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

Abstract: A housing of an air cleaner has an air inlet port and an air outlet port, and incorporates an air filter. In the housing, a fuel adsorption filter is arranged downstream of the air filter in such manner as to intersect an air passage. An open portion and a sheet-like adsorption portion are vertically defined in an outer frame of the fuel adsorption filter. The adsorption portion has a fuel adsorbing function. A weir is provided in a boundary between the open portion and the adsorption portion. The weir limits air flow from the upstream side of the adsorption portion to the upstream side of the open portion. A flow straightening plate having a flow straightening function is provided in the open portion.

Abstract: A treating unit that comprises an absorber unit for contacting a regenerated solvent with a gas stream loaded with contaminants to yield a treated gas stream and a loaded solvent stream; a regenerator unit for stripping the loaded solvent stream to yield a loaded gas stream and the regenerated solvent; and a device for smoothing contaminant peak concentrations in the loaded solvent stream and for receiving the loaded solvent stream. The device comprises a first hold-up tank having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second hold-up tank having a second inlet and a second outlet, and an inlet distributor that is operatively connected to the first inlet and to the second inlet and that provides for directing flow of the loaded solvent stream to either the first hold-up tank or the second hold-up tank.

Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a gas-impermeable wall defining a space for air conditioning, and a selective separating member disposed in the wall as a part of the wall, having a function of allowing preferential permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide and at the same time, blocking the permeation of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component, in which the selective separating member comprises an organic polymer and satisfies the relationship of P1/P2>10 wherein P1 is the permeation coefficient of oxygen and carbon dioxide and P2 is the permeation coefficient of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification system and method that utilizes a hydrogen separator with a novel composite structure. The hydrogen separator has a first porous layer of a hydrogen permeable material. The first porous layer is comprised of premanufactured nano-particles of hydrogen permeable material that have been bonded together. A solid layer of the same hydrogen permeable material is then disposed onto the first porous layer. A pressure differential is created across the structure of the composite hydrogen separator. The porous layer of hydrogen permeable material supports the solid layer and enables the solid layer to withstand large pressure differentials. Furthermore, the porous layer of the hydrogen permeable material bonds to the solid layer, thereby greatly increasing the effective surface area of the solid layer that is exposed to hydrogen gas. Accordingly, a large flow rate of hydrogen gas can be obtained in a small amount of space.

Abstract: In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer of a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

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: Multi-phase filter media, as well as related articles, components, filter elements, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a supported gas separation molecular sieve membrane. In this method a porous support, which is preferably pretreated, is contacted with a molecular sieve synthesis mixture under hydrothermal synthesis conditions. The contacting step is conducted for a shortened crystallization time period. The resulting coated porous support is calcined to yield the supported gas separation molecular sieve membrane having particularly good gas separation characteristics.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation system for a fuel cell system having a small volume and weight of a separation device and of a membrane, at simultaneous increase of the separated volume of carbon dioxide, comprises a separation device for containing a fluid phase, a carbon dioxide phase, and a two phase fluid including fluid and carbon dioxide. The separation device comprises a two phase fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a carbon dioxide outlet, a carbon dioxide separation membrane, and a flow restrictor creating a backpressure which presses separated carbon dioxide through the carbon dioxide separation membrane. The flow restrictor comprises at least one narrow aperture, and is mounted downstream of the separation device. The carbon dioxide separation membrane is positioned in the separation device in such a manner that at least a part of the total membrane area is arranged above a two phase fluid level and is in touch with carbon dioxide contained in the separation device above the two phase fluid level.

Abstract: Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas separator fixing structure includes a gas separator having a support and a membrane provided on at least one surface of the support, which membrane contains a first metal capable of separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing gas, a metal flange connected to at least one open end of the gas separator, a bonding layer containing a second metal, provided at the portion at which the gas separator and the metal flange are connected to each other and on the surface of the gas separation membrane side of the portion, a packing provided on the bonding layer, and a ring-shaped metal member capable of fixing the packing by pressing, provided so that at least part thereof is in contact with the bonding layer, wherein the bonding layer is provided by a heat treatment conducted at a temperature lower than the melting point of the second metal.

Abstract: A gas permeable, carbon based, nanocomposite membrane comprises a nanoporous carbon matrix comprising a pyrolyzed polymer, and a plurality of nanoparticles of carbon or an inorganic compound disposed in the matrix. The matrix is prepared by pyrolyzing a polymer, and nanoparticles of the particulate material are disposed in the polymer prior to pyrolysis. The particles may be disposed in a precursor of the polymer, which precursor is subsequently polymerized, or in the polymer itself.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a hydrogen separation apparatus provided with an independent hydrogen permeable membrane and capable of suppressing or preventing deformation of the hydrogen permeable membrane, and a production process therefor. [Solving Means] A hydrogen separation apparatus includes a porous support member, an independent hydrogen permeable membrane disposed adjacent to the porous support member, and a joining member for joining the porous support member and the hydrogen permeable membrane.

Abstract: A gas flow isolation device includes a gas flow isolation valve movable from an opened condition to a closed condition. The module isolation valve in one embodiment includes a rupture disk in flow communication with a flow of gas when the module isolation valve is in an opened condition. The rupture disk ruptures when a predetermined pressure differential occurs across it causing the isolation valve to close. In one embodiment the valve is mechanically linked to the rupture disk to maintain the valve in an opened condition when the rupture disk is intact, and which permits the valve to move into a closed condition when the rupture disk ruptures. In another embodiment a crushable member maintains the valve in an open condition, and the flow of gas passed the valve upon rupturing of the rupture disk compresses the crushable member to close the isolation valve.

Abstract: Ozone resistant O2/N2 gas separation membranes comprise a polymer membrane and an ozone reacting component, such as an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be included in the support layer of a composite membrane or included in the entire structure of an asymmetric membrane. The antioxidants in the separation membrane reduce oxidation and deterioration of the actual separation layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane comprising a palladium alloy that includes at least palladium, an added metal A, and an added metal B, the added metal A and the added metal B being two different metals other than palladium, each of the added metal A and the added metal B forming a complete solid solution with palladium, and the added metal A and the added metal B having a triple point in an equilibrium diagram and not forming an intermetallic compound. The hydrogen separation membrane exhibits excellent hydrogen permeability and durability.

Abstract: An apparatus that comprises a membrane having a plurality of fluid-support-structures and openings located between the fluid-support-structures. The fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension that that is about 1 millimeter or less. The apparatus also comprises a wicking material positioned adjacent to a surface of the membrane. When a fluid locatable on a surface of the fluid-support-structures penetrates the fluid-support-structures, at least a portion of the fluid passes through the openings and into the wicking material.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable module includes a hydrogen permeable membrane that permeates hydrogen, an outer peripheral part of the hydrogen permeable membrane being restricted, an inside of the outer peripheral part of the hydrogen permeable membrane being not restricted. The hydrogen permeable module permeates the hydrogen by constantly keeping a pressure of a primary side to a pressure that is equal to or more than a pressure of a secondary side. The inside of the outer peripheral part of the hydrogen permeable membrane is not restricted so as to be capable of expanding to the secondary side.

Abstract: An air filter for purging unwanted substances from air, the air filter comprising: an acid-purging stage, wherein the acid-purging stage comprises an air-permeable skeleton which has an acid-neutralizing substance mounted thereto, wherein the air-permeable skeleton comprises fiberglass fibers and the acid-neutralizing substance comprises sodium bicarbonate, and further wherein the sodium bicarbonate is secured to the fiberglass fibers using an adhesive; and a solvent-purging stage, wherein the solvent-purging stage comprises solvent-purging granules captured between two air-permeable screens, and further wherein the solvent-purging granules comprise activated carbon granules.

Abstract: A Pd alloy membrane and method of making are described.

Abstract: A method for separating and recovering oxygen-rich air from the air, comprising, using a gas separation membrane module where a laminate consisting of a permeate-side spacer for forming a permeate gas channel communicated with a hollow section in a core tube for collecting and discharging a permeate gas and two flat-film gas separation membranes sandwiching the spacer and a feed-side spacer for forming a feed gas channel are spirally wound around the core tube such that the laminate and the feed-side spacer are alternately superimposed, vacuuming the hollow section of the core tube to 95 kPaA (absolute pressure) or less by vacuuming means while feeding the air into the feed gas channel by air feed means such that a maximum feed-air flow rate and a maximum static pressure divided by an effective membrane area of the gas separation membrane are 100 m3/min·m2 or less and 4000 Pa/m2 or less, respectively, to separate and recover oxygen-rich air from the hollow section of the core tube.

Abstract: Materials for use in proton transport characterized by several formulas are disclosed. Mixed ion and electron conductors may include metals and/or ceramic electron conductors and a proton conducting material. Hydrogen separation membranes may include porous layers and an electrolyte layer including a proton conducting material and an electron conductor. Hydrogen separation membranes may be formed by thermal spray techniques. Hydrogen separation membranes may include a catalyst layer. A method of separating hydrogen from a mixed gas stream includes passing the mixed gas through a first porous layer to an electrolyte layer, dissociating protons and electrons, diffusing the protons and electrons through the electrolyte layer, recombining them, and passing molecular hydrogen through a second porous layer.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable membrane (10) for selectively allowing hydrogen to permeate therethrough includes a metal base layer (12) containing vanadium (V), a metal coating layer (16) containing palladium (Pd), and an intermediate layer (14) that is formed between the metal base layer (12) and the metal coating layer (16) and made of a metal having a higher melting point than the metal base layer (12) and the metal coating layer (16) and possessing hydrogen permeability.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on, the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane with a carrier is characterized by including a first step of providing, between the hydrogen separation membrane and the carrier that supports the hydrogen separation membrane, a low-hardness metal membrane having a hardness that is lower than the hardness of the hydrogen separation membrane, and a second step of joining the hydrogen separation membrane, the low-hardness metal membrane, and the carrier by a cold joining method. In this case, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the hydrogen separation membrane, the low-hardness metal membrane, and the carrier and, as a result, it is possible to prevent damaging of the hydrogen separation membrane. The adhesion of the contact between the hydrogen separation membrane and the carrier is also improved. The result is that it is not necessary to increase the severity of the cold joining conditions.

Abstract: A separation assembly for separating dirt and dust from air in a vacuum cleaner, through which assembly an air flow path extends from an inlet to an outlet. The air flow path extends through an upstream separator and a downstream separator. The downstream separator includes an air-permeable filter element bounding an inner space. The wall sections bounding the air flow path in the area of the downstream separator include at least a transparent section through which the filter element is visible. The inner space is located upstream of an area outside the filter element for filtering air flowing from inside the filter element to outside the filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, Halar, PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: A hydrogen-purification membrane comprises a Pd alloy film joined to one surface of a porous support substrate. Each pore in the porous support substrate is such that between the thickness T of the porous support substrate, the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film and the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side, there are relations represented by 1.0?D1/T?5.0 and 1.0?D2/T?5.0, and between the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film, the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side and the opening diameter D3 of the narrowest portion of the pore there are relations represented by D3/D1<0.8, D3/D2<0.9 and D3<250 ?m. Furthermore, the total opening area of the pores on the side joined to the Pd alloy film accounts for 20 to 80% of the area of the porous support substrate.

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: A hydrogen permeable membrane is disclosed. The membrane is prepared by forming a mixture of metal oxide powder and ceramic oxide powder and a pore former into an article. The article is dried at elevated temperatures and then sintered in a reducing atmosphere to provide a dense hydrogen permeable portion near the surface of the sintered mixture. The dense hydrogen permeable portion has a higher initial concentration of metal than the remainder of the sintered mixture and is present in the range of from about 20 to about 80 percent by volume of the dense hydrogen permeable portion.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided. A representative material is configured as a composite membrane for gas separation, vapor separation, or pervaporation. The composite membrane comprises at least a first polymer and a second polymer. Processes for the production of composite materials, in particular composite membranes, also are provided.

Abstract: An ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel having an interior, an inlet adapted to introduce gas into the interior of the vessel, an outlet adapted to withdraw gas from the interior of the vessel, and an axis; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region; and (c) one or more gas flow control partitions disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and adapted to change a direction of gas flow within the vessel.

Abstract: A membrane contactor system for removing a component from a gas, comprising a housing defining a gas flow path; a microporous membrane positioned in the housing to allow the gas to flow across the membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a structure of nodes connected by fibrils in which surfaces of the structure of nodes and fibrils define a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the microporous membrane, wherein the plurality of interconnecting pores are configured to allow the component to diffuse therethrough; and an oleophobic coating disposed on the microporous membrane to form a coated membrane and configured to provide oleophobicity to the coated membrane without blocking the plurality of interconnecting pores.

Abstract: A method for producing a filter element involving applying a membrane layer to a carrier substrate, etching a membrane chamber, producing pores in the membrane layer, subjecting the membrane layer to an additional treatment to increase the mechanical strength.

Abstract: A composite membrane material characterized by comprising a hydrogen-permeable membrane which is selectively permeable to hydrogen and is formed by rolling to a thickness of 30 ?m or less which is difficult for the membrane by itself to retain its shape, and a shape-retention mesh which is disposed on at least one side of the hydrogen-permeable membrane and is composed of a wire of a high-melting metal which does not cause thermal diffusion into the hydrogen-permeable membrane, wherein the hydrogen-permeable membrane and the shape-retention mesh are superposed and subjected to a pleat processing in a non-bonded state so that they are separable and the hydrogen-permeable membrane has a surface area increased at least 3 times per unit area. This material is used to constitute a hydrogen separation element.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoporous carbonaceous membranes and related devices, along with associated methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen gas wherein the apparatus includes a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor includes at least two conversion-removal portions. Each conversion-removal portion comprises a catalyst section configured to convert CO in the stream to CO2 and a membrane section located downstream of and in flow communication with the catalyst section. The membrane section is configured to selectively remove the CO2 from the stream and to be in flow communication with a sweep gas.

Abstract: An H2-permeable membrane system (117) comprises an electroless-deposited plating (115) of Pd or Pd alloy on a porous support (110, 110?). The Pd plating comprises face-centered cubic crystals cumulatively having a morphology of hexagonal platelets. The permeability to H2 of the membrane plating (115) on the porous support is significantly enhanced, being at least greater than about 1.3×10?8 mol·m?1·s?·Pa?0.5 at 350° C., and even greater than about 3.4×10?8 mol·m?1·s?1·Pa?0.5. The porous support (110, 110?) may be stainless steel (1100 and include a thin ceramic interlayer (110?) on which the Pd is plated. The method of providing the electroless-deposited plating includes preheating a Pd electroless plating solution to near a plating temperature substantially greater than room temperature, e.g. 60° C., prior to plating.

Abstract: Filter media, as well as related assemblies, systems and methods. Filter media may contain one or more layers formed of a meltblown material.

Abstract: A face mask comprising a filter material being a fibrous substrate, especially non-woven polypropylene or polyester, having an acidic polymer, especially of the Carbopol or Gantres type, deposited on the fibres. The mask has an anti-viral activity against inhaled or exhaled air. A filter material suitable for such a mask, and a process for making it are also described.

Abstract: A dry compressed air module is provided for attachment to the frame of commercial vehicle. The dry compressed air module includes a shell, an air compressor, an air dryer, and a reservoir. The air compressor, the air dryer, and the reservoir are disposed on the shell, and can be collectively attached to the frame using the shell. The air dryer is provided with compressed air from the air compressor, and the reservoir is provided with dry compressed air from the air dryer. The reservoir capable of storing and supplying the dry compressed air to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptive membrane structure is provided. The adaptive membrane structure has movable membranes that can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Such adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. The adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective enclosures.

Abstract: A process of producing an asymmetric membrane of multicomponent polyimide. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a multicomponent polyimide blend solution by mixing a polyimide component A having a number-averaged polymerization index NA and a polyimide component B having a number-averaged polymerization index NB, wherein NA and NB satisfies equation 1: 2.35×NA?2.09<NB<450×NA?1.12??1 (2) subjecting the multicomponent polyimide blend solution to further polymerization and imidation reaction, and (3) causing a phase inversion in the resulting multicomponent polyimide blend solution to form an asymmetric membrane. The polyimide component A is raw materials of polyimide A containing a fluorine atom in the chemical structure thereof and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials. The polyimide component B is raw materials of polyimide B and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is separated from a gas stream using a supported carrier liquid membrane having a selected concentration of carrier species, the method being especially suitable for use in anaesthesia under conditions of periodic flow.

Abstract: A nano-scale filter (10) includes a porous supporting component (14) and a carbon nanotube filtration membrane (12) sintered on a top surface of the porous supporting component. The porous supporting component has a number of micro-scale pores. The filtration membrane is configured as a network formed by aggregating a number of multi-junction carbon nanotubes. The multi-function carbon nanotubes are selected from the group consisting of two-dimensional junction carbon nanotubes (30, 40, 50, 60), three-dimensional junction carbon nanotubes (20) and an admixture thereof. A method for making the nano-scale filter is also provided.

Abstract: A carbon film laminate 1 having a porous substrate 6 formed of a plurality of particles and a carbon film 2 provided on a surface of the porous substrate 6, wherein the porous substrate 6 includes a surface layer 3 which is in contact with the carbon film 2 and which is formed of particles 3a having a mean particle size of 0.01 to 0.11 ?m, and a porous body 5 formed of particles having a mean particle size differing from that of the particles 3a forming the surface layer 3. The invention provides a carbon film laminate which does not generate cracks and pinholes of the carbon film and which is suitable for producing thin film thereof.

Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes a tube having an opening portion at a sidewall thereof; liquid extracting members that selectively transmit the liquid in the tube and located at both ends of the tube; a gas extracting membrane that selectively transmits the gas and covers the opening portion; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the tube; chambers that surround an outer side of the liquid extracting member; and outlets that guide the liquid in the chambers to the outside by being connected to the chamber.