Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the heat and water recovery from a transport membrane condenser (TMC) includes a non-moving mechanical device inserted into the TMC tubes to increase the heat transfer efficiency via the enhancement of the fluid turbulence and/or surface area. The apparatus and methods may be applied to porous tubes arranged in a spaced array, similar to a conventional shell and tube heat exchanger device. Other configurations of the TMC may be conceived and adapted for use with the described apparatus and method.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising a porous support layer and a discriminating layer, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a porous support layer; (b) incorporating an inert liquid into the pores of the support layer; (c) applying a curable composition to the support layer; and (d) curing the composition, thereby forming the discriminating layer on the porous support. The process is particularly useful for preparing gas separation composite membranes.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

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: An air dehydration membrane module is provided with a sweep gas which is taken from the waste gas of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. No additional compressor is required, other than the compressor forming part of the PSA unit. In another embodiment, the sweep gas includes the combination of dried product gas, taken from the dehydration membrane module, and a supplemental gas, which may be ambient air, or permeate gas from an air separation membrane, or waste gas from a PSA unit. An air ejector combines the streams, without the use of an additional compression step, and the combined gas is used as a sweep stream for the dehydration module. The invention also includes the method of selecting an optimum point at which the sweep gas is injected into the module.

Abstract: An integrated fiber membrane module for air dehydration and air separation includes dehydration and separation units disposed concentrically in a generally cylindrical module. Air flows through the outer dehydration unit, becomes dried, and is then directed, in an opposite direction, through the separation unit. The permeate gas from the separation unit serves as a sweep gas for the dehydration unit. A portion of dried gas produced by the dehydration unit may be used as a sweep gas for the separation unit, and also for the dehydration unit. The module makes it feasible to dry and separate air using a device which occupies relatively little space, and which is therefore especially suited for use in aircraft and in other cramped environments.

Abstract: A proton conducting membrane comprising, as a main component, a ceramic structure in which an oxygen atom of a metal oxide is bonded through the oxygen atom with at least one group derived an oxygen acid selected from —B(O)3—, —S(?O)2(O)2—, —P(?O)(O)3—, —C(?O)(O)2—, and —N(O)3—, wherein the metal oxide and said at least one group derived from the oxygen acid share the oxygen atom, the proton conducting membrane being made by a sol-gel reaction of the oxygen acid or its precursor and a precursor of the metal oxide in order to obtain a sol-gel reaction product, followed by heating of the sol-gel reaction product at a temperature in a range of 100° C. to 600° C., the oxygen acid or its precursor being selected from a boric acid, a sulfuric acid, a phosphoric acid, a carbonic acid, a nitric acid, and precursors thereof. Thus, a novel proton conducting membrane is provided.

Abstract: There is described a method for the removal of gaseous contaminants from the housings of devices sensitive to the presence of such contaminants by means of nanostructured sorbers, wherein the sorber is in the form of a fiber containing an active material at its inside. Nanostructured sorbers and their manufacturing method are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one species of organic vapor is separated and recovered from an organic vapor mixture using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide composed of a tetracarboxylic acid component consisting of an aromatic ring-containing tetracarboxylic acid and a diamine component comprising 10 to 90 mol % of a combination of (B1) 3,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether and (B2) 4,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether at a B1 to B2 molar ratio, B1/B2, ranging from 10/1 to 1/10, and 10 to 90 mol % of other aromatic diamine.

Abstract: A process for the production of a carbon hollow fiber membrane comprising: (i) dissolving at least one cellulose ester in a solvent to form a solution; (ii) dry/wet spinning the solution to form hollow fibers; (iii) deesterifying said hollow fibers with a base or an acid in the presence of an alcohol; (iv) if necessary, drying said fibers; (v) carbonizing the fibers; (vi) assembling the carbonized fibers to form a carbon hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance crosslinked membranes are described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to measure permeation of a gas through a membrane. The membrane is mounted on a flange with two sealing areas. The region between the sealing areas defines an annular space. The annular space is swept with a gas in order to carry away any of the permeating gas which may leak through the sealing areas.

Abstract: A hollow fiber element constituting a separation membrane module for separating an organic vapor is disclosed. At least one end part of a fiber bundle consisting of multiple hollow fiber membranes having a selective permeability is fixed and bound with a tube sheet formed by a cured material of an epoxy resin composition. Herein, a resin component of the epoxy resin composition contains an epoxy compound (A) represented by the following formula (1), an epoxy compound (B) represented by the following formula (2) and an aromatic amine compound (C), and wherein the epoxy compound (A) and the epoxy compound (B) are blended at a proportion in a range from 90:10 to 60:40 by weight; wherein R denotes alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A modular element having a high-temperature stable main body, including at least one metallic or ceramic plate, which has at least one through-going aperture for the insertion of a ceramic capillary membrane and at least one potting in the form of a sufficiently gas-tight and high-temperature stable joint between the metallic or ceramic plate and the ceramic capillary membrane. The through-going aperture of the metallic or ceramic plate having an extension for accommodating the sufficiently gas-tight and high-temperature stable joint on at least one side of the metallic or ceramic plate.

Abstract: To provide a moisture control module which has a function to reduce or increase moisture in a gas permitted to flow in a hollow fiber and which is substantially free from air leakage and easy to produce; a process for producing such a moisture control module; and an apparatus for producing such a moisture control module. A moisture control module comprising a tubular hollow fiber 1, a braid fiber 3 plaited into a braid to cover the exterior of the hollow fiber 1, and a pipe 5 inserted in an end of the hollow fiber 1, wherein as the hollow fiber 1 and the braid fiber 3 present in a region with a prescribed length from said end have been heated at a prescribed temperature from outside, the braid fiber 3 is fused, and at the same time, the hollow fiber 1 is fixed by heat shrinkage to the pipe 5.

Abstract: A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.

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: Composite structures are described that have a porous anodic oxide layer such as, for example, a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. In one aspect, the present invention includes a composite gas separation module having a porous metal substrate; a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. A composite filter is described having a porous non-aluminum metal substrate; and a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer defines pores extending through the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. Methods for fabricating composite gas separation modules and composite filters and methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream are also described.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.

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: A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic material and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic material. The fiber is made by extruding a core suspension of particles of the first ceramic material, a polymeric binder, and a solvent and a sheath suspension of particles of the second ceramic material, a polymeric binder and a solvent, respectively, from a spinnerette and coagulating the nascent hollow fiber to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binders are burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic material is sintered without fully sintering the first ceramic material. The first ceramic material of the core suspension has a median particle size greater than that of the second ceramic material of the sheath suspension.

Abstract: A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic material and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic material. The fiber is made by extruding core and sheath suspensions from a spinnerette. The core suspension includes particles of the first ceramic material, a polymeric binder, a solvent, and a pore former material insoluble in the solvent. The sheath suspension includes particles of the second ceramic material, a polymeric binder and a solvent. The nascent hollow fiber is coagulated in a coagulant bath to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binders and pore former material are burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic material is sintered without fully sintering the core.

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 gas purification method of the present invention uses a carbon membrane having a molecular sieving action to purify at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydride gas, a hydrogen halide gas, and a halogen gas, each gas containing an impurity at 10 ppm or less. The present invention can be used for a recovery unit that recoveries a used gas to reuse it as an ultrapure semiconductor material gas, and a unit or equipment that produces or charges an ultrapure semiconductor material gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen separator exhibits excellent hydrogen separation performance and durability and prevents scattering of an iron-containing substance that causes defects of a selective hydrogen permeable metal membrane in a first passage by covering an iron-containing metal surface that is exposed in the first passage and forms at least part of the first passage and a member disposed in the first passage with an iron component scattering prevention film at least in an area positioned on an upstream side with respect to a downstream end of a permeable section of the selective hydrogen permeable metal membrane in a flow direction of a fluid that flows through the first passage.

Abstract: A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic compound and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic compound. The fiber is made by extruding first and second suspensions of the first and second ceramic compounds in polymeric binders and solvent from a spinnerette and coagulating the nascent hollow fiber to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binder is burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic compound is sinter without fully sintering the first ceramic compound. The first ceramic compound has a melting point higher than that of the second ceramic compound.

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: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.

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: An air dryer having an internal orifice designed into an outlet end cap that eliminates the need for external valves or regulators to control the flow of air through the dryer. The internal orifice, which can be press-fit or threaded into the end cap, provides a consistent and stable outlet flow and dew point and eliminates the need for instruments to measure outlet flow and dew point. The orifice size can be easily changed for changing outlet flow and dew point. A protective tubular shroud is provided for shielding a membrane module of the dryer, and for routing sweep gas to a bottom vent.

Abstract: Porous membrane contactors and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use are provided. In at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to flat panel hollow fiber or flat sheet membrane contactors and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use. In at least certain particular embodiments, the present invention is directed to hollow fiber array flat panel contactors, contactor systems, and/or their methods of manufacture and/or use. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the contactor is adapted for placement in an air duct (such as an HVAC ductwork) and has a rectangular frame or housing enclosing at least one wound hollow fiber array or membrane bundle.

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: Disclosed herein is a gas separation membrane for a DEM production process, including: a porous support having a carbon dioxide permeability of more than 300 GPU (GPU=1×10?6 cm3/cm2·sec·cmHg) and an inner diameter of 100˜1000 ?m; and a composite membrane provided on an inner or outer surface of the porous support and coated with a separating material having a permeation selectivity of carbon dioxide/hydrogen of 4 or more. The gas separation membrane is advantageous in that it can improve efficiency of the separation process by selectively separating and removing carbon dioxide from a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced during a process of producing DME which is a next-generation clean fuel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for delivery of a target material and/or energy. The system includes a source configured to provide a mixture containing the target material and a non-target material, a delivery conduit coupled to the source to receive the mixture from the source, and an in-line extraction device concentric to the delivery conduit. The in-line extraction device is configured to selectively extract the target material and/or energy from the mixture in the delivery conduit and to delivery it to a downstream facility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow-fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: A hollow fiber carbon membrane is provided, which has excellent gas separation performance, unbreakable flexibility and high utility. The hollow fiber carbon membrane comprises carbonized substance obtained by calcination of a hollow fiber-like material formed from a polyphenylene oxide derivative, and has an external diameter in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.25 mm. The polyphenylene oxide derivative substantially comprises repeating units represented by the following (a) and (b) (in the structural formula, R11 and R12 independently represent hydrogen atom or sulfone group, except that R11 and R12 are both hydrogen atoms), wherein the ratio A (%) of the repeating unit (b) to the repeating units (a)+(b) satisfies 15%<A<60%.

Abstract: New fluid separation devices and absorption materials are disclosed. Hollow fibers with an axial capillary slit act as very high efficiency absorption materials, as well as high-surface-area fluid separation devices. The hollow fibers with an axial capillary slit are constructed to preferentially absorb or repel different fluids and arranged to maximize that action over a plurality of fibers to separate different fluids. These separation devices can also function as injection devices and very effective micro-reactors.

Abstract: A filter media including a scrim, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) media substrate upon the scrim, and a layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane adhered to the PTFE media substrate on the scrim. The filter media is pleatable and has air permeability of approximately 3-10 cubic feet/min at a 0.5 inch H2O pressure drop and an original filtration efficiency greater than 99.0% when tested in an unused, unpleated condition with a 0.3 micron challenge aerosol at a flow rate of 10.5 feet/min and when tested after a cleanable dust performance test according to ASTM D6830.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

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: A membrane gas dryer includes an upstream fitting assembly, a downstream fitting assembly, a purge tube, and a sample element. The upstream fitting assembly and the downstream fitting assembly include fitting bodies and barrier sleeves. The fitting bodies and the barrier sleeves form purge plenums that are in fluid communication with the purge tube. Sealing interfaces on the fitting bodies maintain fluid-tight seals around the purge plenums as the barrier sleeves rotate about fitting bodies. The sample element includes a water-permeable membrane and passes inside the purge tube such that moisture in a sample gas flowing in a downstream direction through the sample element between the fitting body to the downstream fitting body passes moisture through the water-permeable membrane and into a purge gas flowing in the purge tube in one of an upstream direction or a downstream direction between the purge plenums.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A porous carbon membrane has as a loaded component water, alcohol, ether, or ketone loaded on a surface or in a pore, or on the surface and in the pore thereof. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably having a molecular weight of 100 or less. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being linear alcohol or linear ether. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being at least one selected from methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol. There is provided a carbon membrane having high separation performance and little change in the separation performance with the passage of time.

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: Disclosed are processes for preparing conductive glass-ceramic membranes and methods of using them in hydrogen or proton separation.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in air separation modules, are generally made from solution spinning. Typically, solvent is present in the bore of the fiber for the spinning process. This solvent, in addition to the solvent already present in the polymer casting solution, may cause voids in the fiber material. By adding a polycarboxylic acid to the polymer casting material, these voids may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A filter having two drain valves piloted by an electro-pneumatic valve. A check valve may be provided to by pass the filter. A membrane filter housing may include vanes extending into a reservoir in which the membrane filter extends. Also, one of the circumferential recesses of the bore for the membrane filter is in the reservoir.