpassed through the first stage separating membrane module by a control valve connected to the unpassed gas outlet of the first stage separating membrane module, whereby the halide gas can be separated and collected as unpassed gas at a high density and a high collection rate.

Abstract: An isolation device for one or more ion transport membranes and that has a housing and one or more check valves in communication with one or more passageways extending through the housing to prevent gas flow within the housing and the ion transport membrane(s) upon breakage thereof. Where a lance tube is used with the oxygen transport membrane a second check valve can be used. The check valves, preferably contain spring loaded poppet valves which, though normally open, are capable of resetting themselves into a closed position upon breakage or other failure of the oxygen transport membrane tubes.

Abstract: Composite hydrogen transport membranes, which are used for extraction of hydrogen from gas mixtures are provided. Methods are described for supporting metals and metal alloys which have high hydrogen permeability, but which are either too thin to be self supporting, too weak to resist differential pressures across the membrane, or which become embrittled by hydrogen. Support materials are chosen to be lattice matched to the metals and metal alloys. Preferred metals with high permeability for hydrogen include vanadium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, palladium, and alloys thereof. Hydrogen-permeable membranes include those in which the pores of a porous support matrix are blocked by hydrogen-permeable metals and metal alloys, those in which the pores of a porous metal matrix are blocked with materials which make the membrane impervious to gases other than hydrogen, and cermets fabricated by sintering powders of metals with powders of lattice-matched ceramic.

Abstract: A membrane-based process for separating mixtures of target gases if the gas mixture also contains C3+ hydrocarbon vapors. The process uses gas-separation membranes having a base membrane and a coating layer. The base membrane incorporates a selective layer made from a polymer selective between the light gases to be separated. The coating layer comprises a fluorinated polymer capable of protecting the base membrane from C3+ hydrocarbon vapors and liquids.

Abstract: A device for continuously humidifying and dehumidifying feed air for a manufacturing process or a ventilation and air conditioning installation includes a membrane contactor having a membrane, the feed air being passed along one side of the membrane and a hygroscopic liquid being passed along another side of the membrane. A regenerator is provided for lowering the water content of the hygroscopic liquid. A metering device is provided for adding water to increase the water content of the hygroscopic liquid. A control device is connected to the metering device and to the regenerator, the control device being configured to control the water content of the hygroscopic liquid and enable a switching between humidification and dehumidification of the feed air as a function of the water vapor partial pressure difference between the feed air and the hygroscopic liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module or a capillary membrane module as well as a device having such a module. In the method, hollow fibers or capillaries are placed, in an unsintered state, in a mold structured for receiving the hollow fibers or capillaries and are sintered once inside the mold. Subsequently or simultaneously, the fibers are potted in the mold. The method permits producing hollow fiber membrane modules or capillary membrane modules in a simple manner with little risk of breakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an air dryer to a commercial vehicle is provided. The end caps of the membrane air dryer are used to retain the membrane air dryer core and attach the membrane air dryer to the surface of the air supply reservoir. Bosses can be welded to the external surface of the air supply reservoir, which can then be used to mount the membrane air dryer by bolting the end caps to the bosses. The method and apparatus can be applied to two or three tank air supply reservoir systems. A disengagement tank may be included within the air dryer system, in place of a coalescing filter, to reduce the amount of moisture that reaches the membrane air dryer core.

Abstract: A hydrogen permselective membrane, a method of forming a permselective membrane and an apparatus comprising a permselective membrane, a porous substrate and an optional intermediate layer are described. Using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low reactant gas concentration, high permselectivities are achieved with minimal reduction in hydrogen permeance.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.

Abstract: An integrated mobile phase degassing and blending apparatus for transport of liquid chromatography fluids therethrough includes a component having a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion defining an enclosed degassing chamber, and the second portion including a mobile phase blending device, wherein the degassing chamber and the mobile phase blending device are operably coupled to one another such that the liquid chromatography fluids pass directly into the blending device from the degassing chamber. In a particular embodiment, the degassing chamber is specifically configured to accommodate multiple distinct flexible degassing tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel cell sub-stack comprising a plurality of tubular fuel cells, and a solid-state matrix in which the fuel cells are embedded. Each fuel cell comprises an inner electrode layer, an outer electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the inner and outer electrode layers. The matrix is electronic or mixed (electronic and ionic) conductive, porous enough for a first reactant to flow through the matrix and to the outer electrode of each fuel cell, and strong enough to support the fuel cells in the stack. The fuel cells are embedded such that a second reactant may be flowed through the inside of each tubular fuel cell and to the inner electrode thereof. The sub-stack may be combined with other sub-stacks to form a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane gas separation apparatus of a compact design suitable for separation and purification of gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing that consists of a detachable bowl and a head closure, and a removable hollow fiber membrane cartridge positioned therein. The cartridge contains a concentric tubular inner core member and is surrounded by a shell and at least one end closure. The cartridge is attached by its first axial end in a sealed and removable manner to a gas flow conduit positioned coaxially in the housing closure wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with a gas inlet or product gas outlet port formed in the housing head closure and by its second axial end to a waste gas exit port in the bowl. The feed gas inlet port and the product gas outlet port in the head closure are spaced in a straight line for a short overall distance providing for a linear connection with other components of a gas separation system, which is a preferred system component packaging.

Abstract: A fully perfluorinated thermoplastic hollow fiber membrane fluid-fluid contactor and a process for manufacturing the contactor is described. The contactor has a unitary end structure produced by a single step potting and bonding process. The contactor can be operated with low surface tension liquids and in harsh chemical environments.

Abstract: Porous hollow polymer fiber membranes having convoluted inside and/or outside surfaces, as well as filter devices comprising a plurality of the hollow fiber membranes, the devices preferably being arranged to direct fluid flow from the inside surface of the membranes to the outside surface, methods of making the membranes, and methods of using the filter devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: The gas separator fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a gas separator 10 having a gas separation membrane 30 formed on at least one surface of a tubular support 31 having a through hole 7 in axial direction and comprising porous ceramics, a cap-like metal member 1 and a ring-shaped metal member 4 are fixed to one and the other open end of the gas separator 10 through seal members, respectively, and seal members are gland packings 11 and 12. A gas separating device can be provided with causing hardly the breakage of the tubular support constituting the gas separator 10 due to the thermal stress and the reduction of air-tightness between the gas separator 10 and the supporter supporting the gas separator due to load of heat cycles, and besides which can be used even under conditions of high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane contactor for debubbling (or degassing) a liguid. The membrane contactor comprises a perforated core tube, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes surrounding the tubes and having an end, a tube sheet affixing the end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the core tube, and a shell surrounding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the tube sheet. A lumen side is defined by an internal surface of the membranes. A shell side is defined by the perforated core tube, an external surface of said membrane, and the shell. The membrane is a single layered, skinned, polymethylpentene hollow fiber microporous membrane. The skin is on the shell side.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dehydrating gas in a system having control gas and supply gas. A first housing is fluidly connected to supply gas and a first membrane member is in the first housing flow path, with a plurality of tubes having interstitial spaces therebetween, each tube being more permeable to water vapor than to gas. Supply gas exiting the first membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is metered to the first membrane member interstitial spaces, whereby dried supply gas sweeps water or water vapor from the first membrane member interstitial spaces to surrounding environment. A second housing similar to the first has a similar second membrane member therein and fluidly connected to control gas. Control gas exiting second membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is also metered to second membrane member interstitial spaces, and sweeps water or water vapor from second member interstitial spaces through the second housing vent.

Abstract: This invention's object is to eliminate a possibility that both aromatic substances and olefin substances are resolved into deaerated liquid contacted with a transmission film. As a transmission film for allowing only gas to pass and preventing liquid from being passed therethrough, there is applied a product of high volatile characteristic in which dispersion liquid composed of single solution is added to particle plastic substrate to form paste material is extruded and baked.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer continuous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer continuous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeance of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane gas separation apparatus of a compact design suitable for separation and purification of gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing that consists of a detachable bowl and a head closure, and a removable hollow fiber membrane cartridge positioned therein. The cartridge contains several concentric separation zones and provides for efficient countercurrent flow configuration between the feed gas on the shell side and the permeate sweep gas on the lumen side of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively gas permeable membrane that has a superior combination of permeability and selectivity. The membrane composition includes a Type 1 copolyimide uniformly blended with a Type 2 copolyimide, which polymers are defined by chemical structure more specifically in this disclosure. The invention also provides a method of using the membrane of the copolyimide blend to separate components of gas mixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for venting a gas from a liquid delivery system are provided. A venting tube may be provided and may be positioned within a chamber that contains the liquid. The liquid may have a top surface within the chamber. The venting tube may have an opening covered by a liquiphobic membrane or a hydrophobic membrane. The membrane may define a plane or a surface which is not parallel to the top surface of the liquid. Gas may pass through a portion of the membrane into the venting tube. Moreover, the membrane may vent the gas. The membrane is non-parallel to the liquid, and, as a result, the membrane may be less prone to clogging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane gas separation assembly having an integral purge control aperture or purge reflux system which is internal to the hollow fiber apparatus. The assembly is particularly useful for separating water vapor from a gas stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: A method of post treating gas separation membranes to seal porous defects that are initially produced in an ultra thin selectively gas permeable layer of the membrane involves contacting the defect-bearing section of the membrane with a suspension containing caulking particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. The caulking particles are composed of curable polymer having functional groups that can react with each other and/or the membrane composition in absence of water. The water of suspension is removed and the polymer of the caulking particles is cured to seal the defects and render the membrane highly effective for gas separations. Low surface tension of the suspension can be enhanced by incorporating a surfactant and allows asymmetric membranes to be dried directly from water wet to dry state, for example by evaporation, without excessive densification of porous portions of the membrane.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a gas impermeable seal on a porous ceramic surface using a thin, glass-based, pinhole free glaze. The process can be used to fabricate gas impermeable end seals on porous alumina tubes used as filter media. The porous alumina tubes can have an inorganic microporous thin film separation membrane on the inner surface, which can be used for high temperature gas separation processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation and uses of novel polymeric materials, polyimide amic acid salts (PIAAS). The use of these materials for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes is further disclosed.

Abstract: Tubesheet materials for hollow fiber membrane module are disclosed using materials to provide for improved performance at high temperatures. The tubesheets are cast from a mixture of solidifiable resinous components that are designed to provide desirable processing characteristics to the mixture in its initial liquid state, as well as improved thermal properties its final cured casting state.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an installation for purifying impure helium. Said method consists in subjecting the helium to at least two successive steps: (a) cryogenic refrigeration of impure helium so as to eliminate by condensation at least part of the main impurities it contains and recuperating helium with intermediate purity containing residual impurities; and (b) permeation of at least part of the helium with intermediate purity derived form step (a) so as to eliminate at least part of said residual impurities and recuperating helium with final purity higher than said intermediate purity. Said method and said installation are useful for purifying impure helium recuperated at the output of an optical fibre cooling chamber, prior to the reintroduction of the resulting purified helium into said chamber so as to recycle the helium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system and a pump impeller with a single piece metal insert. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.

Abstract: A flow-dampening degassing apparatus for transport of liquid chromatography fluids therethrough includes a substantially burdoin-shaped flexible tube disposed in a reduced-pressure chamber, the tube being sufficiently flexible to expand in a cross-sectional direction upon incursion of a fluid pulsation to thereby increase an inner volume of the tube and correspondingly reduce fluid pressure therein. In a particular embodiment, the tube is fabricated from a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable material for degassing transported fluids in the reduced-pressure chamber.

Abstract: Isopycnic or asymmetric mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes for gas separation can be made by a continuous spinning process. Mixed matrix membranes are characterized by a continuous phase of selectively gas permeable polymer in which are uniformly dispersed discrete absorbent particles such as molecular sieves that also have selectivity enhancing properties. The fibers can be monolithic in which the fiber wall is entirely mixed matrix, or composite in which an active mixed matrix layer is positioned adjacent to a supporting substrate layer. The novel mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes provide higher selectivity than dense film membranes of the continuous phase polymer.

Abstract: A process is provided for chemically modifying a dual-layer hollow fibre, wherein the fibre comprises a first layer consisting essentially of a polyimide and a second layer consisting essentially of a polymer which is substantially unaffected by the chemical modification process. The process comprises contacting the polyimide layer with a polyamine. In addition, a process is provided for chemically modifying a polyimide membrane in general, using a process which comprises contacting the membrane with an alcoholic solution of an aliphatic-aromatic polyamine.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A method of producing high-purity helium, which contains the step of: producing high-purity helium of 99.99 mol % or higher, by a process in which crude helium having a helium concentration of 40 to 90 mol % is, at least, permeated through a separation membrane module composed of a plurality of glass hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module and potting material can be used for chemical deaeration in a semiconductor production process, in printers, in a liquid crystal sealing process or in a chemical production process. A hollow fiber membrane module 1 includes, as potting material 2, an epoxy resin cured product in which the weight change per unit surface area of a potting material test piece after immersing the test piece in a chemical for 6 months at room temperature is within the range of −20 to +20 mg/cm2, and as housing 4, a polyolefin in which the weight change per unit surface area of a test piece after immersing the test piece in a chemical for 6 months at room temperature is within the range of −20 to +20 mg/cm2, and the total metal content is 300 ppm or less. The module has a long service life when used for chemical treatment without leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating chemical and biological agents using the reactive properties of both the single atomic oxygen and the hydroxyl radical for the decontamination of chemical and biological agents. The apparatus is self contained and portable and allows for the application of gas reactants directly at the required decontamination point. The system provides for the use of ultraviolet light of a specific spectral range to photolytically break down ozone into molecular oxygen and hydroxyl radicals where some of the molecular oxygen is in the first excited state. The excited molecular oxygen will combine with water vapor to produce two hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: An extraction device for liquid—liquid extraction of at least one analyte from a sample and on-line transfer of the analyte(s) to a gas chromatography extraction unit, a sample inlet, a sample outlet, and an organic liquid inlet, wherein the extraction device also includes a needle to be connected with a gas chromatography apparatus injector for the on-line transfer of the analyte(s) from the membrane-based extraction unit to the gas chromatography apparatus via the needle, an organic liquid being immobilized as a stagnant phase in a volume of less than 20 &mgr;l in the membrame-based extraction unit.