Abstract: An asymmetric membrane is formed using a mixture of two or more different polymers including at least one type of polyimide. It is thereby possible to produce a gas separation membrane with low permeation resistance (a high permeation rate) for permeate gases passing through the porous layer of the membrane, which also maintains a practical level of mechanical strength of the membrane and has excellent water resistance and hot water resistance.

Abstract: An installation and a process for the recovery and/or purification of at least one portion of the nitrous oxide (N2O) contained in a flow of waste gas containing nitrous oxide and at least one other gaseous compound, in which: (a) at least one nitrous oxide portion contained in the flow of waste gas is separated by permeation, and (b) at least a portion of the gaseous nitrous oxide separated in step (a) is recovered. Preferably, the source of the flow of waste gas is an industrial unit using an industrial process giving off the waste gas, preferably a unit for the production of adipic acid, a unit for the production of nitrous oxide, a unit for the production of glycoxylic acid or a unit for the production of nitric acid.

Abstract: An improved drying system is provided for removing moisture from gases such that a sufficiently dry gaseous sample is available for accurate analyses of the constituent components. The drying system includes a series of selectively permeable drying tubes or tube bundles located in a shell, where the moisture is removed from the gaseous sample via an ionic channel that extends through the tubing walls. The selectively permeable drying tubes allow water vapor to pass through the tube walls, but prevent the adsorption of most other gases. The sample gas is drawn through the tubes, and dried air is made to pass past the tubes in a counterflow direction. The first stage of the selectively permeable drying tubes is heated to raise the dew point of the gas stream, while the later stage is cooled in order to enhance the drying efficiency of the system. In this fashion, water vapor is removed from the gaseous sample stream in a more efficient manner than is presently available.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring mass between a flow of a first fluid, preferably a gas phase such as a combustion flue gas, and a flow of a second fluid, preferably a liquid phase, where the first fluid is contacted with the outer surface of porous (semi-permeable) membranes, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon ®) membranes, in the form of hollow fibres having gas-containing pores and contacting the second fluid with the inner surface of the membranes. Useful membranes are characterized in that they e.g. have a porosity (&egr;) of at least 0.50, a mass transfer coefficient of e.g. at least 3 cm/s, and a tortuosity factor of e.g. at the most 1.4/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is lower than 0.80 and at the most 1.3/&egr; when the porosity &egr; is 0.80 or higher. The membranes may also be arranged in hollow tubular members where the mass transfer coefficient of the membranes is at least one tenth of the mass transfer coefficient of the gas phase.

Abstract: A flow-through vacuum degassing unit for degassing a mobile phase includes a vacuum conduit adapted to be connected to a source for creating a vacuum in the conduit, an inlet port and an outlet port for admitting and discharging the mobile phase to be degassed, a degassing tube for conducting the mobile phase through the conduit, wherein the degassing tube is a gas-permeable, liquid impermeable material. In a particular embodiment, the degassing tube receives multiple mobile phases blended together in a discrete volume of desired composition.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for separating CO2 from natural gas including: contacting a mixture of CO2 and natural gas with a first side of a carbon membrane in a manner to cause a portion of the mixture to pass through the carbon membrane to a permeate side. The resulting mixture on the permeate side becomes enriched in CO2 over that of the mixture on the first side. The carbon membrane includes an asymmetric hollow filamentary carbon membrane, including a partial carbonization product of an asymmetric hollow filament including an aromatic imide polymer material. The carbon membrane is at least 95 weight percent carbon, and has a dense layer located in the outside surface portion of the hollow filamentary membrane and a porous base layer continued from the dense layer and located in the inside portion of the hollow filamentary membrane. The contacting step occurs at a pressure of at least about 200 psia.

Abstract: An ionic conductor has been developed which exhibits both hydrogen ion conductivity and electronic conductivity. The conductor is a perovskite-type oxide represented by the general formula: ABO3 where A consists of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ca, Mg and Sr and B is Ce1−xMx where M is a multivalent dopant metal, preferably Eu or Tb, and x is greater than 0 and less than 1. It is particularly useful in processes in which hydrogen is separated from a hydrogen-containing gas, e.g. in conversion of natural gas, operation of hydrogen fuel cells, etc.

Abstract: An oxygen separator and method for separating oxygen from a heated oxygen containing gas that employs oxygen-selective ceramic membranes of elongated, tubular configuration within a duct for separation of oxygen from a heated gas. The duct can be attached between the exhaust of a gas turbine and a power generator driven by the exhaust or can be connected to one or more burners of a gas turbine. Supplementary compressed feed air may be added at a flow rate at least equal to that of the permeated oxygen for cooling and flow balancing purposes. A purge stream can also be introduced. Additionally, combustor tubes fabricated from an oxygen-selective ceramic membrane material may also be provided to produce combustion products that in turn can be used as a purge for downstream oxygen-selective ceramic membranes.

Abstract: Multicomponent hollow fiber membrane tubesheets are disclosed that provide for improved membrane performance, particularly at high operating pressures. The multicomponent tubesheets have an epoxy resin having, when cured, different degrees of hardness in different portions of the tubesheet. Methods for producing such multicomponent tubesheets are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular hydrogen permeation membrane comprising: (a) adhering at least one layer containing palladium, at least one palladium alloy, platinum, or at least one platinum alloy to a first surface of a plate having such first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, the plate being of a metal or a metal alloy containing at least one metal from a group of the Periodic System of Elements selected from the group consisting of the fourth secondary group and the fifth secondary group, to form a layered plate; and (b) reshaping the layered plate into a tubular hydrogen permeation membrane having an inside wall, so that the layer adhered to the first surface is disposed on the inside wall of the tubular hydrogen permeation membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for making a transfer device comprising a tube bundle. The transfer device is suitable for use as a heat exchanger in a blood cardioplegia circuit, for example. The apparatus axially winds a flexible tube around a winding core. The apparatus includes a winding core, a core rotating means, a tube bobbin, and a tube shuttle to guide the tube around the core. A shuttle rotating means rotates the tube shuttle around the core. The method of making the transfer device includes providing a winding core, winding a tube from end to end around the winding core, fitting the wound bundle into a housing, sealing the first and second ends of the housing using a potting material, cutting the ends of the bundle to expose a lumen within the tubes, and attaching a first end cap and a second end cap.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out gas/liquid/solid phase reactions, comprises a housing (1) which encloses an essentially closed reaction chamber (2) for holding a first liquid phase, the solid phase and a gas phase fed through the chamber; at least one feed (3), connected to the reaction chamber, for feeding a first liquid phase to the reaction chamber (2); at least one hollow fiber (4), the wall of which defines an internal flow channel for at least removing a second liquid phase, such that exchange of matter can take place between the reaction chamber (2) and the flow channel through the wall of hollow fiber (4); at least one discharge (6), connected to the flow channel, for removing the second liquid phase; at least one gas inlet (7) and at least one gas outlet (8), connected to reaction chamber (2) such that, in the use position, the at least one gas inlet (7) opens essentially into the bottom of the reaction chamber (2) and the at least one gas outlet (8) is located essentially at the top of the reaction chamb

Abstract: A glass structure for controlled permeability of gases includes a glass vessel. The glass vessel has walls and a hollow center for receiving a gas. The glass vessel contains a metal oxide dopant formed with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of transition metals and rare earth metals for controlling diffusion of the gas through the walls of the glass vessel. The vessel releases the gas through its walls upon exposure to a radiation source.

Abstract: A filter element includes a bundle of hollow fiber type separation membranes made of a natural or synthetic macromolecular material and a sealed part made of a thermoplastic resin. The bundle has an opening in at least one terminal part thereof. The sealed part is bonded to the bundle at a temperature not higher than the melting or decomposing temperature of the macromolecular material and adapted to seal watertightly the opening of the bundle in a half-bonded state showing no compatibility with the macromolecular material and permitting persistence of the mutual interface of bondage.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a gas, in particular hydrogen, from a fluid stream utilizing a plate membrane flattened with a wave spring on the low pressure side of the membrane and a turbulence generator on the high pressure side. Alternately, the membrane is folded and wrapped against a central conduit within the membrane fold. Extraction membranes have a substrate layer of Ta—W, V—Co, V—Pd, V—Au, V—Cu, V—Al, Nb—Ag, Nb—Au, Nb—Pt, Nb—Pd, V—Ni—Co, V—Ni—Pd, V—Nb—Pt or V—Pd—Au alloy or combination thereof and a first layer affixed to the outer surface of the substrate towards a mixed gas flow which is composed of palladium, platinum, rhodium, or palladium alloys.

Abstract: A mixed gas-separating membrane module having a high separating efficiency includes a cylindrical container having a mixed gas-feed section, a non-permeated gas-delivery section, and a middle section; a bundle of a plurality of hollow fibers each extending through the middle section and each having an end portion opening to the mixed gas-feed section and an opposite end portion opening to the non-permeated gas-delivery section; a pair of a first disk supporting the hollow fiber end portion opening to the mixed gas-feed section and partitioning the middle section from the mixed gas-feed section, and a second disk supporting the opposite hollow fiber end portions opening to the non-permeated gas-delivery section and partitioning the middle section from the non-permeated gas-delivery section, the first and second disks supporting the hollow fibers so that the hollow fibers are spaced from each other, to leave a continuous space between the hollow fibers; and a cylindrical film member surrounding the hollow fiber

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for providing subjects with an increased oxygen supply. Prior art processes, especially diaphragm or molecular sieve technology, are used to prepare oxygen-enriched pure air (10), which is used to flood premises in a building, an “oxygenarium”. These premises are large enough for the subjects exposed to this atmosphere to have considerable freedom of movement, while at the same time it is possible for them to perform strengthening or rehabilitation exercises. The air consumed by the subjects is reprocessed and fed back into the oxygenarium with fresh outside air.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a gas, in particular hydrogen, from a fluid stream utilizing a plate membrane flattened with a wave spring on the low pressure side of the membrane and a turbulence generator on the high pressure side. Alternately, the membrane is folded and wrapped against a central conduit within the membrane fold. Extraction membranes have a substrate layer of Ta—W, V—Co, V—Pd, V—Au, V—Cu, V—Al, Nb—Ag, Nb—Au, Nb—Pt, Nb—Pd, V—Ni—Co, V—Ni—Pd, V—Nb—Pt or V—Pd—Au alloy or combination thereof and a first layer affixed to the outer surface of the substrate towards a mixed gas flow which is composed of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and palladium alloys.

Abstract: A high temperature membrane reactor or gas purification apparatus includes a housing containing a gas heating chamber and a gas extraction component, preferably one or more tubular membranes. The preferred application is for extracting hydrogen from a mixed gas flow or for generating hydrogen, e.g., by reforming methanol, ethanol, or gasoline. A surrounding annulus provides heat exchange and insulation by circulating the mixed gas flow about the housing and then injecting the mixed gas flow into the housing for extraction or reaction. The apparatus further includes an outlet for releasing raffinate preferably including a flow controlling restriction. Heating is provided by conducting the raffinate from the gas extraction component to the heating chamber wherein reaction with a catalyst generates heat. These features, alone or in combination, provide better energy management, better flow management, and better safety than current designs.

Abstract: A method of enriching chlorine gas is described, which method comprises: (a) providing a supported ceramic membrane having a feed side and a permeate side; (b) bringing a feed gas comprising chlorine gas and contaminant gas into contact with the feed side of the ceramic membrane; (c) removing a gaseous permeate depleted in chlorine from the permeate side of the ceramic membrane; and (d) recovering a gas enriched in chlorine from the feed side of the ceramic membrane. The supported ceramic membrane has pore diameters in the range of from 3 angstroms to 12 angstroms. Preferably, the supported ceramic membrane is a substantially cylindrical supported ceramic membrane having a substantially cylindrical internal coaxial passage.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane device comprising an internally staged permeator containing a three dimensional array of hollow fiber membranes grouped into multiple sets in intimate contact with each other is described. The incorporation of the internally staged permeator, particularly, the arrangement of the multiple sets of fiber membranes in intimate contact with each other, results in improved efficiency of the device, especially for feed streams or membrane types that lead to high permeate flow rate that result in excessive shellside pressure drops.

Abstract: A boreside feed gas separation membrane device containing primarily hollow fiber membranes with discrete flow channels incorporated into the bundle to allow for pressure removal of the permeate gas collected on the shellside of the device is described. The flow channels minimize pressure drop and/or the build-up of back pressure on the shellside of the device while maintaining proper counter-current flow patterns in the device. The incorporation of flow channels results in improved efficiency of the device, especially for feed streams or membrane types that lead to high permeate flow rate that result in excessive shellside pressure drops.

Abstract: A process for separating a feed gas stream containing elemental oxygen and at least one other gas into an oxygen product gas stream having a selected concentration of oxygen, by removing the oxygen from a feed gas stream using an ion transport module containing an ion transport membrane having a retentate side and a permeate side to produce both an ultrapure oxygen gas stream emerging from the membrane into the permeate side and a retentate gas stream. The ultrapure oxygen gas stream is blended with an additive gas stream to produce an oxygen product gas stream having a selected concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Tubular bundles are potted in a housing, such as in an oxygenator or a pheresis unit. Spacer material is placed into the housing to cover the first ends of the tubular elements. A layer of potting material is placed into the housing covering the spacer material, and then solidified in place to seal between each of the tubular elements and the housing. The spacer material is then removed from the housing to expose the first ends of the tubular elements. In the oxygenator, at least some of the tubes are gas exchange tubes having an interior lumen and a tube wall which is permeable for oxygen and carbon dioxide flow through the tube wall. The potting separates the housing into manifold chambers communicating with the interior of the tubes and a blood flow chamber sealed from the manifold chambers. Blood flows over the exterior surface of the tubes. Other tubes may be heat transfer tubes, such as for carrying a heat transfer fluid to control the temperature of the blood.

Abstract: A low concentration gas delivery system utilizing a sorbent-based gas storage and delivery unit including a gas storage and dispensing vessel joined in flow communication with a permeation structure. The storage and dispensing vessel contains a solid-phase physical sorbent medium holding a fluid, which is selectively dispensed from the vessel by pressure differential, concentration differential and/or thermal desorption techniques. The dispensed gas flows to the permeation structure, wherein the desorbed fluid is diffusionally released either as a neat fluid, or into a carrier gas in which the desorbed fluid has a precisely maintained concentration, for applications such as calibration of instruments monitoring fluid concentrations, delivery of dopants for fabrication of microelectronic device structures, or other end use application requiring a precise low concentration of fluid.

Abstract: Structures comprising an upper crystalline molecular sieve layer on a support, the crystals being at least partially oriented normal to the plane of the layer, there being a dense intermediate crystalline molecular sieve layer between the support and upper layer.

Abstract: A gas separator includes a porous substrate having fine pores opened on its surface and a metal for separating a gas, the porous substrate having fine pores having an average diameter of 0.1-3.0 .mu.m and a porosity of 25-45%, and the metal for separating a gas being filled into the pores in the porous substrate to close them. A gas separation film seldom exfoliates from the porous substrate, and the gas separator is excellent in durability in comparison with a conventional gas separator.

Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus includes a probe tube having a tip positionable in a stream of products of combustion and a sample dryer tube connected in fluid communication with an end of the probe tube opposite the tip. The sample dryer tube is received in a purge gas tube along a lengthwise axis thereof. The purge gas tube and the sample dryer tube define therebetween a space through which a purge gas pump urges a purge gas in a first direction. A sample pump connected in fluid communication with the sample dryer tube urges therethrough in a second direction opposite the first direction a sample of gas obtained from the stream of products of combustion via the probe tube. A sensor is positioned to detect a constituent of the sample of gas exhausted from the sample dryer tube. The sample dryer tube is formed at least in part of a hydrophilic membrane and the purge gas entering the space contains less water vapor than the sample of gas.

Abstract: A radially wound tubular fiber disk comprises a single strand of tubular fiber having a feed inlet at one end and a feed outlet at the other. Radially arranged adhesive strips forming seams maintain a desired spacing between adjacent convolutions of the tubular fiber disk and hold the disk in place.

Abstract: A condenser system for controlling vapor concentration contained in a flowing airstream is provided. The flowing airstream has an initial temperature upon entering the condenser system and a final temperature upon exiting the condenser system. The condenser system has a membrane member allowing mass transfer of the vapor therethrough with the airstream contacting the membrane member. A condensing member diffuses the vapor from the airstream through the membrane member. An insulating layer is positioned between the membrane member and the condensing member with the insulating layer inhibiting heat transfer between the flowing airstream and the condensing member wherein the final temperature of the airstream is substantially equal to the initial temperature of the airstream.

Abstract: The present invention has a resist processing apparatus for supplying a processing solution onto an object to be processed to perform a resist process, including a processing solution supply nozzle for supplying the processing solution onto the object to be processed, a processing solution feeding arrangement for feeding the processing solution to the processing solution supply nozzle, a processing solution flow path arranged to extend between the processing solution feeding arrangement and the processing solution supply nozzle, and a processing solution deaeration mechanism arranged at an intermediate portion of the processing solution flow path to deaerate the processing solution.

Abstract: A membrane dryer apparatus for moist air includes a housing (1) that contains a tubular fabric strand bundle (7) of tubular fabric strands (8) made of selective absorption material through which air to be dried flows, water vapor diffusing through the fabric and collecting on its outside. A portion of the dried compressed output air is channeled off near the discharge (12) of the membrane dryer and passed through a scavenging air duct (14) having a throttle (16) and passed around the outside of the fabric strand bundle to scavenge moisture and remove it through discharge openings (17, 18) to the outside air. To limit consumption of scavenging air, an independent shut-off valve (19), working as an airflow sensor, is installed in the output air duct (13), and this shut-off valve (19) opens only when output air is actually extracted by a user.

Abstract: A gas separator includes a porous substrate having fine pores opened on its surface and a metal for separating a gas, the porous substrate having fine pores having an average diameter of 0.4-0.9 .mu.m, and the metal for separating a gas being filled into the pores in the porous substrate to close them. A gas separation film seldom exfoliate from the porous substrate, and the gas separator is excellent in durability in comparison with a conventional gas separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation of substances using a membrane separation device includes a housing which is mechanically coupled to a substance inlet and a permeate outlet. The housing also supports a membrane filter that includes a tubular structure that is at least partially porous and is constructed in a helical-type shape. The membrane separation device separates substances by receiving a mixture of substances at the substance inlet and passing the substance to the membrane filter. Due to the helical-type shape, centrifugal force aids in the separation process, by mining fouling, and does so in a relatively small space while maximizing the specific membrane area.

Abstract: A dehumidifying device in which lower humidity can be achieved in a side to be dehumidified (a side of a box) and the stable continued effect can also be obtained without any dehumidifying effect which stays at a low level due to water vapor gas electrified by an electric panel accommodated in the box side, hydrogen gas existing in outside air, or other floating dusts easily electrified in the air or the like. The dehumidifying device comprises a tubular body provided in a wall section of a box and forming a vent path for air communication between inside and outside of the box, and a vent body formed by providing an electrically grounded conductive porous body adjacent to at least one side of a waterproof membrane having moisture-permeable micro-throughholes to make a pair therewith and arranging at least two pairs thereof at a space from each other inside said tubular body to shield an inside space of the vent path into at least one chamber in the direction from the box to the outside.

Abstract: An ion chromatography system analyzes the environment in semiconductor equipment for foreign materials. The system includes an impinger section for preparing a sample of the atmosphere, and an ion chromatography section. The impinger section includes an absorbent solution vessel, suction and exhaust piping connecting the vessel to the environment, and a pump for transporting atmosphere under pressure. The ion chromatography section includes a guard column, a separation column, and a detector. The suction pipe has an intake port positioned at a target site whose environment is to be analyzed. The impinger section is connected to the ion chromatography section so that the absorbent solution of the vessel directly enters the ion chromatography section. To promote the absorption of the atmosphere into the solution, the absorbent solution vessel may be in the form of an elongate diffusion scrubber having an outer cylindrical vessel and an inner tube made of a selective membrane.

Abstract: A supported gas separation membrane for separating a particular component from a mixture of gases, a process for its manufacture and the use of the membrane in the separation of gases are provided in which the supported gas separation membrane comprises (a) a porous polymeric support layer and (b) an asymmetric gas separation membrane layer formed from a polyimide having repeating units of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is: ##STR2## and x is an integer.

Abstract: The invention provides for gas separation membranes with superior gas transport properties made from certain two- and three-component blends of polyethersulfone with aromatic polyimides, to provide a gas separation membrane with superior productivity and good selectivity.

Abstract: Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A high temperature membrane reactor or gas purification apparatus includes a housing containing a gas heating chamber and a gas extraction component, preferably one or more tubular membranes. The preferred application is for extracting hydrogen from a mixed gas flow or for generating hydrogen, e.g., by reforming methanol, ethanol, or gasoline. A surrounding annulus provides heat exchange and insulation by circulating the mixed gas flow about the housing and then injecting the mixed gas flow into the housing for extraction or reaction. The apparatus further includes an outlet for releasing raffinate preferably including a flow controlling restriction. Heating is provided by conducting the raffinate from the gas extraction component to the heating chamber wherein reaction with a catalyst generates heat. These features, alone or in combination, provide better energy management, better flow management, and better safety than current designs.

Abstract: A separation module to be used for separation and filtration of micro-substances. The separation module comprises a bundled configuration of a plurality of hollow thread-type porous membrane elements made of high polymer material. The bundled configuration is sealingly disposed in a casing, in which the thread-type porous membrane elements are bound each other by means of molten thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing and solvent delivery apparatus for those solvents being utilized in high pressure liquid chromatographic operations and/or applications. The degassing and delivery apparatus of the present invention is designed for attachment directly to a solvent reservoir, such as a double-ended bottle having a threaded portion along the bottom end thereof. The arrangement facilitates ease of installation and removal of the vacuum degassing, recycling and delivery apparatus so as to accommodate a variety of installation applications and requirements. The solvent degassing system of the present invention further includes the utilization of an atmospheric impermeable composite tubing structure which is effective for isolating fluids from atmospheric contamination during transport.

Abstract: An inorganic filter element for filtering a fluid medium in order to recover a filtrate, the filter element being of the type including an inorganic rigid porous support of cylindrical shape having a longitudinal central axis, and channels formed in the support parallel to its central axis and presenting respective surfaces each covered in at least one separator layer that is intended to come into contact with the fluid medium, and at least some "peripheral" ones of the channels. The channels have their centers situated on a circle that is coaxial about the central axis and present a peripheral wall situated facing the outside surface of the support and co-operating therewith to define a direct through passage for the filtrate, and at least one radial wall co-operating with the facing radial wall of an adjacent channel to define a partition, the walls being interconnected by connection fillets. The channels also have a transverse cross-section that is non-circular.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mixed ionic electronic conductor membrane comprising a dense layer sandwiched between two porous layers. Furthermore the invention discloses the application of this membrane to the use of partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. One porous layer, which is in contact with air, promotes the generation of oxygen ions. The oxygen ions diffuse through the dense layer to the second porous layer which is in contact with a hydrocarbon and result in partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A system for generating oxygen enriched air includes a compressed air supply for supplying compressed air and a permeable membrane gas separation system for separating a nitrogen gas component and an oxygen enriched air component from the compressed air. An oxygen analyzer is provided to detect an oxygen concentration in the oxygen enriched air component. The nitrogen gas component is divided, by a vortex tube, into a cold gas stream and a hot gas stream, and solenoid valves are actuated to modify a flow path of the compressed air through the cold gas stream and the hot gas stream in order to selectively heat and cool the compressed air. The oxygen enriched air is then selectively distributed for further use.

Abstract: The invention comprises an annular hollow fiber membrane module comprising a plurality of helically wound layers of semi-permeable hollow fibers, wherein the fiber wind angle varies across the axial length of the module in one or more layers. In a preferred embodiment, the module has at least one tubesheet region and an active region, and the wind angle in the tubesheet region of the module differs from the wind angle in the active region of the module. A method of making the module, and a separation module which includes the module described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ion transport reactor and process for using same having at least one ion transport membrane with a retentate side and a permeate side, for extracting oxygen from a feed gas stream as it flows along the retentate side. A reactant gas stream is flowed along the permeate side of the ion transport tubes to react with the oxygen transported therethrough. Heat is transferred to a fluid stream flowing through the ion transport reactor while the temperature of the membrane is maintained within its operating range.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes having enhanced selectivity for a mixture of gases is disclosed. The membranes may be asymmetric or multicomponent. The membranes surprisingly provide selectivity for gases in a mixture that approaches the relative selectivity of the single gas components. Preferably the membrane provides selectivity for a mixture of gases which is at least 65%, preferably 80%, of the relative selectivity of the corresponding single gases. A process for making improved gas separation membranes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for packaging a product comprising: i) a dispensing device such that the product is not brought into contact with the environment, ii) constituent walls which are impermeable to gases and to visible-ultraviolet light, wherein a surface of the walls in contact with the product is non-metallic; and iii) an oxygen-trapping device.

Abstract: Supported inorganic membranes capable of molecular sieving, and methods for their production, are provided. The subject membranes exhibit high flux and high selectivity. The subject membranes are substantially defect free and less than about 100 nm thick. The pores of the subject membranes have an average critical pore radius of less than about 5 .ANG., and have a narrow pore size distribution. The subject membranes are prepared by coating a porous substrate with a polymeric sol, preferably under conditions of low relative pressure of the liquid constituents of the sol. The coated substrate is dried and calcined to produce the subject supported membrane. Also provided are methods of derivatizing the surface of supported inorganic membranes with metal alkoxides. The subject membranes find use in a variety of applications, such as the separation of constituents of gaseous streams, as catalysts and catalyst supports, and the like.